You've asked, I've answered. Here are my thoughts thus far on the FIDE World Candidates Tournament. I sat down with my Manager, Espen Agdestein to discuss. Check it out on the link below:
Showing posts with label world chess champion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label world chess champion. Show all posts
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Magnus Carlsen Video Chat on World Chess Candidates 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
I have Hunger to Play Good Chess: Anand
Former World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand on his preparation for the Candidates 2014 in an interview to Ashok Venugopal for Sunday Standard - The New Indian Express
How are you preparing for the Candidates tournament? A lot of strong players will be in action. Who do you think is a tough opponent?
The Candidates will be a tough event — strong players and a grueling format. I think there is no one particular favourite. It depends on who is in top form. I have been preparing for the event since January.
Have you made any change in the style of preparation?
Again, can’t say much.
Have you changed your seconds from the World Championship?
I can’t really talk about it right now.
Have you overcome the World Chess Championship defeat?
That is over. I don’t think about it anymore. It seems like it happened ages ago. As a sportsperson you have to learn to let go and move on.
In the London Chess Classic you began to win again, but managed to reach only till quarterfinals. When you won the first match (after the World Championship loss) in the tournament did you get over a psychological barrier? How do you rate your performance?
At this level of the game, there are no barriers. You have good games and bad ones. I would say moderately happy. I was very proud of my games in the qualifying. I could feel myself like a six-year-old again, just playing very fast and confidently. That is the way I would really love to play.
At Zurich, in perhaps the strongest field in the history of the game, you came fifth overall. How do you rate this performance? You are known for your rapid skills, but lost three games?
Well, I am going through a phase of changing my game. So there will be some hits on the way before you reach your optimum form. So, Zurich was a good learning experience.
Is there a mental block when playing Carlsen? You are yet to beat him in the classical format in the last two years or so.
This is something I hope to correct. It is his (Carlsen) style, which is very different to what many players have grown up with.
How do you recollect the match against Carlsen at Zurich Chess 2014?
It was a normal game. You can’t base each encounter on the match. That is over. You have to just look forward and play a normal game.
How eager are you to go through the grind, win the Candidates and take on Carlsen again in the World Championship in November?
I am looking to do well in Khanty right now. If that leads to a match in November I would definitely try and do things differently.
Despite having nothing left to prove do you still have the hunger to be the world champion?
I would say I have hunger to play good chess.
What motivates you now to give your best? Is it pride, reputation or just simple love for the game?
I would just say that I love the game. If something gives you a lot of pain, it also gives you a lot of enjoyment. That is why you love it and is passionate about excelling in it.
How do you handle pressure, not just expectations of fans from the country, but also that from the Western media, players and officials who cannot digest an Indian ruling the world of chess?
You do have some amount of pressure being the outsider. But I have always tried to keep a small circle of friends and just enjoy the chess. I don’t really read much chess news. But there are also many people who show their support especially since you had to work doubly harder to reach the top.
Does the attitude (running down Anand) of some former Russian greats like Garry Kasparov motivate you to prove them wrong?
I don’t waste my time on petty chess politics. Chess was clearly Kasparov’s strongest point.
Have you made any change in the style of preparation?
Again, can’t say much.
Have you changed your seconds from the World Championship?
I can’t really talk about it right now.
Have you overcome the World Chess Championship defeat?
That is over. I don’t think about it anymore. It seems like it happened ages ago. As a sportsperson you have to learn to let go and move on.
In the London Chess Classic you began to win again, but managed to reach only till quarterfinals. When you won the first match (after the World Championship loss) in the tournament did you get over a psychological barrier? How do you rate your performance?
At this level of the game, there are no barriers. You have good games and bad ones. I would say moderately happy. I was very proud of my games in the qualifying. I could feel myself like a six-year-old again, just playing very fast and confidently. That is the way I would really love to play.
At Zurich, in perhaps the strongest field in the history of the game, you came fifth overall. How do you rate this performance? You are known for your rapid skills, but lost three games?
Well, I am going through a phase of changing my game. So there will be some hits on the way before you reach your optimum form. So, Zurich was a good learning experience.
