Sage advice was given to So: 1.b3
Just a few days ago, Filipino-American grandmaster Wesley So—who now banners the USA flag—bested world number one Magnus Carlsen of Norway in Round 5 of the Champion Chess Tour Finals.
So described the result of his gambit to sacrifice his knight as a "miracle."
RELATED STORY: Wesley So explains bold strategy after beating world number one Magnus Carlsen in Champions Chess Tour Finals
But to reach the finals, So had to outwit grandmaster Nodirbek Abdusattorov of Uzbekistan, who picked up a set win the day before.
So decided for 1.b3, or the Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack, as his opening to start Set 2.
"So’s opening choice seemed to unsettle Abdusattorov, who sunk much of his time on figuring out his opening setup," reported chess.com.
The Cavite-born grandmaster picked up the first and second games before ceding Abdusattorov Game 3. The fourth game went to a draw, effectively forcing a third set to decide the victor.
The 30-year-old So then outplayed his opponent in three games to ensure the rematch with Carlsen.
The key, he said, was in performing his ritual.
"I realized today that I didn't tweet yesterday before my match, and it ended really badly. So, I thought, you know what, let me throw Anish again, see if it works," So told chess.com.
So, before the finals, So got in touch with Carlsen's beaten opponent Fabiano Caruana on X (formerly Twitter).
"Any last minute tips today for your fellow compatriot and friend? I'm slightly nervous," he asked, tagging Caruana.
"Just be yourself! And prepare for 1.b3," he replied.
"Thanks! Got it!" Prepare for and against 1.b3," So noted.
So yeah, So used 1.b3.
That didn't quite go as well as So wanted as Magnus took his revenge in winning Set 1.
The Norwegian will be one set away from winning his third title and a whopping $200,000. So would have to take a set on Day 2 if he wants to keep his title hopes alive.
Day 2 will start December 17, 1 a.m., Philippine time.
(MDB)