Gukesh has an advantage with the white pieces in the first game of the World Chess Championships
As the 2024 World Chess Championship commences on November 25 in Singapore, the opening game between reigning champion Ding Liren and challenger Dommaraju Gukesh is poised to set the tone for this historic match. Gukesh, the youngest challenger in the history of the championship, will have the advantage of the white pieces in the first game—a factor that could play a pivotal role in the early dynamics of the match. The Significance of the First Game In world championship matches, the inaugural game often carries psychological weight. A strong performance can boost a player's confidence, while a misstep can have lingering effects. Starting with the white pieces offers Gukesh the initiative, allowing him to dictate the pace and direction of the game. This opportunity to set the tone is particularly crucial for the challenger, who aims to unsettle the reigning champion early on. Gukesh's Aggressive Style with White Gukesh is renowned for his aggressive and dynamic play, especially...