Magnus Carlsen vs Ian Nepomniachtchi, Legends of Chess Final 2020

Grünfeld Defense (D79) · ½-½ (Draw) · 38 moves · Round 2.14 · 3 August 2020

♔
White
Magnus Carlsen
½ – ½
Black
Ian Nepomniachtchi
♚

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhiteMagnus Carlsen
  • BlackIan Nepomniachtchi
  • Result½-½ · Draw
  • EventLegends of Chess Final 2020
  • Round2.14
  • Date3 August 2020
  • OpeningGrünfeld Defense (D79)
  • Length38 moves
  • Type of eventRapid

This is game 39 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, 1-0 (Legends of Chess Final, 2020).

Next game: Carlsen vs Nepomniachtchi, ½-½ (Legends of Chess Final, 2020).

The moves of Magnus Carlsen vs Ian Nepomniachtchi, Legends of Chess Final 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.g3 c6 4.Bg2 d5 5.cxd5 cxd5 6.Nf3 Bg7 7.O-O O-O 8.Ne5 Ne4 9.Nd2 Nxd2 10.Bxd2 Nd7 11.Nxd7 Bxd7 12.e3 e6 13.Qb3 Qb6 14.Qxb6 axb6 15.Rfc1 Rfc8 16.Rxc8+ Rxc8 17.Rc1 Rxc1+ 18.Bxc1 Bb5 19.Bd2 Bf8 20.Bf1 Bxf1 21.Kxf1 f5 22.a4 Kf7 23.f4 h5 24.h4 Ke8 25.b4 Kd7 26.b5 Be7 27.Ke2 Bf8 28.Kd3 Be7 29.Kc2 Bf8 30.Kb3 Be7 31.Bb4 Bd8 32.Bf8 Ke8 33.Bd6 Kd7 34.Bb4 Bc7 35.Ba3 Bd8 36.Bb4 Bc7 37.Ba3 Bd8 38.Bb4 1/2-1/2

This middlegame battle sees Magnus Carlsen take on Ian Nepomniachtchi at Legends of Chess Final in 2020. The game dates from the contemporary engine era.

The game opened with Grünfeld Defense (D79), a fight over the centre. Here the struggle often turns on the central pawns and minor-piece play.

Lasting 38 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.

When the dust settled, the game was drawn between Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi. 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 39 of 173.

Where and when was Magnus Carlsen vs Ian Nepomniachtchi played?

At the Legends of Chess Final, round 2.14, on 3 August 2020.

Who played this game?

This game was played between Magnus Carlsen (White) and Ian Nepomniachtchi (Black), at Legends of Chess Final in 2020.

What opening was played?

The game used Grünfeld Defense (ECO code D79). 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 38 moves (75 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.

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