Gukesh D's Endgame Brilliance at Tata Steel Chess 2025

Published on: January 18, 2025

The Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2025, Round 5, witnessed another masterclass performance by Gukesh D, as he outmaneuvered Vincent Keymer in a strategic Nimzo-Indian Defense. In a game that showcased patience, precision, and deep endgame technique, Gukesh converted a complex middlegame into a clean win. Let’s dive into the key moments of this encounter.

Opening: Nimzo-Indian Defense – Classical Variation

Gukesh opened with 1. d4, steering the game into a Nimzo-Indian Defense after 3...Bb4. This classical setup, favored by many elite players, offers Black early positional counterplay by doubling White’s c-pawns in exchange for dynamic piece activity.

By move 7, White had adopted a flexible Qc2 setup, keeping control over key squares and delaying immediate central commitments. Black countered with ...b6 and ...a5, indicating an intent to expand on the queenside.

Middlegame: White Seizes Control

With 12...Ba6, Keymer aimed to exert pressure along the long diagonal, but Gukesh navigated the position well. A key moment arose when Gukesh traded bishop for knight with 14. Bxe4, a decision that enhanced his control over the central squares.

By move 18, White had seized the d-file with Rd1 and Rxd4, highlighting Gukesh’s superior piece coordination. Keymer, sensing the need for counterplay, tried to break open the kingside with ...f4, but this only helped White activate his pieces further.

Endgame: Gukesh’s Technique Seals the Victory

The game-defining moment came when White infiltrated the position with 30. Rxf4 Be4 31. Qd4. This sequence forced material concessions from Keymer and transitioned into a superior rook-and-bishop endgame for White.

As the game progressed, White’s centralization of the king and precise rook maneuvers forced Black into passivity. The final breakthrough came when Gukesh’s passed b-pawn marched down the board, forcing Black into zugzwang.

Play through the Game

Key Takeaways from Gukesh’s Victory

• Strategic Patience Pays Off: Gukesh never rushed into complications and instead built a stable, flexible position, waiting for the right moment to strike.
• Mastering the Transition to Endgame: The queen trade and subsequent rook activation ensured that White entered an endgame with clear winning chances.
• King Activity in Endgames is Key: Gukesh’s early king activation (Kf1 → Ke2 → Kd3) played a crucial role in the final phase, highlighting top-tier endgame understanding.

Final Thoughts: Gukesh’s Continued Rise

This clean and technical victory over Vincent Keymer further solidifies Gukesh’s reputation as one of the strongest young players in the world. His ability to play with strategic depth, convert small advantages, and execute flawless endgames is reminiscent of legendary positional players like Karpov and Carlsen. For other similar games check out Gukesh vs. Ding World Championship Game 14