Vassily Ivanchuk vs Magnus Carlsen, 24th ECC 2008
Grünfeld Defense (D94) · 1-0 (Vassily Ivanchuk won) · 39 moves · Round 6 · 22 October 2008
About This Game
Game summary
- WhiteVassily Ivanchuk
- BlackMagnus Carlsen
- Result1-0 · Vassily Ivanchuk won
- Event24th ECC 2008
- Round6
- Date22 October 2008
- OpeningGrünfeld Defense (D94)
- Length39 moves
- Type of eventClassical
This is game 18 of 75 between Magnus Carlsen and Vassily Ivanchuk in the Rama Chess database (2005–2024). In all their games Carlsen leads 24–18 with 33 draws.
Previous game: Carlsen vs Ivanchuk, 0-1 (Grand Slam Final, 2008).
Next game: Carlsen vs Ivanchuk, ½-½ (Trophee CCAS KO, 2008).
The moves of Vassily Ivanchuk vs Magnus Carlsen, 24th ECC 2008
In this encounter Vassily Ivanchuk had the white pieces against Magnus Carlsen at 24th ECC in 2008. It was played in round 6. The game dates from the modern computer-influenced era.
Play followed Grünfeld Defense (D94) — a fight over the centre. Here the struggle often turns on the central pawns and minor-piece play.
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.
Working through a full game like this trains pattern recognition — the more you study, the faster you spot familiar ideas in your own play.
After the contest, Vassily Ivanchuk 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 Vassily Ivanchuk?
In the 75 games between them in our database (2005 to 2024) Carlsen leads 24–18 with 33 draws. This game is number 18 of 75.
Where and when was Vassily Ivanchuk vs Magnus Carlsen played?
At the 24th ECC, round 6, on 22 October 2008.
Who played this game?
This game was played between Vassily Ivanchuk (White) and Magnus Carlsen (Black), at 24th ECC in 2008.
What opening was played?
The game used Grünfeld Defense (ECO code D94). A fight over the centre.
What was the result?
Vassily Ivanchuk 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 Grünfeld Defense collection, Magnus Carlsen's complete game archive, and thousands more grandmaster games in the RamaChess archive.