Magnus Carlsen vs Anish Giri, Skilling Open Prelim 2020

Sicilian Defense (B53) · ½-½ (Draw) · 39 moves · Round 9.5 · 23 November 2020

♔
White
Magnus Carlsen
½ – ½
Black
Anish Giri
♚

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhiteMagnus Carlsen
  • BlackAnish Giri
  • Result½-½ · Draw
  • EventSkilling Open Prelim 2020
  • Round9.5
  • Date23 November 2020
  • OpeningSicilian Defense (B53)
  • Length39 moves
  • Type of eventRapid

This is game 72 of 130 between Magnus Carlsen and Anish Giri in the Rama Chess database (2011–2025). In all their games Carlsen leads 41–11 with 78 draws.

Previous game: Carlsen vs Giri, 1-0 (Chess24 Banter Final 2020, 2020).

Next game: Carlsen vs Giri, ½-½ (Skilling Open KO 2020, 2020).

The moves of Magnus Carlsen vs Anish Giri, Skilling Open Prelim 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Qxd4 Nf6 5.h3 Nc6 6.Qe3 g6 7.Be2 Bg7 8.O-O O-O 9.Rd1 Be6 10.Nc3 Qc8 11.a3 Na5 12.Nd4 Nc4 13.Qg3 Bd7 14.b3 Na5 15.Nd5 Re8 16.Nxf6+ Bxf6 17.c4 Nc6 18.Bb2 a6 19.Qe3 b5 20.Rac1 Qb7 21.c5 dxc5 22.Rxc5 Nxd4 23.Bxd4 Bxd4 24.Rxd4 Rac8 25.b4 Rxc5 26.bxc5 Bc6 27.e5 e6 28.Bf3 Bxf3 29.gxf3 a5 30.Rd6 Rc8 31.Rb6 Qd7 32.Kg2 b4 33.axb4 axb4 34.Rxb4 Qd5 35.Rh4 Rxc5 36.Qh6 Qxe5 37.Qxh7+ Kf8 38.Qh8+ Qxh8 39.Rxh8+ Kg7 1/2-1/2

A middlegame battle in which Magnus Carlsen was paired against Anish Giri at Skilling Open Prelim in 2020. The game dates from the contemporary engine era.

From Sicilian Defense (B53) the players entered sharp, double-edged play. These lines often lead to opposite-side castling and a race to attack.

Lasting 39 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.

Games like this are useful at every level: opening principles for beginners, middlegame plans for club players, fine technique for experts.

When the dust settled, the game was drawn between Magnus Carlsen and Anish Giri. 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 Anish Giri?

In the 130 games between them in our database (2011 to 2025) Carlsen leads 41–11 with 78 draws. This game is number 72 of 130.

Where and when was Magnus Carlsen vs Anish Giri played?

At the Skilling Open Prelim, round 9.5, on 23 November 2020.

Who played this game?

This game was played between Magnus Carlsen (White) and Anish Giri (Black), at Skilling Open Prelim in 2020.

What opening was played?

The game used Sicilian Defense (ECO code B53). Sharp, double-edged play.

What was the result?

The game was drawn between Magnus Carlsen and Anish Giri.

How long was the game?

The game lasted 39 moves (78 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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