.jpeg)
Winning starts with what you know
The new version 18 offers completely new possibilities for chess training and analysis: playing style analysis, search for strategic themes, access to 6 billion Lichess games, player preparation by matching Lichess games, download Chess.com games with built-in API, built-in cloud engine and much more.
Magnus Carlsen announced his decision to participate in the World Blitz Championship at the start of an interview with Levy "Gotham Chess" Rozman. The interview was uploaded to YouTube by Take Take Take on Sunday evening around 8 PM, 24 hours before the start of the World Blitz Championship began. Carlsen stated, "Long story short: we can talk about how I reached this decision, but I'll be playing at least one more day in New York, and if things go well, another day as well".
Carlsen was referring to the format of the World Blitz Championship. On 30 December, the first day of the tournament, 13 rounds will be played under the Swiss system. The top 8 players will then compete in a knockout final on 31 December for the title and prize money.
Middlegame Secrets Vol.5 - The Inner Strength of Kings
In this video course, kings will play a role of strong and active pieces. We will explore how Kings can be helpful in defence and prophylaxis, or even in attack!
Later in the interview, Carlsen discussed the dress code violation and explained why he decided to participate in the blitz section after all. He described the organisers' and arbiters' decision to exclude him from the ninth round and strictly enforce the rules as "incredibly harsh".
Carlsen criticised the rigid interpretation of the dress code by the arbiters, saying such inflexibility went against common sense. While he acknowledged the importance of maintaining a professional appearance, he emphasised that his attire was appropriate.
Carlsen also revealed that he initially planned to leave New York immediately after withdrawing from the tournament. However, his father, Henrik Carlsen, advised him to take time before making a final decision. After discussions with FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, who showed more willingness to compromise than FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky (whom Carlsen criticised sharply in the interview), an agreement was reached. It was Dvorkovich who relaxed the dress code, allowing Carlsen to compete in the Blitz tournament wearing jeans.
In a press release from FIDE, Dvorkovich explained:
It remains essential to adhere to the official dress code, but minor elegant deviations (including well-fitted jeans paired with a blazer) are permitted. After all, it's New Year's, and I sincerely hope no one will attempt to undermine the festive atmosphere, not even by abusing this additional flexibility.
However, as repeatedly mentioned in discussions surrounding Carlsen's withdrawal from the World Rapid Championship, the conflict over the dress code was likely about more than just attire. A significant factor is Carlsen's support for Freestyle Chess, which he promotes alongside German entrepreneur, patron and tournament organiser Jan Henric Buettner and other top grandmasters. A Freestyle Chess World Championship is planned, and this idea does not sit well with FIDE, which claims the exclusive rights to award world championship titles in chess.
Carlsen hinted in the interview that FIDE had pressured players who wanted to participate in Freestyle tournaments.
Above all, he explained why he finds Freestyle Chess so appealing. Unlike classical chess, where opening theory has become so advanced that high-level games often end in dull draws, Freestyle Chess is more dynamic and, due to the lack of established theory, more attractive to top players.
The interview on Take Take Take
Understanding Middlegame Strategies Vol.10 - Caro-Kann Advance Variation
Instead of focusing on a rigid repertoire, the course presents key games, important strategic ideas, and opening knowledge to equip you with the essential tools to outmanoeuvre your opponents.
| Advertising |
.jpeg)