Etienne Bacrot vs Magnus Carlsen, 41st Festival GM 2008
Nimzo-Indian Defense (E21) · ½-½ (Draw) · 31 moves · Round 8 · 29 July 2008
About This Game
Game summary
- WhiteEtienne Bacrot
- BlackMagnus Carlsen
- Result½-½ · Draw
- Event41st Festival GM 2008
- Round8
- Date29 July 2008
- OpeningNimzo-Indian Defense (E21)
- Length31 moves
- Type of eventClassical
This is game 8 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: Carlsen vs Bacrot, 1-0 (41st Festival GM, 2008).
Next game: Bacrot vs Carlsen, ½-½ (Sparkassen GM, 2009).
The moves of Etienne Bacrot vs Magnus Carlsen, 41st Festival GM 2008
Etienne Bacrot and Magnus Carlsen met over the board in this middlegame battle at 41st Festival GM in 2008. It was played in round 8. The game dates from the modern computer-influenced era.
Play followed Nimzo-Indian Defense (E21) — a strategic battle of structure and activity. In these systems both sides manoeuvre carefully before committing.
Lasting 31 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.
Games like this are useful at every level: opening principles for beginners, middlegame plans for club players, fine technique for experts.
After the contest, the game was drawn between Etienne Bacrot and Magnus Carlsen. 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 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 8 of 30.
Where and when was Etienne Bacrot vs Magnus Carlsen played?
At the 41st Festival GM, round 8, on 29 July 2008.
Who played this game?
This game was played between Etienne Bacrot (White) and Magnus Carlsen (Black), at 41st Festival GM in 2008.
What opening was played?
The game used Nimzo-Indian Defense (ECO code E21). A strategic battle of structure and activity.
What was the result?
The game was drawn between Etienne Bacrot and Magnus Carlsen.
How long was the game?
The game lasted 31 moves (62 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 Nimzo-Indian Defense collection, Magnus Carlsen's complete game archive, and thousands more grandmaster games in the RamaChess archive.