Magnus Carlsen vs Levon Aronian, NIC Classic KO 2021

Sicilian Defense (B51) · 1-0 (Magnus Carlsen won) · 37 moves · Round 2.24 · 30 April 2021

♔
White
Magnus Carlsen
1 – 0
Black
Levon Aronian
♚
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Moves
0 / 73

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhiteMagnus Carlsen
  • BlackLevon Aronian
  • Result1-0 · Magnus Carlsen won
  • EventNIC Classic KO 2021
  • Round2.24
  • Date30 April 2021
  • OpeningSicilian Defense (B51)
  • Length37 moves
  • Type of eventRapid

This is game 174 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: Aronian vs Carlsen, ½-½ (NIC Classic KO 2021, 2021).

Next game: Aronian vs Carlsen, 1-0 (Goldmoney Asian Prelim, 2021).

Carlsen vs Aronian: all 237 gamesAll Carlsen games at NIC Classic KO 2021Carlsen in the Sicilian DefenseCarlsen games of 2021Levon Aronian profile

The moves of Magnus Carlsen vs Levon Aronian, NIC Classic KO 2021

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bb5+ Nc6 4.O-O Bd7 5.Re1 e5 6.c3 g5 7.d4 g4 8.Nfd2 exd4 9.Na3 Qf6 10.cxd4 cxd4 11.e5 dxe5 12.Nac4 O-O-O 13.Bxc6 Bxc6 14.Nxe5 Bd5 15.Qxg4+ Qe6 16.Qxe6+ Bxe6 17.Ndf3 Bb4 18.Rd1 Rd5 19.Bf4 Bc5 20.Rac1 Kd8 21.Nxf7+ Bxf7 22.Be5 Ne7 23.Bxh8 Nc6 24.Rxc5 Rxc5 25.Nxd4 Kc7 26.Nxc6 Kxc6 27.a3 Rd5 28.Rxd5 Kxd5 29.f3 Kc4 30.Kf2 Kd3 31.Bc3 b5 32.g4 a6 33.Kg3 Ke3 34.f4 Ke4 35.f5 h5 36.h3 hxg4 37.hxg4 1-0

Magnus Carlsen and Levon Aronian met over the board in this middlegame battle at NIC Classic KO 2021 in 2021. The game dates from the contemporary engine era.

Play followed Sicilian Defense (B51) — sharp, double-edged play. These lines often lead to opposite-side castling and a race to attack.

Lasting 37 moves, the game was settled in the middlegame, where piece activity, pawn breaks and king safety all collide.

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

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 174 of 237.

Where and when was Magnus Carlsen vs Levon Aronian played?

At the NIC Classic KO 2021, round 2.24, on 30 April 2021.

Who played this game?

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

What opening was played?

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

What was the result?

Magnus Carlsen won with the white pieces.

How long was the game?

The game lasted 37 moves (73 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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