Ian Nepomniachtchi vs Nihal Sarin
GM Ian Nepomniachtchi (2735) · GM Nihal Sarin (2717)
Ian Nepomniachtchi and Nihal Sarin have played 14 recorded games against each other, the first in Dec 2018 and the most recent in Mar 2026. Nepomniachtchi leads 8 wins to 3, with 3 draws (79% of the games were decisive). Their most common battleground is the Nimzovich-Larsen attack (1 games). The average game between them lasted 47 moves.
Results by color
| Split | Games | Nepomniachtchi | Draws | Sarin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nepomniachtchi with White | 8 | 5 | 1 | 2 |
| Sarin with White | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Results by time format
| Format | Games | Nepomniachtchi | Draws | Sarin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blitz | 9 | 6 | 0 | 3 |
| Rapid | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Classical | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Openings in their games
| ECO | Opening | Games | Nepomniachtchi | Draws | Sarin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A01 | Nimzovich-Larsen attack | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| A13 | Réti Opening | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| A45 | London System | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| B12 | Caro-Kann | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| B17 | Caro-Kann: Karpov Variation | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| B41 | Sicilian | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| B51 | Sicilian: Moscow Variation | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| C30 | King's Gambit | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
All games
| Date | White | Black | Result | Opening | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | Nihal Sarin | 1-0 | Four Knights Game: Scotch Variation | Chess.com Open PlayIn1 |
| Jul 2025 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | Nihal Sarin | 0-1 | Caro-Kann: Karpov Variation | Titled Tue Early |
| Jun 2025 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | Nihal Sarin | 1-0 | Sicilian | FIDE World Bl Team Pool A |
| Nov 2024 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | Nihal Sarin | 1-0 | Caro-Kann | Titled Tue Early |
| Sep 2024 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | Nihal Sarin | 1-0 | Ruy Lopez | Titled Tue Early |
| Dec 2023 | Nihal Sarin | Ian Nepomniachtchi | 0-1 | Réti Opening | Wch Blitz |
| Aug 2023 | Nihal Sarin | Ian Nepomniachtchi | 0-1 | Nimzovich-Larsen attack | FIDE World Cup |
| Aug 2023 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | Nihal Sarin | 1-0 | Sicilian: Moscow Variation | FIDE World Cup |
| Aug 2023 | Nihal Sarin | Ian Nepomniachtchi | 1/2-1/2 | Catalan | FIDE World Cup |
| Aug 2023 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | Nihal Sarin | 1/2-1/2 | Catalan | FIDE World Cup |
| May 2023 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | Nihal Sarin | 0-1 | King's Gambit | Titled Tue Early |
| Dec 2022 | Nihal Sarin | Ian Nepomniachtchi | 1/2-1/2 | Queen's Pawn Game | Wch Rapid |
| Dec 2019 | Nihal Sarin | Ian Nepomniachtchi | 1-0 | Réti Opening | Wch Blitz |
| Dec 2018 | Nihal Sarin | Ian Nepomniachtchi | 0-1 | London System | Wch Blitz |
Interactive board, all 14 games, opening explorer and engine analysis.
Browse the gamesFrequently asked questions
What is the head-to-head score between Ian Nepomniachtchi and Nihal Sarin?
In 14 recorded games, Ian Nepomniachtchi has 8 wins, Nihal Sarin has 3 wins, and they have drawn 3 times.
How many times have Ian Nepomniachtchi and Nihal Sarin played each other?
Our database records 14 games between them, from Dec 2018 to Mar 2026.
What openings do Ian Nepomniachtchi and Nihal Sarin play against each other?
The most common opening in their games is the Nimzovich-Larsen attack (1 games), followed by the Réti Opening (1). The full opening breakdown and every game are on this page.