Magnus Carlsen vs Sergey Karjakin, 20th Amber Rapid 2011

Ruy Lopez (C84) · 1-0 (Magnus Carlsen won) · 34 moves · Round 6 · 18 March 2011

♔
White
Magnus Carlsen
1 – 0
Black
Sergey Karjakin
♚

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhiteMagnus Carlsen
  • BlackSergey Karjakin
  • Result1-0 · Magnus Carlsen won
  • Event20th Amber Rapid 2011
  • Round6
  • Date18 March 2011
  • OpeningRuy Lopez (C84)
  • Length34 moves
  • Type of eventRapid

This is game 24 of 95 between Magnus Carlsen and Sergey Karjakin in the Rama Chess database (2005–2021). In all their games Carlsen leads 33–15 with 47 draws.

Previous game: Karjakin vs Carlsen, ½-½ (20th Amber Blindfold, 2011).

Next game: Karjakin vs Carlsen, ½-½ (5th Kings Tournament, 2011).

The moves of Magnus Carlsen vs Sergey Karjakin, 20th Amber Rapid 2011

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.d3 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.a4 b4 9.Nbd2 O-O 10.Re1 Na5 11.Ba2 c5 12.c3 Rb8 13.d4 cxd4 14.cxd4 Qc7 15.Nb3 Nxb3 16.Bxb3 Bg4 17.Bg5 exd4 18.Qxd4 Bxf3 19.gxf3 Nh5 20.Rac1 Qd7 21.Bxe7 Qxe7 22.e5 Qg5+ 23.Qg4 Qxg4+ 24.fxg4 Nf4 25.Rc6 dxe5 26.Rxa6 Nd3 27.Re3 Nxb2 28.a5 e4 29.Rxe4 Nd3 30.Rc6 Ra8 31.a6 h5 32.g5 Rfc8 33.Rxc8+ Rxc8 34.g6 1-0

A middlegame battle in which Magnus Carlsen was paired against Sergey Karjakin at 20th Amber Rapid in 2011. It was played in round 6. The game dates from the modern computer-influenced era.

Play followed Ruy Lopez (C84) — classical development and rapid piece play. Such positions test classical principles: development, centre, king safety.

Lasting 34 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. 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 Sergey Karjakin?

In the 95 games between them in our database (2005 to 2021) Carlsen leads 33–15 with 47 draws. This game is number 24 of 95.

Where and when was Magnus Carlsen vs Sergey Karjakin played?

At the 20th Amber Rapid, round 6, on 18 March 2011.

Who played this game?

This game was played between Magnus Carlsen (White) and Sergey Karjakin (Black), at 20th Amber Rapid in 2011.

What opening was played?

The game used Ruy Lopez (ECO code C84). 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 34 moves (67 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 Ruy Lopez collection, Magnus Carlsen's complete game archive, and thousands more grandmaster games in the RamaChess archive.

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