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After suffering a rare and frustrating defeat to reigning world champion D Gukesh at the Norway Chess tournament, the World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen has hinted at a permanent departure from classical chess. Speaking candidly ahead of his round 7 match against Hikaru Nakamura, the five-time world champion confessed that he may be reconsidering his future in the traditional format of the game.
Magnus Carlsen drops bombshell
Carlsen, currently ranked world number one, shocked fans and chess pundits alike with his unfiltered remarks during an interview with Norway’s TV2. Reflecting on his recent performance and mindset, he stated:
“I don’t think that (the game against D Gukesh, not the incident) was fun. I have to consider how to avoid it… maybe I should totally stop playing classical chess. It was not fun for me at all.”
Magnus Carlsen also emphasized that while his performance hasn't dipped significantly, the enjoyment factor—the very essence that fuels many top players—has faded for him in classical formats.
“In general I feel I have played well in the tournament but I don’t feel it is fun playing. I am not worried about my level.”
Frustration on the Board: The D Gukesh defeat
The game against 17-year-old D Gukesh marked Carlsen’s first-ever classical loss to the young Indian prodigy. The frustration was evident as Carlsen banged his fist on the table and let out a distressed “Oh my God.”
Discussing the match further, Magnus Carlsen acknowledged Gukesh’s resilience and tenacity:
“I think I remember being that age myself… For a long time, Gukesh was just blindly pushing. On a normal day, of course, I would win that game… He was there to take his chance. That’s the kind of chance that I really have to put away otherwise I have no chance.”
Classical chess fatigue?
The gravity of Carlsen’s remarks suggests that his relationship with classical chess is at a crossroads. Although he played a 20-move draw against Nakamura the following day, Carlsen bounced back to win the subsequent Armageddon round in just 40 moves—indicating he’s still in formidable form, even if the spark is dimming in longer formats.
“I will do my best in the final three classical games at Norway Chess, and then see what I’m supposed to do,” Carlsen added, leaving fans wondering whether this tournament might be among his last in the classical arena.
A potential turning point in chess history
Magnus Carlsen stepping away from classical chess would mark the end of an era. Known for revolutionizing the game with his creativity and dominance, his potential departure raises questions about the evolution of competitive chess—and whether shorter formats are becoming the new future of the sport.
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