Maxim Matlakov vs Ian Nepomniachtchi
GM Maxim Matlakov (2599) · GM Ian Nepomniachtchi (2735)
Maxim Matlakov and Ian Nepomniachtchi have played 19 recorded games against each other, the first in Jan 2000 and the most recent in Mar 2026. Matlakov leads 3 wins to 12 - trailing overall, with 4 draws (79% of the games were decisive). Their most common battleground is the Sicilian: Taimanov (2 games). The average game between them lasted 43 moves.
Results by color
| Split | Games | Matlakov | Draws | Nepomniachtchi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matlakov with White | 7 | 1 | 1 | 5 |
| Nepomniachtchi with White | 12 | 2 | 3 | 7 |
Results by time format
| Format | Games | Matlakov | Draws | Nepomniachtchi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classical | 9 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| Blitz | 6 | 0 | 1 | 5 |
| Rapid | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
Openings in their games
| ECO | Opening | Games | Matlakov | Draws | Nepomniachtchi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B48 | Sicilian: Taimanov | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| B07 | King's Indian Defense: Fianchetto Variation | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| B10 | Caro-Kann | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| B15 | Caro-Kann: Main Line | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| B44 | English Opening | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| B46 | Sicilian | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| A28 | English Opening: Reverse Sicilian | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| A00 | Van 't Kruijs Opening | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
All games
| Date | White | Black | Result | Opening | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | Maxim Matlakov | 1-0 | Sicilian | Chess.com Open PlayIn1 |
| May 2025 | Maxim Matlakov | Ian Nepomniachtchi | 1/2-1/2 | Four Knights Game: Italian Variation | Karpov Cup - 50 years |
| Jul 2024 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | Maxim Matlakov | 1/2-1/2 | Center Game | Titled Tue Early |
| Dec 2023 | Maxim Matlakov | Ian Nepomniachtchi | 0-1 | Catalan | Moscow Dvoretsky Mem Blitz |
| Sep 2023 | Maxim Matlakov | Ian Nepomniachtchi | 0-1 | King's Indian Defense: Fianchetto Variation | Titled Tue Early |
| Jun 2023 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | Maxim Matlakov | 1-0 | Sicilian: Najdorf | Titled Tue Late |
| Apr 2022 | Maxim Matlakov | Ian Nepomniachtchi | 0-1 | Nimzo-Indian: Rubinstein System | chess.com Rapid Wk12 Swiss |
| Apr 2022 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | Maxim Matlakov | 1-0 | Sicilian: Najdorf | Chess.com Rapid Wk8 Swiss |
| Aug 2021 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | Maxim Matlakov | 0-1 | Caro-Kann: Main Line | Moscow Smyslov Region Group Cup |
| Aug 2021 | Maxim Matlakov | Ian Nepomniachtchi | 1-0 | English Opening | Moscow Smyslov Region Group Cup |
| Dec 2020 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | Maxim Matlakov | 1-0 | Indian Defense | ch-RUS 73rd |
| May 2020 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | Maxim Matlakov | 1-0 | Sicilian: Taimanov | Titled Tue |
| Dec 2019 | Maxim Matlakov | Ian Nepomniachtchi | 0-1 | Van 't Kruijs Opening | St Petersburg Zenit-Spartak Fans |
| Dec 2019 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | Maxim Matlakov | 0-1 | English Opening: Reverse Sicilian | St Petersburg Zenit-Spartak Fans |
| Oct 2015 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | Maxim Matlakov | 1-0 | Sicilian: Taimanov | Wch Rapid |
| Apr 2011 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | Maxim Matlakov | 1/2-1/2 | Sicilian: Taimanov | ch-RUS rapid |
| Jun 2004 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | Maxim Matlakov | 1/2-1/2 | Caro-Kann | World Youth Stars 2nd |
| Aug 2003 | Maxim Matlakov | Ian Nepomniachtchi | 0-1 | Sicilian: Moscow Variation | 1st World Youth Stars |
| Jan 2000 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | Maxim Matlakov | 1-0 | Sicilian: Scheveningen | ch-RUS U10 |
Interactive board, all 19 games, opening explorer and engine analysis.
Browse the gamesFrequently asked questions
What is the head-to-head score between Maxim Matlakov and Ian Nepomniachtchi?
In 19 recorded games, Maxim Matlakov has 3 wins, Ian Nepomniachtchi has 12 wins, and they have drawn 4 times.
How many times have Maxim Matlakov and Ian Nepomniachtchi played each other?
Our database records 19 games between them, from Jan 2000 to Mar 2026.
What openings do Maxim Matlakov and Ian Nepomniachtchi play against each other?
The most common opening in their games is the Sicilian: Taimanov (2 games), followed by the King's Indian Defense: Fianchetto Variation (1). The full opening breakdown and every game are on this page.