Praggnanandhaa vs. Carlsen - A Historic Victory at Norway Chess 2024 | Chess for Kids

Praggnanandhaa vs. Carlsen - A Historic Victory at Norway Chess 2024

Hello, young chess enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into an exciting and historic game from the Norway Chess 2024 tournament. Our focus is on the brilliant match between R Praggnanandhaa, a young chess prodigy from India, and Magnus Carlsen, the world number one from Norway. This game is notable because it marks Praggnanandhaa’s first-ever classical win against Carlsen. Let’s break down this game move-by-move and understand the strategies that led to this remarkable victory!

Introduction to Norway Chess 2024

The 12th edition of the Norway Chess tournament is taking place in Stavanger from May 27 to June 7, 2024. This prestigious event features top grandmasters from around the world, including reigning world champions and emerging talents. The tournament is known for its innovative format, including classical games followed by Armageddon tiebreakers.

Move	White (Praggnanandhaa)	Black (Carlsen)
1	e4	c5
2	Nf3	e6
3	d4	cxd4
4	Nxd4	a6
5	Bd3	Qc7
6	O-O	Nf6
7	Qe2	d6
8	c4	Nbd7
9	Nc3	Ne5
10	h3	b6
11	f4	Nxd3
12	Qxd3	Bb7
13	f5	Qd7
14	Bg5	Be7
15	Rad1	Rc8
16	Qe2	e5
17	Bxf6	Bxf6
18	Nc2	Qc6
19	Ne3	Bg5
20	Kh1	Bxe3
21	Qxe3	f6
22	b3	b5
23	Nd5	Qc5
24	Qf3	bxc4
25	Qh5+	Kf8
26	Rf3	Bxd5
27	Rxd5	Qb6
28	bxc4	Rxc4
29	Rdb3	Rb4
30	Rdd3	Rxb3
31	Rxb3	Qc7
32	Qd1	g6
33	Qb1	Qc5
34	Rb7	gxf5
35	Kh2	Rg8
36	Qb3	d5
37	Rxh7	1-0

Game Overview: Praggnanandhaa vs. Carlsen

Opening Moves

1. e4 c5: Praggnanandhaa starts with 1.e4, a classic opening move aiming to control the center. Carlsen responds with 1...c5, the Sicilian Defense, known for its dynamic counterplay.

2. Nf3 e6: Praggnanandhaa develops his knight to f3, targeting the central squares. Carlsen prepares for flexible development with 2...e6.

3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 a6: Praggnanandhaa opens up the center with 3.d4. Carlsen captures and then plays 4...a6, preparing for a queenside expansion and preventing any knight moves to b5.

4. Bd3 Qc7: Praggnanandhaa develops his bishop to a strong diagonal, and Carlsen places his queen on c7 to support the c5 square and keep an eye on the center.

5. O-O Nf6: Praggnanandhaa castles for king safety, while Carlsen develops his knight to f6, targeting the central e4 pawn.

6. Qe2 d6: Praggnanandhaa moves his queen to e2, preparing for potential central and kingside actions. Carlsen solidifies his pawn structure with 6...d6.

7. c4 Nbd7: Praggnanandhaa advances his c-pawn to gain space on the queenside. Carlsen develops his knight to d7, supporting the e5 square.

8. Nc3 Ne5: Praggnanandhaa continues developing his pieces harmoniously. Carlsen moves his knight to e5, aiming for an active position in the center.

9. h3 b6: Praggnanandhaa plays 9.h3 to prevent any pins on his knight. Carlsen responds with 9...b6, preparing to develop his bishop to b7.

10. f4 Nxd3 11. Qxd3 Bb7: Praggnanandhaa pushes his f-pawn to f4, gaining space and control. Carlsen captures on d3 and develops his bishop to b7.

11. f5 Qd7: Praggnanandhaa pushes his f-pawn further, creating tension in the center and aiming to open lines. Carlsen retreats his queen to d7.

