Joel Benjamin vs Igor Novikov
GM Joel Benjamin (2467) · GM Igor Novikov (2466)
Joel Benjamin and Igor Novikov have played 10 recorded games against each other, the first in May 1998 and the most recent in Jul 2026. Benjamin leads 2 wins to 0, with 8 draws (20% of the games were decisive). Their most common battleground is the Indian Defense (3 games). The average game between them lasted 35 moves.
Results by color
| Split | Games | Benjamin | Draws | Novikov |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benjamin with White | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Novikov with White | 6 | 2 | 4 | 0 |
Results by time format
| Format | Games | Benjamin | Draws | Novikov |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blitz | 5 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
| Classical | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| unknown | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Openings in their games
| ECO | Opening | Games | Benjamin | Draws | Novikov |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D37 | Indian Defense | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| B22 | Sicilian: Alapin | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| B08 | Pirc Defense | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| A34 | English Opening | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| B70 | Sicilian: Closed | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| B07 | King's Pawn Game | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| E17 | Queen's Indian Defense | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
All games
| Date | White | Black | Result | Opening | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 2026 | Novikov,I | Benjamin,Joe | 0-1 | Indian Defense | ch-USA Seniors 2026 |
| Jul 2025 | Joel Benjamin | Igor Novikov | 1/2-1/2 | Sicilian: Alapin | ch-USA Seniors |
| Jul 2024 | Joel Benjamin | Igor Novikov | 1/2-1/2 | Sicilian: Alapin | ch-USA Seniors |
| Jul 2023 | Igor Novikov | Joel Benjamin | 1/2-1/2 | Indian Defense | ch-USA Seniors |
| Jul 2022 | Igor Novikov | Joel Benjamin | 0-1 | Queen's Indian Defense | ch-USA Seniors |
| Jul 2021 | Joel Benjamin | Igor Novikov | 1/2-1/2 | Sicilian: Closed | ch-USA Seniors |
| Oct 2020 | Igor Novikov | Joel Benjamin | 1/2-1/2 | Indian Defense | USA-ch Seniors 50 |
| Jul 2019 | Igor Novikov | Joel Benjamin | 1/2-1/2 | King's Pawn Game | USA-ch Seniors 50 |
| Jul 2002 | Joel Benjamin | Igor Novikov | 1/2-1/2 | English Opening | 8th Tan Chin Nam Cup |
| May 1998 | Igor Novikov | Joel Benjamin | 1/2-1/2 | Pirc Defense | Toronto Open |
Interactive board, all 10 games, opening explorer and engine analysis.
Browse the gamesFrequently asked questions
What is the head-to-head score between Joel Benjamin and Igor Novikov?
In 10 recorded games, Joel Benjamin has 2 wins, Igor Novikov has 0 wins, and they have drawn 8 times.
How many times have Joel Benjamin and Igor Novikov played each other?
Our database records 10 games between them, from May 1998 to Jul 2026.
What openings do Joel Benjamin and Igor Novikov play against each other?
The most common opening in their games is the Indian Defense (3 games), followed by the Sicilian: Alapin (2). The full opening breakdown and every game are on this page.