Is there a mental block when playing Carlsen? You are yet to beat him in the classical format in the last two years or so.
This is something I hope to correct. It is his (Carlsen) style, which is very different to what many players have grown up with.
How do you recollect the match against Carlsen at Zurich Chess 2014?
It was a normal game. You can’t base each encounter on the match. That is over. You have to just look forward and play a normal game.
How eager are you to go through the grind, win the Candidates and take on Carlsen again in the World Championship in November?
I am looking to do well in Khanty right now. If that leads to a match in November I would definitely try and do things differently.
Despite having nothing left to prove do you still have the hunger to be the world champion?
I would say I have hunger to play good chess.
What motivates you now to give your best? Is it pride, reputation or just simple love for the game?
I would just say that I love the game. If something gives you a lot of pain, it also gives you a lot of enjoyment. That is why you love it and is passionate about excelling in it.
How do you handle pressure, not just expectations of fans from the country, but also that from the Western media, players and officials who cannot digest an Indian ruling the world of chess?
You do have some amount of pressure being the outsider. But I have always tried to keep a small circle of friends and just enjoy the chess. I don’t really read much chess news. But there are also many people who show their support especially since you had to work doubly harder to reach the top.
Does the attitude (running down Anand) of some former Russian greats like Garry Kasparov motivate you to prove them wrong?
I don’t waste my time on petty chess politics. Chess was clearly Kasparov’s strongest point.
-- Team Chess Magazine Black and White would not have asked the last two questions in there. Ah well. More on that later ;)
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Meet World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen in conversation with Peter Thiel
Open Forum: Meet the “Mozart of Chess”: World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen, in conversation with Peter Thiel
Event Date:
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Speakers:
Magnus Carlsen, World Chess Champion
Moderator:
Peter Thiel, Technology entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist; President, Clarium Capital
Magnus Carlsen took the world by storm as a child prodigy, becoming an international Grand Master at 13. At 19, he was the youngest chess player to be ranked number one in the world, and at 22, in November 2013, he defeated five-time former world champion Viswanathan Anand. Now, at age 23, Magnus holds a record rating of 2872.
Don’t miss this chance of a lifetime to meet and be inspired by Magnus. He will be interviewed by entrepreneur and investor Peter Thiel, former US-rated Chess Master with a lifelong passion for chess. Topics covered will include Magnus’ views on the game, his experience winning the championship, and the role he believes chess can play in advancing young people’s critical thinking, social skills, and ability to achieve academically.
Prior to the onstage program, Magnus will play—blindfolded—in a six-board simultaneous chess demonstration. Participate in a drawing benefiting First Move, a dynamic non-profit organization that brings chess to second and third graders across the country—and possibly become one of the six brave players if you dare!
ATTENTION CORPORATE MEMBERS!Corporate passes will be accepted for this event. We ask that if you register using corporate passes, please do so 72 business hours in advance. We thank you for your cooperation!
- Registration: 5:00 PM
* The Churchill Club
Igniting Conversations to Encourage Innovation and Economic GrowthThis is our focus: to cultivate a one-stop-shop of world-class people—people like yourself—that ignites the kinds of conversations that lead to new ideas, enlivened dreams and personal motivation. A tall order, for sure, but one we’ve been successful at for 25 years.
Over the past two-and-a-half decades, the Churchill Club has hosted industry and government leaders and luminaries such as Marc Andreessen, Steve Ballmer, Craig Barrett, Ursula Burns, John Chambers, Jim Clark, Bill Clinton, Larry Ellison, Bill Gates, Andy Grove, William Hewlett, Arianna Huffington, Bill Joy, Dean Kamen, John McCain, Scott McNealy, Lew Platt, Eric Schmidt, and many more.
It’s an impressive list, but it would be no more than a roster if we weren’t committed to the idea of an independent forum that facilitates the open and timely exchange of ideas, opinions and viewpoints among business leaders and innovators. At the Churchill Club, collaborators and competitors meet on stage to share and discuss their newest thinking. They commit to have unscripted conversations that go beyond the hype. Attendees have the opportunity to ask questions directly of speakers, uncensored by the moderator.
