GM Humpy Koneru (India) beat WCM Franchesca Ramirez Luzon (Dominican Republic) in round 1 of the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad Samarkand 2026 (Women), in 31 moves.
The game turned on 15...b5. Before it, Stockfish had the position as a small edge for White (+1.05); one move later, winning for White (+2.68).
Stockfish wanted 15...a5 instead. Can you see why? And 16.Nc3, the engine's best reply, came straight back.
It began as the English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Three Knights Variation.
Replay it move by move, then take the key position on against the engine.
- White
- GM Humpy Koneru, 2509 · India
- Black
- WCM Franchesca Ramirez Luzon, 1833 · Dominican Republic
- Result
- 1–0 in 31 moves
- Opening
- English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Three Knights Variation · A34
- Event
- 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad Samarkand 2026, Women, Round 1 · Samarkand, Uzbekistan
- Key move: {0}
- 15...b5
- Engine’s choice
- 15...a5