Fantasy Chess Match: Wesley So vs José Raúl Capablanca

Match 6: Wesley So vs José Raúl Capablanca

Game 1 – Capablanca’s Pure Harmony (Capablanca 1–0)
Capablanca wins seemingly effortlessly—every piece flows to the perfect square. So is slowly positionally outmaneuvered.

Game 2 – The Subtle Grind (Capablanca 2–0)
So defends well but Capablanca’s pressure never stops. A small simplification wins a pawn and the game.

Game 3 – Capablanca’s Flow Continues (Capablanca 3–0)
So enters a theoretical line but underestimates Capablanca’s intuitive sense. Capablanca wins a clean positional game.

Game 4 – So Strikes Back (Capablanca 3–1)
So attacks the kingside with modern sharpness. Capablanca misjudges the complications; So finishes with a mating net.

Game 5 – The Fortress (Capablanca 3–1)
Both play perfectly. A dead-drawn fortress arises. Neither side can break in.

Game 6 – So’s Last Breath (Capablanca 3–2)
So equalizes the match after a sharp middlegame that Capablanca cannot neutralize.

Game 7 – Capablanca’s Endgame Perfection (Capablanca 4–3)
A tiny edge becomes a winning bishop vs knight endgame. Capablanca finishes with legendary elegance.

Result: Capablanca wins 4–3

Fantasy Chess Match Rules

Round of 16
Match 1: Garry Kasparov vs Alexander Alekhine
Match 2: Wilhelm Steinitz vs Paul Morphy
Match 3: Bobby Fischer vs Hikaru Nakamura
Match 4: Mikhail Botvinnik vs Fabiano Caruana
Match 5: Magnus Carlsen vs Mikhail Tal