Magnus Carlsen vs Ian Nepomniachtchi, Skilling Open KO 2020

Sicilian Defense (B51) · ½-½ (Draw) · 35 moves · Round 2.24 · 28 November 2020

♔
White
Magnus Carlsen
½ – ½
Black
Ian Nepomniachtchi
♚

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhiteMagnus Carlsen
  • BlackIan Nepomniachtchi
  • Result½-½ · Draw
  • EventSkilling Open KO 2020
  • Round2.24
  • Date28 November 2020
  • OpeningSicilian Defense (B51)
  • Length35 moves
  • Type of eventRapid

This is game 56 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 (Skilling Open KO 2020, 2020).

Next game: Nepomniachtchi vs Carlsen, 1-0 (Skilling Open KO 2020, 2020).

The moves of Magnus Carlsen vs Ian Nepomniachtchi, Skilling Open KO 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bb5+ Nd7 4.a4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Be2 b6 7.d4 cxd4 8.Qxd4 Bb7 9.O-O e6 10.Rd1 Qc7 11.Be3 Ng4 12.Bg5 h6 13.Bh4 Nge5 14.Nxe5 dxe5 15.Qc4 Qxc4 16.Bxc4 Rc8 17.Bd3 Bc5 18.Kf1 Bd4 19.f3 Bxc3 20.bxc3 Rxc3 21.Rdb1 Bc8 22.Rb2 O-O 23.Bf2 f5 24.Bxb6 fxe4 25.Bxe4 Nf6 26.Bd3 e4 27.fxe4 Nxe4+ 28.Kg1 Nc5 29.Bxc5 Rxc5 30.a5 e5 31.Rb6 Rf6 32.Rf1 Rxb6 33.axb6 Bb7 34.c4 a5 35.Bf5 Rc6 1/2-1/2

A middlegame battle in which Magnus Carlsen was paired against Ian Nepomniachtchi at Skilling Open KO 2020 in 2020. The game dates from the contemporary engine era.

From Sicilian Defense (B51) the players entered sharp, double-edged play. These lines often lead to opposite-side castling and a race to attack.

Lasting 35 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. 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 56 of 173.

Where and when was Magnus Carlsen vs Ian Nepomniachtchi played?

At the Skilling Open KO 2020, round 2.24, on 28 November 2020.

Who played this game?

This game was played between Magnus Carlsen (White) and Ian Nepomniachtchi (Black), at Skilling Open KO 2020 in 2020.

What opening was played?

The game used Sicilian Defense (ECO code B51). Sharp, double-edged play.

What was the result?

The game was drawn between Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi.

How long was the game?

The game lasted 35 moves (70 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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