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Carlsen Shifts Focus: Rapid, Blitz Over Classical Chess
26 May
Summary
- Magnus Carlsen prioritizes rapid and blitz chess over classical.
- He finds greater joy in faster formats after classical dominance.
- Carlsen remains the benchmark despite drifting from classical.
Magnus Carlsen, the world's top-ranked chess player, has indicated a preference for faster chess formats over classical play. The Norwegian stated that after achieving peak dominance in classical chess, he now derives more satisfaction from rapid and blitz games. Carlsen remains the player to beat, despite his reduced focus on the classical World Championship cycle, attributing this shift to fading motivation and the exhaustive nature of opening preparations.
Carlsen's decision comes after a decade holding the undisputed classical world title. He mentioned that the excitement of defending the crown had diminished for him. While he is approaching Garry Kasparov's record for time as world No. 1, Carlsen stated he is no longer chasing records, recalling a failed attempt to reach a 2900 rating.
The chess icon also supports innovations like Armageddon tie-breakers, believing they add necessary drama and reduce draws. He suggested that modern preparation makes two-hour thinking times sufficient for players, allowing for a balance between optimal play and the allowance for mistakes in faster-paced games.