Yes, it's going to be the World Chess Champion visiting Silicon Valley!
Event Date:
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Speakers:Magnus Carlsen, World Chess ChampionModerator:Peter Thiel, Technology entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist; President, Clarium Capital Magnus Carlsen took the world by storm as a child prodigy, becoming an international Grand Master at 13. At 19, he was the youngest chess player to be ranked number one in the world, and at 22, in November 2013, he defeated five-time former world champion Viswanathan Anand. Now, at age 23, Magnus holds a record rating of 2872.
Don’t miss this chance of a lifetime to meet and be inspired by Magnus. He will be interviewed by entrepreneur and investor Peter Thiel, former US-rated Chess Master with a lifelong passion for chess. Topics covered will include Magnus’ views on the game, his experience winning the championship, and the role he believes chess can play in advancing young people’s critical thinking, social skills, and ability to achieve academically.
Prior to the onstage program, Magnus will play—blindfolded—in a six-board simultaneous chess demonstration. Participate in a drawing benefiting First Move, a dynamic non-profit organization that brings chess to second and third graders across the country—and possibly become one of the six brave players if you dare!
ATTENTION CORPORATE MEMBERS!Corporate passes will be accepted for this event. We ask that if you register using corporate passes, please do so 72 business hours in advance. We thank you for your cooperation!
- Registration: 5:00 PM
- Buffet: 6:15 PM
- Program: 7:15 PM
Sponsored by Silicon Valley Bank (Gold Sponsor), Innovation Norway (Silver Sponsor)
Location:
Computer History Museum, Mountain View
1401 N. Shoreline Blvd
Mountain View, CA 94043
- Program: 7:15 PM
Sponsored by Silicon Valley Bank (Gold Sponsor), Innovation Norway (Silver Sponsor)
Location:
Computer History Museum, Mountain View
1401 N. Shoreline Blvd
Mountain View, CA 94043
Number of Individual Tickets to Purchase
(On Site tickets are $60.00 / $75.00)
$40.00 / $55.00
*Membership price discounts will be applied based upon membership status of registrants.
(On Site tickets are $60.00 / $75.00)
$40.00 / $55.00
*Membership price discounts will be applied based upon membership status of registrants.
For purchasing tickets and more details visit the website of Churchill Club.
Igniting Conversations to Encourage Innovation and Economic GrowthThis is our focus: to cultivate a one-stop-shop of world-class people—people like yourself—that ignites the kinds of conversations that lead to new ideas, enlivened dreams and personal motivation. A tall order, for sure, but one we’ve been successful at for 25 years.
Over the past two-and-a-half decades, the Churchill Club has hosted industry and government leaders and luminaries such as Marc Andreessen, Steve Ballmer, Craig Barrett, Ursula Burns, John Chambers, Jim Clark, Bill Clinton, Larry Ellison, Bill Gates, Andy Grove, William Hewlett, Arianna Huffington, Bill Joy, Dean Kamen, John McCain, Scott McNealy, Lew Platt, Eric Schmidt, and many more.
It’s an impressive list, but it would be no more than a roster if we weren’t committed to the idea of an independent forum that facilitates the open and timely exchange of ideas, opinions and viewpoints among business leaders and innovators. At the Churchill Club, collaborators and competitors meet on stage to share and discuss their newest thinking. They commit to have unscripted conversations that go beyond the hype. Attendees have the opportunity to ask questions directly of speakers, uncensored by the moderator.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
World Chess Champion Carlsen Simul in LA: You Can be Lucky to Play
A Nordic Semiconductor press release states, "We invite you to participate in this competition where you have the chance in your lifetime to be one of the lucky twenty that will play one of the most brilliant brains living today. Along with the honor of playing the number 1 chess player in the world, you will be rewarded with a signed chess board among other prizes."
The skills required are not higher than just another hobby player. To participate answer a few simple questions and solve an easy chess puzzle. The lucky winners will be noticed well in advance. Closing date for entry is December 19, 2013, 12:00:00 PST.
The Chess Tournament will take place:Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall Connector, Room S228Thursday January 9, 3-6PM
Enter the chess simul entry contest at the Nordic Semi website.
