Hikaru Nakamura vs Vahap Sanal
GM Hikaru Nakamura (2792) · GM Vahap Sanal (2555)
Hikaru Nakamura and Vahap Sanal have played 14 recorded games against each other, the first in Dec 2016 and the most recent in Jan 2026. Nakamura leads 11 wins to 2, with 1 draws (93% of the games were decisive). Their most common battleground is the Caro-Kann: Endgame Variation (2 games). The average game between them lasted 48 moves.
Results by color
| Split | Games | Nakamura | Draws | Sanal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nakamura with White | 7 | 5 | 1 | 1 |
| Sanal with White | 7 | 6 | 0 | 1 |
Results by time format
| Format | Games | Nakamura | Draws | Sanal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blitz | 12 | 9 | 1 | 2 |
| Rapid | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Openings in their games
| ECO | Opening | Games | Nakamura | Draws | Sanal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B10 | Caro-Kann: Endgame Variation | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| A14 | Réti Opening | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| A46 | Indian Defense | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| B06 | Modern Defense | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| B07 | Modern Defense | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| B47 | Sicilian | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| B96 | Sicilian: Najdorf | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| C41 | Philidor | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
All games
| Date | White | Black | Result | Opening | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2026 | Hikaru Nakamura | Vahap Sanal | 1-0 | Indian Defense | 1st 3-0 Thursday |
| Jul 2025 | V Sanal | Hikaru Nakamura | 0-1 | Modern Defense | Titled Tue Early |
| Jul 2024 | Hikaru Nakamura | Vahap Sanal | 1/2-1/2 | Philidor | Titled Tue Early |
| Jun 2024 | Vahap Sanal | Hikaru Nakamura | 0-1 | Caro-Kann: Endgame Variation | Titled Tue Late |
| Feb 2024 | Hikaru Nakamura | Vahap Sanal | 1-0 | Clemenz Opening | Titled Tue Early |
| Jan 2024 | Vahap Sanal | Hikaru Nakamura | 0-1 | Sicilian | Titled Tue Late |
| Jun 2023 | Hikaru Nakamura | Vahap Sanal | 1-0 | Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense | Titled Tue Late |
| Jan 2023 | Vahap Sanal | Hikaru Nakamura | 0-1 | Caro-Kann: Endgame Variation | Titled Tue Late |
| Jan 2023 | Hikaru Nakamura | Vahap Sanal | 0-1 | Réti Opening | Titled Tue Late |
| Jun 2022 | Hikaru Nakamura | Vahap Sanal | 1-0 | Réti Opening | Chess.com Rapid Wk17 Swiss |
| May 2021 | Vahap Sanal | Hikaru Nakamura | 0-1 | Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense | Titled Tue |
| Apr 2021 | Hikaru Nakamura | Vahap Sanal | 1-0 | Indian Defense | Titled Tue |
| Apr 2020 | Vahap Sanal | Hikaru Nakamura | 1-0 | Modern Defense | Titled Tue |
| Dec 2016 | Vahap Sanal | Hikaru Nakamura | 0-1 | Sicilian: Najdorf | Wch Rapid |
Interactive board, all 14 games, opening explorer and engine analysis.
Browse the gamesFrequently asked questions
What is the head-to-head score between Hikaru Nakamura and Vahap Sanal?
In 14 recorded games, Hikaru Nakamura has 11 wins, Vahap Sanal has 2 wins, and they have drawn 1 times.
How many times have Hikaru Nakamura and Vahap Sanal played each other?
Our database records 14 games between them, from Dec 2016 to Jan 2026.
What openings do Hikaru Nakamura and Vahap Sanal play against each other?
The most common opening in their games is the Caro-Kann: Endgame Variation (2 games), followed by the Réti Opening (1). The full opening breakdown and every game are on this page.