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 5 · 3 Apr 2026

Nakamura — Sindarov

The Matchup

White
Hikaru NakamuraCredit
🇺🇸USA
5th · 6.5

Hikaru Nakamura

3.5 behind leader

Last 5 games½½½½
Elo2810

The speed demon of modern chess, combining tactical nerve, fearless initiative, and elite practical instincts.

Games in this event →
0–1Black wins
Black
Javokhir SindarovCredit
🇺🇿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 →
Scroll to see the game

Key Moments

Semi-Slav Defense: Marshall Gambit, Main Line
BlackSindarovUZB2745
+3
WhiteNakamuraUSA2810
B
-3.2W

Classical factors on this position

Hover to preview on the board · click to keep selected and read details.

Select a category to see details.

Checks, captures, and threats for the side to move

Hover to preview on the board · click to keep selected and read details.

Select a category to see details.

The Moves

Other lines considered

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

Engine & players agree

Playable moves worth considering here.

h5h4h5
-2.4436%

MAIA 2200

PLAYER LIKELIHOOD36% would play this move

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

What changed

Threatening

Immediate impact

Critical reply

Nxf3!Critical

Critical line

After critical line

Loses the h5 pawn

Rxd4d1d4
-2.3912%

MAIA 2200

PLAYER LIKELIHOOD12% would play this move

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

What changed

Attacking
Defending
Threatening
Board structure

Immediate impact

Better outposts for White

Critical reply

cxd4!Critical

Critical line

After critical line

Loses the a2 pawn

1 checking resourceCheck in the air: Rxg6+

Hard to spot

Bc7d6c7
-2.772%

MAIA 2200

PLAYER LIKELIHOOD2% would play this move

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

What changed

Attacking
Threatening

Immediate impact