Ian Nepomniachtchi vs Magnus Carlsen, World Blitz Final KO 2024

Sicilian Defense (B31) · 0-1 (Magnus Carlsen won) · 57 moves · Round 3.1 · 31 December 2024

♔
White
Ian Nepomniachtchi
0 – 1
Black
Magnus Carlsen
♚

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhiteIan Nepomniachtchi
  • BlackMagnus Carlsen
  • Result0-1 · Magnus Carlsen won
  • EventWorld Blitz Final KO 2024
  • Round3.1
  • Date31 December 2024
  • OpeningSicilian Defense (B31)
  • Length57 moves
  • Type of eventBlitz and bullet

This is game 165 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: Carlsen vs Nepomniachtchi, ½-½ (World Blitz 2024, 2024).

Next game: Nepomniachtchi vs Carlsen, 1-0 (World Blitz Final KO 2024, 2024).

The moves of Ian Nepomniachtchi vs Magnus Carlsen, World Blitz Final KO 2024

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 g6 4.O-O Bg7 5.Re1 e5 6.Bxc6 dxc6 7.d3 Qe7 8.a4 Nf6 9.a5 O-O 10.Be3 Rd8 11.Qc1 c4 12.Ra3 cxd3 13.cxd3 Nh5 14.Bg5 Bf6 15.Bxf6 Qxf6 16.Qc5 Re8 17.Nbd2 Bg4 18.h3 Bxf3 19.Nxf3 Nf4 20.Kh2 b6 21.axb6 axb6 22.Rxa8 bxc5 23.Rxe8+ Kg7 24.Re3 Qd6 25.Ne1 c4 26.dxc4 Qd2 27.Kg1 Qxb2 28.Rc8 Qb7 29.Rd8 Qb4 30.Nf3 Qxc4 31.Rd7 Qc1+ 32.Re1 Qc3 33.Re3 Qb2 34.Ng5 Qc1+ 35.Kh2 Qf1 36.Rxf7+ Kg8 37.Rxf4 exf4 38.Rf3 h6 39.Ne6 g5 40.e5 Qc4 41.Nd8 Qd5 42.Nb7 Qxe5 43.Kg1 c5 44.Kh2 c4 45.Ra3 f3+ 46.Kg1 Qb2 47.Ra8+ Kg7 48.Nc5 Qc1+ 49.Kh2 Qf1 50.Ra7+ Kg8 51.Ra8+ Kf7 52.Ra7+ Ke8 53.Ra8+ Ke7 54.Ra7+ Kd8 55.Ne6+ Kc8 56.Rc7+ Kb8 57.gxf3 Qxf2+ 0-1

In this encounter Ian Nepomniachtchi had the white pieces against Magnus Carlsen at World Blitz Final KO 2024 in 2024. The game dates from the contemporary engine era.

The game opened with Sicilian Defense (B31), sharp, double-edged play. These lines often lead to opposite-side castling and a race to attack.

Running to 57 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.

After the contest, Magnus Carlsen 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 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 165 of 173.

Where and when was Ian Nepomniachtchi vs Magnus Carlsen played?

At the World Blitz Final KO 2024, round 3.1, on 31 December 2024.

Who played this game?

This game was played between Ian Nepomniachtchi (White) and Magnus Carlsen (Black), at World Blitz Final KO 2024 in 2024.

What opening was played?

The game used Sicilian Defense (ECO code B31). Sharp, double-edged play.

What was the result?

Magnus Carlsen won with the black pieces.

How long was the game?

The game lasted 57 moves (114 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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