Magnus Carlsen vs Pentala Harikrishna, World Blitz 2017
Catalan Opening (E04) · 1-0 (Magnus Carlsen won) · 39 moves · Round 13.1 · 30 December 2017
About This Game
Game summary
- WhiteMagnus Carlsen
- BlackPentala Harikrishna
- Result1-0 · Magnus Carlsen won
- EventWorld Blitz 2017
- Round13.1
- Date30 December 2017
- OpeningCatalan Opening (E04)
- Length39 moves
- Type of eventBlitz and bullet
This is game 12 of 28 between Magnus Carlsen and Pentala Harikrishna in the Rama Chess database (2004–2025). In all their games Carlsen leads 15–2 with 11 draws.
Previous game: Harikrishna vs Carlsen, ½-½ (79th Tata Steel GpA, 2017).
Next game: Harikrishna vs Carlsen, ½-½ (Tata Steel India Rapid, 2019).
The moves of Magnus Carlsen vs Pentala Harikrishna, World Blitz 2017
Magnus Carlsen and Pentala Harikrishna met over the board in this middlegame battle at World Blitz 2017 in 2017. The game dates from the contemporary engine era.
From Catalan Opening (E04) the players entered a strategic battle of structure and activity. In these systems both sides manoeuvre carefully before committing.
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.
After the contest, Magnus Carlsen won with the white 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 Pentala Harikrishna?
In the 28 games between them in our database (2004 to 2025) Carlsen leads 15–2 with 11 draws. This game is number 12 of 28.
Where and when was Magnus Carlsen vs Pentala Harikrishna played?
At the World Blitz 2017, round 13.1, on 30 December 2017.
Who played this game?
This game was played between Magnus Carlsen (White) and Pentala Harikrishna (Black), at World Blitz 2017 in 2017.
What opening was played?
The game used Catalan Opening (ECO code E04). A strategic battle of structure and activity.
What was the result?
Magnus Carlsen won with the white pieces.
How long was the game?
The game lasted 39 moves (77 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 Catalan Opening collection, Magnus Carlsen's complete game archive, and thousands more grandmaster games in the RamaChess archive.