Magnus Carlsen vs Levon Aronian, Corus A 2008

Ruy Lopez (C84) · ½-½ (Draw) · 36 moves · Round 4 · 15 January 2008

♔
White
Magnus Carlsen
½ – ½
Black
Levon Aronian
♚

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhiteMagnus Carlsen
  • BlackLevon Aronian
  • Result½-½ · Draw
  • EventCorus A 2008
  • Round4
  • Date15 January 2008
  • OpeningRuy Lopez (C84)
  • Length36 moves
  • Type of eventClassical

This is game 24 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 (WCh Candidates s/f, 2007).

Next game: Carlsen vs Aronian, 1-0 (XXV SuperGM, 2008).

The moves of Magnus Carlsen vs Levon Aronian, Corus A 2008

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.d3 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.a4 b4 9.Nbd2 Na5 10.Ba2 O-O 11.c3 c5 12.cxb4 cxb4 13.Nc4 Rb8 14.Re1 Nc6 15.Ne3 Be6 16.Bxe6 fxe6 17.Nc4 Nd7 18.Ncd2 Nc5 19.Nb3 Nxb3 20.Qxb3 Rxf3 21.gxf3 Nd4 22.Qd1 Qf8 23.Kg2 Qf6 24.Be3 Rf8 25.Bxd4 exd4 26.e5 Qg5+ 27.Kh1 d5 28.Rc1 Qf5 29.Rc7 Bg5 30.Rg1 g6 31.f4 Qxf4 32.Qg4 Qxe5 33.Ra7 Rf5 34.a5 Bh6 35.Qg3 Qe2 36.Qc7 1/2-1/2

A middlegame battle in which Magnus Carlsen was paired against Levon Aronian at Corus A in 2008. It was played in round 4. The game dates from the modern computer-influenced era.

From Ruy Lopez (C84) the players entered classical development and rapid piece play. Such positions test classical principles: development, centre, king safety.

Lasting 36 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 24 of 237.

Where and when was Magnus Carlsen vs Levon Aronian played?

At the Corus A, round 4, on 15 January 2008.

Who played this game?

This game was played between Magnus Carlsen (White) and Levon Aronian (Black), at Corus A in 2008.

What opening was played?

The game used Ruy Lopez (ECO code C84). Classical development and rapid piece play.

What was the result?

The game was drawn between Magnus Carlsen and Levon Aronian.

How long was the game?

The game lasted 36 moves (71 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 Ruy Lopez collection, Magnus Carlsen's complete game archive, and thousands more grandmaster games in the RamaChess archive.

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