Lessons
2020 - 2021 Candidates Highlights

2020 - 2021 Candidates Highlights

CoachJKane
NM Jeremy Kane
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Who will challenge Magnus Carlsen in the next World Championship? 

The 2020 World Championship Candidates Tournament features eight contenders trying to earn a match against Magnus Carlsen. See if you can keep up with their amazing tactics and plans along the way. Learn from the candidates today!

Here is what you will see:

  • How did Nepomniachtchi take the early lead?
  • How did Ding Liren win against home preparation?
  • How did MVL catch the leader with a model win against the French?

"I love this. It's like watching a football postgame show where they break down all the plays. I hope Chess.com will continue this feature in future tournaments." - Chess.com member DyvynDuffy

Nepo and Wang Take The Lead!

In an exciting first-round Wang Hao and Ian Nepomniachtchi won to take an early lead in the Candidates tournament. Two players who had been undefeated in their previous candidates tournaments lost with the White pieces! See if you can figure out the key ideas from every game!
17 min
10 Challenges

MVL and Caruana Get On The Board

In round two Caruana and MVL scored crushing victories against Alekseenko and Ding respectively. Check out the highlights of MVL - Ding, our Game Of The Day!
21 min
5 Challenges

Ding Strikes Back!

After a 0-2 start, Ding Liren struck back with an amazing win against Fabiano Caruana. Caruana played a sharp opening novelty, sacrificed two pawns and started an hour ahead on the clock. Ding, kept his cool, accepted the sacrifices and converted his extra material into a win. Check out the highlights from our game of the day!
20 min
5 Challenges

Defense Holds in Round Four

In round four MVL sacrificed two pawns against Grischuk's Berlin Defense and Caruana advanced a pawn all the way to h6 against Nepomniachtchi. However, everyone defended well and all four games were drawn. Try to find the key tactics that decided each game.
20 min
5 Challenges

Nepo Out In Front!

In round five, Nepomniachtchi ground down Wang's Petroff Defense to take sole lead of the tournament! Alekseenko - MVL was a razor-sharp Sicilian, which ended in perpetual check. Giri - Caruana and Grischuk - Ding were also hard-fought draws.
14 min
5 Challenges

Nepo Dominating!

In round six of the candidates Ian Nepomniachtchi gained an outside passed pawn against Ding Liren, who countered with a kingside attack. Check out the key moments to see whose advantage dominated the game.
15 min
5 Challenges

MVL Catches Nepo!

All eyes in round seven were on the clash between MVL and Nepomniachtchi. Nepo's French Defense was risky, and a series of brilliant attacking moves brought MVL the win and a share of first place!
18 min
5 Challenges

Caruana's Brilliant Prep Pays Off

The Candidates Tournament is back and so is Fabiano Caruana! He won the last edition and started the second half of this tournament with an amazing win against Maxime Vachier-Lagrave. GM Ben Finegold will show you how he did it!
16 min
5 Challenges

Anish Giri Moves Toward The Top

Anish Giri loves to press home a small advantage in the Catalan. Today he showed why with a smooth win against Wang Hao. GM Ben Finegold shows you how he did it.
19 min
5 Challenges

Nepo's Not Messing Around

Ian Nepomniachtchi was already in the lead at the Candidates, but against the lowest-rated participant, Kirill Alekseenko he was hoping to gather another full point. GM Ben Finegold will show you how he did it.
14 min
5 Challenges

Top Giri

In round 10 Anish Giri and Ding Liren castled on opposite sides, which led to a brilliant attacking game. GM Ben Finegold brings you the details.
17 min
5 Challenges

Nepomniachtchi Moves Toward A Title Match

Ian Nepomniachtchi did not let a quiet opening prevent him from playing for a win in round 12 of the Candidates. He ground out a win and continues to lead the candidates with just two rounds to go. GM Ben Finegold shows you how he did it.
19 min
5 Challenges

Grischuk Decides The Tournament

With just two rounds left, Anish Giri went all out for the win against Alexander Grischuk. GM Ben Finegold brings you the details.
22 min
5 Challenges

The Challenger's First Defeat

Although he didn't win the tournament, Ding Liren could still win against Ian Nepomniachtchi to retake his spot as the third highest-rated player in the world. GM Ben Finegold shows how he did it.
14 min
5 Challenges

2020 - 2021 Candidates Highlights

Master Games
14 Lessons
246 Minutes
75 Challenges
Released 3/17/2020

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