Magnus Carlsen vs Alireza Firouzja, Bullet Chess Losers 2023

Ruy Lopez (C88) · 1-0 (Magnus Carlsen won) · 45 moves · Round 6.4 · 21 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 Losers 2023
  • Round6.4
  • Date21 July 2023
  • OpeningRuy Lopez (C88)
  • Length45 moves
  • Type of eventBlitz and bullet

This is game 165 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: Firouzja vs Carlsen, 0-1 (Bullet Chess Losers 2023, 2023).

Next game: Firouzja vs Carlsen, 1-0 (Bullet Chess Losers 2023, 2023).

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

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.a4 b4 9.a5 O-O 10.h3 Rb8 11.d3 Rb5 12.Nbd2 Rxa5 13.Rxa5 Nxa5 14.Ba4 c5 15.c3 Bd7 16.Bxd7 Qxd7 17.cxb4 cxb4 18.b3 Qb5 19.Nc4 Nc6 20.Bg5 Rd8 21.Bh4 h6 22.d4 exd4 23.Nxd4 Nxd4 24.Qxd4 d5 25.exd5 Rxd5 26.Qa7 Rd7 27.Qa8+ Kh7 28.Qf3 Qd5 29.Qe2 g5 30.Nb6 Qf5 31.Nxd7 Nxd7 32.Qxe7 gxh4 33.Qe4 Qxe4 34.Rxe4 a5 35.Rc4 Kg7 36.Rc7 Ne5 37.Rc5 Nd3 38.Rxa5 Kf6 39.Rd5 Nc1 40.Kh2 Ke6 41.Rd4 Na2 42.Rxh4 Ke5 43.Rxh6 Kd4 44.Rc6 Kd3 45.Rc4 1-0

This full-length game sees Magnus Carlsen take on Alireza Firouzja at Bullet Chess Losers 2023 in 2023. The game dates from the contemporary engine era.

Play followed Ruy Lopez (C88) — classical development and rapid piece play. Such positions test classical principles: development, centre, king safety.

Running to 45 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.

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

When the dust settled, Magnus Carlsen won with the white pieces. Use the board above to replay every move, switch to the analyser for engine evaluation, or open Practice mode to test your own ideas.

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 165 of 266.

Where and when was Magnus Carlsen vs Alireza Firouzja played?

At the Bullet Chess Losers 2023, round 6.4, on 21 July 2023.

Who played this game?

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

What opening was played?

The game used Ruy Lopez (ECO code C88). 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 45 moves (89 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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