Magnus Carlsen vs Hikaru Nakamura, 9th Masters Final 2016

Sicilian Defense (B20) · 0-1 (Hikaru Nakamura won) · 50 moves · Round 1.2 · 13 July 2016

♔
White
Magnus Carlsen
0 – 1
Black
Hikaru Nakamura
♚

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhiteMagnus Carlsen
  • BlackHikaru Nakamura
  • Result0-1 · Hikaru Nakamura won
  • Event9th Masters Final 2016
  • Round1.2
  • Date13 July 2016
  • OpeningSicilian Defense (B20)
  • Length50 moves
  • Type of eventClassical

This is game 56 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 (GCT Blitz YourNextMove, 2016).

Next game: Nakamura vs Carlsen, ½-½ (9th Masters Final 2016, 2016).

The moves of Magnus Carlsen vs Hikaru Nakamura, 9th Masters Final 2016

1.e4 c5 2.Ne2 d6 3.Nbc3 a6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.d4 cxd4 7.Nxd4 Nf6 8.O-O O-O 9.b3 Nc6 10.Nxc6 bxc6 11.Bb2 Qa5 12.Na4 Bg4 13.Qe1 Qh5 14.f3 Bh3 15.g4 Qh6 16.Rd1 g5 17.Bc1 Bxg2 18.Kxg2 Qg6 19.h4 gxh4 20.Qxh4 d5 21.g5 dxe4 22.f4 e6 23.c4 Rfd8 24.Rde1 Ne8 25.Nc5 Nd6 26.Qf2 f5 27.Bb2 Nf7 28.Bxg7 Kxg7 29.Qg3 Rd6 30.Rd1 Rad8 31.Rxd6 Rxd6 32.Qc3+ Kg8 33.Rf2 Qh5 34.Qh3 Qd1 35.Qe3 e5 36.Qg3 Rg6 37.Kh2 exf4 38.Qxf4 Qh5+ 39.Kg1 Qd1+ 40.Kh2 Qh5+ 41.Kg1 Nxg5 42.Qb8+ Kg7 43.Qe5+ Kh6 44.Qf4 Qd1+ 45.Kh2 Qd4 46.b4 Kg7 47.Qc7+ Kh8 48.Qc8+ Rg8 49.Qxf5 Nf3+ 50.Kh3 Qd6 0-1

In this encounter Magnus Carlsen had the white pieces against Hikaru Nakamura at 9th Masters Final 2016 in 2016. The game dates from the contemporary engine era.

The game opened with Sicilian Defense (B20), sharp, double-edged play. These lines often lead to opposite-side castling and a race to attack.

Running to 50 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.

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, Hikaru Nakamura won with the black 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 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 56 of 408.

Where and when was Magnus Carlsen vs Hikaru Nakamura played?

At the 9th Masters Final 2016, round 1.2, on 13 July 2016.

Who played this game?

This game was played between Magnus Carlsen (White) and Hikaru Nakamura (Black), at 9th Masters Final 2016 in 2016.

What opening was played?

The game used Sicilian Defense (ECO code B20). Sharp, double-edged play.

What was the result?

Hikaru Nakamura won with the black pieces.

How long was the game?

The game lasted 50 moves (100 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 Sicilian Defense collection, Magnus Carlsen's complete game archive, and thousands more grandmaster games in the RamaChess archive.

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