Magnus Carlsen vs Veselin Topalov, Cote d'Ivoire Rapid 2019

Four Knights Game (C47) · ½-½ (Draw) · 41 moves · Round 6.2 · 9 May 2019

♔
White
Magnus Carlsen
½ – ½
Black
Veselin Topalov
♚

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhiteMagnus Carlsen
  • BlackVeselin Topalov
  • Result½-½ · Draw
  • EventCote d'Ivoire Rapid 2019
  • Round6.2
  • Date9 May 2019
  • OpeningFour Knights Game (C47)
  • Length41 moves
  • Type of eventRapid

This is game 50 of 58 between Magnus Carlsen and Veselin Topalov in the Rama Chess database (2007–2022). In all their games Carlsen leads 29–6 with 23 draws.

Previous game: Topalov vs Carlsen, ½-½ (Vugar Gashimov Mem 2019, 2019).

Next game: Carlsen vs Topalov, 1-0 (Cote d'Ivoire Blitz 2019, 2019).

The moves of Magnus Carlsen vs Veselin Topalov, Cote d'Ivoire Rapid 2019

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.d4 exd4 5.Nxd4 Bb4 6.Nxc6 bxc6 7.Bd3 O-O 8.O-O d5 9.exd5 cxd5 10.Bg5 c6 11.Qf3 h6 12.Bf4 g5 13.Be5 Ng4 14.Bd4 Qd6 15.Qg3 Qxg3 16.hxg3 f6 17.Na4 Re8 18.f4 Kf7 19.Nc5 a5 20.Rf3 Bxc5 21.Bxc5 Ba6 22.Bf5 Bc8 23.Bd3 Ba6 24.Bf5 Bc8 25.Bxg4 Bxg4 26.Rf2 a4 27.Raf1 f5 28.Rd2 Re4 29.b3 Kg6 30.Bd4 Be2 31.Rc1 gxf4 32.gxf4 Rxf4 33.Rxe2 Rxd4 34.Re6+ Kg5 35.Rxc6 axb3 36.axb3 Rd2 37.Rf1 Ra2 38.Rf2 Ra1+ 39.Rf1 Ra2 40.Rf2 Ra1+ 41.Rf1 1/2-1/2

In this encounter Magnus Carlsen had the white pieces against Veselin Topalov at Cote d'Ivoire Rapid 2019 in 2019. The game dates from the contemporary engine era.

Play followed Four Knights Game (C47) — classical development and rapid piece play. Such positions test classical principles: development, centre, king safety.

Running to 41 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.

After the contest, the game was drawn between Magnus Carlsen and Veselin Topalov. 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 Veselin Topalov?

In the 58 games between them in our database (2007 to 2022) Carlsen leads 29–6 with 23 draws. This game is number 50 of 58.

Where and when was Magnus Carlsen vs Veselin Topalov played?

At the Cote d'Ivoire Rapid 2019, round 6.2, on 9 May 2019.

Who played this game?

This game was played between Magnus Carlsen (White) and Veselin Topalov (Black), at Cote d'Ivoire Rapid 2019 in 2019.

What opening was played?

The game used Four Knights Game (ECO code C47). Classical development and rapid piece play.

What was the result?

The game was drawn between Magnus Carlsen and Veselin Topalov.

How long was the game?

The game lasted 41 moves (81 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 Four Knights Game collection, Magnus Carlsen's complete game archive, and thousands more grandmaster games in the RamaChess archive.

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