The best player in the world, perhaps of all time, turns 33 today. Born in Norway on November 30, 1990, the young talent quickly conquered the world and revolutionized the way chess is played. Before him, in the times of Kasparov, Kramnik and Anand, the main focus was on gaining an ever-decreasing opening advantage from the first phase of the game.
Then Carlsen came along, sportingly at the level of a top athlete, and defeated his opponents after many hours of games and endgames. The practical aspect, understanding the position, was and is more important to him, and so he was superior to all his opponents. He defended his world championship title several times until he voluntarily gave it up a year ago.
Carlsen's 33rd birthday also brings with it a lot of uncertainty about his future. He will not play Wijk an Zee this year, having just performed very disappointingly at the Qatar Master. In any case, he is no longer convinced by classical chess or the long thinking times. Rapid and blitz chess or Chess960 are better, according to Carlsen.
Carlsen has probably done more to raise the profile of chess than any other player before him. Accordingly, he always looks at the sport as an entertainer, not always as a chess lover.
Hopefully he will remain in the royal game for a long time to come. Because his charisma combined with his chess skills will mean that it won't be long before he is gone.
Happy birthday, Magnus!
Photo: Bryan Adams
Then Carlsen came along, sportingly at the level of a top athlete, and defeated his opponents after many hours of games and endgames. The practical aspect, understanding the position, was and is more important to him, and so he was superior to all his opponents. He defended his world championship title several times until he voluntarily gave it up a year ago.
Carlsen's 33rd birthday also brings with it a lot of uncertainty about his future. He will not play Wijk an Zee this year, having just performed very disappointingly at the Qatar Master. In any case, he is no longer convinced by classical chess or the long thinking times. Rapid and blitz chess or Chess960 are better, according to Carlsen.
Carlsen has probably done more to raise the profile of chess than any other player before him. Accordingly, he always looks at the sport as an entertainer, not always as a chess lover.
Hopefully he will remain in the royal game for a long time to come. Because his charisma combined with his chess skills will mean that it won't be long before he is gone.
Happy birthday, Magnus!
Photo: Bryan Adams
