Levon Aronian vs Magnus Carlsen, Goldmoney Asian Rapid KO 2021

French Defense (C01) · 1-0 (Levon Aronian won) · 34 moves · Round 2.24 · 2 July 2021

♔
White
Levon Aronian
1 – 0
Black
Magnus Carlsen
♚

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhiteLevon Aronian
  • BlackMagnus Carlsen
  • Result1-0 · Levon Aronian won
  • EventGoldmoney Asian Rapid KO 2021
  • Round2.24
  • Date2 July 2021
  • OpeningFrench Defense (C01)
  • Length34 moves
  • Type of eventRapid

This is game 181 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, 0-1 (Goldmoney Asian Rapid KO, 2021).

Next game: Carlsen vs Aronian, ½-½ (Goldmoney Asian Rapid KO, 2021).

The moves of Levon Aronian vs Magnus Carlsen, Goldmoney Asian Rapid KO 2021

1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Nf3 Bd6 5.c4 Nf6 6.Nc3 dxc4 7.Bxc4 O-O 8.O-O Nc6 9.h3 h6 10.Re1 a6 11.a3 Bf5 12.Ne5 Bxe5 13.dxe5 Qxd1 14.Nxd1 Nd7 15.e6 fxe6 16.Bf4 Nd4 17.Ne3 Bd3 18.Rad1 Rxf4 19.Rxd3 c5 20.Bxe6+ Nxe6 21.Rxd7 Rf7 22.Rd5 Rd8 23.Rxd8+ Nxd8 24.Rd1 Ne6 25.Rd6 Nd4 26.Kf1 Nb3 27.Rb6 Nd2+ 28.Ke2 Ne4 29.f3 Nf6 30.Kd3 Rd7+ 31.Kc4 Rd4+ 32.Kxc5 Rd3 33.Ng4 Nd7+ 34.Kc4 1-0

In this encounter Levon Aronian had the white pieces against Magnus Carlsen at Goldmoney Asian Rapid KO in 2021. The game dates from the contemporary engine era.

From French Defense (C01) the players entered classical development and rapid piece play. Such positions test classical principles: development, centre, king safety.

Lasting 34 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.

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

When the dust settled, Levon Aronian won with the white pieces. 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 181 of 237.

Where and when was Levon Aronian vs Magnus Carlsen played?

At the Goldmoney Asian Rapid KO, round 2.24, on 2 July 2021.

Who played this game?

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

What opening was played?

The game used French Defense (ECO code C01). Classical development and rapid piece play.

What was the result?

Levon Aronian won with the white pieces.

How long was the game?

The game lasted 34 moves (67 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.

More chess on YouTube: Stockfish100 Best Chess Channel