Alireza Firouzja vs Magnus Carlsen, Julius Baer Rapid Div 1 W 2023

Sicilian Defense (B48) · 0-1 (Magnus Carlsen won) · 65 moves · Round 3.2 · 1 September 2023

♔
White
Alireza Firouzja
0 – 1
Black
Magnus Carlsen
♚

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhiteAlireza Firouzja
  • BlackMagnus Carlsen
  • Result0-1 · Magnus Carlsen won
  • EventJulius Baer Rapid Div 1 W 2023
  • Round3.2
  • Date1 September 2023
  • OpeningSicilian Defense (B48)
  • Length65 moves
  • Type of eventRapid

This is game 171 of 266 between Magnus Carlsen and Alireza Firouzja in the Rama Chess database (2018–2025). In all their games Carlsen leads 135–65 with 66 draws.

Previous game: Firouzja vs Carlsen, ½-½ (Titled Tue 1st Aug Late, 2023).

Next game: Carlsen vs Firouzja, 1-0 (Julius Baer Rapid Div 1 W, 2023).

The moves of Alireza Firouzja vs Magnus Carlsen, Julius Baer Rapid Div 1 W 2023

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6 5.Nc3 Qc7 6.Be3 a6 7.Qf3 Nf6 8.O-O-O Ne5 9.Qg3 h5 10.Ndb5 axb5 11.Nxb5 Qb8 12.Bb6 Nxe4 13.Qe3 Rxa2 14.Kb1 Ra4 15.Nc7+ Ke7 16.Rd4 Rxd4 17.Qxd4 f6 18.Qxe4 d5 19.Qe1 Kf7 20.f4 Bd6 21.Nb5 Nc6 22.g3 Bd7 23.Qd2 h4 24.Bg2 hxg3 25.hxg3 Rxh1+ 26.Bxh1 Bb4 27.Qh2 Ne7 28.Nd4 Qd6 29.Qh5+ Kf8 30.Bd8 Bc5 31.Qh8+ Ng8 32.Nb3 Bb6 33.Bxb6 Qxb6 34.f5 Qg1+ 35.Ka2 Qxg3 36.Nc5 Qd6 37.fxe6 Bxe6 38.Nd3 Bf5 39.Qh5 Ne7 40.Qh8+ Kf7 41.Qh5+ Bg6 42.Qe2 Qa6+ 43.Kb1 Bxd3 44.cxd3 Qe6 45.Qh5+ g6 46.Qh7+ Ke8 47.Bf3 Kd7 48.Bd1 Qe1 49.Kc1 Qe3+ 50.Kc2 g5 51.Qh8 f5 52.Qb8 b6 53.Kc3 Qc5+ 54.Kd2 Qb4+ 55.Kc2 g4 56.Kb1 Qd4 57.Ka2 Nc6 58.Qb7+ Kd6 59.Qh7 Nb4+ 60.Ka3 Nxd3 61.Qh6+ Ke5 62.Qh2+ Ke4 63.Qg2+ Kf4 64.Qd2+ Qe3 65.Qh2+ 0-1

A marathon in which Alireza Firouzja was paired against Magnus Carlsen at Julius Baer Rapid Div 1 W in 2023. The game dates from the contemporary engine era.

Play followed Sicilian Defense (B48) — sharp, double-edged play. These lines often lead to opposite-side castling and a race to attack.

At 65 moves this was a long, demanding struggle that rewarded stamina and precise endgame technique.

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, 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 Alireza Firouzja?

In the 266 games between them in our database (2018 to 2025) Carlsen leads 135–65 with 66 draws. This game is number 171 of 266.

Where and when was Alireza Firouzja vs Magnus Carlsen played?

At the Julius Baer Rapid Div 1 W, round 3.2, on 1 September 2023.

Who played this game?

This game was played between Alireza Firouzja (White) and Magnus Carlsen (Black), at Julius Baer Rapid Div 1 W in 2023.

What opening was played?

The game used Sicilian Defense (ECO code B48). Sharp, double-edged play.

What was the result?

Magnus Carlsen won with the black pieces.

How long was the game?

The game lasted 65 moves (129 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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