Carlsen won the world rapid and blitz championships today, beating Nakamura from the U.S. He already was the World Champion of classical chess.

The guy is unbelievable to be so dominant at that level. It's enjoyable to watch him in blitz games against on-line opponents where he's giving commentary as he goes along, just to hear how his brain works. He calculates everything instantly however many moves deep. What he understands better than anyone is the harmony of the pieces. It's rare that he gets himself caught making a bad move, and even when he does, he can quickly equalize by going on the attack. The only person I would say he would have a tough time with among the past greats is Fischer and perhaps Tal. Carlsen drew against Kasparov when Carlsen was very young and beat Karpov at a young age.

The video of Carlsen vs. Kasparov.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjEmquJhSas

I remember Nakamura as a guest color analyst during the World Championships earlier this year.

_________________

Carlsen's last interview today and footage of the award ceremony. That's Nakamura to the left of him and Kramnik to the right.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sWVmVhBKSw

NERDS!

_________________

Day 2 of the final match of Carlsen's chess tour online against Nakamura (U.S. Champion) is happening this morning. Astonishingly, Nakamura won yesterday 2 1/2 - 1 1/2.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFDBapydDBE

The actual game is being shown on the bottom right. They're doing commentary on the left screen.

After 16 years of not meeting one another in a match, Magnus Carlsen today finally played Kasparov. The venue was a virtual tournament in St. Louis. This was a Fischer Random game, where the placement of the pieces on the back rows is randomized.

No spoilers, here it is.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbMijp8nMYA

Nice April fools prank. Magnus get beat by an amateur that he once beat three years ago.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jx_jySDkN0

Objectively, I'd have to say he is the greatest in the modern era, i.e. since the rankings that started in the early 70s. It's hard to say how he stacks up against guys like Morphy, Alekhine, Capablanca, or Lasker. And for me- and I imagine for a lot of Americans close to my age- Fischer will always be the man.

_________________
His mind is not for rent to any God or government.

It’s Fisher then everyone else .

_________________
Proud member of the white guy grievance committee

It aint the six minutes. Its what happens in those six minutes.