This column by Jon Speelman offers an in-depth analytical look at a pivotal game from a previous Candidates tournament: Hikaru Nakamura’s compelling win against Alireza Firouzja. The meticulous examination culminates in a complex, study-like endgame that will test chess enthusiasts. The specific position, carefully refined through subsequent analysis, presents a challenging exercise directly inspired by high-level practical tournament play.
Furthermore, a brief statistical note is included, shedding light on the recurring appearance of opposite-coloured bishop endgames in encounters involving Fabiano Caruana, which adds valuable context to recent Candidates championship battles.
