Viswanathan Anand Explains the Mind Games of Choosing Openings for a Championship Finale

Chess legend Viswanathan Anand has shared insights into the mind games involved in choosing openings for a championship finale, ahead of the FIDE World Chess Championship match between Ding Liren and Gukesh D. Anand, who will be a commentator for the match, discussed the importance of seconds, or trainers, in preparing for such high-stakes games.

Anand highlighted the role of Grandmaster Grzegorz Gajewski, who has been working closely with Gukesh to refine his openings and match strategy. The collaboration between Gajewski and Gukesh proved successful in the Candidates Tournament, where they emerged victorious.

Anand, a five-time world championship winner, shared his experiences with Gukesh and emphasized the importance of having a strong opening coach. He also discussed the evolving trends in chess strategy, particularly in the era of powerful computers and vast databases.

The article delves into Anand’s analysis of the playing styles of Ding and Gukesh, as well as his expectations for the upcoming match. Anand predicts a slow start to the match, with the turning point likely to come around the midway point.

Overall, the article provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of high-level chess and the strategic intricacies involved in preparing for a world championship match. With Anand’s expert insights and analysis, chess enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting showdown between Ding Liren and Gukesh D.