Magnus Carlsen vs Alexander Grischuk, 7th Mikhail Tal Memorial 2012

Ruy Lopez (C84) · ½-½ (Draw) · 40 moves · Round 4 · 12 June 2012

♔
White
Magnus Carlsen
½ – ½
Black
Alexander Grischuk
♚

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhiteMagnus Carlsen
  • BlackAlexander Grischuk
  • Result½-½ · Draw
  • Event7th Mikhail Tal Memorial 2012
  • Round4
  • Date12 June 2012
  • OpeningRuy Lopez (C84)
  • Length40 moves
  • Type of eventClassical

This is game 21 of 114 between Magnus Carlsen and Alexander Grischuk in the Rama Chess database (2006–2025). In all their games Carlsen leads 49–26 with 39 draws.

Previous game: Carlsen vs Grischuk, 1-0 (7th Tal Mem Blitz, 2012).

Next game: Grischuk vs Carlsen, 1-0 (World Rapid Final, 2012).

The moves of Magnus Carlsen vs Alexander Grischuk, 7th Mikhail Tal Memorial 2012

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.d3 b5 7.Bb3 O-O 8.a4 b4 9.Nbd2 Bc5 10.Nc4 d6 11.Bg5 h6 12.Bh4 Bg4 13.Ne3 Bxf3 14.gxf3 g5 15.Bg3 Nd4 16.Bc4 Nh5 17.c3 bxc3 18.bxc3 Ne6 19.Rb1 Nhg7 20.Bd5 Rc8 21.Kh1 Kh8 22.Rg1 Qf6 23.Bc4 a5 24.Rb5 h5 25.Rxa5 h4 26.Ng4 Qe7 27.Qf1 Ra8 28.Rxc5 dxc5 29.Nxe5 Qf6 30.Qh3 Rxa4 31.Bd5 Ra6 32.Bc4 Rd6 33.f4 Nxf4 34.Bxf4 Qxf4 35.Nf3 Rg6 36.Rg4 Qc1+ 37.Rg1 Qf4 38.Rg4 Qc1+ 39.Rg1 Qf4 40.Rg4 Qc1+ 1/2-1/2

In this encounter Magnus Carlsen had the white pieces against Alexander Grischuk at 7th Mikhail Tal Memorial in 2012. It was played in round 4. The game dates from the modern computer-influenced era.

Play followed Ruy Lopez (C84) — classical development and rapid piece play. Such positions test classical principles: development, centre, king safety.

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.

After the contest, the game was drawn between Magnus Carlsen and Alexander Grischuk. 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 Alexander Grischuk?

In the 114 games between them in our database (2006 to 2025) Carlsen leads 49–26 with 39 draws. This game is number 21 of 114.

Where and when was Magnus Carlsen vs Alexander Grischuk played?

At the 7th Mikhail Tal Memorial, round 4, on 12 June 2012.

Who played this game?

This game was played between Magnus Carlsen (White) and Alexander Grischuk (Black), at 7th Mikhail Tal Memorial in 2012.

What opening was played?

The game used Ruy Lopez (ECO code C84). Classical development and rapid piece play.

What was the result?

The game was drawn between Magnus Carlsen and Alexander Grischuk.

How long was the game?

The game lasted 40 moves (80 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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