About This Game
In this encounter Magnus Carlsen had the white pieces against Peng Zhaoqin at GMC in 2004. It was played in round 2. The game dates from the modern computer-influenced era.
From French Defense (C02) the players entered classical development and rapid piece play. Such positions test classical principles: development, centre, king safety.
Running to 44 moves, the game moved through a full middlegame into an endgame, showing how an advantage is carried between phases.
Magnus Carlsen is one of the grandmasters featured in the RamaChess archive, where you can browse their complete game collection, favourite openings and notable wins.
Replaying a complete grandmaster game shows not just the moves, but the order in which plans appear and where the balance finally tips.
In the end, Magnus Carlsen won with the white pieces. Use the board above to replay every move, switch to the analyser for engine evaluation, or open Practice mode to test your own ideas.
Frequently asked questions
Who played this game?
This game was played between Magnus Carlsen (White) and Peng Zhaoqin (Black), at GMC in 2004.
What opening was played?
The game used French Defense (ECO code C02). Classical development and rapid piece play.
What was the result?
Magnus Carlsen won with the white pieces.
How long was the game?
The game lasted 44 moves (87 plies).
Can I replay this game move by move?
Yes. Use the interactive board on this page to step through every move, or open the analyser and Practice mode.
Where can I find more games like this?
Browse the full French Defense collection, Magnus Carlsen's complete game archive, and thousands more grandmaster games in the RamaChess archive.