Magnus Carlsen vs Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, 83rd Tata Steel Masters 2021
Grünfeld Defense (D85) · 1-0 (Magnus Carlsen won) · 40 moves · Round 13.3 · 31 January 2021
About This Game
Game summary
- WhiteMagnus Carlsen
- BlackMaxime Vachier-Lagrave
- Result1-0 · Magnus Carlsen won
- Event83rd Tata Steel Masters 2021
- Round13.3
- Date31 January 2021
- OpeningGrünfeld Defense (D85)
- Length40 moves
- Type of eventClassical
This is game 104 of 208 between Magnus Carlsen and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave in the Rama Chess database (2005–2025). In all their games Carlsen leads 78–44 with 86 draws.
Previous game: Carlsen vs Vachier-Lagrave, ½-½ (Airthings Masters Prelim, 2020).
Next game: Carlsen vs Vachier-Lagrave, ½-½ (Opera Euro Rapid Prelim, 2021).
The moves of Magnus Carlsen vs Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, 83rd Tata Steel Masters 2021
Magnus Carlsen and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave met over the board in this middlegame battle at 83rd Tata Steel Masters in 2021. The game dates from the contemporary engine era.
The game opened with Grünfeld Defense (D85), a fight over the centre. Here the struggle often turns on the central pawns and minor-piece play.
Lasting 40 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.
When the dust settled, Magnus Carlsen won with the white 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 Maxime Vachier-Lagrave?
In the 208 games between them in our database (2005 to 2025) Carlsen leads 78–44 with 86 draws. This game is number 104 of 208.
Where and when was Magnus Carlsen vs Maxime Vachier-Lagrave played?
At the 83rd Tata Steel Masters, round 13.3, on 31 January 2021.
Who played this game?
This game was played between Magnus Carlsen (White) and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (Black), at 83rd Tata Steel Masters in 2021.
What opening was played?
The game used Grünfeld Defense (ECO code D85). A fight over the centre.
What was the result?
Magnus Carlsen won with the white pieces.
How long was the game?
The game lasted 40 moves (79 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 Grünfeld Defense collection, Magnus Carlsen's complete game archive, and thousands more grandmaster games in the RamaChess archive.