Hikaru Nakamura vs Magnus Carlsen, 7th Tal Mem Blitz 2012

English Opening (A30) · ½-½ (Draw) · 45 moves · Round 5 · 7 June 2012

♔
White
Hikaru Nakamura
½ – ½
Black
Magnus Carlsen
♚

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhiteHikaru Nakamura
  • BlackMagnus Carlsen
  • Result½-½ · Draw
  • Event7th Tal Mem Blitz 2012
  • Round5
  • Date7 June 2012
  • OpeningEnglish Opening (A30)
  • Length45 moves
  • Type of eventBlitz and bullet

This is game 26 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: Nakamura vs Carlsen, ½-½ (74th Tata Steel GMA, 2012).

Next game: Nakamura vs Carlsen, ½-½ (7th Mikhail Tal Memorial, 2012).

The moves of Hikaru Nakamura vs Magnus Carlsen, 7th Tal Mem Blitz 2012

1.c4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.O-O d6 6.Nc3 Qd7 7.e3 Bxc3 8.bxc3 f5 9.d3 Nf6 10.Nd2 b6 11.f4 Bb7 12.e4 O-O-O 13.Re1 fxe4 14.Nxe4 Nxe4 15.Bxe4 Rhe8 16.Qf3 e6 17.Qf2 d5 18.cxd5 exd5 19.Bg2 Rxe1+ 20.Qxe1 d4 21.Qf1 Ne7 22.c4 Nf5 23.Bd2 Re8 24.Re1 Rxe1 25.Qxe1 Bxg2 26.Kxg2 Kb7 27.Kf2 h5 28.Qd1 Ka6 29.a4 Qe8 30.Qb3 Qe6 31.a5 Ne3 32.Bxe3 Qxe3+ 33.Kf1 Qf3+ 34.Kg1 Qe3+ 35.Kf1 Kb7 36.axb6 axb6 37.Qd1 Kc6 38.Kg2 b5 39.Qa4 Kb6 40.Qb3 Kc6 41.Qc2 Kd6 42.Kh3 Qe6+ 43.Kg2 Qe3 44.Kh3 Qe6+ 45.Kg2 1/2-1/2

A full-length game in which Hikaru Nakamura was paired against Magnus Carlsen at 7th Tal Mem Blitz in 2012. It was played in round 5. The game dates from the modern computer-influenced era.

Play followed English Opening (A30) — a flexible, manoeuvring struggle. Openings in this group reward patient build-up and a feel for pawn structure.

Running to 45 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.

When the dust settled, 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 26 of 408.

Where and when was Hikaru Nakamura vs Magnus Carlsen played?

At the 7th Tal Mem Blitz, round 5, on 7 June 2012.

Who played this game?

This game was played between Hikaru Nakamura (White) and Magnus Carlsen (Black), at 7th Tal Mem Blitz in 2012.

What opening was played?

The game used English Opening (ECO code A30). A flexible, manoeuvring struggle.

What was the result?

The game was drawn between Hikaru Nakamura and Magnus Carlsen.

How long was the game?

The game lasted 45 moves (89 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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