Magnus Carlsen vs Levon Aronian, Amber Rapid 2008

Ruy Lopez (C67) · 0-1 (Levon Aronian won) · 43 moves · Round 4 · 18 March 2008

♔
White
Magnus Carlsen
0 – 1
Black
Levon Aronian
♚
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Moves
0 / 85

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhiteMagnus Carlsen
  • BlackLevon Aronian
  • Result0-1 · Levon Aronian won
  • EventAmber Rapid 2008
  • Round4
  • Date18 March 2008
  • OpeningRuy Lopez (C67)
  • Length43 moves
  • Type of eventRapid

This is game 28 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 (Amber Blindfold, 2008).

Next game: Aronian vs Carlsen, 0-1 (Grand Slam Final, 2008).

Carlsen vs Aronian: all 237 gamesAll Carlsen games at Amber RapidCarlsen in the Ruy LopezCarlsen games of 2008Levon Aronian profile

The moves of Magnus Carlsen vs Levon Aronian, Amber Rapid 2008

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6 4.O-O Nxe4 5.d4 Nd6 6.Bxc6 dxc6 7.dxe5 Nf5 8.Qxd8+ Kxd8 9.Nc3 Bd7 10.b3 Be7 11.Bb2 Kc8 12.Rad1 h6 13.g4 Nh4 14.Nxh4 Bxh4 15.h3 h5 16.f3 Be7 17.Ne4 Be6 18.Ng3 g6 19.Ne2 a5 20.Nf4 a4 21.Nxe6 fxe6 22.Kg2 b5 23.f4 hxg4 24.hxg4 axb3 25.axb3 Rh4 26.Kg3 Ra2 27.Rb1 Kb7 28.Rf2 Rh8 29.Rh2 Rxh2 30.Kxh2 c5 31.Kg3 Kc6 32.c4 bxc4 33.bxc4 Ra4 34.Rc1 Rb4 35.Rc2 Rb3+ 36.Bc3 Rb1 37.Bd2 Rg1+ 38.Kf3 Bh4 39.g5 Rg3+ 40.Ke4 Rg2 41.Kd3 Bg3 42.Rc3 Bf2 43.Ra3 0-1

In this encounter Magnus Carlsen had the white pieces against Levon Aronian at Amber Rapid in 2008. It was played in round 4. The game dates from the modern computer-influenced era.

Play followed Ruy Lopez (C67) — classical development and rapid piece play. Such positions test classical principles: development, centre, king safety.

Running to 43 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, Levon Aronian won with the black 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 28 of 237.

Where and when was Magnus Carlsen vs Levon Aronian played?

At the Amber Rapid, round 4, on 18 March 2008.

Who played this game?

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

What opening was played?

The game used Ruy Lopez (ECO code C67). Classical development and rapid piece play.

What was the result?

Levon Aronian won with the black pieces.

How long was the game?

The game lasted 43 moves (85 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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