* Carlsen's sponsors Nordic Semiconductor (Link from our Anand - Carlsen World Chess Championship 2013 coverage website)
Friday, August 17, 2012
Breaking: GARRY KASPAROV ARRESTED IN MOSCOW FOR NOTHING
From the official Garry Kasparov Facebook Page : Garry Kasparov has just been arrested outside the Moscow courthouse where the Pussy Riot trial is taking place. He was not there to protest, simply to attend, and the police cornered him and dragged him into the police van. This photo shows the police assaulting him inside the van. We hope he is all right and we will provide updates when we have them. (Photo by Olaf Koens).
FB Update (An hour ago): We just spoke to Garry on the phone. He is at the police station. He was beaten but says he is okay. He isn't sure what will happen next. It seems the police are waiting for orders from above. He says he was standing calmly speaking with journalists when police pushed through and grabbed him. Also Read: Kasparov.ru
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Play Chess With World Champion Vishy Anand in Simul via Chess.com
Anand will be the head instructor at the Metro Chess Invitational Chess Camp from August 9th through 13th in Los Angeles. He will conclude his activities by playing a Simultaneous Exhibition the morning of August 13th against a small group of lucky individuals. One of the boards in the Simul will belong to the Chess.com Community as they vote in their suggested move for a relayer to play on the actual board for Anand as he moves from board to board during the Simul.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Kosteniuk’s Chess Video vs Wang Hao Viral on YouTube
Chess Queen Alexandra Kosteniuk has also just been featured in the special Vogue issue of the USA.
Kosteniuk is credited for being the most Internet-active and Internet-savvy chess Grandmaster who has singlehandedly done much to promote chess and give the sport a makeover with her twitter accounts, chess blogs and sites. She has brought a wave of glamour and style to women's chess unthought of before. Kosteniuk is also the most Facebook-active former world chess champion taking out several hours on a daily basis to reply to fans' letters, emails and messages. Her YouTube channels have thousands of videos on chess training, chess puzzles, chess events, etc. for chess lovers and learners to improve chess - all for free!
You might also like to read why Kosteniuk was once 'held' at a US airport security check!
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Anand's Huge Support to Blind Chess
Thursday, June 28, 2012
World Chess Champion Vishy Anand's Lecture Video in Madrid for Accenture plc
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Kings Chess Postponement: World Chess Champ Vishy Anand Disappointed
World Chess Champ Endorses Realty Brand
Anand was speaking in Chennai at a special function where he was made the brand ambassador of TVH, one of the major players in realty market in Southern India. Talking about his association with TVH as its brand ambassador, Anand said, "I have been a TVH customer for seven years. That was a positive experience. And a month or two ago they approached me and I was happy to accept their offer.
Anand was speaking in Chennai at a special function where he was made the brand ambassador of TVH, one of the major players in realty market in Southern India. Talking about his association with TVH as its brand ambassador, Anand said, "I have been a TVH customer for seven years. That was a positive experience. And a month or two ago they approached me and I was happy to accept their offer.
Monday, May 14, 2012
WCCh 2012 - What Fischer Would have Said!
World Chess Championship Live at Official Website.
Searching for Bobby Fischer - Indeed we are. What would have Bobby Fischer said about the ongoing World Chess Championship 2012 between chess stalwarts Vishy Anand and Boris Gelfand? This is just for fun. We agree with some comments, we don't with others...but, we love the 11th World Chess Champion -- and always will -- just like everyone else.) Read on to check all the five possible Fischer 'quotes'!
- Why is Moscow the venue, why is it not Reykjavik?
- Computer training of modern grandmasters is still 15 years behind my strength.
- By test it is best (on 1.e4)... why are they playing all this? But then I think it's almost definite that the game is a draw theoretically.
- No online broadcasts, no press conferences, no photographs, no journalists, no Houdini or any chess engines, no audience... Maybe, Anand and Gelfand have fixed it between them.
- Yes, I will be there for the next FischerRandom World Chess Title Match
You can also read: New Chess Book on Bobby Fischer's Final Years in Iceland by Helgi Ólafsson
