Magnus Carlsen vs Alexander Grischuk, World Blitz Final 2012

French Defense (C00) · 0-1 (Alexander Grischuk won) · 51 moves · Round 11 · 9 July 2012

♔
White
Magnus Carlsen
0 – 1
Black
Alexander Grischuk
♚

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhiteMagnus Carlsen
  • BlackAlexander Grischuk
  • Result0-1 · Alexander Grischuk won
  • EventWorld Blitz Final 2012
  • Round11
  • Date9 July 2012
  • OpeningFrench Defense (C00)
  • Length51 moves
  • Type of eventBlitz and bullet

This is game 23 of 114 between Magnus Carlsen and Alexander Grischuk in the Rama Chess database (2006–2025). In all their games Carlsen leads 49–26 with 39 draws.

Previous game: Grischuk vs Carlsen, 1-0 (World Rapid Final, 2012).

Next game: Grischuk vs Carlsen, 0-1 (World Blitz Final, 2012).

The moves of Magnus Carlsen vs Alexander Grischuk, World Blitz Final 2012

1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Bd3 dxe4 4.Bxe4 Nf6 5.Bf3 c5 6.Ne2 cxd4 7.Qxd4 Nbd7 8.Nbc3 Bc5 9.Qf4 Qe7 10.O-O Bd6 11.Qh4 Ne5 12.Bg5 h6 13.Be4 O-O 14.Bxf6 Qxf6 15.Qxf6 gxf6 16.Rad1 Be7 17.g3 Rb8 18.Nb5 a6 19.Nd6 b5 20.b3 Rb6 21.Nxc8 Rxc8 22.c3 f5 23.Bg2 a5 24.Rd2 Bf6 25.Rfd1 a4 26.h3 axb3 27.axb3 h5 28.Rd6 Rxd6 29.Rxd6 h4 30.Rb6 hxg3 31.fxg3 Nd3 32.Rxb5 Bxc3 33.Nxc3 Rxc3 34.Bf1 Nc5 35.Rb8+ Kg7 36.Rc8 Rxg3+ 37.Kh2 Ne4 38.b4 Rb3 39.b5 f4 40.Rc2 f3 41.Bc4 Rb4 42.Bd3 f5 43.Bxe4 fxe4 44.Kg3 Rxb5 45.Kf4 Rf5+ 46.Ke3 Kf6 47.h4 Kg6 48.Rf2 Kh5 49.Kxe4 Kg4 50.Rf1 f2 51.h5 Kg3 0-1

In this encounter Magnus Carlsen had the white pieces against Alexander Grischuk at World Blitz Final in 2012. It was played in round 11. The game dates from the modern computer-influenced era.

The game opened with French Defense (C00), classical development and rapid piece play. Such positions test classical principles: development, centre, king safety.

Running to 51 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.

After the contest, Alexander Grischuk 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 Alexander Grischuk?

In the 114 games between them in our database (2006 to 2025) Carlsen leads 49–26 with 39 draws. This game is number 23 of 114.

Where and when was Magnus Carlsen vs Alexander Grischuk played?

At the World Blitz Final, round 11, on 9 July 2012.

Who played this game?

This game was played between Magnus Carlsen (White) and Alexander Grischuk (Black), at World Blitz Final in 2012.

What opening was played?

The game used French Defense (ECO code C00). Classical development and rapid piece play.

What was the result?

Alexander Grischuk won with the black pieces.

How long was the game?

The game lasted 51 moves (102 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 French Defense collection, Magnus Carlsen's complete game archive, and thousands more grandmaster games in the RamaChess archive.

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