Magnus Carlsen vs Ian Nepomniachtchi, 7th Sinquefield Cup 2019

Grünfeld Defense (D85) · ½-½ (Draw) · 34 moves · Round 7.3 · 24 August 2019

♔
White
Magnus Carlsen
½ – ½
Black
Ian Nepomniachtchi
♚

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhiteMagnus Carlsen
  • BlackIan Nepomniachtchi
  • Result½-½ · Draw
  • Event7th Sinquefield Cup 2019
  • Round7.3
  • Date24 August 2019
  • OpeningGrünfeld Defense (D85)
  • Length34 moves
  • Type of eventClassical

This is game 23 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, 0-1 (Croatia GCT 2019, 2019).

Next game: Carlsen vs Nepomniachtchi, 1-0 (Tata Steel India Rapid, 2019).

The moves of Magnus Carlsen vs Ian Nepomniachtchi, 7th Sinquefield Cup 2019

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Qa4+ Nd7 8.Nf3 c5 9.Be2 O-O 10.O-O Nb6 11.Qa3 cxd4 12.cxd4 Bg4 13.Rd1 Bxf3 14.Bxf3 Bxd4 15.e5 Nc4 16.Qb4 Rc8 17.Bh6 Bxa1 18.Rxd8 Rfxd8 19.e6 Ne5 20.exf7+ Nxf7 21.Be3 Bd4 22.Qxe7 Re8 23.Qa3 b6 24.Bd5 Rc5 25.Bxf7+ Kxf7 26.Qxa7+ Re7 27.Qa6 b5 28.h3 Bxe3 29.fxe3 Rce5 30.Qb6 R7e6 31.Qb7+ Re7 32.Qb6 R7e6 33.Qb7+ Re7 34.Qb6 1/2-1/2

In this encounter Magnus Carlsen had the white pieces against Ian Nepomniachtchi at 7th Sinquefield Cup 2019 in 2019. The game dates from the contemporary engine era.

The game opened with Grünfeld Defense (D85), a fight over the centre. Here the struggle often turns on the central pawns and minor-piece play.

Lasting 34 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.

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, the game was drawn between Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi. 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 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 23 of 173.

Where and when was Magnus Carlsen vs Ian Nepomniachtchi played?

At the 7th Sinquefield Cup 2019, round 7.3, on 24 August 2019.

Who played this game?

This game was played between Magnus Carlsen (White) and Ian Nepomniachtchi (Black), at 7th Sinquefield Cup 2019 in 2019.

What opening was played?

The game used Grünfeld Defense (ECO code D85). A fight over the centre.

What was the result?

The game was drawn between Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi.

How long was the game?

The game lasted 34 moves (67 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 Grünfeld Defense collection, Magnus Carlsen's complete game archive, and thousands more grandmaster games in the RamaChess archive.

More chess on YouTube: Stockfish100 Best Chess Channel