---
title: April game of the month by CCS
description: Excellent precision and very good plays, almost sacrifices and proper use of the time
image: https://image.lichess1.org/display?fmt=webp&h=550&op=thumbnail&path=B8Vq7bCMtx7W.webp&w=880&sig=7f3e3e28c7f10d959e77de5c5b44849e87885241
---

**NOTE**: This comes from the Team *[Core Chess Study](https://lichess.org/team/core-chess-study)* team, NOT from **Lichess.**

## Game of the Month April

* **When was it played?**: On April 23, 2026, the game ended exactly at 13:58 UTC *(Coordinated Universal Time).*
* **Who played?: *@MonkeyAra*** played with white and won the game and ***@e-nigma9*** played with black and lost the game
* **Opening:** Defense Alekhine, Variation Escandinava *(1. e4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5)*

## Study

*You can see the study with the long analysis of the match and more details about the game of the month*

https://lichess.org/study/o9eohTJj

## Analysis

@MonkeyAra played a highly resilient game on April 23, 2026, at 13:58 UTC, showcasing a remarkable ability to transform a losing position into a brilliant tactical victory through sheer persistence. Although the opening 2. Nc3?! was strategically imprecise and the middlegame was marred by a serious blunder that left the King exposed, @MonkeyAra redeemed the performance with an aggressive kingside counter-attack that culminated in the stunning 20. Bxd4!!. This move, while missing an immediate mate, was a move of high admiration as it psychologically dismantled the opponent. By masterfully executing the "Windmill" tactic with the powerful 21. Rxg7+!, they demonstrated a sharp instinct for using the 7th rank to paralyze the enemy King, ultimately forcing a resignation through a dominant display of tactical opportunism that overcame their earlier technical weaknesses.

## Game of the next month

Put your best game on here https://lichess.org/forum/team-core-chess-study/ccs-game-of-the-month-contest--june