Magnus Carlsen vs Levon Aronian, Magnus Carlsen Inv KO 2021

Sicilian Defense (B51) · ½-½ (Draw) · 47 moves · Round 1.13 · 16 March 2021

♔
White
Magnus Carlsen
½ – ½
Black
Levon Aronian
♚
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Moves
0 / 94

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhiteMagnus Carlsen
  • BlackLevon Aronian
  • Result½-½ · Draw
  • EventMagnus Carlsen Inv KO 2021
  • Round1.13
  • Date16 March 2021
  • OpeningSicilian Defense (B51)
  • Length47 moves
  • Type of eventRapid

This is game 160 of 237 between Magnus Carlsen and Levon Aronian in the Rama Chess database (2004–2024). In all their games Carlsen leads 82–40 with 115 draws.

Previous game: Carlsen vs Aronian, ½-½ (Magnus Carlsen Inv Prelim, 2021).

Next game: Aronian vs Carlsen, 0-1 (Magnus Carlsen Inv KO, 2021).

Carlsen vs Aronian: all 237 gamesAll Carlsen games at Magnus Carlsen Inv KOCarlsen in the Sicilian DefenseCarlsen games of 2021Levon Aronian profile

The moves of Magnus Carlsen vs Levon Aronian, Magnus Carlsen Inv KO 2021

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bb5+ Nd7 4.d4 cxd4 5.Qxd4 a6 6.Bxd7+ Bxd7 7.c4 e6 8.Nc3 Bc6 9.O-O Be7 10.Rd1 Nf6 11.Qd3 O-O 12.Nd4 Qa5 13.Nxc6 bxc6 14.Bd2 Qh5 15.h3 Rfd8 16.Bf4 g5 17.Qg3 Ne8 18.Be3 c5 19.e5 dxe5 20.Rxd8 Rxd8 21.Qxe5 Qg6 22.Bxc5 Bf6 23.Qe2 Bxc3 24.bxc3 Qd3 25.Qxd3 Rxd3 26.Rb1 f6 27.Rb8 Kf7 28.Rb7+ Kg6 29.Bf8 Rd8 30.c5 Rc8 31.Rb6 Kf7 32.Bd6 Nxd6 33.cxd6 Rxc3 34.Rxa6 Rc1+ 35.Kh2 e5 36.g4 Ke6 37.d7+ Kxd7 38.Rxf6 Rc2 39.Kg3 Rxa2 40.Rf5 Ra3+ 41.Kg2 Ke6 42.Rxg5 Ra7 43.Rf5 Rb7 44.Kg3 Rb3+ 45.Kg2 Rb7 46.Kg3 Rb3+ 47.Kg2 Rb7 1/2-1/2

Magnus Carlsen and Levon Aronian met over the board in this full-length game at Magnus Carlsen Inv KO in 2021. The game dates from the contemporary engine era.

From Sicilian Defense (B51) the players entered sharp, double-edged play. These lines often lead to opposite-side castling and a race to attack.

Running to 47 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.

Games like this are useful at every level: opening principles for beginners, middlegame plans for club players, fine technique for experts.

After the contest, the game was drawn between Magnus Carlsen and Levon Aronian. Step through the moves on the interactive board above and try the position trainer to sharpen your own play.

Frequently asked questions

What is the head-to-head record of Magnus Carlsen and Levon Aronian?

In the 237 games between them in our database (2004 to 2024) Carlsen leads 82–40 with 115 draws. This game is number 160 of 237.

Where and when was Magnus Carlsen vs Levon Aronian played?

At the Magnus Carlsen Inv KO, round 1.13, on 16 March 2021.

Who played this game?

This game was played between Magnus Carlsen (White) and Levon Aronian (Black), at Magnus Carlsen Inv KO in 2021.

What opening was played?

The game used Sicilian Defense (ECO code B51). Sharp, double-edged play.

What was the result?

The game was drawn between Magnus Carlsen and Levon Aronian.

How long was the game?

The game lasted 47 moves (94 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 Sicilian Defense collection, Magnus Carlsen's complete game archive, and thousands more grandmaster games in the RamaChess archive.

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