2024 Candidates Tournament - Round 12

This round featured intense games and a critical situation where the top players continue to jostle for the lead, making the tournament increasingly thrilling.

The twelfth round was characterized by a focus on the French Defense, particularly a surprising capture on d5, which I personally recommend when playing as White. In this round, Ali played the French, but it was also noteworthy that Pragg employed this strategy for only the second time in his life, which also happens to be his second appearance at the Candidates Tournament.

Additionally, there was a bold move by one player who voluntarily advanced his knight to h7. This round saw victories for Naka and Gukesh, and Fabi also clinched a win, adding more drama to the standings. Now, three players are tied with 7.5 points each, while Fabi trails by half a point. It's clear that the tournament winner will emerge from the quartet of Nepo, Naka, Gukesh, and Fabi, but it remains to be seen who it will be.

Results of the twelfth round:

• Hikaru Nakamura defeated Alireza Firouzja with a score of 1-0
• Nijat Abasov lost to Gukesh D with a score of 0-1
• Fabiano Caruana won against Vidit Santosh Gujrathi with a score of 1-0
• Ian Nepomniachtchi and Praggnanandhaa R drew with a score of 1/2

The game between Hikaru Nakamura and Alireza Firouzja featured the French with 3.exd5. However, the board quickly descended into chaos, especially after Black played 13...Ng4, having knights on v4 and g4. After long contemplation, Hikaru sacrificed a pawn with 14.Bf4, but Black's pieces were not well-positioned, leading to tactical turmoil. A critical position arose after 21.Rxf5, where, according to analysis, Black should have played 21...Qd7! to achieve a satisfactory position. However, the position was complex, and the quiet queen move was difficult to find. Ali captured material - the rook on e1 - but ended up in a worse endgame with White having a bishop and knight against a rook. The endgame was complex, with Black having a dangerous passed pawn on e2. Both players made inaccuracies (34.Be1?). The final mistake came from Ali when he played 41...g5??, whereas he should have played 41...Ra3! thinking 42.Nxh5 Rxe3!, which could have saved his position. In the game, however, it was not okay for Black. Naka played excellently, capturing the free pawn, and Ali eventually resigned. You can watch the game analysis on Naka's YouTube channel. 

The game between Nijat Abasov and Gukesh D featured a rather unconventional start: the Nimzowitsch Indian Defense. Normally a solid choice, the early moves ...h6 and then ...Nh7 by Gukesh are not typically seen in classical play. However, Gukesh was well-prepared and played the opening quickly, leading to an intriguing position where White had weak pawns but more active pieces.

After 16. Qd1, Gukesh took a long think, spending about half an hour before capturing the knight on e4. The game then shifted focus, with Black seeking play on the queen's side (...b5) and White pushing on the king's side. The position was dynamically balanced. White perhaps should have played 24.Bc4 followed by Bb3, because in the game, the Black rooks gained too much activity. The game eventually transitioned into an endgame where Black had an extra pawn, while White had the bishop pair.

Gukesh played the endgame masterfully, gradually outplaying his opponent. He exchanged rooks, improved his pieces, activated his king, and demonstrated beautiful endgame technique. Despite Nijat's strenuous defense, it was not enough. For those interested in studying this fascinating game, you can view the analysis here:

It was clear from the outset that Fabiano Caruana would need to play aggressively for a win in his game against Vidit Santosh Gujrathi. However, the opening didn't go as planned for Caruana, leading to a symmetrical and approximately equal position after 17...Nxd5. Observing the position on Thursday evening, it seemed almost certain that the game would end in a draw. But that was not to be.

Caruana enhanced his position beautifully, reminiscent of Magnus Carlsen's style, and significantly pressured Black. Vidit then sacrificed a pawn and even had his king flee from the kingside to the queenside. It appeared that Caruana was on the verge of winning, but even this strong grandmaster showed nerves when he played 43.Bf5?, a move that was less effective than the engine-recommended 43.b5, which would have clearly secured the win for White. Despite this, Vidit was in a difficult position, struggled with his defense, and his position quickly deteriorated.

For those interested in seeing how the game unfolded, you can view the analysis here:

In their matchup, Ian Nepomniachtchi chose an unusual approach to the French Defense, employing moves like Nc3 followed by a3. Both players opted for a queenside castle, leading to an early exchange of queens. It quickly became evident that the game was heading towards a draw due to the completely balanced endgame that ensued. True to expectations, the game ended in a draw without much upheaval or opportunity for either side to claim an advantage.

For those interested in reviewing the gameplay and strategic decisions, you can view the analysis here:

Following the twelfth round of the 2024 Candidates Tournament, the competition is heating up with a three-way tie at the top. Here are the standings:

• GM Hikaru Nakamura (USA, Elo 2789) – 7.5 points
• GM Ian Nepomniachtchi (Russia, Elo 2758) – 7.5 points
• GM Gukesh D (India, Elo 2743) – 7.5 points
• GM Fabiano Caruana (USA, Elo 2803) – 7 points
• GM Praggnanandhaa R (India, Elo 2747) – 6 points
• GM Vidit Santosh Gujrathi (India, Elo 2727) – 5 points
• GM Alireza Firouzja (FIDE, Elo 2760) – 4.5 points
• GM Nijat Abasov (Azerbaijan, Elo 2632) – 3 points

The tournament has seen fierce competition and strategic gameplay, with the leading pack closely followed by contenders who are also showing strong performances. As the tournament heads into its final stages, the battle for the top spot remains uncertain and exciting.

For more details on the tournament and to follow the games live, visit the official website and view player photos at Candidates 2024 Official Site. To analyze the games and see detailed move-by-move commentary, you can also visit Lichess Broadcast.