8 Chess Openings Played by Magnus Carlsen

Every player wants to play like famous Magnus Carlsen. We saw him crashing his
competition, winning tournament after tournament and match after match. He has many
perks including photographic memory, super-human IQ and ability to stay focused for 6-7
hours straight.Thats not the only reason he is so successful. His opening preparation has to
do a lot with many of his wins.
Today we will take a look at 8 chess openings that help Calrsen stay on top of the rating list
and keep the World Championship title.

Magnus Carlsens Openings for White:

1. Ruy Lopez, Berlin Defense
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6

The Berlin Defense has a reputation of a solid opening and even a drawish one. It is
sometimes referred as the Berlin Wall. This opening leads to positions that Magnus excels
at, thus its on top of to-play list.

2. Sicilian Defense
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6
Sicilian Defense is the most popular, highest scoring response to 1.e4. The sole reason why
1.d4 is statistically better for white is because there is no Sicilian Defense against it. It is no
surprise Carlsen has to face the Sicilian on daily basis in many his games. And he doesnt
mind. He has proven many time that he know a thing or two about the Sicilian.

3. Ruy Lopez Open Variation

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. O-O Nxe4

Open variation of Ruy Lopez is another favorite in Carlsens repertoire. It is a very solid
opening, leading mainly to positional chess. Carlsen prefers quiet games where he can
capitalize on his main advantage higher quality moves and smaller error percentage.

4. Scotch Game
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4

Scotch Game is considered a very drawish opening, where black has no difficulty
equalizing.
Why Magnus Carlsen is playing this opening? Doesnt World Champion and number 1
player wants to play for a win with white pieces?
Of course!
Carlsens style is unique, he plays his best in seemingly equal positions, yet he is capable
of winning many minimizing the risk of losing. Thats why Scotch is one of the openings of
choice.

Magnus Carlsens Openings for Black:

5. Queens Indian
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. g3

Queens Indian is a very solid, hyper-modern opening. Black fianchetto his queens side
bishop early on in the game. As in the other Indian defenses, center is controlled by pieces
not pawns. This opening is famous for its counter-attacking chances and was played by
many strong players including Magnus Carlsen.

6. Ruy Lopez Berlin Defense Open Variation

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. O-O Nxe4

Carsen plays Berlin Defense with both colors and gets consistent results. This is a great
opening choice for a player like him. Carlsen reaches easy equality and thats where the
game actually begins. Dont be surprised to see a 60+ move struggle.
7. Sicilian Defense
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6

Sicilian Defense is another opening that Carlsen plays with both white and black. There is
slight change up in lines and variations he picks, but the beginning moves are the same.
Sicilian can be played both aggressively and positionally. He usually picks the second
option, unless he is in a must win situation.

8. Queens Gambit Declined

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3

Queens Gambit Declined is the opening that was tested extensively during many World
Championship matches including Alekhine Capablanca, Kasparov-Karpov and the recent
Anand-Topalov. Black constructs a solid position with central pawns and its what
considered to be one of the most solid defenses in chess theory. No wonder Magnus
Carlsen plays it as well!
Those 8 openings are the most common openings that Magnus Calrsen plays. It doesnt
mean however he cannot play anything else. Carlsen is very versatile player capable of
employing large variety of openings including Najdorf, Reti, Ninzo-Indian and many more.
Openings help him at achieving playable Middlegame positions where he can outplay his
opponents. Thats the main, most important goal behind the opening on super GM level.
Is it a good idea for you to play these openings?
There is no way to be certain, but some of the openings he plays like QGD and Sicilian are
very popular and fairly universal. If you feel like they fit your personal style, go ahead and
try it out in your own games!