Wesley So vs Magnus Carlsen, Magnus Carlsen Inv KO 2021
Nimzo-Indian Defense (E20) · 0-1 (Magnus Carlsen won) · 38 moves · Round 3.21 · 21 March 2021
About This Game
Game summary
- WhiteWesley So
- BlackMagnus Carlsen
- Result0-1 · Magnus Carlsen won
- EventMagnus Carlsen Inv KO 2021
- Round3.21
- Date21 March 2021
- OpeningNimzo-Indian Defense (E20)
- Length38 moves
- Type of eventRapid
This is game 123 of 235 between Magnus Carlsen and Wesley So in the Rama Chess database (2015–2025). In all their games Carlsen leads 100–33 with 102 draws.
Previous game: Carlsen vs So, ½-½ (Magnus Carlsen Inv KO, 2021).
Next game: Carlsen vs So, ½-½ (NIC Classic Prelim 2021, 2021).
The moves of Wesley So vs Magnus Carlsen, Magnus Carlsen Inv KO 2021
Wesley So and Magnus Carlsen met over the board in this middlegame battle at Magnus Carlsen Inv KO in 2021. The game dates from the contemporary engine era.
From Nimzo-Indian Defense (E20) the players entered a strategic battle of structure and activity. In these systems both sides manoeuvre carefully before committing.
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.
After the contest, Magnus Carlsen won with the black pieces. 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 Wesley So?
In the 235 games between them in our database (2015 to 2025) Carlsen leads 100–33 with 102 draws. This game is number 123 of 235.
Where and when was Wesley So vs Magnus Carlsen played?
At the Magnus Carlsen Inv KO, round 3.21, on 21 March 2021.
Who played this game?
This game was played between Wesley So (White) and Magnus Carlsen (Black), at Magnus Carlsen Inv KO in 2021.
What opening was played?
The game used Nimzo-Indian Defense (ECO code E20). A strategic battle of structure and activity.
What was the result?
Magnus Carlsen won with the black pieces.
How long was the game?
The game lasted 38 moves (76 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 Nimzo-Indian Defense collection, Magnus Carlsen's complete game archive, and thousands more grandmaster games in the RamaChess archive.