World Chess Champion Carlsen Expects Anand to Qualify Candidates for Revenge Match - New Video

World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen has released his second YouTube video with views on the Khanty Mansiysk World Chess Candidates 2014. Carlsen expects Anand to qualify for the revenge/return match for the world title that the Indian chess superstar lost to Carlsen in November 2013. Carlsen also "revises" his opinion of Sergey Karjakin's play considering the latter's comeback of sorts in the Candidates so much so that he is now the only person theoretically standing in Anand's way... along with possibly Aronian who is the top seed and top tournament favoure. Two more rounds are to be played in Khanty Mansiysk. 

World Chess Champion's first video (6th round) comments on the Khanty Mansiysk World Chess Candidates 2014.

* All Khanty Mansiysk World Chess Candidate reports at Chess Magazine Black and White website

* Candidates Chess 2014: Turbo-Charged Anand on Track to Meeting Magnus Again for World Title?

* World Chess Candidates 2014 Menu: What will Magnus Carlsen get for 'Dinner' in November?

* Magnus Carlsen Video Chat on World Chess Candidates 2014

Read More

World Chess Candidates 2014 Menu: What will Magnus Carlsen get for 'Dinner' in November?

WARNING: This article is strictly for Magnus Carlsen fans. We cannot be sued for offending those in other camps. 

World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen is a very hungry guy. He is sure to be preparing for a sumptuous dinner this November. Let's just take a look at the likely menu choices as the World Chess Candidates is currently on in Khanty Mansiysk.

1 - Milk and cereal (Viswanathan Anand): Surely this is a tried and tested meal choice for the World Chess Champion. The publicity will be huge as in HUGE for the 'revenge match' - something Anand fans have been fantasising from the very day Magnus Carlsen won the title. Anand will, this time around, do everything he did not do the first time. Also, the home pressure would not be there for the five-time World Champion. Magnus Carlsen can take his already ready prep to the next level. 

Chess Chef's Verdict: Magnus Carlsen will relish this meal choice.

2 - Bulgarian Poisonberry (Veselin Topalov): Very unpredictable and highly dangerous. Only yesterday, Topalov beat Vladimir Kramnik in Round 6 at the World Chess Candidates. They had last met in 2008. Not much is known how Topalov has developed his game in the last few years except that he convincingly won the Grand Prix series to earn that ticket to Khanty Mansiysk. No mean feat by any standards.
Chess Chef's verdict: Magnus, eat just a bit, check, cross-check that it is not poisonous, then chew hard. 

3 - Russian Vodka (Sergey Karjakin): The World Champion is now old enough to replace the orange juice. ;) This should keep the World Champion warm. Karjakin has already been preparing for the Big Title and had even vowed that he would bring the title back to Russia. Carlsen has a slight psychological edge remembering the 92-move win over Karjakin at Tata Steel last year prompting GM Gawain Jones to remark: Carlsen squeezed blood out of a stone.  
Chess Chef's verdict: Magnus, you can stomach this just take it sip by sip (game by game) and follow up with your quintessential sledgehammer style. 

4 - Magnolia Cheese Balls (Dmitry Andreikin): It is unlikely that Andreikin could make it to the world title match particularly considering the standings after Round 6. But, if he does, Magnus Carlsen would have to keep his head down, focus and work just as hard as on any other candidate. 'This very Russian snack' is likely to receive support from every single GM who has ever lost to Carlsen.
Chess Chef's verdict: Keep the orange juice, keep the focus and gobble. 

5 - Borsch (Vladimir Kramnik): The very traditional Russian dish that needs to be kept a day before being served. Kramnik has been there, done that. He would bring the traditional Russian chess understanding and modern killer prep to the table. The match might start slowly, but Kramnik could really go for carpet bombing after a few days into the match. He has, like Karjakin, some scores to settle with a certain Mr Carlsen. Psst: London Chess Classic was it?  
Chess Chef's verdict: Don't rush, eat slowly and carefully. Magnus, your stomach can take it.

6 - Harissa (Levon Aronian): made with coarsely ground wheat and the national dish of Armenia - is said to have helped the Armenians survive during the Resistance of 1915. Aronian has that great power of resistance and he has been World No. 2 long enough to be a logical person to snatch the title from Magnus Carlsen. Aronian has a Saint-Louis revenge to take care of. Strongly grounded chess, loads of talent and the support of a huge fan base thanks to his geniality, Aronian might be a little tough to digest. 
Chess Chef's verdict: Will be a little hard to chew. Sharpen forks and knives (opening prep). Remove Play Magnus from the Apple store. Eat after tearing to pieces (playing long drawn games if required)

7 - Spicy Russian Soup (Peter Svidler): Fireworks, running nose, watering eyes, brimstone and fire could be the result of trying this dish in November. This guy could have helped India write chess history differently. He almost took Magnus Carlsen to the jaws of death at the London Chess Candidates, but for Goddess Caissa's benevolence. Peter Svidler will be supported by the entire Russian Chess Machinery and the Indian Chess Machinery if he makes it to the next big clash. (Don't forget, Svidler is likely to receive support from all cricket fans in India as well). 

Chess Chef's verdict: No worries, just stay your true self - the Magnus Carlsen #1. 

8 - Badambura (Shakhriyar Mamedyarov): The popular Azerbaijani pastry filled with sugar, cinnamon, and finely chopped nuts. Not discounting the European Champion's talent, but he has a tough task to conquer Khanty Mansiysk. If Badambura does get served in November, Magnus Carlsen might be set a record in jumping into swimming pools.

