Peter Leko vs Magnus Carlsen, Sparkassen GM 2009

English Opening (A32) · ½-½ (Draw) · 25 moves · Round 2 · 3 July 2009

♔
White
Peter Leko
½ – ½
Black
Magnus Carlsen
♚

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhitePeter Leko
  • BlackMagnus Carlsen
  • Result½-½ · Draw
  • EventSparkassen GM 2009
  • Round2
  • Date3 July 2009
  • OpeningEnglish Opening (A32)
  • Length25 moves
  • Type of eventClassical

This is game 27 of 41 between Magnus Carlsen and Peter Leko in the Rama Chess database (2006–2020). In all their games Carlsen leads 7–4 with 30 draws.

Previous game: Carlsen vs Leko, ½-½ (18th Amber Blindfold, 2009).

Next game: Carlsen vs Leko, ½-½ (Sparkassen GM, 2009).

The moves of Peter Leko vs Magnus Carlsen, Sparkassen GM 2009

1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 e6 5.g3 Bb4+ 6.Bd2 Be7 7.Bg2 Nc6 8.Bf4 O-O 9.O-O Qb6 10.Nb5 a6 11.Bc7 Qc5 12.Bd6 Bxd6 13.Nxd6 Nd4 14.e3 Qxd6 15.Qxd4 Qxd4 16.exd4 Rb8 17.Nc3 b6 18.Ne4 Nxe4 19.Bxe4 Bb7 20.Bxb7 Rxb7 21.Rac1 Rc8 22.Rc3 d5 23.Rfc1 Rxc4 24.Rxc4 dxc4 25.Rxc4 1/2-1/2

This middlegame battle sees Peter Leko take on Magnus Carlsen at Sparkassen GM in 2009. It was played in round 2. The game dates from the modern computer-influenced era.

Play followed English Opening (A32) — a flexible, manoeuvring struggle. Openings in this group reward patient build-up and a feel for pawn structure.

Lasting 25 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.

In the end, the game was drawn between Peter Leko and Magnus Carlsen. 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 Peter Leko?

In the 41 games between them in our database (2006 to 2020) Carlsen leads 7–4 with 30 draws. This game is number 27 of 41.

Where and when was Peter Leko vs Magnus Carlsen played?

At the Sparkassen GM, round 2, on 3 July 2009.

Who played this game?

This game was played between Peter Leko (White) and Magnus Carlsen (Black), at Sparkassen GM in 2009.

What opening was played?

The game used English Opening (ECO code A32). A flexible, manoeuvring struggle.

What was the result?

The game was drawn between Peter Leko and Magnus Carlsen.

How long was the game?

The game lasted 25 moves (49 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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