Interview with GM Grzegorz Gajewski, Coach to Chess Prodigy Gukesh

Interview with GM Gajewski, Coach to Gukesh

Gukesh's name is now echoing through the chess world. I've managed to secure an interview with the coach and second of this exceptional player, Polish grandmaster Grzegorz Gajewski.

The interview is sourced from: https://sport.interia.pl/inne/news-gigantyczny-sukces-polaka-nastolatek-swiatowa-sensacja-potrz,nId,7467153

I apologize in advance for my lack of Polish knowledge, so there may be some errors in the translation as the article is freely translated.

Questions asked by Tomasz Kalemba, Interia Sport

Is it said to be the most thrilling final in the history of the Candidates Tournament?

It was a very challenging tournament, but yes, it was. There are eight players who first have to qualify for it. Each one is a very strong player with big ambitions. Moreover, the tournament is played in a double round-robin format, meaning each player plays against every other player twice, which results in almost three weeks of battles. Hence, it is a psychological and physical test for everyone. Additionally, this year several chess players were very serious about winning. In the past, it happened that everyone played poorly, and one played well and actually won the tournament without much trouble. This year, four chess players had a chance to win before the last round. Perhaps it was the most interesting Candidates Tournament in history.

A 17-year-old Dommaraju Gukesh from India won it, which must be considered a sensation?

• Objectively, it is indeed a sensation, even though we came to fight for a victory at this tournament from the beginning. I knew how strong Gukesh was, but I didn't realize he was that strong. He really impressed me at this tournament in many ways. It wasn't like we came here as jesters.

How long have you been working with Dommaraju Gukesh?

• It all started with my former boss, Viswanathan Anand. During the pandemic, he came up with the idea to establish a chess academy. His goal was to support the greatest young chess talents in India, and there is no shortage of them there. Among others, Gukesh, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, who also played in the Candidates Tournament, Arjun Erigaisi, and Sarin Nihal joined the academy, along with a few others. Anand asked me and a few other people to conduct online courses. It was a great thing for them because they had the opportunity to play and train regularly during these difficult times. That was the impulse for their development. For me, it was an opportunity to get to know these guys better. Regarding Gukesh himself, before last year's Tata Steel Tournament in Wijk aan Zee, which is played in January, he asked me to help him more. At that time, I still did it remotely. It turned out great, even though he had a very tough start to the tournament. His opponents didn't spare him, but at one point I managed to support him. I had to use a few tricks, but he listened to me and had an excellent second half of the tournament. At that point, a bond of mutual understanding and trust was formed. We went together to another tournament in June. He did well there again. That's when we decided we wanted to work together full time.

What kind of tricks did you have to resort to? Can you reveal anything?

• The situation was such that Gukesh had significant problems with time management. As a result, he regularly got into trouble. Because of these, even though he had excellent positions, he lost. At one point, I offered him a bet. We set a time limit he could not exceed, and for every minute after this time, I offered to do ten push-ups. Once we accepted this bet, in the next game, he played with black against Magnus Carlsen. Surprisingly, he had no problems with time management there. The match ended in a draw. Afterward, he admitted that as he approached the control, he counted how many push-ups I would have to do.

You are his second, but in Gukesh's case, it could be said that you are simply his coach?

• A second is a person who goes with the player to tournaments. However, I see myself more as a coach. Preparation for the game itself is just one of the elements we work on. At this moment, my role is bigger because I am dealing with a young guy who is constantly evolving. Therefore, more elements come into play. That is purely chess preparation, but also mental.

What is your role at such a tournament?

• We mainly prepare for the opening. However, that is quite a general formulation. Preparing for a game is not just about choosing the right variants but also about working on one's attitude. So you can approach each opponent in the right way. Each plays differently and has their strengths and weaknesses. When it comes to leisure time, it is very important to regenerate. During this tournament, we went to play pickleball every day off. It's a mix of tennis, table tennis, and badminton. It's not very popular in our country, but I think it's just a matter of time, because it's a lot of fun. Physical activity is recommended in chess because when the body works, the mind relaxes.

There is a great opportunity ahead of you because at the end of the year there will be a match for the world champion. Meanwhile, recently, little is known about the defending champion, the Chinese Ding Liren, who seems to be dealing with depression. Gukesh, therefore, has a chance to become the youngest world champion in history.

• Regarding what's happening with the current world champion, we actually don't know much. However, I have no doubt that when it comes to this match, he will be prepared and show his best side. So we look forward to an exciting and interesting duel. Now we are going home. We need to cool down a bit and then we will start preparing. For Gukesh, this will be a unique challenge.

Probably for you as well?

• Definitely. It won't be new to me, because I participated in the world championship match in 2014. At that time, I was on Anand's team. Back then, I was much less experienced. Plus, the situation was a bit different than now. There I joined an already established team and was definitely second in command. Over time, my role in Anand's team began to grow. But now it's a completely different experience. My role and responsibility in the team will be much greater than in 2014.

Did you also work with Jan-Krzysztof Duda at some point?

• Yes. I helped Janko in 2022 when he, along with coach Kamil Mitoń, played at the Candidates Tournament in Madrid.

Are you a chess grandmaster and still an active player?

• When I play, it is more recreational. Since I started working with Gukesh, I haven't had much time for training. This has affected the quality of my play. If I decide to play some games, it's mainly to keep in touch with chess and its practical aspects.

Interview by - Tomasz Kalemba, Interia Sport

Grzegorz Gajewski is a 38-year-old Polish grandmaster. He earned his grandmaster title in 2006. His highest elo rating was 2659, about ten years ago. He has played in two Olympiads. He is known as a great theorist and coach. He worked with Vishy Anand when Vishy played world championship matches against MC. Now he coaches and collaborates with Gukesh.