Magnus Carlsen vs Alireza Firouzja, Bullet Chess Winners 2023

Ruy Lopez (C91) · 1-0 (Magnus Carlsen won) · 34 moves · Round 3.7 · 19 July 2023

♔
White
Magnus Carlsen
1 – 0
Black
Alireza Firouzja
♚

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhiteMagnus Carlsen
  • BlackAlireza Firouzja
  • Result1-0 · Magnus Carlsen won
  • EventBullet Chess Winners 2023
  • Round3.7
  • Date19 July 2023
  • OpeningRuy Lopez (C91)
  • Length34 moves
  • Type of eventBlitz and bullet

This is game 137 of 266 between Magnus Carlsen and Alireza Firouzja in the Rama Chess database (2018–2025). In all their games Carlsen leads 135–65 with 66 draws.

Previous game: Carlsen vs Firouzja, 0-1 (Bullet Chess Winners 2023, 2023).

Next game: Carlsen vs Firouzja, ½-½ (Bullet Chess Winners 2023, 2023).

The moves of Magnus Carlsen vs Alireza Firouzja, Bullet Chess Winners 2023

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.c3 O-O 9.d4 Bg4 10.Be3 d5 11.exd5 exd4 12.cxd4 Nxd5 13.Nc3 Nxe3 14.fxe3 Bd6 15.h3 Bh5 16.Rc1 Na5 17.e4 Nxb3 18.axb3 Re8 19.e5 Bb4 20.Rf1 c5 21.d5 Bxc3 22.Rxc3 Rxe5 23.Rxc5 Re3 24.Qd4 Rxb3 25.Ne5 Qd6 26.Rc6 Qb4 27.Qxb4 Rxb4 28.d6 Rd4 29.d7 Rd8 30.Rfc1 Kf8 31.Rc8 Rxd7 32.Nxd7+ Ke7 33.Rxd8 Kxd8 34.Nc5 1-0

This middlegame battle sees Magnus Carlsen take on Alireza Firouzja at Bullet Chess Winners 2023 in 2023. The game dates from the contemporary engine era.

From Ruy Lopez (C91) the players entered classical development and rapid piece play. Such positions test classical principles: development, centre, king safety.

Lasting 34 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.

Working through a full game like this trains pattern recognition — the more you study, the faster you spot familiar ideas in your own play.

After the contest, 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 Alireza Firouzja?

In the 266 games between them in our database (2018 to 2025) Carlsen leads 135–65 with 66 draws. This game is number 137 of 266.

Where and when was Magnus Carlsen vs Alireza Firouzja played?

At the Bullet Chess Winners 2023, round 3.7, on 19 July 2023.

Who played this game?

This game was played between Magnus Carlsen (White) and Alireza Firouzja (Black), at Bullet Chess Winners 2023 in 2023.

What opening was played?

The game used Ruy Lopez (ECO code C91). Classical development and rapid piece play.

What was the result?

Magnus Carlsen won with the white pieces.

How long was the game?

The game lasted 34 moves (67 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 Ruy Lopez collection, Magnus Carlsen's complete game archive, and thousands more grandmaster games in the RamaChess archive.

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