Sinquefield Cup: Fighting draws, Duda’s game postponed

All square

Only eight players took part in the second round of the Sinquefield Cup. Jan-Krzysztof Duda called in sick. His opponent, Richard Rapport, was forced to take a break, and the game is likely to take place on the rest day.

Master advanced Tactics and Calculations like a super Grandmaster

The Indian chess grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi with an ELO of over 2700 (June 2023) is one of the best 20 players in the world. For the first time, the sympathetic top player presents himself in a video course. Let a world-class player show you tactical moti

All round-2 games ended in draws. In contrast to the first day of play, however, fighting games were seen almost on all four boards.

Alireza Firouzja and Anish Giri, two players who still have realistic chances to qualify for the Candidates Tournament, faced each other. Out of a Giuoco Piano, Giri did not shy away from going for complications. However, a tactical skirmish dissolved into an equal endgame and the game ended without a winner.

In an English Opening against Leinier Dominguez, Ian Nepomniachtchi chose the line with 7.Ne4, a move that Rasmus Svane has been playing frequently. First Black had an extra pawn, and then it was White who was a pawn up. The fighting contenders kept creating problems for each other, though, and an 87-move draw was eventually signed.

Nepomniachtchi ½ - ½ Dominguez

Analysis by GM Karsten Müller

How to attack - principles of training

Most players prefer to attack rather than defend. But what is the correct way to do it? GM Dr Karsten Müller has compiled many rules and motifs to guide you, along with sharpening your intuition for the exceptions.

Leinier Dominguez | Photo: Lennart Ootes

Fabiano Caruana and Levon Aronian also played an exciting game. In an anti-Berlin variation of the Ruy Lopez, Aronian, playing black, gave Caruana the opportunity to create a strong outpost and a passed pawn on d6 by sacrificing an exchange.

Caruana ½ - ½ Aronian

Analysis by GM Karsten Müller

Navigating the Ruy Lopez Vol.1-3

The Ruy Lopez is one of the oldest openings which continues to enjoy high popularity from club level to the absolute world top. In this video series, American super GM Fabiano Caruana, talking to IM Oliver Reeh, presents a complete repertoire for White.

The round is about to begin | Photo: Lennart Ootes

Game analysis by Robert Ris

All games

Links

• Grand Chess Tour website
• Race for the Candidates: Four Two places still up for grabs
• Alireza Firouzja conquers Saint Louis! (2022)