Ian Nepomniachtchi vs A.R. Saleh Salem
GM Ian Nepomniachtchi (2735) · GM A.R. Saleh Salem (2640)
Ian Nepomniachtchi and A.R. Saleh Salem have played 10 recorded games against each other, the first in Mar 2016 and the most recent in Sep 2025. Nepomniachtchi leads 2 wins to 4 - trailing overall, with 4 draws (60% of the games were decisive). Their most common battleground is the Réti Opening: Keres Variation (1 games). The average game between them lasted 49 moves.
Results by color
| Split | Games | Nepomniachtchi | Draws | Salem |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nepomniachtchi with White | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Salem with White | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
Results by time format
| Format | Games | Nepomniachtchi | Draws | Salem |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blitz | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Classical | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Rapid | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
Openings in their games
| ECO | Opening | Games | Nepomniachtchi | Draws | Salem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A12 | Réti Opening: Keres Variation | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| A34 | English Opening | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| B30 | Sicilian: Rossolimo | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| B51 | Sicilian | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| B92 | Sicilian: Najdorf | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| C34 | King's Gambit | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| D87 | Grünfeld Defense | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| E24 | Nimzo-Indian: Sämisch Variation | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
All games
| Date | White | Black | Result | Opening | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | AR Salem | Ian Nepomniachtchi | 1/2-1/2 | Nimzo-Indian: Rubinstein System | FIDE Grand Swiss |
| Dec 2023 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | A.R. Saleh Salem | 1-0 | King's Gambit | Wch Blitz |
| Dec 2022 | A.R. Saleh Salem | Ian Nepomniachtchi | 0-1 | Nimzo-Indian: Rubinstein System | Wch Rapid |
| Aug 2022 | A.R. Saleh Salem | Ian Nepomniachtchi | 1-0 | Nimzo-Indian: Sämisch Variation | Chess.com Rapid Wk24 Swiss |
| Dec 2021 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | A.R. Saleh Salem | 1/2-1/2 | Sicilian: Rossolimo | Wch Blitz |
| Apr 2020 | A.R. Saleh Salem | Ian Nepomniachtchi | 1/2-1/2 | English Opening | Titled Tue |
| Dec 2018 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | A.R. Saleh Salem | 0-1 | Sicilian: Najdorf | Wch Rapid |
| May 2017 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | A.R. Saleh Salem | 0-1 | Réti Opening: Keres Variation | Moscow FIDE GP |
| Dec 2016 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | A.R. Saleh Salem | 0-1 | Sicilian | Wch Blitz |
| Mar 2016 | A.R. Saleh Salem | Ian Nepomniachtchi | 1/2-1/2 | Grünfeld Defense | 15th Moscow Aeroflot Open A |
Interactive board, all 10 games, opening explorer and engine analysis.
Browse the gamesFrequently asked questions
What is the head-to-head score between Ian Nepomniachtchi and A.R. Saleh Salem?
In 10 recorded games, Ian Nepomniachtchi has 2 wins, A.R. Saleh Salem has 4 wins, and they have drawn 4 times.
How many times have Ian Nepomniachtchi and A.R. Saleh Salem played each other?
Our database records 10 games between them, from Mar 2016 to Sep 2025.
What openings do Ian Nepomniachtchi and A.R. Saleh Salem play against each other?
The most common opening in their games is the Réti Opening: Keres Variation (1 games), followed by the English Opening (1). The full opening breakdown and every game are on this page.