Magnus Carlsen vs Aleksandr Shimanov
GM Magnus Carlsen (2823) · GM Aleksandr Shimanov (2581)
Magnus Carlsen and Aleksandr Shimanov have played 16 recorded games against each other, the first in Feb 2017 and the most recent in Jan 2026. Carlsen leads 13 wins to 1, with 2 draws (88% of the games were decisive). Their most common battleground is the Sicilian: Smith-Morra Gambit (3 games). The average game between them lasted 45 moves.
Results by color
| Split | Games | Carlsen | Draws | Shimanov |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlsen with White | 8 | 7 | 1 | 0 |
| Shimanov with White | 8 | 6 | 1 | 1 |
Results by time format
| Format | Games | Carlsen | Draws | Shimanov |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blitz | 12 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Rapid | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
Openings in their games
| ECO | Opening | Games | Carlsen | Draws | Shimanov |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B21 | Sicilian: Smith-Morra Gambit | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| A10 | Modern Defense | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| A80 | Dutch Defense | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| B01 | Scandinavian Defense: Main Line | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| B12 | Pirc Defense | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| B13 | Caro-Kann: Exchange Variation | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| B15 | Caro-Kann | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| B53 | Sicilian: Smith-Morra Gambit | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
All games
| Date | White | Black | Result | Opening | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2026 | Aleksandr Shimanov | Magnus Carlsen | 0-1 | Sicilian: Smith-Morra Gambit | Titled Tue |
| Nov 2025 | Magnus Carlsen | Aleksandr Shimanov | 1-0 | King's Indian: Sämisch | Titled Tue |
| Jun 2025 | Magnus Carlsen | Aleksandr Shimanov | 1-0 | Queen's Gambit Accepted | Titled Tue Early |
| Jan 2025 | Magnus Carlsen | Aleksandr Shimanov | 1-0 | Scandinavian Defense: Main Line | Titled Tue Early |
| Dec 2024 | Magnus Carlsen | Aleksandr Shimanov | 1-0 | Modern Defense | World Blitz 2024 |
| Dec 2024 | Magnus Carlsen | Aleksandr Shimanov | 1/2-1/2 | French: Classical Variation | World Rapid 2024 |
| Dec 2024 | Aleksandr Shimanov | Magnus Carlsen | 0-1 | Sicilian: Smith-Morra Gambit | Titled Tue Early |
| Sep 2024 | Aleksandr Shimanov | Magnus Carlsen | 0-1 | Caro-Kann | Titled Tue Early |
| Oct 2023 | Magnus Carlsen | Aleksandr Shimanov | 1-0 | Pirc Defense | Titled Tue Early |
| Aug 2023 | Aleksandr Shimanov | Magnus Carlsen | 0-1 | Sicilian: Smith-Morra Gambit | Speed Chess Q2 Sw |
| Mar 2023 | Aleksandr Shimanov | Magnus Carlsen | 1-0 | Sicilian: Smith-Morra Gambit | PRO League Prelim |
| Dec 2022 | Aleksandr Shimanov | Magnus Carlsen | 0-1 | French: Classical Variation | Wch Blitz |
| Nov 2022 | Aleksandr Shimanov | Magnus Carlsen | 0-1 | Hungarian Opening | Titled Tue Late |
| Dec 2019 | Magnus Carlsen | Aleksandr Shimanov | 1-0 | Caro-Kann: Exchange Variation | Wch Rapid |
| Feb 2018 | Aleksandr Shimanov | Magnus Carlsen | 1/2-1/2 | Dutch Defense | PRO League Stage |
| Feb 2017 | Magnus Carlsen | Aleksandr Shimanov | 1-0 | London System | Titled Tue |
Interactive board, all 16 games, opening explorer and engine analysis.
Browse the gamesFrequently asked questions
What is the head-to-head score between Magnus Carlsen and Aleksandr Shimanov?
In 16 recorded games, Magnus Carlsen has 13 wins, Aleksandr Shimanov has 1 wins, and they have drawn 2 times.
How many times have Magnus Carlsen and Aleksandr Shimanov played each other?
Our database records 16 games between them, from Feb 2017 to Jan 2026.
What openings do Magnus Carlsen and Aleksandr Shimanov play against each other?
The most common opening in their games is the Sicilian: Smith-Morra Gambit (3 games), followed by the Modern Defense (1). The full opening breakdown and every game are on this page.