Alexei Shirov vs Magnus Carlsen, XXV SuperGM 2008

Sicilian Defense (B42) · ½-½ (Draw) · 39 moves · Round 2 · 16 February 2008

♔
White
Alexei Shirov
½ – ½
Black
Magnus Carlsen
♚

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhiteAlexei Shirov
  • BlackMagnus Carlsen
  • Result½-½ · Draw
  • EventXXV SuperGM 2008
  • Round2
  • Date16 February 2008
  • OpeningSicilian Defense (B42)
  • Length39 moves
  • Type of eventClassical

This is game 8 of 26 between Magnus Carlsen and Alexei Shirov in the Rama Chess database (2005–2025). In all their games Carlsen leads 15–2 with 9 draws.

Previous game: Carlsen vs Shirov, 1-0 (World Blitz, 2007).

Next game: Carlsen vs Shirov, 1-0 (XXV SuperGM, 2008).

The moves of Alexei Shirov vs Magnus Carlsen, XXV SuperGM 2008

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 a6 5.Bd3 Ne7 6.O-O Nbc6 7.Nxc6 Nxc6 8.Be3 Be7 9.Nd2 d5 10.exd5 exd5 11.Nb3 O-O 12.Re1 Re8 13.c3 Bd6 14.Qc2 g6 15.Bc5 Bc7 16.Rxe8+ Qxe8 17.Qd2 Qe5 18.Qh6 Bf5 19.Bxf5 Qxf5 20.Nd4 Qe4 21.f3 Qe8 22.Nxc6 bxc6 23.Bd4 Be5 24.Qd2 Qb8 25.g3 Qd6 26.Re1 Bxd4+ 27.cxd4 c5 28.Kg2 c4 29.h4 h5 30.g4 hxg4 31.fxg4 Qd7 32.Kg3 Re8 33.Rxe8+ Qxe8 34.h5 Qe4 35.hxg6 fxg6 36.Qf4 Qe1+ 37.Kh3 Qh1+ 38.Kg3 Qe1+ 39.Kh3 1/2-1/2

In this encounter Alexei Shirov had the white pieces against Magnus Carlsen at XXV SuperGM in 2008. It was played in round 2. The game dates from the modern computer-influenced era.

The game opened with Sicilian Defense (B42), sharp, double-edged play. These lines often lead to opposite-side castling and a race to attack.

Lasting 39 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 Alexei Shirov and Magnus Carlsen. 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 Alexei Shirov?

In the 26 games between them in our database (2005 to 2025) Carlsen leads 15–2 with 9 draws. This game is number 8 of 26.

Where and when was Alexei Shirov vs Magnus Carlsen played?

At the XXV SuperGM, round 2, on 16 February 2008.

Who played this game?

This game was played between Alexei Shirov (White) and Magnus Carlsen (Black), at XXV SuperGM in 2008.

What opening was played?

The game used Sicilian Defense (ECO code B42). Sharp, double-edged play.

What was the result?

The game was drawn between Alexei Shirov and Magnus Carlsen.

How long was the game?

The game lasted 39 moves (77 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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