Magnus Carlsen vs Pentala Harikrishna, Blindfold World Cup 2007

French Defense (C09) · 1-0 (Magnus Carlsen won) · 35 moves · Round 2 · 16 October 2007

♔
White
Magnus Carlsen
1 – 0
Black
Pentala Harikrishna
♚

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhiteMagnus Carlsen
  • BlackPentala Harikrishna
  • Result1-0 · Magnus Carlsen won
  • EventBlindfold World Cup 2007
  • Round2
  • Date16 October 2007
  • OpeningFrench Defense (C09)
  • Length35 moves
  • Type of eventOther events

This is game 5 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 (Blindfold World Cup, 2007).

Next game: Carlsen vs Harikrishna, 1-0 (75th Tata Steel GpA, 2013).

The moves of Magnus Carlsen vs Pentala Harikrishna, Blindfold World Cup 2007

1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.Ngf3 Nc6 5.exd5 exd5 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Qe7+ 8.Be2 Bxc5 9.Nb3 Bb6 10.O-O Nf6 11.Bb5 O-O 12.Re1 Qb4 13.Bxc6 bxc6 14.Be3 Bxe3 15.Rxe3 c5 16.Ne5 Qb6 17.c4 d4 18.Re2 Bf5 19.Nd3 Bg4 20.f3 Be6 21.Rc1 Rfc8 22.g4 Nd7 23.Qe1 Nf8 24.Qg3 f6 25.Nd2 Bf7 26.f4 Re8 27.Rxe8 Rxe8 28.Re1 Rc8 29.b3 Qa5 30.Ne4 Qxa2 31.Ndxc5 Qa5 32.Nd3 Rd8 33.Qf2 Qb6 34.Nec5 Qxb3 35.Nxb3 1-0

A middlegame battle in which Magnus Carlsen was paired against Pentala Harikrishna at Blindfold World Cup in 2007. It was played in round 2. The game dates from the modern computer-influenced era.

From French Defense (C09) the players entered classical development and rapid piece play. Such positions test classical principles: development, centre, king safety.

Lasting 35 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.

When the dust settled, Magnus Carlsen won with the white 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 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 5 of 28.

Where and when was Magnus Carlsen vs Pentala Harikrishna played?

At the Blindfold World Cup, round 2, on 16 October 2007.

Who played this game?

This game was played between Magnus Carlsen (White) and Pentala Harikrishna (Black), at Blindfold World Cup in 2007.

What opening was played?

The game used French Defense (ECO code C09). Classical development and rapid piece play.

What was the result?

Magnus Carlsen won with the white pieces.

How long was the game?

The game lasted 35 moves (69 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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