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

Benko Gambit (A57) · 0-1 (Magnus Carlsen won) · 33 moves · Round 25 · 27 February 2021

♔
White
Alireza Firouzja
0 – 1
Black
Magnus Carlsen
♚
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Moves
0 / 66

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhiteAlireza Firouzja
  • BlackMagnus Carlsen
  • Result0-1 · Magnus Carlsen won
  • EventMagnus-Alireza 27th Feb 2021
  • Round25
  • Date27 February 2021
  • OpeningBenko Gambit (A57)
  • Length33 moves
  • Type of eventOther events

This is game 88 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).

Carlsen vs Firouzja: all 266 gamesAll Carlsen games at Magnus-Alireza 27th FebCarlsen in the Benko GambitCarlsen games of 2021Alireza Firouzja profile

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.b6 g6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.Nf3 O-O 8.g3 d6 9.Bg2 Qxb6 10.O-O a5 11.Nd2 Ba6 12.Re1 Nbd7 13.b3 Ng4 14.Bb2 c4 15.e3 Nge5 16.Qc2 Nd3 17.Reb1 cxb3 18.Nxb3 Rfc8 19.Nd4 Bxd4 20.exd4 Qxd4 21.Qd2 Qg7 22.Ne4 Nxb2 23.Rxb2 Rab8 24.Rab1 Rxb2 25.Rxb2 Bd3 26.Ng5 Qc3 27.Qxc3 Rxc3 28.h4 Ne5 29.f3 h6 30.Nh3 Bc4 31.Nf4 Nxf3+ 32.Bxf3 Rxf3 33.Kg2 Ra3 0-1

Alireza Firouzja and Magnus Carlsen met over the board in this middlegame battle at Magnus-Alireza 27th Feb in 2021. It was played in round 25. The game dates from the contemporary engine era.

Play followed Benko Gambit (A57) — a flexible, manoeuvring struggle. Openings in this group reward patient build-up and a feel for pawn structure.

Lasting 33 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.

When the dust settled, 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 88 of 266.

Where and when was Alireza Firouzja vs Magnus Carlsen played?

At the Magnus-Alireza 27th Feb, round 25, 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 A57). A flexible, manoeuvring struggle.

What was the result?

Magnus Carlsen won with the black pieces.

How long was the game?

The game lasted 33 moves (66 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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