Magnus Carlsen vs Boris Gelfand, Tal Memorial 2006
Slav Defense (D17) · 0-1 (Boris Gelfand won) · 38 moves · Round 1 · 6 November 2006
About This Game
Game summary
- WhiteMagnus Carlsen
- BlackBoris Gelfand
- Result0-1 · Boris Gelfand won
- EventTal Memorial 2006
- Round1
- Date6 November 2006
- OpeningSlav Defense (D17)
- Length38 moves
- Type of eventClassical
This is game 4 of 45 between Magnus Carlsen and Boris Gelfand in the Rama Chess database (2005–2022). In all their games Carlsen leads 19–5 with 21 draws.
Previous game: Gelfand vs Carlsen, 1-0 (World Blitz, 2006).
Next game: Gelfand vs Carlsen, ½-½ (Amber Blindfold, 2007).
The moves of Magnus Carlsen vs Boris Gelfand, Tal Memorial 2006
A middlegame battle in which Magnus Carlsen was paired against Boris Gelfand at Tal Memorial in 2006. It was played in round 1. The game dates from the modern computer-influenced era.
The game opened with Slav Defense (D17), a fight over the centre. Here the struggle often turns on the central pawns and minor-piece play.
Lasting 38 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.
Replaying a complete grandmaster game shows not just the moves, but the order in which plans appear and where the balance finally tips.
After the contest, Boris Gelfand 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 Boris Gelfand?
In the 45 games between them in our database (2005 to 2022) Carlsen leads 19–5 with 21 draws. This game is number 4 of 45.
Where and when was Magnus Carlsen vs Boris Gelfand played?
At the Tal Memorial, round 1, on 6 November 2006.
Who played this game?
This game was played between Magnus Carlsen (White) and Boris Gelfand (Black), at Tal Memorial in 2006.
What opening was played?
The game used Slav Defense (ECO code D17). A fight over the centre.
What was the result?
Boris Gelfand won with the black pieces.
How long was the game?
The game lasted 38 moves (76 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 Slav Defense collection, Magnus Carlsen's complete game archive, and thousands more grandmaster games in the RamaChess archive.