Gata Kamsky vs Ruslan Ponomariov
GM Gata Kamsky (2595) · GM Ruslan Ponomariov (2632)
Gata Kamsky and Ruslan Ponomariov have played 21 recorded games against each other, the first in May 2006 and the most recent in Dec 2025. Kamsky leads 5 wins to 7 - trailing overall, with 9 draws (57% of the games were decisive). Their most common battleground is the Ruy Lopez: Closed (2 games). The average game between them lasted 52 moves.
Results by color
| Split | Games | Kamsky | Draws | Ponomariov |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kamsky with White | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 |
| Ponomariov with White | 10 | 0 | 5 | 5 |
Results by time format
| Format | Games | Kamsky | Draws | Ponomariov |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classical | 12 | 2 | 7 | 3 |
| Blitz | 7 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Rapid | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Openings in their games
| ECO | Opening | Games | Kamsky | Draws | Ponomariov |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C88 | Ruy Lopez: Closed | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| A06 | Réti Opening | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| B43 | Sicilian | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| A81 | Dutch Defense | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| B04 | Alekhine Defense | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| B12 | Caro-Kann: Advance Variation | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| A57 | Benoni Defense | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| A04 | Sicilian | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
All games
| Date | White | Black | Result | Opening | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2025 | Ruslan Ponomariov | Gata Kamsky | 1/2-1/2 | Réti Opening | German Bundesliga 2025/26 |
| Jul 2021 | Gata Kamsky | Ruslan Ponomariov | 1/2-1/2 | Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense | Dortmund GER Grand Prix |
| Dec 2013 | Ruslan Ponomariov | Gata Kamsky | 1-0 | Caro-Kann: Advance Variation | Beijing Sportaccord Basque |
| Dec 2013 | Gata Kamsky | Ruslan Ponomariov | 0-1 | London System | Beijing Sportaccord Basque |
| Dec 2013 | Gata Kamsky | Ruslan Ponomariov | 1-0 | Dutch Defense | Beijing Sportaccord Blitz |
| Dec 2013 | Ruslan Ponomariov | Gata Kamsky | 1-0 | Sicilian | Beijing Sportaccord Blitz |
| Dec 2013 | Gata Kamsky | Ruslan Ponomariov | 0-1 | Benoni Defense | Beijing Sportaccord Rapid |
| May 2013 | Gata Kamsky | Ruslan Ponomariov | 1/2-1/2 | Ruy Lopez: Closed | Thessaloniki FIDE GP |
| Apr 2013 | Ruslan Ponomariov | Gata Kamsky | 1-0 | English Opening: Slav Setup | Zug FIDE GP |
| Dec 2012 | Ruslan Ponomariov | Gata Kamsky | 1/2-1/2 | Alekhine Defense | 2nd Tashkent FIDE GP |
| Dec 2011 | Ruslan Ponomariov | Gata Kamsky | 1-0 | Sicilian | Beijing Sportaccord Blitz |
| Dec 2011 | Gata Kamsky | Ruslan Ponomariov | 1-0 | Queen's Pawn Game | Beijing Sportaccord Rapid |
| Aug 2008 | Gata Kamsky | Ruslan Ponomariov | 1/2-1/2 | Trompowsky Attack | Moscow Tal Memorial Blitz |
| Aug 2008 | Ruslan Ponomariov | Gata Kamsky | 1/2-1/2 | Ruy Lopez: Closed | Moscow Tal Memorial Blitz |
| Aug 2008 | Gata Kamsky | Ruslan Ponomariov | 1/2-1/2 | Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense | Moscow Tal Memorial 3rd |
| Dec 2007 | Gata Kamsky | Ruslan Ponomariov | 1-0 | Sicilian: Najdorf | FIDE World Cup |
| Dec 2007 | Ruslan Ponomariov | Gata Kamsky | 1/2-1/2 | Nimzo-Indian Defense | FIDE World Cup |
| Nov 2007 | Gata Kamsky | Ruslan Ponomariov | 1-0 | Hungarian Opening | 2nd Wch Blitz |
| Nov 2007 | Ruslan Ponomariov | Gata Kamsky | 1-0 | Slav Defense | 2nd Wch Blitz |
| May 2006 | Gata Kamsky | Ruslan Ponomariov | 1-0 | Ruy Lopez: Closed | 2nd Sofia MTel Masters |
| May 2006 | Ruslan Ponomariov | Gata Kamsky | 1/2-1/2 | Ruy Lopez: Closed | 2nd Sofia MTel Masters |
Interactive board, all 21 games, opening explorer and engine analysis.
Browse the gamesFrequently asked questions
What is the head-to-head score between Gata Kamsky and Ruslan Ponomariov?
In 21 recorded games, Gata Kamsky has 5 wins, Ruslan Ponomariov has 7 wins, and they have drawn 9 times.
How many times have Gata Kamsky and Ruslan Ponomariov played each other?
Our database records 21 games between them, from May 2006 to Dec 2025.
What openings do Gata Kamsky and Ruslan Ponomariov play against each other?
The most common opening in their games is the Ruy Lopez: Closed (2 games), followed by the Réti Opening (1). The full opening breakdown and every game are on this page.