Magnus Carlsen vs Levon Aronian, FIDE WCh KO 2004

Nimzo-Indian Defense (E32) · ½-½ (Draw) · 31 moves · Round 1.1 · 19 June 2004

♔
White
Magnus Carlsen
½ – ½
Black
Levon Aronian
♚

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhiteMagnus Carlsen
  • BlackLevon Aronian
  • Result½-½ · Draw
  • EventFIDE WCh KO 2004
  • Round1.1
  • Date19 June 2004
  • OpeningNimzo-Indian Defense (E32)
  • Length31 moves
  • Type of eventOther events

This is game 2 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 (Blitz, 2004).

Next game: Aronian vs Carlsen, ½-½ (FIDE WCh KO, 2004).

The moves of Magnus Carlsen vs Levon Aronian, FIDE WCh KO 2004

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2 O-O 5.e4 d5 6.e5 Ne4 7.Bd3 c5 8.cxd5 exd5 9.Ne2 cxd4 10.Nxd4 Nd7 11.f4 Qh4+ 12.g3 Qh3 13.Bd2 Nxd2 14.Qxd2 Nc5 15.Bf1 Qh6 16.Bg2 Qa6 17.Qe2 b6 18.Bxd5 Nd3+ 19.Kf1 Bh3+ 20.Bg2 Bxg2+ 21.Kxg2 Rfd8 22.Ncb5 Rxd4 23.Nxd4 Rd8 24.Qe4 Qc4 25.b3 Qxd4 26.Qxd4 Rxd4 27.Rad1 Bd2 28.Rhf1 g5 29.Kf3 Nb2 30.Rb1 Nd3 31.Rbd1 Nb2 1/2-1/2

A middlegame battle in which Magnus Carlsen was paired against Levon Aronian at FIDE WCh KO in 2004. The game dates from the modern computer-influenced era.

From Nimzo-Indian Defense (E32) the players entered a strategic battle of structure and activity. In these systems both sides manoeuvre carefully before committing.

Lasting 31 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.

In the end, 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 2 of 237.

Where and when was Magnus Carlsen vs Levon Aronian played?

At the FIDE WCh KO, round 1.1, on 19 June 2004.

Who played this game?

This game was played between Magnus Carlsen (White) and Levon Aronian (Black), at FIDE WCh KO in 2004.

What opening was played?

The game used Nimzo-Indian Defense (ECO code E32). A strategic battle of structure and activity.

What was the result?

The game was drawn between Magnus Carlsen and Levon Aronian.

How long was the game?

The game lasted 31 moves (62 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 Nimzo-Indian Defense collection, Magnus Carlsen's complete game archive, and thousands more grandmaster games in the RamaChess archive.

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