Veselin Topalov vs Magnus Carlsen, Amber Rapid 2008

Catalan Opening (E00) · ½-½ (Draw) · 69 moves · Round 6 · 21 March 2008

♔
White
Veselin Topalov
½ – ½
Black
Magnus Carlsen
♚
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Moves
0 / 138

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhiteVeselin Topalov
  • BlackMagnus Carlsen
  • Result½-½ · Draw
  • EventAmber Rapid 2008
  • Round6
  • Date21 March 2008
  • OpeningCatalan Opening (E00)
  • Length69 moves
  • Type of eventRapid

This is game 9 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: Carlsen vs Topalov, 1-0 (XXV SuperGM, 2008).

Next game: Carlsen vs Topalov, ½-½ (Amber Blindfold, 2008).

Carlsen vs Topalov: all 58 gamesAll Carlsen games at Amber RapidCarlsen in the Catalan OpeningCarlsen games of 2008Veselin Topalov profile

The moves of Veselin Topalov vs Magnus Carlsen, Amber Rapid 2008

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 Bb4+ 4.Nd2 d5 5.Bg2 O-O 6.Qc2 c5 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.Ngf3 Nc6 9.O-O d4 10.Nb3 Be7 11.Rd1 e5 12.e3 Bg4 13.exd4 e4 14.Ng5 Bxd1 15.Qxd1 a5 16.a4 Re8 17.Nxe4 Nxe4 18.Bxe4 Bf6 19.Bd5 Rc8 20.Bd2 Bxd4 21.Nxd4 Nxd4 22.Bxa5 Qxa5 23.Qxd4 Re1+ 24.Rxe1 Qxe1+ 25.Kg2 Qb4 26.Bxf7+ Kh8 27.Bd5 Qxa4 28.Qg4 Rf8 29.Bxb7 Qb4 30.Bf3 Qxb2 31.c5 Qc3 32.c6 g6 33.h4 Qf6 34.h5 gxh5 35.Qxh5 Rf7 36.Qg4 Rf8 37.Qe4 Rf7 38.Qe3 Kg7 39.Be4 Qe5 40.Qe2 Rc7 41.Qg4+ Kf8 42.Qh4 Qd6 43.Qh5 Qf6 44.Qd5 Kg7 45.g4 h6 46.Kg3 Qc3+ 47.Kg2 Qf6 48.Bf3 Rf7 49.Qd3 Qf4 50.Qc3+ Kh7 51.Qd3+ Kg7 52.Qe2 Qf6 53.Bd5 Re7 54.Qc4 Qe5 55.Qd3 Qf6 56.Qg3 Qd4 57.Bf3 Qc5 58.Qb8 Qc3 59.Bd5 Qc5 60.Qg8+ Kf6 61.Qh8+ Kg6 62.Bf3 Qe5 63.Qg8+ Rg7 64.Qh8 Re7 65.Qf8 Rc7 66.Qd8 Qe7 67.Qg8+ Kf6 68.Qd5 Kg7 69.Be4 Qf6 1/2-1/2

A marathon in which Veselin Topalov was paired against Magnus Carlsen at Amber Rapid in 2008. It was played in round 6. The game dates from the modern computer-influenced era.

From Catalan Opening (E00) the players entered a strategic battle of structure and activity. In these systems both sides manoeuvre carefully before committing.

At 69 moves this was a long, demanding struggle that rewarded stamina and precise endgame technique.

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.

In the end, the game was drawn between Veselin Topalov 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 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 9 of 58.

Where and when was Veselin Topalov vs Magnus Carlsen played?

At the Amber Rapid, round 6, on 21 March 2008.

Who played this game?

This game was played between Veselin Topalov (White) and Magnus Carlsen (Black), at Amber Rapid in 2008.

What opening was played?

The game used Catalan Opening (ECO code E00). A strategic battle of structure and activity.

What was the result?

The game was drawn between Veselin Topalov and Magnus Carlsen.

How long was the game?

The game lasted 69 moves (138 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 Catalan Opening collection, Magnus Carlsen's complete game archive, and thousands more grandmaster games in the RamaChess archive.

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