Elite chess explained, move by move
Dates
12 May — 24 May 2026
Location
Bucharest, RO
Field
10 players
Format
Round-robin
Time control
Classical
Rounds
9 · 9 played
Decisive
36%
Avg. rating
2744

Round 7 · 19 May 2026

GiriSo

The Matchup

White
🇳🇱NED
2nd · 3.5

Anish Giri

2789 Performance · 1 behind leader

Last 5 games½W½½½
World#8FIDE Standard world ranking from the latest monthly classical rating list before this tournament started. List: 2026-03-01.Elo2767Age31

Dutch chess's perennial contender, valued for creative opening ideas, rapid adaptation, and razor-sharp theoretical preparation.

Games in this event →
½–½Draw
Black
🇺🇸USA
3rd · 3.0

Wesley So

2730 Performance · 1.5 behind leader

Last 5 games½½½½½
World#9FIDE Standard world ranking from the latest monthly classical rating list before this tournament started. List: 2026-03-01.Elo2754Age32

A U.S. legend and endgame specialist, valued for immaculate technique, calm defense, and elite practical steadiness under sustained pressure.

Games in this event →

Head to head

Classical over-the-board (indexed)

Lifetime FIDE classical score unavailable (missing FIDE ID or cache not warmed).

Scroll to see the game

Key Moments


Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Anti-Berlin Variation
BlackSoUSA2753
WhiteGiriNED2760
B
+0.8W

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.

O-Oe8g8
+0.5937%

MAIA 2200

PLAYER LIKELIHOOD37% would play this move

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

Threatening
Board structure
Bd7c8d7
+0.3422%

MAIA 2200

PLAYER LIKELIHOOD22% would play this move

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

Threatening
Board structure

Hard to spot

h6h7h6
+0.600%

MAIA 2200

PLAYER LIKELIHOOD0% would play this move

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

Threatening
Board structure