Hikaru Nakamura vs Magnus Carlsen, FTX Crypto Cup KO 2021

Ruy Lopez (C65) · ½-½ (Draw) · 36 moves · Round 1.24 · 27 May 2021

♔
White
Hikaru Nakamura
½ – ½
Black
Magnus Carlsen
♚
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Moves
0 / 71

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhiteHikaru Nakamura
  • BlackMagnus Carlsen
  • Result½-½ · Draw
  • EventFTX Crypto Cup KO 2021
  • Round1.24
  • Date27 May 2021
  • OpeningRuy Lopez (C65)
  • Length36 moves
  • Type of eventRapid

This is game 211 of 408 between Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura in the Rama Chess database (2005–2025). In all their games Carlsen leads 144–82 with 182 draws.

Previous game: Carlsen vs Nakamura, 0-1 (FTX Crypto Cup KO 2021, 2021).

Next game: Carlsen vs Nakamura, ½-½ (FTX Crypto Cup KO 2021, 2021).

Carlsen vs Nakamura: all 408 gamesAll Carlsen games at FTX Crypto Cup KO 2021Carlsen in the Ruy LopezCarlsen games of 2021Hikaru Nakamura profile

The moves of Hikaru Nakamura vs Magnus Carlsen, FTX Crypto Cup KO 2021

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6 4.d3 Bc5 5.O-O Nd4 6.Be3 Nxf3+ 7.Qxf3 Bxe3 8.Qxe3 c6 9.Bc4 O-O 10.Bb3 d6 11.Nd2 Qe7 12.f4 Be6 13.Rae1 exf4 14.Rxf4 Bxb3 15.Nxb3 Rae8 16.Qf2 d5 17.e5 Nd7 18.d4 Qe6 19.Nc1 f6 20.Nd3 fxe5 21.Nxe5 Rxf4 22.Qxf4 Nxe5 23.Rxe5 Qg6 24.Rxe8+ Qxe8 25.Kf2 h6 26.c3 Qg6 27.Qb8+ Kh7 28.Qe5 Qc2+ 29.Qe2 Qf5+ 30.Qf3 Qb1 31.Kg3 Qxb2 32.Qf5+ Kg8 33.Qc8+ Kh7 34.Qf5+ Kg8 35.Qc8+ Kh7 36.Qf5+ 1/2-1/2

Hikaru Nakamura and Magnus Carlsen met over the board in this middlegame battle at FTX Crypto Cup KO 2021 in 2021. The game dates from the contemporary engine era.

The game opened with Ruy Lopez (C65), classical development and rapid piece play. Such positions test classical principles: development, centre, king safety.

Lasting 36 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.

In the end, the game was drawn between Hikaru Nakamura 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 Hikaru Nakamura?

In the 408 games between them in our database (2005 to 2025) Carlsen leads 144–82 with 182 draws. This game is number 211 of 408.

Where and when was Hikaru Nakamura vs Magnus Carlsen played?

At the FTX Crypto Cup KO 2021, round 1.24, on 27 May 2021.

Who played this game?

This game was played between Hikaru Nakamura (White) and Magnus Carlsen (Black), at FTX Crypto Cup KO 2021 in 2021.

What opening was played?

The game used Ruy Lopez (ECO code C65). Classical development and rapid piece play.

What was the result?

The game was drawn between Hikaru Nakamura and Magnus Carlsen.

How long was the game?

The game lasted 36 moves (71 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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