Magnus Carlsen vs Etienne Bacrot, Biel Exhibition Blitz 2012
Sicilian Defense (B31) · 0-1 (Etienne Bacrot won) · 39 moves · Round 1.3 · 22 July 2012
About This Game
Game summary
- WhiteMagnus Carlsen
- BlackEtienne Bacrot
- Result0-1 · Etienne Bacrot won
- EventBiel Exhibition Blitz 2012
- Round1.3
- Date22 July 2012
- OpeningSicilian Defense (B31)
- Length39 moves
- Type of eventBlitz and bullet
This is game 13 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.
Previous game: Bacrot vs Carlsen, ½-½ (3rd Pearl Spring, 2010).
Next game: Bacrot vs Carlsen, 1-0 (Biel Exhibition Blitz, 2012).
The moves of Magnus Carlsen vs Etienne Bacrot, Biel Exhibition Blitz 2012
Magnus Carlsen and Etienne Bacrot met over the board in this middlegame battle at Biel Exhibition Blitz in 2012. The game dates from the modern computer-influenced era.
From Sicilian Defense (B31) the players entered sharp, double-edged play. These lines often lead to opposite-side castling and a race to attack.
Lasting 39 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.
After the contest, Etienne Bacrot 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 13 of 30.
Where and when was Magnus Carlsen vs Etienne Bacrot played?
At the Biel Exhibition Blitz, round 1.3, on 22 July 2012.
Who played this game?
This game was played between Magnus Carlsen (White) and Etienne Bacrot (Black), at Biel Exhibition Blitz in 2012.
What opening was played?
The game used Sicilian Defense (ECO code B31). Sharp, double-edged play.
What was the result?
Etienne Bacrot won with the black pieces.
How long was the game?
The game lasted 39 moves (78 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 Sicilian Defense collection, Magnus Carlsen's complete game archive, and thousands more grandmaster games in the RamaChess archive.