Clutch Chess 2026: Topalov Leads Kasparov After Two Days

Veselin Topalov leads Garry Kasparov in the 2026 Clutch Chess Legends Chess960 match in St. Louis after winning both of the first two days.

Two former world champions are back at the board in St. Louis. The 2026 Clutch Chess: The Legends event is a match between Garry Kasparov and Veselin Topalov, and after two days Topalov is in front.

The match is played in Chess960, also called Fischer Random. In Chess960 the pieces on the back rank start in a shuffled order, the same for both players. The pawns stay in their usual places. Because the starting position changes, players cannot rely on memorised opening moves and must think for themselves from move one. Each day uses a new starting position.

The match mixes rapid games, with 25 minutes plus 10 seconds per move, and blitz games, with 5 minutes plus 3 seconds.

On the first day Topalov won the opening rapid game and the first blitz game. Kasparov struck back by winning the final blitz game of the day, and the other game was drawn. Topalov took the day by 2.5 points to 1.5.

The second day started with two drawn rapid games. Then Topalov won both blitz games, including one with the black pieces, to win the day 3-1.

Kasparov is one of the most famous players in chess history, and he is still a dangerous competitor. One more day of play remains, and anything can happen in fast Chess960.

Chess960 is a great format for students. Because opening memory does not help, it rewards the skills that matter most: piece activity, king safety, controlling the centre and calculating tactics. If you feel you spend too much time memorising openings, try a few Chess960 games with friends. You will quickly find out how well you understand the basic principles of chess.

The final day of the match takes place today in St. Louis.