Alireza Firouzja vs Magnus Carlsen, Magnus-Alireza 27th Feb 2021

Benko Gambit (A58) · ½-½ (Draw) · 45 moves · Round 9 · 27 February 2021

♔
White
Alireza Firouzja
½ – ½
Black
Magnus Carlsen
♚

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhiteAlireza Firouzja
  • BlackMagnus Carlsen
  • Result½-½ · Draw
  • EventMagnus-Alireza 27th Feb 2021
  • Round9
  • Date27 February 2021
  • OpeningBenko Gambit (A58)
  • Length45 moves
  • Type of eventOther events

This is game 72 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: Carlsen vs Firouzja, 1-0 (Magnus-Alireza 27th Feb, 2021).

Next game: Carlsen vs Firouzja, 1-0 (Magnus-Alireza 27th Feb, 2021).

The moves of Alireza Firouzja vs Magnus Carlsen, Magnus-Alireza 27th Feb 2021

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 b5 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.Nf3 Bg7 8.e4 Qa5 9.Bd2 Bxf1 10.Kxf1 O-O 11.g3 d6 12.Kg2 Nbd7 13.Re1 Rfb8 14.Qc2 Ng4 15.h3 Nge5 16.Nxe5 Nxe5 17.b3 Qa6 18.Re3 c4 19.Rb1 Nd3 20.bxc4 Rxb1 21.Qxb1 Nc5 22.Qb5 Bd4 23.Rf3 Bxc3 24.Bxc3 Nxe4 25.Qxa6 Rxa6 26.Re3 f5 27.Be1 Rxa2 28.Kg1 Kf7 29.f3 Nc5 30.Rc3 g5 31.Bf2 h5 32.Bxc5 dxc5 33.f4 g4 34.h4 Rd2 35.Kf1 Rd4 36.Ke2 e6 37.dxe6+ Kxe6 38.Re3+ Kd6 39.Rd3 Kc6 40.Rxd4 cxd4 41.Kd2 Kb6 42.Kc2 Kc6 43.Kd2 Kd6 44.Kc2 Kc6 45.Kd2 1/2-1/2

This full-length game sees Alireza Firouzja take on Magnus Carlsen at Magnus-Alireza 27th Feb in 2021. It was played in round 9. The game dates from the contemporary engine era.

From Benko Gambit (A58) the players entered a flexible, manoeuvring struggle. Openings in this group reward patient build-up and a feel for pawn structure.

Running to 45 moves, the game moved through a full middlegame into an endgame, showing how an advantage is carried between phases.

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, the game was drawn between Alireza Firouzja and Magnus Carlsen. 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 72 of 266.

Where and when was Alireza Firouzja vs Magnus Carlsen played?

At the Magnus-Alireza 27th Feb, round 9, on 27 February 2021.

Who played this game?

This game was played between Alireza Firouzja (White) and Magnus Carlsen (Black), at Magnus-Alireza 27th Feb in 2021.

What opening was played?

The game used Benko Gambit (ECO code A58). A flexible, manoeuvring struggle.

What was the result?

The game was drawn between Alireza Firouzja and Magnus Carlsen.

How long was the game?

The game lasted 45 moves (89 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 Benko Gambit collection, Magnus Carlsen's complete game archive, and thousands more grandmaster games in the RamaChess archive.

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