Wesley So vs Magnus Carlsen, 78th Tata Steel GpA 2016

English Opening (A30) · ½-½ (Draw) · 28 moves · Round 12.1 · 30 January 2016

♔
White
Wesley So
½ – ½
Black
Magnus Carlsen
♚

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhiteWesley So
  • BlackMagnus Carlsen
  • Result½-½ · Draw
  • Event78th Tata Steel GpA 2016
  • Round12.1
  • Date30 January 2016
  • OpeningEnglish Opening (A30)
  • Length28 moves
  • Type of eventClassical

This is game 5 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: So vs Carlsen, ½-½ (Qatar Masters Open 2015, 2015).

Next game: Carlsen vs So, 0-1 (GCT Rapid Paris 2016, 2016).

The moves of Wesley So vs Magnus Carlsen, 78th Tata Steel GpA 2016

1.c4 c5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nc3 e6 4.g3 b6 5.Bg2 Bb7 6.O-O Be7 7.Re1 d5 8.cxd5 Nxd5 9.e4 Nb4 10.d4 cxd4 11.Nxd4 N8c6 12.Nxc6 Qxd1 13.Rxd1 Bxc6 14.Rb1 Rd8 15.Rxd8+ Kxd8 16.a3 Nd3 17.Be3 Kc7 18.f4 a5 19.e5 Rd8 20.Bxc6 Kxc6 21.Kf1 Bc5 22.Ke2 Bxe3 23.Kxe3 Nc5 24.Rc1 Rd3+ 25.Ke2 Rd4 26.Ke3 Rd3+ 27.Ke2 Rd4 28.Ke3 1/2-1/2

In this encounter Wesley So had the white pieces against Magnus Carlsen at 78th Tata Steel GpA in 2016. The game dates from the contemporary engine era.

From English Opening (A30) the players entered a flexible, manoeuvring struggle. Openings in this group reward patient build-up and a feel for pawn structure.

Lasting 28 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.

After the contest, the game was drawn between Wesley So 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 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 5 of 235.

Where and when was Wesley So vs Magnus Carlsen played?

At the 78th Tata Steel GpA, round 12.1, on 30 January 2016.

Who played this game?

This game was played between Wesley So (White) and Magnus Carlsen (Black), at 78th Tata Steel GpA in 2016.

What opening was played?

The game used English Opening (ECO code A30). A flexible, manoeuvring struggle.

What was the result?

The game was drawn between Wesley So and Magnus Carlsen.

How long was the game?

The game lasted 28 moves (55 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 English Opening collection, Magnus Carlsen's complete game archive, and thousands more grandmaster games in the RamaChess archive.

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