Magnus Takes Vishy Down with 96% Accuracy!

Magnus Takes Vishy Down with 96% Accuracy

Hey everyone,
Today, I want to walk you through a brilliant game played between Magnus Carlsen and Viswanathan Anand during the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League 2024, on October 10th. If you’ve ever wondered how to play with such precision that even a former world champion gets outplayed, this game is a great example. Magnus achieved an impressive 96% accuracy in this battle, showing us why he’s still at the top.
From the very beginning, it was clear this would be an exciting clash. Magnus kicked things off with the English Opening, and Vishy responded in his typical calm and measured style. The game saw some sharp moments, especially with the queens getting exchanged early, but it’s the middle game where Magnus really started to shine.

https://youtu.be/5PwCJL1ICzg

Here’s how it went:
Opening Phase: Building a Solid Foundation
The game began with 1. c4 c5—a standard symmetrical start. Both players followed a natural course, developing their pieces and preparing for the middle game. Magnus played Nf3 and Nc3 to control the center, while Vishy countered with Nf6 and Nc6. The early pawn exchanges led to a more open position, and both players castled, ensuring their kings were safe.

Middle Game: Magnus Turns the Pressure On
Magnus found some great attacking chances after Vishy exchanged his light-squared bishop with Bxc3. This allowed Magnus to gain more control over the board, especially once he pushed c5, putting immediate pressure on Vishy’s pawn structure. Anand had to carefully manage his position, but Magnus's precise play, particularly in moving his rooks to the seventh rank with Rb7, meant that Vishy was soon under attack.
There was a key moment when Vishy attempted to break free with g5, but Magnus calmly responded, keeping control and simplifying into a favorable endgame. This was a turning point in the game.

Endgame: Cool Precision
Magnus’s endgame technique was impeccable. Once the rooks were exchanged, he gradually improved his king’s position, pushing forward with his pawns. Vishy tried to create counterplay, but his position was already too compromised. Magnus’s use of his pawns on the queenside, combined with perfect piece coordination, led to a decisive attack on Anand’s king.
By the time the game reached its final phase, Magnus had built up a significant advantage. A few moves later, with Vishy’s pieces unable to stop the inevitable, the game ended with a clean checkmate.

Final thoughts..
This game was a masterclass in maintaining pressure and converting small advantages into a win. Magnus didn’t make any flashy sacrifices or aggressive attacks early on. Instead, he used solid positional play, took control when opportunities arose, and closed out the game with nearly flawless technique. If you want to see how to play chess at the highest level, this game is definitely worth studying.
Thanks for reading!