Magnus Carlsen vs Fabiano Caruana, 7th Mikhail Tal Memorial 2012
Grünfeld Defense (D85) · ½-½ (Draw) · 30 moves · Round 3 · 10 June 2012
About This Game
Game summary
- WhiteMagnus Carlsen
- BlackFabiano Caruana
- Result½-½ · Draw
- Event7th Mikhail Tal Memorial 2012
- Round3
- Date10 June 2012
- OpeningGrünfeld Defense (D85)
- Length30 moves
- Type of eventClassical
This is game 8 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: Carlsen vs Caruana, 1-0 (7th Tal Mem Blitz, 2012).
Next game: Caruana vs Carlsen, 1-0 (5th Final Masters, 2012).
The moves of Magnus Carlsen vs Fabiano Caruana, 7th Mikhail Tal Memorial 2012
This middlegame battle sees Magnus Carlsen take on Fabiano Caruana at 7th Mikhail Tal Memorial in 2012. It was played in round 3. The game dates from the modern computer-influenced era.
The game opened with Grünfeld Defense (D85), a fight over the centre. Here the struggle often turns on the central pawns and minor-piece play.
Lasting 30 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.
Working through a full game like this trains pattern recognition — the more you study, the faster you spot familiar ideas in your own play.
After the contest, the game was drawn between Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana. 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 8 of 216.
Where and when was Magnus Carlsen vs Fabiano Caruana played?
At the 7th Mikhail Tal Memorial, round 3, on 10 June 2012.
Who played this game?
This game was played between Magnus Carlsen (White) and Fabiano Caruana (Black), at 7th Mikhail Tal Memorial in 2012.
What opening was played?
The game used Grünfeld Defense (ECO code D85). A fight over the centre.
What was the result?
The game was drawn between Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana.
How long was the game?
The game lasted 30 moves (59 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 Grünfeld Defense collection, Magnus Carlsen's complete game archive, and thousands more grandmaster games in the RamaChess archive.