GM Ian Nepomniachtchi (Ganges Grandmasters) beat GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (CheQ Mumba Masters) in the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League 2026 (Preliminary Stage), in 37 moves.
The game turned on 33...Rc5. Before it, Stockfish had the position as a clear advantage for White (+1.73); one move later, winning for White (+3.48). It was played with 5:26 left on the clock.
Stockfish wanted 33...h6 instead. Can you see why? And 34.Rb1, the engine's best reply, came straight back.
It began as the Sicilian Defense: Four Knights Variation, Exchange Variation.
Replay it move by move, then take the key position on against the engine.
- White
- GM Ian Nepomniachtchi, 2729 · Ganges Grandmasters
- Black
- GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, 2706 · CheQ Mumba Masters
- Result
- 1–0 in 37 moves
- Opening
- Sicilian Defense: Four Knights Variation, Exchange Variation · B45
- Event
- Tech Mahindra Global Chess League 2026, Preliminary Stage · Bengaluru, India
- Key move: {0}
- 33...Rc5
- Engine’s choice
- 33...h6