Chessable Masters 2025: Carlsen Crushes Nakamura in a Positional Masterclass

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In Round 5 of the Chessable Masters 2025 Playoffs, Magnus Carlsen took down Hikaru Nakamura with brilliant strategic play, precise calculations, and an unstoppable pawn storm. This game was a testament to Carlsen's ability to convert even small advantages into crushing wins.

Opening: Italian Game – Slow But Poisonous

The game began with the Italian Opening, a classical and flexible choice by Carlsen, emphasizing long-term positional advantages.

  • 4. d3 h6 – Nakamura prevents White’s early expansion.
  • 10. a4 Be6 11. b3 Re8 – Carlsen controls space while Nakamura stays solid.
  • 15. Bxc6 Bxc6 16. Nxa5 – Carlsen sacrifices structural integrity for dynamic play.

Middlegame: Carlsen’s Queenside Expansion

As the game progressed, Carlsen gained the upper hand through well-timed pawn advances.

  • 18. b4 Ra8 19. b5 Bd7 20. c4 c6 – White’s pawns restrict Black’s mobility.
  • 22. a5 Nd7 23. Kh1 cxb5 24. cxb5 Nc5 – Black struggles to find counterplay.
  • 27. a6 bxa6 28. bxa6 Nc5 29. a7 – The passed pawn becomes a monster.

Endgame: Carlsen’s Tactical Precision

The final moments saw a crushing finish by Carlsen, leaving Nakamura with no defensive options.

  • 31. Be3 Nxd3 32. Rb1 Bc4 – Black desperately seeks counterplay.
  • 35. Qc3 e4 36. Qxc4 Qg3 – Nakamura launches a final attack, but Carlsen is unfazed.
  • 37. Nf1 Nf2+ 38. Bxf2 Qxa3 39. d6+ – The final blow begins.
  • 41. Qf5+ 1-0 – Carlsen forces resignation with perfect execution.

Key Takeaways from Carlsen’s Victory

  • Queenside Expansion: Carlsen’s pawns completely restricted Nakamura’s counterplay.
  • Control Over Space: White’s superior coordination left Nakamura struggling.
  • Tactical Precision: The stunning 37. Nf1! neutralized Black’s final threats.
  • Endgame Mastery: The d6-pawn push was a perfect way to seal the game.

Play through the Game

This game was a brilliant showcase of positional chess. Watch and analyze how Carlsen systematically dismantled Nakamura’s position and executed an elegant finish.

More analysis by Agadmator: Check out his detailed breakdown of the game on Chess.com.

This was a textbook positional victory from Magnus Carlsen, reinforcing his status as a world-class endgame technician. For another thriller, check the game between Praggnanandhaa and Gukesh at the Tata Steel 2025 here. Stay tuned as we continue to analyze more critical games in the chess world.