Alexander Shabalov vs Igor Novikov
GM Alexander Shabalov (2428) · GM Igor Novikov (2475)
Alexander Shabalov and Igor Novikov have played 13 recorded games against each other, the first in May 1998 and the most recent in Jul 2025. Shabalov leads 3 wins to 4 - trailing overall, with 6 draws (54% of the games were decisive). Their most common battleground is the English Defense (1 games). The average game between them lasted 34 moves.
Results by color
| Split | Games | Shabalov | Draws | Novikov |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shabalov with White | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Novikov with White | 9 | 0 | 6 | 3 |
Results by time format
| Format | Games | Shabalov | Draws | Novikov |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classical | 8 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Blitz | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
Openings in their games
| ECO | Opening | Games | Shabalov | Draws | Novikov |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A85 | English Defense | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| A88 | Dutch Defense | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| B80 | Sicilian: Najdorf | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| B81 | Sicilian: Najdorf | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| B87 | Sicilian: Najdorf | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| D15 | Slav Defense | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| D47 | Slav Defense | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| D52 | Slav Defense | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
All games
| Date | White | Black | Result | Opening | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 2025 | Alexander Shabalov | Igor Novikov | 1-0 | Sicilian: Najdorf | ch-USA Seniors |
| Jul 2024 | Igor Novikov | Alexander Shabalov | 1/2-1/2 | Slav Defense | ch-USA Seniors |
| Jul 2023 | Igor Novikov | Alexander Shabalov | 1/2-1/2 | Benoni Defense | ch-USA Seniors |
| Jul 2022 | Igor Novikov | Alexander Shabalov | 1/2-1/2 | King's Indian: Sämisch | ch-USA Seniors |
| Jul 2021 | Igor Novikov | Alexander Shabalov | 1-0 | Dutch Defense | ch-USA Seniors |
| Oct 2020 | Igor Novikov | Alexander Shabalov | 1-0 | King's Indian Defense | USA-ch Seniors 50 |
| Jul 2019 | Alexander Shabalov | Igor Novikov | 1-0 | Sicilian: Najdorf | USA-ch Seniors 50 |
| Mar 2006 | Igor Novikov | Alexander Shabalov | 1-0 | King's Indian Defense | ch-USA GpB |
| Mar 2005 | Alexander Shabalov | Igor Novikov | 1-0 | Sicilian: Najdorf | 7th Foxwoods Open |
| Nov 2003 | Alexander Shabalov | Igor Novikov | 0-1 | Slav Defense | 34th Philadelphia National Open |
| Aug 1999 | Igor Novikov | Alexander Shabalov | 1/2-1/2 | Indian Defense | MK Cafe Cup A |
| Jul 1999 | Igor Novikov | Alexander Shabalov | 1/2-1/2 | English Defense | World Open 27th |
| May 1998 | Igor Novikov | Alexander Shabalov | 1/2-1/2 | Slav Defense | Toronto Open |
Interactive board, all 13 games, opening explorer and engine analysis.
Browse the gamesFrequently asked questions
What is the head-to-head score between Alexander Shabalov and Igor Novikov?
In 13 recorded games, Alexander Shabalov has 3 wins, Igor Novikov has 4 wins, and they have drawn 6 times.
How many times have Alexander Shabalov and Igor Novikov played each other?
Our database records 13 games between them, from May 1998 to Jul 2025.
What openings do Alexander Shabalov and Igor Novikov play against each other?
The most common opening in their games is the English Defense (1 games), followed by the Dutch Defense (1). The full opening breakdown and every game are on this page.