Ian Nepomniachtchi vs Magnus Carlsen, World Blitz 2023

Caro-Kann Defense (B15) · ½-½ (Draw) · 37 moves · Round 12.1 · 30 December 2023

♔
White
Ian Nepomniachtchi
½ – ½
Black
Magnus Carlsen
♚

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhiteIan Nepomniachtchi
  • BlackMagnus Carlsen
  • Result½-½ · Draw
  • EventWorld Blitz 2023
  • Round12.1
  • Date30 December 2023
  • OpeningCaro-Kann Defense (B15)
  • Length37 moves
  • Type of eventBlitz and bullet

This is game 141 of 173 between Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi in the Rama Chess database (2002–2025). In all their games Carlsen leads 67–25 with 81 draws.

Previous game: Nepomniachtchi vs Carlsen, ½-½ (AI Cup Div 1 W, 2023).

Next game: Carlsen vs Nepomniachtchi, 1-0 (CrunchLab Masters Div 1 W, 2024).

The moves of Ian Nepomniachtchi vs Magnus Carlsen, World Blitz 2023

1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nf6 5.Nxf6+ exf6 6.Be3 Na6 7.a3 Bd6 8.Bd3 O-O 9.Ne2 Re8 10.O-O Bg4 11.Qd2 Nc7 12.c4 Bxe2 13.Bxe2 f5 14.c5 Be7 15.Bf3 Bf6 16.Rad1 Nd5 17.Bf4 Nxf4 18.Qxf4 Qe7 19.b4 g6 20.d5 cxd5 21.Bxd5 Rad8 22.g3 Kg7 23.Qc4 h5 24.h4 Rd7 25.Kg2 Qe5 26.Bf3 Ree7 27.b5 Rd4 28.Rxd4 Qxd4 29.Qxd4 Bxd4 30.c6 bxc6 31.bxc6 Bb6 32.Rd1 Kf6 33.a4 Re5 34.Rd7 Ke6 35.Bd1 Rc5 36.Bb3+ Ke5 37.Bxf7 1/2-1/2

This middlegame battle sees Ian Nepomniachtchi take on Magnus Carlsen at World Blitz 2023 in 2023. The game dates from the contemporary engine era.

The game opened with Caro-Kann Defense (B15), sharp, double-edged play. These lines often lead to opposite-side castling and a race to attack.

Lasting 37 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.

Games like this are useful at every level: opening principles for beginners, middlegame plans for club players, fine technique for experts.

After the contest, the game was drawn between Ian Nepomniachtchi 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 Ian Nepomniachtchi?

In the 173 games between them in our database (2002 to 2025) Carlsen leads 67–25 with 81 draws. This game is number 141 of 173.

Where and when was Ian Nepomniachtchi vs Magnus Carlsen played?

At the World Blitz 2023, round 12.1, on 30 December 2023.

Who played this game?

This game was played between Ian Nepomniachtchi (White) and Magnus Carlsen (Black), at World Blitz 2023 in 2023.

What opening was played?

The game used Caro-Kann Defense (ECO code B15). Sharp, double-edged play.

What was the result?

The game was drawn between Ian Nepomniachtchi and Magnus Carlsen.

How long was the game?

The game lasted 37 moves (73 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 Caro-Kann Defense collection, Magnus Carlsen's complete game archive, and thousands more grandmaster games in the RamaChess archive.

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