GM Wesley So scored the first victory at the 2023 Sinquefield Cup on Friday. When GM Richard Rapport sacrificed for dynamic ideas in the King’s Indian Defense, So navigated his way to safety while increasing his material edge.

GMs Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Alireza Firouzja were also on the verge of gaining decisive advantages, but at critical moments they overlooked tactical opportunities. 

The Sinquefield Cup continues with round five on Saturday, November 25, at 2:30 p.m. ET/20:30 CET/1 a.m. IST.

Standings After Round 4

After playing round three on Thanksgiving Day, the players and organizers celebrated the holiday with a feast together.  

If you ever wondered how chess players celebrate Thanksgiving during the tournament?🎉 Watch the video and find out! #SinquefieldCup #chess #thanksgiving  #celebration #grandchesstour pic.twitter.com/sfVdIEqb2t

— Grand Chess Tour (@GrandChessTour) November 24, 2023

As round four began, one question lingered in the air, would the day bring the first decisive game?

GM Hikaru Nakamura shared his thoughts.

Hikaru predicts four long games today and thinks Nepomniachtchi may beat Caruana, but that So-Rapport, with Richie forcing Wesley to play a fighting game, is the game to watch! https://t.co/ukQaVFtVTB #SinquefieldCup pic.twitter.com/u5hHSelI1n

— chess24.com (@chess24com) November 24, 2023

So vs. Rapport

So was surprised by Rapport’s choice of the King’s Indian Defense: “I didn’t expect the King’s Indian because it takes a lot of courage to play in a classical game.” Despite catching his opponent by surprise, Rapport struggled to equalize.

Facing a daunting defensive task in a worse position, Rapport sacrificed the exchange with the hopes of generating counterplay. So revealed: “Objectively, he has to defend a bad position, but I don’t think it’s his style with the bad bishop.” The first victory of the event is our Game of the Day, with analysis by GM Rafael Leitao coming soon.

A fantastic interview with the solo leader of the Sinquefield Cup who broke the draws loop, GM Wesley So!💥#SinquefieldCup #grandchesstour pic.twitter.com/lcyCuf9Dqo

— Grand Chess Tour (@GrandChessTour) November 25, 2023

#SinquefieldCup pic.twitter.com/GFt8eV0gw2

— Chris Bird (@ChrisBirdIA) November 24, 2023

Giri vs. Vachier-Lagrave

GMs Anish Giri and Vachier-Lagrave reached complications early in their game. On move 11, a series of tactical blows erupted, requiring precision from both players. How did Giri maintain his slight first-move advantage in the position below?

White to move.

The smoke eventually cleared, leaving Giri with a rook and pawn against Vachier-Lagrave’s bishop and knight. After reaching equality, the French grandmaster outplayed his opponent to gain better piece coordination. When Giri made an error, Vachier-Lagrave was presented with a tactical chance. 

Firouzja vs. Dominguez

Firouzja vs. GM Leinier Dominguez was another game on the verge of a decisive result. Firouzja felt the critical moment is on move 25: “I think here I came the closest to winning.”

Nepomniachtchi vs. Caruana

Fueled by dynamic piece play, GM Ian Nepomniachtchi turned his hanging pawns into a force in the center vs. GM Fabiano Caruana. Yet, the two-time challenger pushed these pawns too quickly and allowed Caruana to escape the pressure. 

Pairings – Round 4

Pairings – Round 5

How to watch the 2023 Sinquefield Cup