Game 5 Analysis: A Draw with Missed Opportunities

 Players: Gukesh D (White) vs. Ding Liren (Black)

Result: ½–½
Opening: Exchange Variation, French Defense (ECO B22)

Game 5 of the 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship featured a well-contested battle between two titans, with Ding Liren continuing to use the French Defense. Gukesh’s surprising choice of the Exchange Variation led to a dynamic middlegame, but inaccuracies by both players resulted in a draw.

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Opening Phase (1. e4 - 6. c3)

• 1. e4 e6
  Ding confidently repeated the French Defense, signaling that it was his main weapon against Gukesh’s 1.e4.

• 3. exd5 exd5
  The Exchange Variation is often seen as a less ambitious choice, aiming for equality and stability. However, in high-stakes matches, even quiet openings can lead to subtle imbalances.

• 5. Bd3 c5
  Ding chose an aggressive setup, challenging the center early. Black’s pawn break ensured the position remained dynamic.

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The First Tension (6. c3 - 13. Bg5)

• 6... c4 7. Bc2 Bd6
  By closing the center, Ding aimed to neutralize White's activity. The locked pawn structure hinted at a long maneuvering battle.

• 8. Qe2+ Qe7 9. Qxe7+ Kxe7
  Ding voluntarily entered an endgame. The centralized king offered Black a solid foundation for the middlegame, a decision consistent with his style.

• 10. O-O Re8 11. Re1+ Kf8
  Black’s king repositioning to f8 ensured harmony among his pieces while preparing to bring the rook into play.

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Middlegame Dynamics (14. Nbd2 - 22. Ne5)

• 14... h6 15. Bh4 Nh5
  Ding demonstrated precise handling of the position. The knight on h5 prepared g7-g5, aiming to neutralize White’s bishop and open the kingside for counterplay.

• 17. g4 Nf4 18. Bg3 Nb6
  Gukesh’s ambitious pawn thrust, 17.g4, marked a turning point. Black’s pieces, particularly the knight on f4, began to dominate key squares.

• 22. Ne5 Bxe5 23. dxe5 Nd3!
  This was the critical moment of the game. Ding’s 23... Nd3 was a masterstroke, creating a dangerous passed pawn on d3. White was forced to defend accurately to survive.

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Endgame Drama (24. Bxd3 - 40. Ke3)

• 24... cxd3 25. f3 Nc4 26. Nxc4 dxc4
  The passed pawn on d3 became the focal point of the endgame. Black held a clear advantage with a powerful protected passed pawn and active pieces.

• 27. Re4 Bc6 28. Rd4 Bxf3
  Here, Ding missed a stronger continuation. 27... Be6 would have cemented Black’s advantage, allowing him to press for a win without risking his position.

• 30. Rxc4 Rd8 31. Rd4 Rxd4 32. cxd4
  The game simplified into an opposite-colored bishop endgame. Despite Black’s material and positional advantage, White’s active king and pawns ensured equality.

• 33. b3 Ke7 34. Ke3 Ke6 35. Kxd3 g6 36. Kc3 a6 37. Kd3 Kf5 38. Ke3 Ke6
  The repetition of moves reflected both players’ recognition of the drawing nature of the position.

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Key Insights and Missed Opportunities

1. Gukesh’s Opening Choice
   The Exchange Variation in the French Defense indicated a preference for safety. However, this decision limited White’s chances of obtaining a meaningful advantage.

2. Ding’s Precision
   Ding handled the middlegame with finesse, particularly with the move 23... Nd3, creating significant pressure.

3. Missed Winning Chances
   Ding’s decision to play 27... Bc6 instead of the stronger 27... Be6 was a turning point. The latter would have allowed Black to dominate with minimal counterplay for White.

4. Endgame Technique
   Both players demonstrated strong technical skills in the opposite-colored bishop endgame. Ding’s ability to generate counterplay and Gukesh’s resilience ensured a fair result.