Indian chess prodigy Gukesh D. has garnered attention for his impressive performances in classical chess, often outshining his results in rapid and blitz formats. His success in classical chess can be attributed to several factors that play to his strengths as a player.
Source:- bbc news
One key element of Gukesh’s classical chess prowess is his deep preparation and patience. Classical games, with their longer time controls, allow him the luxury of carefully analyzing positions, formulating strategies, and avoiding impulsive moves. Gukesh has shown exceptional ability in deep calculation and positional understanding, traits that are crucial in longer formats where players can spend more time deliberating their moves.
Source:- news 18
Moreover, Gukesh’s psychological resilience is a major asset in classical chess. The format demands mental endurance, often requiring players to maintain focus for hours. Gukesh, who has consistently displayed calm under pressure, excels in this environment, keeping his composure during long games and finding resourceful moves even in challenging positions.
In contrast, rapid and blitz formats, which require quicker decision-making and faster thinking, tend to favor players with a more aggressive, fast-paced style. While Gukesh is a versatile player, his strength lies more in slow, methodical approaches than the high-speed tactical skirmishes typical of rapid and blitz formats. In faster time controls, Gukesh’s more deliberate style can sometimes lead to mistakes or missed opportunities due to the pressure of the ticking clock.
While Gukesh has certainly shown his versatility across all formats, it is in classical chess where his deep understanding of the game, psychological composure, and strategic precision truly shine, allowing him to compete at the highest level and consistently perform well.
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