D Gukesh vs Magnus Carlsen, Carlsen vs. Challengers 2021

Benko Gambit (A58) · 0-1 (Magnus Carlsen won) · 32 moves · Round 1.5 · 19 April 2021

♔
White
D Gukesh
0 – 1
Black
Magnus Carlsen
♚
Analyse This Game Practice
Moves
0 / 64

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhiteD Gukesh
  • BlackMagnus Carlsen
  • Result0-1 · Magnus Carlsen won
  • EventCarlsen vs. Challengers 2021
  • Round1.5
  • Date19 April 2021
  • OpeningBenko Gambit (A58)
  • Length32 moves
  • Type of eventOther events

This is game 1 of 55 between Magnus Carlsen and D Gukesh in the Rama Chess database (2021–2025). In all their games Carlsen leads 38–11 with 6 draws.

Next game: Carlsen vs Gukesh, ½-½ (Goldmoney Asian Prelim, 2021).

Carlsen vs Gukesh: all 55 gamesAll Carlsen games at Carlsen vs. ChallengersCarlsen in the Benko GambitCarlsen games of 2021D Gukesh profile

The moves of D Gukesh vs Magnus Carlsen, Carlsen vs. Challengers 2021

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 b5 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nf3 Bg7 7.Nc3 O-O 8.g3 d6 9.Bg2 Bf5 10.Nd2 Nxa6 11.e4 Bg4 12.f3 Bc8 13.a3 Nb4 14.Nb3 Na6 15.O-O Nd7 16.Be3 Qb6 17.Rb1 Nc7 18.Nd2 Ba6 19.Rf2 Rfb8 20.Bf1 Bxf1 21.Kxf1 Qa6+ 22.Qe2 Bxc3 23.bxc3 Qxa3 24.Rxb8+ Rxb8 25.c4 Ne5 26.Kg2 Rb2 27.f4 Nd3 28.Rf3 Qc3 29.Kh3 Qxc4 30.Qf1 Qc2 31.e5 Nxd5 32.f5 Nxe5 0-1

A middlegame battle in which D Gukesh was paired against Magnus Carlsen at Carlsen vs. Challengers in 2021. The game dates from the contemporary engine era.

Play followed Benko Gambit (A58) — a flexible, manoeuvring struggle. Openings in this group reward patient build-up and a feel for pawn structure.

Lasting 32 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.

After the contest, Magnus Carlsen won with the black pieces. Use the board above to replay every move, switch to the analyser for engine evaluation, or open Practice mode to test your own ideas.

Frequently asked questions

What is the head-to-head record of Magnus Carlsen and D Gukesh?

In the 55 games between them in our database (2021 to 2025) Carlsen leads 38–11 with 6 draws. This game is number 1 of 55.

Where and when was D Gukesh vs Magnus Carlsen played?

At the Carlsen vs. Challengers, round 1.5, on 19 April 2021.

Who played this game?

This game was played between D Gukesh (White) and Magnus Carlsen (Black), at Carlsen vs. Challengers in 2021.

What opening was played?

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

What was the result?

Magnus Carlsen won with the black pieces.

How long was the game?

The game lasted 32 moves (64 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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