Magnus Carlsen's Best Games (2010-2012): A Champion in the Making

For those interested in diving deeper into these fascinating games, I’ve curated a collection of his best games on Lichess, and you can also check out my YouTube channel for in-depth video analysis here.

1. Nanjing Pearl Spring Tournament 2010

One of Magnus’s most dominant performances came at the 2010 Nanjing Pearl Spring Tournament. Carlsen entered this event as the top seed, facing a tough field that included players like Vishy Anand, Veselin Topalov, Vugar Gashimov, and Wang Yue. Magnus didn’t just win—he crushed the competition, scoring an incredible 7/10 and finishing a full point ahead of the rest of the field.
His game against Wang Yue in round 4 is particularly noteworthy. It displayed Magnus’s incredible positional understanding and his ability to convert small advantages into full points. You can watch my analysis of this game on my YouTube channel or check out the annotated game in my Lichess study, starting with the Magnus Carlsen – Wang Yue game from summer 2010.

2. London Chess Classic 2010

The London Chess Classic in December 2010 was another stellar performance by Carlsen. Despite a rocky start, Magnus bounced back and finished strongly. His game against Hikaru Nakamura in the later rounds stood out as a demonstration of his endgame prowess. Carlsen won the tournament, edging out some of the world’s best players, and once again reinforced his reputation as the player to beat.

3. Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2011

In early 2011, Magnus competed in the Tata Steel Chess Tournament (formerly Corus). This event in Wijk aan Zee is known for bringing together the strongest players in the world, and Carlsen lived up to the challenge. His aggressive and creative play helped him secure a shared third place, tied with Levon Aronian. After Hikaru Nakamura and Vishy Anand.
Magnus's ability to outmaneuver top players in complex positions was on full display. In particular, his win against Hikaru Nakamura was a masterclass in attacking the Sicillian. His resilience and fighting spirit defined this tournament, setting him on course for more dominant performances in 2011.

4. Bilbao Masters Final 2011

The Bilbao Masters Final in 2011 saw Carlsen go head-to-head with some of the toughest rivals in the chess world, including Viswanathan Anand and Levon Aronian. Magnus finished first with a commanding score, and his game against Ivanchuk was perhaps the most memorable. The game demonstrated his strategic depth and ability to seize the initiative, even against the world’s best.
It was at Bilbao that Carlsen truly cemented his place at the top of the chess world, and this victory gave him the confidence and momentum for the coming years.

5. Tal Memorial 2012

The Tal Memorial in 2012 was another feather in Carlsen’s cap. Competing against the likes of Vladimir Kramnik, Fabiano Caruana, and Levon Aronian, Carlsen delivered a phenomenal performance. He won the tournament with a score of 5.5/9, ahead of Radjabov and Caruana. His game against Gelfand was particularly striking, where he outplayed one of the most dangerous opponents in the chess world in a dynamic and tactical battle.
This victory highlighted Carlsen's evolution as a complete player, someone who could excel in both quiet, strategic games and tactical slugfests. By 2012, Magnus was no longer just a young prodigy—he was the world's most dominant player, ready to claim the world championship title.

Reliving the Journey

To explore Magnus Carlsen's games from this period in more detail, including deep analysis and highlights, check out my Lichess study collection. These games are also featured in my YouTube playlist, where I provide commentary and break down the key moments of his best performances.
If you’re interested in diving deeper into Magnus’s earlier career, check out my blog post that covers Magnus’s games from 2002-2010.

The Making of a Legend

By the end of 2012, Magnus Carlsen had already secured his place as the dominant force in world chess. His victories from 2010 to 2012 are a testament to his brilliance, work ethic, and incredible understanding of the game. These years were pivotal in shaping his career, leading him toward his ultimate goal of becoming the World Chess Champion in 2013.
If you want to relive these incredible moments in chess history, don’t forget to visit my Lichess study and subscribe to my YouTube channel for detailed analysis and commentary. Thank you for following along on this journey through Magnus’s rise to the top!