Levon Aronian vs Magnus Carlsen, FIDE WCh KO 2004

Caro-Kann Defense (B10) · ½-½ (Draw) · 19 moves · Round 1.2 · 20 June 2004

♔
White
Levon Aronian
½ – ½
Black
Magnus Carlsen
♚

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhiteLevon Aronian
  • BlackMagnus Carlsen
  • Result½-½ · Draw
  • EventFIDE WCh KO 2004
  • Round1.2
  • Date20 June 2004
  • OpeningCaro-Kann Defense (B10)
  • Length19 moves
  • Type of eventKnockout tie-breaks

This is game 3 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 (FIDE WCh KO, 2004).

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

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

1.c4 c6 2.e4 d5 3.exd5 cxd5 4.cxd5 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nxd5 6.Nf3 Nxc3 7.bxc3 g6 8.d4 Bg7 9.Bd3 O-O 10.O-O Nc6 11.Re1 Bg4 12.Be4 e5 13.dxe5 Qxd1 14.Rxd1 Bxe5 15.Rb1 Bxc3 16.Rxb7 Rad8 17.Rf1 Nd4 18.Bg5 Rd7 19.Rxd7 1/2-1/2

This brisk miniature sees Levon Aronian take on Magnus Carlsen at FIDE WCh KO in 2004. The game dates from the modern computer-influenced era.

Play followed Caro-Kann Defense (B10) — sharp, double-edged play. These lines often lead to opposite-side castling and a race to attack.

The game was a sharp, short fight of 19 moves. Decisive games like this often hinge on a single tactical idea, making them good study material for spotting mistakes early.

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, the game was drawn between Levon Aronian and Magnus Carlsen. 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 3 of 237.

Where and when was Levon Aronian vs Magnus Carlsen played?

At the FIDE WCh KO, round 1.2, on 20 June 2004.

Who played this game?

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

What opening was played?

The game used Caro-Kann Defense (ECO code B10). Sharp, double-edged play.

What was the result?

The game was drawn between Levon Aronian and Magnus Carlsen.

How long was the game?

The game lasted 19 moves (37 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 Caro-Kann Defense collection, Magnus Carlsen's complete game archive, and thousands more grandmaster games in the RamaChess archive.

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