GMs Fabiano Caruana and Cristian Chirila (aka Team C-Squared) won the inaugural 2024 Team Chess Battle on Friday. In the Final, they defeated the commentary dream team of GMs Daniel Naroditsky and Robert Hess 1.5-0.5.

In game one, they properly dismantled the Alekhine’s Defense with the white pieces. Needing just a draw, they found a powerful exchange sacrifice and ended the second game with a perpetual check.

They split $7,000 and, more importantly, bragging rights until the next one rolls around.

GM Rafael Leitao shares his detailed notes on the Game of the Day below. (To be added later.)

Team Chess Battle is an event where two-player teams can freely communicate while facing other teams in a series of rapid chess games. Eight teams of two players each compete in a single-elimination bracket. Matches consist of two games (the Final is a four-game match) with a 10+10 time control. The event starts on February 21 and features a $25,000 prize fund.

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