GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (CheQ Mumba Masters) beat GM Alireza Firouzja (Triveni Continental Kings) in the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League 2026 (Preliminary Stage), in 42 moves.
The game turned on 31...Qe5. Before it, Stockfish had the position as a small edge for White (+1.05); one move later, winning for White (+2.63). It was played with 2:53 left on the clock.
Stockfish wanted 31...h4 instead. Can you see why? And 32.Qxe5, the engine's best reply, came straight back.
It began as the Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, English Attack.
Replay it move by move, then take the key position on against the engine.
- White
- GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, 2706 · CheQ Mumba Masters
- Black
- GM Alireza Firouzja, 2748 · Triveni Continental Kings
- Result
- 1–0 in 42 moves
- Opening
- Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, English Attack · B90
- Event
- Tech Mahindra Global Chess League 2026, Preliminary Stage · Bengaluru, India
- Key move: {0}
- 31...Qe5
- Engine’s choice
- 31...h4