12.3.24 In modern chess, it's so hard to surprise a top-level player in the opening. In Game 7 of the World Chess Championship, Gukesh's 7.Re1 did just that. A super-sharp position ensued. With no increment on the clocks before move 40, the whole calculus of the game changes as the clock can be even more a decisive factor than with an increment. Thinking he was completley lost and calling up incredible resources to save the game, Ding managed to hold the position under intense pressure.

This time it was Gukesh who trotted out a new idea in the opening, 7.Re1 in a King's Indian Attack. Ding said he was "totally shocked" to see this move when he returned to the board. Ding was objectively worse after 18...Nf8 but he did have a solid position with a plan.

As an indication of just how complicated the position was, GM's Peter Leko and Daniel Naroditsky, who were moving pieces on the analysis board and testing certain lines, suggested incorrect moves that had hidden pitfalls. Imagine how much more difficult the players had it having to calculate lines in their heads without the benefit of a partner or moving the pieces.

Ding made the time control with just seconds remaining on his clock. The position was still rich and very complicated but they players found themselves in a drawn position and shook hands on move 72.

Gukesh wondering how he let this one slip.

(image courtesy FIDE/Eng Chin An)

Fun Fact: Ding lost Game 7 in his last World Chess Championship in severe time pressure .

The Match continues with Game 8 on Wednesday, December 4th at 4:00 a.m. eastern (5:00 p.m. local time in Singapore).

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