Comments on https://lichess.org/@/jk_182/blog/a-visual-recap-of-wijk-aan-zee-2026/BHn34fw5
Very interesting statistics.
It is a remarkable trend in recent top tournaments that black scores so well.
Black is the new white.
The white advantage of the initiative of moving first is nullified by better black preparation.
Thanks for another great article!
I was wondering whether the players, who play in the Candidates, were struggling a bit, because they were actively avoiding playing openings, they are planning to use in the Candidates. This could e.g. maybe explain, why Pragg had only one game, where he was better...
@xxonx said:
> Thanks for another great article!
>
> I was wondering whether the players, who play in the Candidates, were struggling a bit, because they were actively avoiding playing openings, they are planning to use in the Candidates. This could e.g. maybe explain, why Pragg had only one game, where he was better...
I'm not too sure how much hiding prep plays a part, as the players can still play their usual openings and well known lines
The Other opening seems to be gaining in popularity. I need to study it.
@jk_182 said:
> @xxonx said:
> > Thanks for another great article!
> >
> > I was wondering whether the players, who play in the Candidates, were struggling a bit, because they were actively avoiding playing openings, they are planning to use in the Candidates. This could e.g. maybe explain, why Pragg had only one game, where he was better...
>
> I'm not too sure how much hiding prep plays a part, as the players can still play their usual openings and well known lines
Sure, but these are also well known to their opponents, so they might lose the whole surprising-your-opponent-factor...