Magnus Carlsen vs Fabiano Caruana, 5th Final Masters Blitz Tie-Break 2012

Sicilian Defense (B40) · 1-0 (Magnus Carlsen won) · 17 moves · Round 2 · 13 October 2012

♔
White
Magnus Carlsen
1 – 0
Black
Fabiano Caruana
♚

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhiteMagnus Carlsen
  • BlackFabiano Caruana
  • Result1-0 · Magnus Carlsen won
  • Event5th Final Masters Blitz Tie-Break 2012
  • Round2
  • Date13 October 2012
  • OpeningSicilian Defense (B40)
  • Length17 moves
  • Type of eventOther events

This is game 12 of 216 between Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana in the Rama Chess database (2010–2025). In all their games Carlsen leads 99–35 with 82 draws.

Previous game: Caruana vs Carlsen, 0-1 (5th Final Masters Blitz Tie-Break, 2012).

Next game: Carlsen vs Caruana, ½-½ (75th Tata Steel GpA, 2013).

The moves of Magnus Carlsen vs Fabiano Caruana, 5th Final Masters Blitz Tie-Break 2012

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.g3 b6 4.Bg2 Bb7 5.Qe2 d6 6.d4 cxd4 7.Nxd4 Nf6 8.O-O Nbd7 9.Rd1 a6 10.e5 Bxg2 11.exf6 Bh3 12.Qh5 Qxf6 13.Qxh3 Be7 14.Nc3 Qg6 15.Nc6 Ne5 16.Nxe7 Kxe7 17.Bf4 1-0

This brisk miniature sees Magnus Carlsen take on Fabiano Caruana at 5th Final Masters Blitz Tie-Break in 2012. It was played in round 2. The game dates from the modern computer-influenced era.

The game opened with Sicilian Defense (B40), 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 17 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, Magnus Carlsen won with the white pieces. 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 Fabiano Caruana?

In the 216 games between them in our database (2010 to 2025) Carlsen leads 99–35 with 82 draws. This game is number 12 of 216.

Where and when was Magnus Carlsen vs Fabiano Caruana played?

At the 5th Final Masters Blitz Tie-Break, round 2, on 13 October 2012.

Who played this game?

This game was played between Magnus Carlsen (White) and Fabiano Caruana (Black), at 5th Final Masters Blitz Tie-Break in 2012.

What opening was played?

The game used Sicilian Defense (ECO code B40). Sharp, double-edged play.

What was the result?

Magnus Carlsen won with the white pieces.

How long was the game?

The game lasted 17 moves (33 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.

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