Hikaru Nakamura vs Magnus Carlsen, Aker CC Rapid 2009
Slav Defense (D14) · ½-½ (Draw) · 12 moves · Round 6 · 4 January 2009
About This Game
Game summary
- WhiteHikaru Nakamura
- BlackMagnus Carlsen
- Result½-½ · Draw
- EventAker CC Rapid 2009
- Round6
- Date4 January 2009
- OpeningSlav Defense (D14)
- Length12 moves
- Type of eventRapid
This is game 6 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, 0-1 (Aker CC Blitz, 2009).
Next game: Nakamura vs Carlsen, 0-1 (BNbank Blitz KO, 2009).
The moves of Hikaru Nakamura vs Magnus Carlsen, Aker CC Rapid 2009
This brisk miniature sees Hikaru Nakamura take on Magnus Carlsen at Aker CC Rapid in 2009. It was played in round 6. The game dates from the modern computer-influenced era.
The game opened with Slav Defense (D14), a fight over the centre. Here the struggle often turns on the central pawns and minor-piece play.
The game was a sharp, short fight of 12 moves. Decisive games like this often hinge on a single tactical idea, making them good study material for spotting mistakes early.
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.
Working through a full game like this trains pattern recognition — the more you study, the faster you spot familiar ideas in your own play.
When the dust settled, the game was drawn between Hikaru Nakamura and Magnus Carlsen. 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 6 of 408.
Where and when was Hikaru Nakamura vs Magnus Carlsen played?
At the Aker CC Rapid, round 6, on 4 January 2009.
Who played this game?
This game was played between Hikaru Nakamura (White) and Magnus Carlsen (Black), at Aker CC Rapid in 2009.
What opening was played?
The game used Slav Defense (ECO code D14). A fight over the centre.
What was the result?
The game was drawn between Hikaru Nakamura and Magnus Carlsen.
How long was the game?
The game lasted 12 moves (23 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 Slav Defense collection, Magnus Carlsen's complete game archive, and thousands more grandmaster games in the RamaChess archive.