Garry Kasparov holds a narrow 2½-1½ lead over Vishy Anand after the opening day of Clutch Chess: The Legends, a three-day Chess960 exhibition at the newly reopened Saint Louis Chess Club. Thirty years after their 1995 World Championship encounter in New York, the two former world champions renewed their rivalry in a match combining rapid and blitz games with escalating stakes.
Day one featured the first four games, all played from position number 635, as each day of the event uses a single randomly drawn Chess960 setup.
Before play began, the participants were allowed a short preparation window with the assistance of grandmasters — Le Quang Liem for Anand and Fabiano Caruana for Kasparov. The day consisted of two rapid games followed by two blitz encounters.
Vishy Anand analysing with Le Quang Liem | Photo: Lennart Ootes
The match opened with an exciting struggle in which both players had chances. Kasparov, who was reportedly feeling unwell and skipped the opening ceremony, entered the match without great expectations. Both navigated the middlegame confidently, exchanging small advantages before agreeing to a draw in an equal ending.
The initial handshake | Photo: Lennart Ootes
The second rapid game was steadier, with Anand finding himself under pressure as Kasparov pressed from the white side. Kasparov, the 13th world champion, described the position as one where he could "smell the win" - although he maintained a slight initiative throughout, Anand defended accurately to secure another half point.
Vishy Anand, the 15th world chess champion | Photo: Lennart Ootes
The switch to blitz brought more chaos. Kasparov willingly ventured into complications, placing a pawn on f5 and a rook on d4 with a big advantage. However, his control slipped as Anand countered energetically and soon appeared on the verge of victory.
At one moment, Kasparov even considered resignation when faced with Anand's 42.d5 threat — until he discovered a hidden defensive resource that set a subtle trap.
Anand captured a rook, only to find himself unable to stop two far-advanced passed pawns. Kasparov converted the endgame efficiently to score the day's only win.
Fully focused | Photo: Lennart Ootes
Momentum seemed to favour Kasparov heading into the final blitz game, though he later admitted that his plan to play "something crazy" quickly backfired. Anand capitalised on a tactical oversight, winning a piece early on.
He chose to return the extra material to simplify into a favourable endgame, but a few inaccuracies allowed Kasparov to fight back. The 13th World Champion resisted stubbornly and eventually held a draw, closing the session with a small but meaningful lead.
Play continues on Wednesday with another four games - two rapid and two blitz - as the stakes and point values increase in this innovative Clutch Chess format.
Garry Kasparov being interviewed by Anastasiya Karlovich | Photo: Lennart Ootes
