Magnus Carlsen vs Ruslan Ponomariov
GM Magnus Carlsen (2823) · GM Ruslan Ponomariov (2632)
Magnus Carlsen and Ruslan Ponomariov have played 16 recorded games against each other, the first in Nov 2006 and the most recent in Jan 2011. Carlsen leads 8 wins to 3, with 5 draws (69% of the games were decisive). Their most common battleground is the Catalan (2 games). The average game between them lasted 48 moves.
Results by color
| Split | Games | Carlsen | Draws | Ponomariov |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlsen with White | 8 | 6 | 2 | 0 |
| Ponomariov with White | 8 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
Results by time format
| Format | Games | Carlsen | Draws | Ponomariov |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blitz | 8 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Classical | 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Rapid | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Openings in their games
| ECO | Opening | Games | Carlsen | Draws | Ponomariov |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E05 | Catalan | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| A30 | Queen's Indian Defense | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| A47 | London System | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| B80 | Sicilian: Najdorf | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| B90 | Sicilian: Najdorf | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| C06 | French: Tarrasch Variation | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| C45 | Scotch Game | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| C78 | Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
All games
| Date | White | Black | Result | Opening | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2011 | Ruslan Ponomariov | Magnus Carlsen | 1/2-1/2 | Queen's Indian Defense | 73rd Tata Steel Masters |
| Nov 2010 | Ruslan Ponomariov | Magnus Carlsen | 1/2-1/2 | London System | 5th Wch Blitz |
| Nov 2010 | Magnus Carlsen | Ruslan Ponomariov | 1-0 | French: Tarrasch Variation | 5th Wch Blitz |
| Jun 2010 | Ruslan Ponomariov | Magnus Carlsen | 0-1 | King's Indian: Sämisch | 4th Bazna Kings |
| Jun 2010 | Magnus Carlsen | Ruslan Ponomariov | 1/2-1/2 | Catalan | 4th Bazna Kings |
| Mar 2010 | Ruslan Ponomariov | Magnus Carlsen | 0-1 | Grünfeld Defense | 19th Amber Rapid |
| Mar 2010 | Magnus Carlsen | Ruslan Ponomariov | 1-0 | Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense | 19th Amber Blindfold |
| Nov 2009 | Ruslan Ponomariov | Magnus Carlsen | 1-0 | Catalan | 4th World Blitz |
| Nov 2009 | Magnus Carlsen | Ruslan Ponomariov | 1-0 | Scotch Game | 4th World Blitz |
| Nov 2009 | Magnus Carlsen | Ruslan Ponomariov | 1-0 | Sicilian: Najdorf | 4th Moscow Tal Memorial |
| Aug 2008 | Magnus Carlsen | Ruslan Ponomariov | 1-0 | Sicilian: Najdorf | Moscow Tal Memorial Blitz |
| Aug 2008 | Ruslan Ponomariov | Magnus Carlsen | 1/2-1/2 | English Opening | Moscow Tal Memorial Blitz |
| Nov 2007 | Ruslan Ponomariov | Magnus Carlsen | 1-0 | Queen's Indian Defense | 2nd Wch Blitz |
| Nov 2007 | Magnus Carlsen | Ruslan Ponomariov | 1-0 | Slav Defense | 2nd Wch Blitz |
| Jan 2007 | Ruslan Ponomariov | Magnus Carlsen | 1-0 | Slav Defense | Corus |
| Nov 2006 | Magnus Carlsen | Ruslan Ponomariov | 1/2-1/2 | Catalan | Moscow Tal Memorial 1st |
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 Ruslan Ponomariov?
In 16 recorded games, Magnus Carlsen has 8 wins, Ruslan Ponomariov has 3 wins, and they have drawn 5 times.
How many times have Magnus Carlsen and Ruslan Ponomariov played each other?
Our database records 16 games between them, from Nov 2006 to Jan 2011.
What openings do Magnus Carlsen and Ruslan Ponomariov play against each other?
The most common opening in their games is the Catalan (2 games), followed by the Queen's Indian Defense (1). The full opening breakdown and every game are on this page.