BRING YOUR VISION INTO ACTION
The chess world has officially stopped spinning. Two legendary former World Champions—Viswanathan Anand and Garry Kasparov—have finally faced off in the highly anticipated Clutch Chess: The Legends exhibition match, marking the grand reopening of the newly expanded Saint Louis Chess Club. This isn’t just chess; it’s a dynamic, high-stakes battle contested over 12 games in the unpredictable Chess960 (Fischer Random) format.
The Thrill of the Format: Why Clutch Chess is Must-Watch
Forget predictable opening lines! This 12-game marathon (split between rapid and blitz) is designed for pure adrenaline. The unique Clutch Chess scoring system ensures that the drama intensifies with every passing day:
| Match Day | Points per Win | Prize Stakes | Time Control Mix |
| October 8 (Day 1) | 1 Point | Standard | Rapid (25+10) & Blitz (5+3) |
| October 9 (Day 2) | 2 Points | DOUBLED | Rapid (25+10) & Blitz (5+3) |
| October 10 (Day 3) | 3 Points | HIGHEST | Rapid (25+10) & Blitz (5+3) |
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With a total prize fund of $144,000 on the line, the strategic depth is immense. Players must balance aggressive play with the increasing value of points, a dynamic that guarantees gripping chess action.
Day 1 Recap: Kasparov Strikes First Blood
The opening day of the Clutch Chess Legends 2025 saw four intense games, leaving the rivalry poised for an explosive Day 2.
Garry Kasparov scored the crucial first win of the match, immediately setting the tone. While it was Vishy Anand who had the early chances in Game 1, the “Tiger from Madras” couldn’t convert. A relatively tame draw followed in Game 2.
The real tactical fireworks ignited in the first blitz game (5 minutes plus a 3-second increment). This complex rook and pawns endgame seemed destined for a draw, but a crucial misstep by Anand tipped the balance. Anand traded rooks at an incorrect time, handing Kasparov a decisive advantage and the win.
In the final game of Day 1, Anand managed to secure a material advantage but was unable to maintain the edge, resulting in a draw. The first four rounds confirmed that Chess960 forces both champions to operate outside their encyclopedic knowledge, relying purely on raw calculation and genius!
What’s Next? The Stakes Double on Day 2!
The action is just heating up! Day 2 is where the tension truly ramps up, as every win is worth 2 points, and the financial stakes double.
Will Anand bounce back and leverage his strategic mastery—the kind you can learn from in the Master Class Vol. 12: Viswanathan Anand—or will Kasparov continue his aggressive push?
Don’t miss a move! Day 2, Game 1 starts today at 12:00 p.m. local time (St. Louis) / 10:30 p.m. IST. Tune in to see two chess legends create history.