8 Chess Openings Played by Magnus Carlsen

Magnus Carlsen’s Openings for White:

1. Ruy Lopez, Berlin Defense

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6

2. Sicilian Defense

1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6

3. Ruy Lopez – Open Variation

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

4. Scotch Game

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

Magnus Carlsen’s Openings for Black:

5. Queen’s Indian

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

6. Ruy Lopez – Berlin Defense – Open Variation

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

7. Sicilian Defense

1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6

8. Queen’s Gambit Declined

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

These 8 openings are the most common openings that Magnus Carlsen plays. However, it doesn’t mean he cannot play anything else. Carlsen is a very versatile player who is capable of employing large variety of openings including the Najdorf, the Reti, the Nimzo-Indian, and so many more others.