Magnus Carlsen vs Ian Nepomniachtchi, WCh 2021

Petrov Defense (C42) · ½-½ (Draw) · 33 moves · Round 4 · 30 November 2021

♔
White
Magnus Carlsen
½ – ½
Black
Ian Nepomniachtchi
♚
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Moves
0 / 65

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhiteMagnus Carlsen
  • BlackIan Nepomniachtchi
  • Result½-½ · Draw
  • EventWCh 2021
  • Round4
  • Date30 November 2021
  • OpeningPetrov Defense (C42)
  • Length33 moves
  • Type of eventClassical

This is game 79 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 (WCh 2021, 2021).

Next game: Nepomniachtchi vs Carlsen, ½-½ (WCh 2021, 2021).

Carlsen vs Nepomniachtchi: all 173 gamesCarlsen in the Petrov DefenseCarlsen games of 2021Ian Nepomniachtchi profile

The moves of Magnus Carlsen vs Ian Nepomniachtchi, WCh 2021

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Bd6 7.O-O O-O 8.c4 c6 9.Re1 Bf5 10.Qb3 Qd7 11.Nc3 Nxc3 12.Bxf5 Qxf5 13.bxc3 b6 14.cxd5 cxd5 15.Qb5 Qd7 16.a4 Qxb5 17.axb5 a5 18.Nh4 g6 19.g4 Nd7 20.Ng2 Rfc8 21.Bf4 Bxf4 22.Nxf4 Rxc3 23.Nxd5 Rd3 24.Re7 Nf8 25.Nf6+ Kg7 26.Ne8+ Kg8 27.d5 a4 28.Nf6+ Kg7 29.g5 a3 30.Ne8+ Kg8 31.Nf6+ Kg7 32.Ne8+ Kg8 33.Nf6+ 1/2-1/2

In this encounter Magnus Carlsen had the white pieces against Ian Nepomniachtchi at WCh 2021 in 2021. It was played in round 4. The game dates from the contemporary engine era.

The game opened with Petrov Defense (C42), classical development and rapid piece play. Such positions test classical principles: development, centre, king safety.

Lasting 33 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.

Games like this are useful at every level: opening principles for beginners, middlegame plans for club players, fine technique for experts.

In the end, 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 79 of 173.

Where and when was Magnus Carlsen vs Ian Nepomniachtchi played?

At the WCh 2021, round 4, on 30 November 2021.

Who played this game?

This game was played between Magnus Carlsen (White) and Ian Nepomniachtchi (Black), at WCh 2021 in 2021.

What opening was played?

The game used Petrov Defense (ECO code C42). Classical development and rapid piece play.

What was the result?

The game was drawn between Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi.

How long was the game?

The game lasted 33 moves (65 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 Petrov Defense collection, Magnus Carlsen's complete game archive, and thousands more grandmaster games in the RamaChess archive.

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