Etienne Bacrot vs Magnus Carlsen, World Blitz 2006

Benko Gambit (A58) · 0-1 (Magnus Carlsen won) · 57 moves · Round 13 · 7 September 2006

♔
White
Etienne Bacrot
0 – 1
Black
Magnus Carlsen
♚

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhiteEtienne Bacrot
  • BlackMagnus Carlsen
  • Result0-1 · Magnus Carlsen won
  • EventWorld Blitz 2006
  • Round13
  • Date7 September 2006
  • OpeningBenko Gambit (A58)
  • Length57 moves
  • Type of eventBlitz and bullet

This is game 1 of 30 between Magnus Carlsen and Etienne Bacrot in the Rama Chess database (2006–2025). In all their games Carlsen leads 18–3 with 9 draws.

Next game: Bacrot vs Carlsen, ½-½ (GpB, 2006).

The moves of Etienne Bacrot vs Magnus Carlsen, World Blitz 2006

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 b5 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.Nf3 d6 8.g3 Nbd7 9.Bg2 Bg7 10.Rb1 Nb6 11.b3 Bc8 12.Nd2 Bf5 13.e4 Bc8 14.O-O Ba6 15.Re1 Nfd7 16.Bb2 O-O 17.Nf3 Ne5 18.Nxe5 Bxe5 19.Qd2 Nd7 20.Nd1 Qb6 21.Kh1 c4 22.bxc4 Bxc4 23.Ne3 Qa6 24.Bd4 Qxa2 25.Rb2 Qa6 26.Rc1 Rfc8 27.Ng4 Bxd4 28.Qxd4 f6 29.Rbc2 Bb3 30.Rxc8+ Rxc8 31.Rxc8+ Qxc8 32.Qb2 Nc5 33.Ne3 Qa6 34.h4 Qd3 35.h5 Nxe4 36.hxg6 hxg6 37.Kh2 Nc5 38.Qa3 Qa6 39.Qb4 Qb7 40.Qg4 Kf7 41.Qh4 Kg7 42.Qg4 Qd7 43.Qb4 Qa4 44.Qb8 Qd4 45.Qd8 Qe5 46.Bh3 f5 47.Bg2 Ne4 48.Bxe4 Qxe4 49.Qd7 Kf7 50.Qb5 Ba2 51.Qa5 Bb1 52.Ng2 Qf3 53.Qe1 Be4 54.Nh4 Qh5 55.f3 Bxd5 56.Qe3 g5 57.Qd3 Be6 0-1

A full-length game in which Etienne Bacrot was paired against Magnus Carlsen at World Blitz in 2006. It was played in round 13. The game dates from the modern computer-influenced era.

The game opened with Benko Gambit (A58), a flexible, manoeuvring struggle. Openings in this group reward patient build-up and a feel for pawn structure.

Running to 57 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.

When the dust settled, Magnus Carlsen 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 Etienne Bacrot?

In the 30 games between them in our database (2006 to 2025) Carlsen leads 18–3 with 9 draws. This game is number 1 of 30.

Where and when was Etienne Bacrot vs Magnus Carlsen played?

At the World Blitz, round 13, on 7 September 2006.

Who played this game?

This game was played between Etienne Bacrot (White) and Magnus Carlsen (Black), at World Blitz in 2006.

What opening was played?

The game used Benko Gambit (ECO code A58). A flexible, manoeuvring struggle.

What was the result?

Magnus Carlsen won with the black pieces.

How long was the game?

The game lasted 57 moves (114 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 Benko Gambit collection, Magnus Carlsen's complete game archive, and thousands more grandmaster games in the RamaChess archive.

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