Hikaru Nakamura vs Varuzhan Akobian
GM Hikaru Nakamura (2792) · GM Varuzhan Akobian (2553)
Hikaru Nakamura and Varuzhan Akobian have played 17 recorded games against each other, the first in Sep 2002 and the most recent in Apr 2026. Nakamura leads 11 wins to 1, with 5 draws (71% of the games were decisive). Their most common battleground is the French Defense (3 games). The average game between them lasted 39 moves.
Results by color
| Split | Games | Nakamura | Draws | Akobian |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nakamura with White | 11 | 8 | 2 | 1 |
| Akobian with White | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
Results by time format
| Format | Games | Nakamura | Draws | Akobian |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classical | 12 | 6 | 5 | 1 |
| Blitz | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
Openings in their games
| ECO | Opening | Games | Nakamura | Draws | Akobian |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C10 | French Defense | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| A07 | Nimzovich-Larsen attack | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| A07 | Réti Opening | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| A40 | English Defense | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| A41 | Rat Defense | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| C10 | French: Classical Variation | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| C10 | French: Tarrasch Variation | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| C11 | French: Classical Variation | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
All games
| Date | White | Black | Result | Opening | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2026 | Varuzhan Akobian | Hikaru Nakamura | 0-1 | King's Indian Defense | Titled Tuesday |
| Feb 2025 | Hikaru Nakamura | Varuzhan Akobian | 1-0 | Nimzovich-Larsen attack | Titled Tue Early |
| Oct 2024 | Varuzhan Akobian | Hikaru Nakamura | 0-1 | Modern Defense | Titled Tue Early |
| Mar 2019 | Varuzhan Akobian | Hikaru Nakamura | 0-1 | Rat Defense | ch-USA 63rd |
| Apr 2018 | Hikaru Nakamura | Varuzhan Akobian | 1-0 | French: Winawer Variation | ch-USA |
| Apr 2018 | Hikaru Nakamura | Varuzhan Akobian | 1-0 | Nimzovich-Larsen attack | Titled Tue |
| Apr 2017 | Hikaru Nakamura | Varuzhan Akobian | 1-0 | Réti Opening | ch-USA |
| Apr 2016 | Hikaru Nakamura | Varuzhan Akobian | 1-0 | Petrov's Defense | ch-USA |
| Apr 2015 | Hikaru Nakamura | Varuzhan Akobian | 1-0 | French Defense | ch-USA |
| May 2012 | Varuzhan Akobian | Hikaru Nakamura | 1/2-1/2 | English Defense | ch-USA |
| May 2009 | Hikaru Nakamura | Varuzhan Akobian | 1-0 | French: Classical Variation | ch-USA |
| Aug 2008 | Hikaru Nakamura | Varuzhan Akobian | 1-0 | French Defense | Montreal 9th |
| Sep 2007 | Hikaru Nakamura | Varuzhan Akobian | 1/2-1/2 | French: Tarrasch Variation | Miami Open |
| Jul 2007 | Hikaru Nakamura | Varuzhan Akobian | 1/2-1/2 | French Defense | 35th World Open |
| Jul 2006 | Varuzhan Akobian | Hikaru Nakamura | 1/2-1/2 | Grünfeld Defense | 34th World Open |
| Jul 2004 | Varuzhan Akobian | Hikaru Nakamura | 1/2-1/2 | Albin Countergambit | 32nd World Open |
| Sep 2002 | Hikaru Nakamura | Varuzhan Akobian | 0-1 | French: Classical Variation | 1st Imre Konig Memorial |
Interactive board, all 17 games, opening explorer and engine analysis.
Browse the gamesFrequently asked questions
What is the head-to-head score between Hikaru Nakamura and Varuzhan Akobian?
In 17 recorded games, Hikaru Nakamura has 11 wins, Varuzhan Akobian has 1 wins, and they have drawn 5 times.
How many times have Hikaru Nakamura and Varuzhan Akobian played each other?
Our database records 17 games between them, from Sep 2002 to Apr 2026.
What openings do Hikaru Nakamura and Varuzhan Akobian play against each other?
The most common opening in their games is the French Defense (3 games), followed by the Nimzovich-Larsen attack (1). The full opening breakdown and every game are on this page.