 |
|
Gukesh Dommaraju's victory at the World Chess Championship at the young age of 18 marks a significant turning point in the history of the game. His win isn't just about his age; it represents a fundamental shift in playing style. The article highlights a move away from the strategically cautious and often slow-paced matches of the past, epitomized by the 2000 Kasparov-Kramnik match, which is cited as one of the worst world championship matches due to its lack of dynamic play. Gukesh's style, in contrast, is characterized by aggressive, 'fighting chess,' a style that prioritizes dynamic play and relentless pressure, maximizing over-the-board thinking. This is a stark contrast to the pre-prepared, opening-focused strategies that once dominated the highest levels of competition. The final game against Ding Liren exemplifies this new approach: a 100% over-the-board battle, a scenario that would likely have resulted in an early draw in earlier eras.
The article emphasizes Gukesh's originality as a key factor in his success. He is described as an 'architect and engineer' of his positions, building unique strategies from scratch rather than relying on pre-determined openings. This creative approach, combined with exceptional calculation and an unwavering confidence, allows him to avoid drawn positions that might trap lesser players. The author draws a comparison between Gukesh's originality and that of young Anatoly Karpov, highlighting his ability to prevent simplification and forcing draws, a key aspect of his winning strategy. This original style, combined with his exceptional calculating abilities, is what sets him apart. He is good at both the artistry and mathematics of chess, possessing both creative imagination and precision accuracy. The author stresses that Gukesh's confidence is not overconfidence; rather, it is a well-founded self-belief that allows him to face the most formidable opponents without fear.
A crucial aspect of the article addresses the unique context of Gukesh's success within the Indian chess landscape. While other countries have produced phenomenal players like Bibisara Assaubayeva from Kazakhstan and Nodirbek Abdusattorov from Uzbekistan, these talents often plateau. The article suggests that the continuous progress of Indian players like Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi is due to a combination of factors, primarily their unwavering dedication and hard work (10-11 hours of daily practice). However, this is not a result of a well-established national system; instead, it arises from the individual commitment of players and the supportive efforts of their parents, with sponsorship often coming from private sources and localized networks rather than a national chess infrastructure. This grassroots approach to nurturing talent is contrasted with the extensive, state-sponsored training system of the former USSR, which produced champions like Kasparov.
The contrast between the current Indian chess system and the USSR's highlights the remarkable achievement of Indian players. Despite the lack of structured support, the current level of competitiveness within India points towards a potentially bright future for Indian chess. The author predicts a high probability that an all-Indian world championship match will occur in 2026, with Arjun Erigaisi being the most likely challenger to Gukesh's title. The article concludes by emphasizing that while challenges remain in the Indian chess system – a limited number of registered players actively participating in tournaments – the exceptional talent and dedication of individuals like Gukesh are paving the way for a new era of dominance in the world of chess. The inherent talent combined with the determined efforts is changing the face of the game.
The article also subtly points out the significant difference in the number of active chess players between India and the USSR during Kasparov's time. The USSR had 4.5 million players actively participating in tournaments, a stark contrast to India's 36,000. This difference in scale illustrates the remarkable feat achieved by Gukesh and other top Indian players, considering the limited resources and support available compared to the extensive and well-funded systems of other chess powerhouses. Their success, therefore, is a testament to individual dedication and the power of focused effort. The significant disparity in scale underscores the uniqueness of the Indian chess success story.
Source: Gukesh brings a new way of playing the game. Who will he face in 2026