Nakamura reveals tactical switch Gukesh must make to avoid getting 'blown off board' by Sindarov: 'Not surprised he came last'

World No 2 Hikaru Nakamura is not impressed by world champion D Gukesh's style of play, which the Indian grandmaster employed at the recent Norway Chess, where he finished at the bottom of the standings.

Gukesh, who turned 20 during the tournament in Oslo, finished with a score of 8 points from a possible 30 and lost five Classical games, including two at the hands of World No 1 Magnus Carlsen. He finished in last spot in the six-man table.

Gukesh has to defend his World Championship against Uzbekistan's Javokhir Sindarov later this year and the results at the Norway Chess were the latest in the series of disappointing performances for the Indian GM since his world title victory.

Nakamura's suggestion to Gukesh

Nakamura wants Gukesh to play "his game" and not try to mimic greats like Mikhail Tal. The American grandmaster feels that the reigning world champion has a good chance to defend his title if he does not go overboard with his style of play.

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"I wasn't surprised to see him finish last, but what really surprised me about Gukesh's event (Norway Chess) was his style of play. When I look at the match against Sindarov, the way that I see it is basically Gukesh, if he plays his game, has a very real chance to win the match," Nakamura was quoted as saying by Endgame AI.

Explaning further, Nakamura said, "Gukesh has to play his game. By his game, what I mean is that he needs to play a very solid tactical style where he needs to be solid but in positions that lend themselves to tactics."

Nakamura also added that if Gukesh tries to be too adventurous, it will play into the hands of Sindarov.

"I feel like Gukesh continues to play like he's Mikhail Tal or something. There's nothing wrong with wanting to be Mikhail Tal, but if he tries to play that style against Sindarov, he's going to get blown off the board. Sindarov is a great tactical player who loves double-edged sharp positions, so I don't really understand why Gukesh continues to try to play like that."