Magnus Carlsen vs Levon Aronian, 7th Tal Mem Blitz 2012

Ruy Lopez (C65) · 0-1 (Levon Aronian won) · 34 moves · Round 2 · 7 June 2012

♔
White
Magnus Carlsen
0 – 1
Black
Levon Aronian
♚

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhiteMagnus Carlsen
  • BlackLevon Aronian
  • Result0-1 · Levon Aronian won
  • Event7th Tal Mem Blitz 2012
  • Round2
  • Date7 June 2012
  • OpeningRuy Lopez (C65)
  • Length34 moves
  • Type of eventBlitz and bullet

This is game 53 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, 1-0 (74th Tata Steel GMA, 2012).

Next game: Carlsen vs Aronian, ½-½ (7th Mikhail Tal Memorial, 2012).

The moves of Magnus Carlsen vs Levon Aronian, 7th Tal Mem Blitz 2012

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6 4.d4 exd4 5.O-O a6 6.Bxc6 dxc6 7.Nxd4 Be7 8.f3 O-O 9.Be3 Nd7 10.Nc3 Ne5 11.Qe2 Bb4 12.Nd1 c5 13.Nb3 c4 14.Nd4 c5 15.Nf5 Bxf5 16.exf5 Re8 17.Nf2 Nc6 18.Ne4 Nd4 19.Bxd4 Qxd4+ 20.Kh1 Qxb2 21.a3 Ba5 22.Rab1 Qe5 23.Rxb7 Qxf5 24.Qxc4 Qe6 25.Qxc5 Bd8 26.Qd4 Be7 27.Rb6 Qa2 28.c4 Qxa3 29.c5 a5 30.Ra1 Rad8 31.Nd6 Bf6 32.Rxa3 Bxd4 33.Nxe8 Bxc5 34.Rd6 Rxe8 0-1

A middlegame battle in which Magnus Carlsen was paired against Levon Aronian at 7th Tal Mem Blitz in 2012. It was played in round 2. The game dates from the modern computer-influenced era.

Play followed Ruy Lopez (C65) — 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.

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, Levon Aronian won with the black 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 53 of 237.

Where and when was Magnus Carlsen vs Levon Aronian played?

At the 7th Tal Mem Blitz, round 2, on 7 June 2012.

Who played this game?

This game was played between Magnus Carlsen (White) and Levon Aronian (Black), at 7th Tal Mem Blitz in 2012.

What opening was played?

The game used Ruy Lopez (ECO code C65). 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 34 moves (68 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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