Nakamura vs Principled Chess!?

Why is it that Nakamura manages these amazing games even in an age where Chess engines almost prohibit creativity?

Is it that he is imagining ideas that no one does? Is he plain bluffing!? Does he manage to shake his opponents psychologically?

Well, probably all of the above and more. If you observe his games closely, you will notice that he throws the game off balance much more often than the other "principled" top Chess players. Which means that even if Nakamura is making an objectively slightly inferior move, he is constantly forcing his opponents into areas where they are not in the comfort zone. They expect Move A and then bang comes Move P, expect Move B and there comes Move J. Mind you, the supposedly inferior moves cannot be measured in the usual Fritzy way. The value of the move is the accuracy he is giving up vs the complexity he is throwing up! And it is sometimes a good plus, even if it is minus per the engines.

Now, the problem for the bunny GM is that Naka is no pushover, Naka probably knows the "principled move" himself in almost all positions. And he knows how to take advantage of the GM who cannot adjust to the maverick moves constantly and gives Naka an opportunity. So, the trick is to not make moves that are clearly lost at Super GM levels but to shake the opposing GM's brains dry until he capitulates.

What do you think makes Nakamura tick? We'd love to hear from you.

Category: Chess Thoughts