GM Javokhir Sindarov (Fyers American Gambits) beat GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (CheQ Mumba Masters) in the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League 2026 (Preliminary Stage), in 36 moves.
The game turned on 29.Kf1. Before it, Stockfish had the position as a clear advantage for Black (-1.80); one move later, winning for Black (-3.18). It was played with 2:19 left on the clock.
Stockfish wanted 29.Qa5 instead. Can you see why? And 29...Qd2, the engine's best reply, came straight back.
It began as the Catalan Opening: Open Defense, Classical Line.
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 Javokhir Sindarov, 2732 · Fyers American Gambits
- Result
- 0–1 in 36 moves
- Opening
- Catalan Opening: Open Defense, Classical Line · E05
- Event
- Tech Mahindra Global Chess League 2026, Preliminary Stage · Bengaluru, India
- Key move: {0}
- 29.Kf1
- Engine’s choice
- 29.Qa5