Magnus Carlsen vs Ian Nepomniachtchi, Magnus Carlsen Inv KO 2021
Queen's Gambit Declined (D37) · 0-1 (Ian Nepomniachtchi won) · 45 moves · Round 2.13 · 18 March 2021
About This Game
Game summary
- WhiteMagnus Carlsen
- BlackIan Nepomniachtchi
- Result0-1 · Ian Nepomniachtchi won
- EventMagnus Carlsen Inv KO 2021
- Round2.13
- Date18 March 2021
- OpeningQueen's Gambit Declined (D37)
- Length45 moves
- Type of eventRapid
This is game 65 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 (Magnus Carlsen Inv KO, 2021).
Next game: Nepomniachtchi vs Carlsen, ½-½ (Magnus Carlsen Inv KO, 2021).
The moves of Magnus Carlsen vs Ian Nepomniachtchi, Magnus Carlsen Inv KO 2021
This full-length game sees Magnus Carlsen take on Ian Nepomniachtchi at Magnus Carlsen Inv KO in 2021. The game dates from the contemporary engine era.
The game opened with Queen's Gambit Declined (D37), a fight over the centre. Here the struggle often turns on the central pawns and minor-piece play.
Running to 45 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.
Games like this are useful at every level: opening principles for beginners, middlegame plans for club players, fine technique for experts.
In the end, Ian Nepomniachtchi won with the black pieces. 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 65 of 173.
Where and when was Magnus Carlsen vs Ian Nepomniachtchi played?
At the Magnus Carlsen Inv KO, round 2.13, on 18 March 2021.
Who played this game?
This game was played between Magnus Carlsen (White) and Ian Nepomniachtchi (Black), at Magnus Carlsen Inv KO in 2021.
What opening was played?
The game used Queen's Gambit Declined (ECO code D37). A fight over the centre.
What was the result?
Ian Nepomniachtchi won with the black pieces.
How long was the game?
The game lasted 45 moves (90 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 Queen's Gambit Declined collection, Magnus Carlsen's complete game archive, and thousands more grandmaster games in the RamaChess archive.