At his best, Gukesh plays only the best moves — just like a chess engine: Daniil Dubov  Premium

Daniil Dubov reflects on his career, working with Carlsen, and the rise of Indian chess in an interview.

Daniil Dubov won the 2018 World Rapid Chess Championship against a field that included Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura. The Russian prodigy, who became a Grandmaster at 14, has also worked as Carlsen’s second for two World Championship matches. Excerpts from an interview Dubov gave The Hindu at Kolkata, during the Tata Steel Chess India tournament:  

You were Magnus Carlsen’s second for two World Championship matches, in 2018 and 2021. How do you look at the upcoming title match between Ding Liren and D. Gukesh?

This will be somewhat a strange experience for me, as I was part of the last three World title matches in different capacities. In 2018 and 2021, I worked as Magnus’ second. And at the last World Championship, I was commentating for the official broadcaster. But this time, I will be following the match from the couch. I want Gukesh and Ding to fight. I don’t want the match to be over with three games to go, or something like that. Yes, I think Gukesh is the favourite, but not to the extent some people seem to believe.

Why do you think Gukesh starts as the favourite? Is it because of his form and Ding’s lack of form?

Gukesh has been the better player over the last two years. Why wouldn’t he over the next two weeks? It has to be said that matches [a series of games] are generally different, and I think, sometimes, even when you are better, there are certain opponents who are probably not as good as you, but they are really tough to crack.

What do you like about Gukesh’s chess?

I like that when he is at his best, he plays only the best moves — just like a chess engine. He plays the way that is sort of difficult to explain. Very often he plays moves that have nothing in common. It is like there is no basic idea behind them, but they are all the best moves still. I mean that is the feeling that you normally get from the engine. Like, one move on that side, then another move on that side. I mean like five random moves, and then suddenly the engine is winning. That is the same with Gukesh.