Magnus Carlsen vs Vladimir Kramnik, Chess Classic 2009

English Opening (A29) · 1-0 (Magnus Carlsen won) · 43 moves · Round 1 · 8 December 2009

♔
White
Magnus Carlsen
1 – 0
Black
Vladimir Kramnik
♚

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhiteMagnus Carlsen
  • BlackVladimir Kramnik
  • Result1-0 · Magnus Carlsen won
  • EventChess Classic 2009
  • Round1
  • Date8 December 2009
  • OpeningEnglish Opening (A29)
  • Length43 moves
  • Type of eventOther events

This is game 20 of 72 between Magnus Carlsen and Vladimir Kramnik in the Rama Chess database (2007–2024). In all their games Carlsen leads 27–13 with 32 draws.

Previous game: Kramnik vs Carlsen, 0-1 (World Blitz, 2009).

Next game: Carlsen vs Kramnik, 0-1 (Corus A, 2010).

The moves of Magnus Carlsen vs Vladimir Kramnik, Chess Classic 2009

1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.a3 O-O 9.b4 Be6 10.Rb1 f6 11.d3 a5 12.b5 Nd4 13.Nd2 Qc8 14.e3 Nf5 15.Qc2 Rd8 16.Bb2 a4 17.Rfc1 Nd6 18.Nde4 Ne8 19.Qe2 Bf8 20.f4 exf4 21.gxf4 Qd7 22.d4 c6 23.Nc5 Bxc5 24.dxc5 Nc4 25.Rd1 Qc7 26.Bc1 Na5 27.bxc6 bxc6 28.Nxa4 Rxd1+ 29.Qxd1 Rd8 30.Qc2 Qf7 31.Nc3 Qh5 32.Ne2 Bf5 33.e4 Bg4 34.Ng3 Qf7 35.Bf1 Be6 36.Qc3 Ra8 37.Rb4 Qd7 38.f5 Bf7 39.Bf4 Qd1 40.Kf2 Nb3 41.Be2 Qb1 42.Bc4 Rxa3 43.Ne2 1-0

In this encounter Magnus Carlsen had the white pieces against Vladimir Kramnik at Chess Classic in 2009. It was played in round 1. The game dates from the modern computer-influenced era.

Play followed English Opening (A29) — a flexible, manoeuvring struggle. Openings in this group reward patient build-up and a feel for pawn structure.

Running to 43 moves, the game moved through a full middlegame into an endgame, showing how an advantage is carried between phases.

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.

In the end, 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 Vladimir Kramnik?

In the 72 games between them in our database (2007 to 2024) Carlsen leads 27–13 with 32 draws. This game is number 20 of 72.

Where and when was Magnus Carlsen vs Vladimir Kramnik played?

At the Chess Classic, round 1, on 8 December 2009.

Who played this game?

This game was played between Magnus Carlsen (White) and Vladimir Kramnik (Black), at Chess Classic in 2009.

What opening was played?

The game used English Opening (ECO code A29). A flexible, manoeuvring struggle.

What was the result?

Magnus Carlsen won with the white pieces.

How long was the game?

The game lasted 43 moves (85 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 English Opening collection, Magnus Carlsen's complete game archive, and thousands more grandmaster games in the RamaChess archive.

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