GenZ GMs Gukesh, Nodirbek defy logic by playing for most impossible result in chess
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D Gukesh and his fellow GenZ opponent Nodirbek Abdusattorov did something bizarre in their round 1 tie of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour, which left the legendary Judit Polgar baffled.
The two fiercely competitive super grandmasters defied conventional chess wisdom and played at least 22 moves from a position that was theoretically a dead draw. "Are we joking?" said 48-year-old Polgar, doing commentary with GM Peter Leko on chess24. "I think it's the very first time I have seen this," said 45-year-old Leko. Reigning World Champion Gukesh of India is 18 and World No. 6 Nodirbek is 20.
The situation that left Polgar, the strongest women's player ever, speechless was a classic. Gukesh had only his King left on the board, while Nodirbek had his King and just two knights. Delivering a checkmate with just two knights is considered 'impossible' in chess simply because the opposition King will always have a spare square to escape. The chances of the game ending in a stalemate (draw) are also high, but a win is impossible.
The game between Nodirbek and Gukesh reached that 'impossible' position on move 74 when the Uzbek star captured the Indian's last remaining piece, a rook. Just as Gukesh seemed ready to offer his hand for a customary handshake, convinced by the result of a draw, Nodirbek left everyone stunned by moving his knight. Gukesh had no choice but to play along because unless the opponent too accepts that it is a draw the game must go on.
What happened next was unbelievable. Gukesh and Nodirbek kept playing random moves until move 96, when the Uzbek star finally gave up. He offered a reluctant hand and walked away. "Young and ambitious generation," Leko smirked. "I don't know what to say," chuckled Polgar.
Gukesh and Nodirbek are considered two of the most enterprising young players in the world. Gukesh famously pulled a Houdini act to steal a draw when they met as recent as on January 25 at the Tata Steel Masters. Missing a great winning chance in that game had left Nodirbek furious.