Elite chess explained, move by move
Dates
28 Mar — 16 Apr 2026
Location
Paphos, CY
Field
8 players
Format
Double round-robin
Time control
Classical
Rounds
14 · 14 played
Decisive
32%
Avg. rating
2749

Round 2 · 30 Mar 2026

SindarovBluebaum

The Matchup

White
🇺🇿UZB
1st · 10.0

Javokhir Sindarov

Last 5 games½½½½
Elo2745

A young Uzbek grandmaster with sharp opening confidence and a direct, resourceful approach to dynamic positions.

Games in this event →
½–½Draw
Black
🇩🇪GER
6th · 6.0

Matthias Bluebaum

4 behind leader

Last 5 games½½½L
Elo2698

Germany's leading grandmaster, known for disciplined classical technique, subtle maneuvering, and patient endgame grinding.

Games in this event →
Scroll to see the game

Key Moments


Petrov's Defense: Karklins-Martinovsky Variation
BlackBluebaumGER2698
WhiteSindarovUZB2745
+1
B
+0.1W

Classical factors on this position

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Checks, captures, and threats for the side to move

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The Moves

Other lines considered

From the crossroads before this move — engine and player perspectives.

Engine & players agree

Playable moves worth considering here.

Nf3e5f3
+0.4596%

MAIA 2200

PLAYER LIKELIHOOD96% would play this move

The Maia model estimates how often 2200-rated players choose this move from this position.

Attacking
Threatening
Less active pieces for White
Nxe4!Critical

Loses material

White controls e5Ne4 is active (king-zone pressure)

White gets the main benefit, but white creates more concrete threats.

Nc4e5c4
+0.183%

MAIA 2200

PLAYER LIKELIHOOD3% would play this move

The Maia model estimates how often 2200-rated players choose this move from this position.

Attacking
Threatening
Less active pieces for White
Nxe4!Critical

Loses material

White gets the main benefit, but white creates more concrete threats.