12. Bg5 Be7: Praggnanandhaa develops his bishop to g5, pinning Carlsen's knight. Carlsen responds with 12...Be7, preparing to castle.

13. Rad1 Rc8: Praggnanandhaa places his rook on the open d-file. Carlsen counteracts with 13...Rc8, aiming to contest the c-file.

14. Qe2 e5: Praggnanandhaa moves his queen back to e2, foreseeing Carlsen's plans. Carlsen pushes 14...e5, challenging the center.

15. Bxf6 Bxf6 16. Nc2 Qc6: Praggnanandhaa exchanges bishops on f6, doubling Carlsen's pawns and weakening his kingside. Carlsen centralizes his queen with 16...Qc6.

16. Ne3 Bg5: Praggnanandhaa repositions his knight to e3, eyeing key squares. Carlsen develops his bishop to g5, attacking the knight.

17. Kh1 Bxe3 19. Qxe3 f6: Praggnanandhaa moves his king to a safer position on h1. Carlsen captures the knight on e3, and Praggnanandhaa recaptures with the queen. Carlsen plays 19...f6 to fortify his position.

18. b3 b5: Praggnanandhaa plays 20.b3, preparing for queenside expansion. Carlsen responds with 20...b5, countering Praggnanandhaa's plan.

19. Nd5 Qc5: Praggnanandhaa jumps his knight to d5, a powerful central outpost. Carlsen retreats his queen to c5.

20. Qf3 bxc4: Praggnanandhaa centralizes his queen to f3, increasing pressure. Carlsen captures on c4.

21. Qh5+ Kf8: Praggnanandhaa delivers a check with 23.Qh5+. Carlsen moves his king to f8.

22. Rf3 Bxd5: Praggnanandhaa places his rook on f3, aiming to double rooks. Carlsen captures the knight on d5.

23. Rxd5 Qb6: Praggnanandhaa recaptures with the rook. Carlsen moves his queen to b6.

24. bxc4 Rxc4: Praggnanandhaa captures with bxc4. Carlsen captures with his rook on c4.

25. Rdb3 Rb4: Praggnanandhaa moves his rook to b3, planning to double on the b-file. Carlsen responds with 27...Rb4.

26. Rdd3 Rxb3: Praggnanandhaa doubles rooks. Carlsen captures the rook on b3.

27. Rxb3 Qc7: Praggnanandhaa recaptures. Carlsen moves his queen to c7.

28. Qd1 g6: Praggnanandhaa centralizes his queen to d1, aiming to invade. Carlsen plays 30...g6.

29. Qb1 Qc5: Praggnanandhaa places his queen on b1, pressuring the b-file. Carlsen retreats his queen to c5.

30. Rb7 gxf5: Praggnanandhaa moves his rook to b7, attacking. Carlsen captures the pawn on f5.

31. Kh2 Rg8: Praggnanandhaa steps his king to h2. Carlsen activates his rook to g8.

32. Qb3 d5: Praggnanandhaa moves his queen to b3. Carlsen pushes his d-pawn.

33. Rxh7 1-0: Praggnanandhaa captures on h7, leading Carlsen to resign as his position becomes indefensible.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Planning: Praggnanandhaa's strategic planning from the opening moves helped him gain a strong position. His decision to push the f-pawn and control the center was crucial.
• Tactical Precision: The move 25.Qh5+ followed by 26.Rf3 showed Praggnanandhaa's tactical acumen, putting Carlsen in a difficult position.
• Endgame Mastery: Praggnanandhaa's endgame play, especially with his queen and rook coordination, forced Carlsen into a losing position.

Conclusion

Praggnanandhaa's victory over Carlsen in this game is a testament to his rising talent and strategic depth. This game not only marks a significant milestone in his career but also showcases the exciting future of chess with young prodigies like him. Keep practicing and studying games like this to improve your chess skills, and who knows, maybe one day you'll be competing with the best in the world!