[onecommentman]

That’s higher risk than it looks for Hikaru. I legitimately defeated opponents rated 700+ points higher than me in tournament play in the 1980s. With a little planning, draws would probably be even easier.

Anyway, soon you will be able to ask a custom chess AI, “How would you draw Hikaru in classical chess if you are a lower rated player, here are all the games I’ve played in the past and Hikaru’s as well.” I’d guess 1 in 10 decent (but still 700 pt lower than Hikaru) players with that sort of training could eke out a draw. Making it a losing strategy for Hikaru.

[tzs]

The rating spot for the Candidates is based on your average rating on the August through January rating lists. He can actually draw several games against low rated players without pulling the average too low.