Hikaru Nakamura vs A.R. Saleh Salem
GM Hikaru Nakamura (2792) · GM A.R. Saleh Salem (2640)
Hikaru Nakamura and A.R. Saleh Salem have played 15 recorded games against each other, the first in Dec 2016 and the most recent in Sep 2025. Nakamura leads 7 wins to 4, with 4 draws (73% of the games were decisive). Their most common battleground is the Nimzo-Indian: Sämisch Variation (3 games). The average game between them lasted 50 moves.
Results by color
| Split | Games | Nakamura | Draws | Salem |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nakamura with White | 7 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Salem with White | 8 | 5 | 1 | 2 |
Results by time format
| Format | Games | Nakamura | Draws | Salem |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blitz | 11 | 5 | 2 | 4 |
| Rapid | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
Openings in their games
| ECO | Opening | Games | Nakamura | Draws | Salem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E24 | Nimzo-Indian: Sämisch Variation | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| A06 | Réti Opening | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| B09 | Pirc Defense | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| B10 | Caro-Kann | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| B50 | Sicilian | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| C26 | Vienna Game | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| A00 | Hungarian Opening | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| D04 | Colle System | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
All games
| Date | White | Black | Result | Opening | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | AR Salem | Hikaru Nakamura | 0-1 | Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense | Titled Tue |
| Jan 2024 | A.R. Saleh Salem | Hikaru Nakamura | 0-1 | Queen's Indian Defense | Titled Tue Early |
| Jan 2024 | A.R. Saleh Salem | Hikaru Nakamura | 0-1 | Semi-Slav Defense | Titled Tue Late |
| Sep 2022 | A.R. Saleh Salem | Hikaru Nakamura | 0-1 | Nimzo-Indian: Sämisch Variation | Titled Tue Early |
| Aug 2022 | Hikaru Nakamura | A.R. Saleh Salem | 0-1 | Vienna Game | Titled Tue Late |
| Aug 2022 | Hikaru Nakamura | A.R. Saleh Salem | 1/2-1/2 | Caro-Kann | Titled Tue Early |
| Aug 2022 | A.R. Saleh Salem | Hikaru Nakamura | 1-0 | Nimzo-Indian: Sämisch Variation | Titled Tue Late |
| Aug 2022 | A.R. Saleh Salem | Hikaru Nakamura | 0-1 | Nimzo-Indian: Sämisch Variation | Titled Tue Early |
| Aug 2022 | Hikaru Nakamura | A.R. Saleh Salem | 1-0 | Sicilian | Chess.com Rapid Wk24 Swiss |
| Jul 2022 | Hikaru Nakamura | A.R. Saleh Salem | 1/2-1/2 | Hungarian Opening | Titled Tue Late |
| May 2022 | Hikaru Nakamura | A.R. Saleh Salem | 0-1 | Réti Opening | Titled Tue Early |
| Jan 2019 | Hikaru Nakamura | A.R. Saleh Salem | 1/2-1/2 | Colle System | PRO League Stage |
| Dec 2018 | A.R. Saleh Salem | Hikaru Nakamura | 1/2-1/2 | Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense | Wch Rapid |
| Feb 2018 | Hikaru Nakamura | A.R. Saleh Salem | 1-0 | Pirc Defense | PRO League Stage |
| Dec 2016 | A.R. Saleh Salem | Hikaru Nakamura | 1-0 | Slav Defense | Wch Blitz |
Interactive board, all 15 games, opening explorer and engine analysis.
Browse the gamesFrequently asked questions
What is the head-to-head score between Hikaru Nakamura and A.R. Saleh Salem?
In 15 recorded games, Hikaru Nakamura has 7 wins, A.R. Saleh Salem has 4 wins, and they have drawn 4 times.
How many times have Hikaru Nakamura and A.R. Saleh Salem played each other?
Our database records 15 games between them, from Dec 2016 to Sep 2025.
What openings do Hikaru Nakamura and A.R. Saleh Salem play against each other?
The most common opening in their games is the Nimzo-Indian: Sämisch Variation (3 games), followed by the Réti Opening (1). The full opening breakdown and every game are on this page.