Giri vs Aravindh • Prague Masters 2025 • Prague, Czech Republic (2025) • QGD (D31)
Francisco Yepes Barrera
1 min read
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The game between Anish Giri and Aravindh Chithambaram VR was played in Round 7 of the 7th Prague Masters 2025, a closed round-robin tournament held in Prague.
According to the official PGN, both players had virtually identical ratings at the time of the game (2728 vs. 2729), and the encounter resulted in a decisive win for Black—the opening leading to a position that evolved gradually from a balanced structure into a complex middlegame.
The game followed a Queen’s Gambit Declined (ECO D31), beginning with 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Be7, and an early central exchange after 4.cxd5 exd5. White developed with 5.Bf4 and 6.e3, while Black adopted a solid setup with 6…Bf5 and 7…c6.
After 8.Nh4 Bg4 9.Qc2 Nbd7, both sides completed development without immediate confrontation. Black then committed to a fixed pawn structure with 12…f5, defining the central tension. Following castling on both sides (13…O-O 14.O-O), the position remained tense but stable.
White attempted to gain space on the kingside with 19.g4, increasing the level of complexity. Black responded with 19…Qe7 and prepared central play. The opening of the center with 25…d4 and 26…dxe3 marked the transition to a tactical phase, exposing the White king.
After 27.gxf5 gxf5 and 28…f4, Black obtained active piece play and a material and positional advantage. A sequence of exchanges, including 30…Rxf3 and 33…Rxf3, simplified the position while preserving Black’s initiative.
After 39…Bxh1, Black won material and achieved a decisive advantage.
