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The American Cup 2025: Nakamura’s Catalan Masterclass Over Caruana

The American Cup 2025, Round 4, featured a battle between Hikaru Nakamura and Fabiano Caruana. Nakamura played the Catalan Opening, using positional play to outmaneuver Caruana. With expert exchanges and flawless endgame technique, he secured a brilliant victory in 51 moves.

Opening: Nakamura’s Catalan Control

  • 4. g3 – A classic Catalan fianchetto, controlling the long diagonal.
  • 9. Nb1 b4 – Caruana aggressively pushes on the queenside.
  • 13. Qxc2 – Nakamura calmly regains the sacrificed pawn with strong piece coordination.

Middlegame: Nakamura Takes Control

  • 20. Qxd4 – Simplifying into an endgame with superior piece activity.
  • 25. Rxd4 – Nakamura dominates the d-file, restricting Black’s counterplay.
  • 30. Rxd7 – White's rook invades, securing a positional advantage.

Endgame: Nakamura’s Technical Precision

  • 34. e4! – Hikaru centralizes his pieces and pushes forward.
  • 40. f5! – The winning break—White's pawns become unstoppable.
  • 50. Kc4 – With no counterplay left, Caruana resigns.

Play through the Game

Watch the Full Analysis by Hikaru Himself

For another high-level chess battle, check out Giri’s victory over Praggnanandhaa at Prague Chess Festival 2025: Read More.