Michael Adams vs Magnus Carlsen
GM Michael Adams (2622) · GM Magnus Carlsen (2823)
Michael Adams and Magnus Carlsen have played 19 recorded games against each other, the first in May 2006 and the most recent in Dec 2017. Adams leads 1 wins to 11 - trailing overall, with 7 draws (63% of the games were decisive). Their most common battleground is the English Opening: Reverse Sicilian (2 games). The average game between them lasted 57 moves.
Results by color
| Split | Games | Adams | Draws | Carlsen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adams with White | 7 | 1 | 5 | 1 |
| Carlsen with White | 12 | 0 | 2 | 10 |
Results by time format
| Format | Games | Adams | Draws | Carlsen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classical | 17 | 1 | 6 | 10 |
| Blitz | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Openings in their games
| ECO | Opening | Games | Adams | Draws | Carlsen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A29 | English Opening: Reverse Sicilian | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| B70 | Sicilian: Dragon | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| B04 | Alekhine Defense | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| B06 | Modern Defense | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| A11 | Réti Opening: Keres Variation | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| C54 | Italian Game: Giuoco Pianissimo | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| C76 | Ruy Lopez: Fianchetto | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| A03 | Bird's opening | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
All games
| Date | White | Black | Result | Opening | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2017 | Magnus Carlsen | Michael Adams | 1-0 | Bird's opening | London Classic 9th |
| Jan 2016 | Magnus Carlsen | Michael Adams | 1-0 | Italian Game: Giuoco Pianissimo | 78th Tata Steel Masters |
| Dec 2015 | Magnus Carlsen | Michael Adams | 1/2-1/2 | Réti Opening: Keres Variation | 7th London Classic |
| Apr 2015 | Michael Adams | Magnus Carlsen | 1/2-1/2 | Ruy Lopez: Fianchetto | 2nd Gashimov Memorial |
| Feb 2015 | Magnus Carlsen | Michael Adams | 1-0 | English Opening: Reverse Sicilian | Grenke Chess Classic 3rd |
| Dec 2012 | Michael Adams | Magnus Carlsen | 0-1 | Ruy Lopez: Closed | London Classic 4th |
| Dec 2011 | Magnus Carlsen | Michael Adams | 1-0 | Nimzo-Indian Defense | 3rd London Classic |
| Dec 2010 | Magnus Carlsen | Michael Adams | 1-0 | English Opening: Reverse Sicilian | 2nd London Classic |
| Sep 2010 | Michael Adams | Magnus Carlsen | 1-0 | Modern Defense | Olympiad-39 |
| Dec 2009 | Magnus Carlsen | Michael Adams | 1/2-1/2 | Nimzo-Indian: Rubinstein System | London Classic |
| Jan 2009 | Michael Adams | Magnus Carlsen | 1/2-1/2 | Sicilian: Dragon | Corus |
| Nov 2008 | Magnus Carlsen | Michael Adams | 1-0 | Queen's Indian Defense | Olympiad-38 |
| May 2008 | Magnus Carlsen | Michael Adams | 1-0 | Nimzo-Indian: Classical Variation | Baku FIDE GP |
| Jan 2008 | Michael Adams | Magnus Carlsen | 1/2-1/2 | Ruy Lopez: Open | Corus |
| Dec 2007 | Michael Adams | Magnus Carlsen | 1/2-1/2 | Ruy Lopez: Closed | FIDE World Cup |
| Dec 2007 | Magnus Carlsen | Michael Adams | 1-0 | Nimzo-Indian: Classical Variation | FIDE World Cup |
| Nov 2007 | Magnus Carlsen | Michael Adams | 1-0 | Ruy Lopez: Closed | 2nd Wch Blitz |
| Nov 2007 | Michael Adams | Magnus Carlsen | 1/2-1/2 | Alekhine Defense | 2nd Wch Blitz |
| May 2006 | Magnus Carlsen | Michael Adams | 1-0 | English Opening | Olympiad-37 |
Interactive board, all 19 games, opening explorer and engine analysis.
Browse the gamesFrequently asked questions
What is the head-to-head score between Michael Adams and Magnus Carlsen?
In 19 recorded games, Michael Adams has 1 wins, Magnus Carlsen has 11 wins, and they have drawn 7 times.
How many times have Michael Adams and Magnus Carlsen played each other?
Our database records 19 games between them, from May 2006 to Dec 2017.
What openings do Michael Adams and Magnus Carlsen play against each other?
The most common opening in their games is the English Opening: Reverse Sicilian (2 games), followed by the Sicilian: Dragon (1). The full opening breakdown and every game are on this page.