Magnus Carlsen vs Hikaru Nakamura, FTX Crypto Cup KO 2021
Queen's Gambit Declined (D37) · 1-0 (Magnus Carlsen won) · 23 moves · Round 1.31 · 27 May 2021
About This Game
Game summary
- WhiteMagnus Carlsen
- BlackHikaru Nakamura
- Result1-0 · Magnus Carlsen won
- EventFTX Crypto Cup KO 2021
- Round1.31
- Date27 May 2021
- OpeningQueen's Gambit Declined (D37)
- Length23 moves
- Type of eventRapid
This is game 213 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, ½-½ (FTX Crypto Cup KO 2021, 2021).
Next game: Nakamura vs Carlsen, 0-1 (FTX Crypto Cup KO 2021, 2021).
The moves of Magnus Carlsen vs Hikaru Nakamura, FTX Crypto Cup KO 2021
This middlegame battle sees Magnus Carlsen take on Hikaru Nakamura at FTX Crypto Cup KO 2021 in 2021. The game dates from the contemporary engine era.
The game opened with Queen's Gambit Declined (D37), a fight over the centre. Here the struggle often turns on the central pawns and minor-piece play.
Lasting 23 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 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 213 of 408.
Where and when was Magnus Carlsen vs Hikaru Nakamura played?
At the FTX Crypto Cup KO 2021, round 1.31, on 27 May 2021.
Who played this game?
This game was played between Magnus Carlsen (White) and Hikaru Nakamura (Black), at FTX Crypto Cup KO 2021 in 2021.
What opening was played?
The game used Queen's Gambit Declined (ECO code D37). A fight over the centre.
What was the result?
Magnus Carlsen won with the white pieces.
How long was the game?
The game lasted 23 moves (45 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 Queen's Gambit Declined collection, Magnus Carlsen's complete game archive, and thousands more grandmaster games in the RamaChess archive.