Magnus Carlsen vs Xiangzhi Bu
GM Magnus Carlsen (2823) · GM Xiangzhi Bu (2661)
Magnus Carlsen and Xiangzhi Bu have played 12 recorded games against each other, the first in Jul 2007 and the most recent in Dec 2025. Carlsen leads 6 wins to 3, with 3 draws (75% of the games were decisive). Their most common battleground is the Petrov's Defense (2 games). The average game between them lasted 48 moves.
Results by color
| Split | Games | Carlsen | Draws | Bu |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlsen with White | 7 | 4 | 0 | 3 |
| Bu with White | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
Results by time format
| Format | Games | Carlsen | Draws | Bu |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classical | 7 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Blitz | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Rapid | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Openings in their games
| ECO | Opening | Games | Carlsen | Draws | Bu |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C42 | Petrov's Defense | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| A28 | English Opening: Reverse Sicilian | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| A39 | English Opening: Symmetrical | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| B90 | Sicilian: Najdorf | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| C55 | Bishop's Opening | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| D12 | Slav Defense | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| D19 | Slav Defense | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| D45 | Slav Defense | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
All games
| Date | White | Black | Result | Opening | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2025 | Xiangzhi Bu | Magnus Carlsen | 0-1 | Queen's Indian Defense | World Blitz 2025 |
| May 2020 | Xiangzhi Bu | Magnus Carlsen | 0-1 | Slav Defense | FIDE Steinitz Memorial |
| May 2020 | Magnus Carlsen | Xiangzhi Bu | 1-0 | Petrov's Defense | FIDE Steinitz Memorial |
| Dec 2017 | Magnus Carlsen | Xiangzhi Bu | 0-1 | English Opening: Reverse Sicilian | Wch Rapid |
| Sep 2017 | Xiangzhi Bu | Magnus Carlsen | 1/2-1/2 | Slav Defense | FIDE World Cup |
| Sep 2017 | Magnus Carlsen | Xiangzhi Bu | 0-1 | Bishop's Opening | FIDE World Cup |
| Dec 2016 | Magnus Carlsen | Xiangzhi Bu | 1-0 | Petrov's Defense | Wch Blitz |
| Oct 2008 | Magnus Carlsen | Xiangzhi Bu | 1-0 | Slav Defense | Cap d'Agde CCAS Trophee KO |
| Oct 2008 | Xiangzhi Bu | Magnus Carlsen | 1/2-1/2 | English Opening: Symmetrical | Cap d'Agde CCAS Trophee KO |
| Oct 2007 | Xiangzhi Bu | Magnus Carlsen | 1/2-1/2 | Slav Defense | World Cup Blindfold |
| Oct 2007 | Magnus Carlsen | Xiangzhi Bu | 0-1 | Sicilian: Najdorf | World Cup Blindfold |
| Jul 2007 | Magnus Carlsen | Xiangzhi Bu | 1-0 | Slav Defense | Biel GM |
Interactive board, all 12 games, opening explorer and engine analysis.
Browse the gamesFrequently asked questions
What is the head-to-head score between Magnus Carlsen and Xiangzhi Bu?
In 12 recorded games, Magnus Carlsen has 6 wins, Xiangzhi Bu has 3 wins, and they have drawn 3 times.
How many times have Magnus Carlsen and Xiangzhi Bu played each other?
Our database records 12 games between them, from Jul 2007 to Dec 2025.
What openings do Magnus Carlsen and Xiangzhi Bu play against each other?
The most common opening in their games is the Petrov's Defense (2 games), followed by the English Opening: Reverse Sicilian (1). The full opening breakdown and every game are on this page.