Chess Chef's verdict: Eat platefuls, will add to your muscle power.

In any case, I expect Magnus Carlsen to retain his title!

-- Rajat M Khanna

* For coverage of Khanty Mansiysk World Chess Candidates with daily reports check www.blackandwhiteindia.com

* For detailed profiles of the players check official website

* For a cool video released by Magnus Carlsen today discussing the Candidates check this post at Chess Magazine Black and White
* For reactions, email editor@blackandwhiteindia.com

Read More

World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen asks Fans to Connect via his Just-Launched YouTube Channel

World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen has tweeted that he has launched his YouTube Channel where he would be posting chess videos of interest including those of his own of course. We've just clicked subscribe without a second thought. Have you?

Read More

World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen demolished 20 chess players in a special simul in Las Vegas recently. It was thanks to Nordic Semiconductor kick-starts sponsorship with the World Chess Champion by hosting a HRM chess tournament at the CES in Las Vegas. Contributing with its ultra low power wireless connectivity solutions within heart rate monitoring, Nordic aims to add a new level of excitement to the chess sport. Here's the video and read the full report in our earlier post: Magnus Carlsen Crushes 20 in Las Vegas Chess Simul.

Read More

Bill Gates demolished by World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen in 9 Moves on Skavlan Talk Show

World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen demolished the second richest man on the planet, Bill Gates, in a chess game lasting just nine moves and a few seconds over a minute this Thursday.

Screenshot: Skavlan.com

World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen took virtually no time in demolishing the world's richest man for a long, long time, Bill Gates, Thursday night on a Norwegian-Swedish television talk show hosted by Norwegian journalist Fredrik Skavlan. It was a checkmate in nine moves and just about one minute, 20 or so seconds. Gates had already said, "The outcome is a foregone conclusion," as the chessboard was being brought to the stage.

Carlsen said, "He was a bit unlucky and eventually fell to my tactics, but he otherwise made good, healthy moves. I think with a little more time, he could certainly be a pretty good player."

"When you are not smart?" Fredrik Skavlan asked Bill Gates. "When I play chess against him," responded the Microsoft founder, nodding towards Carlsen. "Want to try?" asks Skavlan. "The outcome is a foregone conclusion, responded Gates. The program, clips of which Reuters received in advance, was recorded on Wednesday in London, Norwegian TV NRK said.

Read a Reuters story at this link and a Yahoo story at this link.

Bill Gates was doing pretty okay till he decided to get greedy and go for a piece overlooking a single checkmate in one! Replay the game below:

Gates, Bill - Carlsen, Magnus

Result: 0-1

Site: Skavlan Talk Show

Date: 2014.01.22

[...] 1.e4 ♘c6 2.♘f3 d5 3.♗d3 ♘f6 4.exd5 ♕xd5 5.♘c3 ♕h5 6.O-O ♗g4 7.h3 ♘e5 8.hxg4 ♘fxg4 9.♘xe5 ♕h2#

Read More

World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen in Conversation with Tech Entrepreneur Peter Thiel Video:

There is no missing this fantastic interview/conversation between World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen and tech entrepreneur Peter Thiel hosted by the Silicon Valley Bank and the Churchill Club. 

Speakers:
Magnus Carlsen, World Chess Champion

Moderator:
Peter Thiel, Technology entrepreneur and investor; Partner, Founders Fund; Co-founder, Mithril Capital Management

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.

Be inspired by Magnus as he is interviewed by entrepreneur and investor Peter Thiel, former US-rated Chess Master with a lifelong passion for chess. Topics covered are 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 played in a six-board simultaneous chess demonstration. Participants entered in a drawing benefiting First Move, a dynamic non-profit organization that brings chess to second and third graders across the country—and the winner became one of the six brave players.

Program Partners:
Silicon Valley Bank
First Move

Gold Sponsor:
Silicon Valley Bank

Silver Sponsors:
Innovation Norway
The Mendell Family Foundation

* 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.

* Preview at Chess Magazine Black and White
* Magnus Carlsen $1 Million Critical Thinking Grant with First Move 

Read More

World Chess Champion Joins America's Foundation for Chess: First Move Announces Magnus Carlsen Grants

World Chess Champion Makes a Winning Move with America's Foundation for Chess
 

SILICON VALLEY, Calif., Jan. 16, 2014 -- /PRNewswire/ -- How will Magnus Carlsen top 2013, the history-making year he became World Chess Champion and holds the highest rating of all time? He's joining forces with America's Foundation for Chess (AF4C) to bring the First Move chess program into elementary school classrooms as a tool for enhancing critical and creative thinking skills.

As part of this effort, Magnus Carlsen has agreed to be Honorary Chairman for the non-profit joining a prestigious group of sponsors including Paul Tudor Jones, Silicon Valley Bank, Concur, Qualcomm, ZMD and Two Sigma. This initial grant is the first step toward raising $5M to bring the First Move program to half a million students by 2017. Optimized for second and third grade classrooms, this formal and interactive chess curriculum gives teachers a powerful tool to engage children in learning chess while providing critical skills that will benefit them for years to come.

Carlsen has seen first-hand how First Move engages students, regardless of gender or background. He also recognizes the importance of teaching chess during the school day to give every student the opportunity to learn and benefit from the centuries old game.

"I love the way chess empowers kids," said Carlsen. "I consider First Move to be the most strategic way to give kids an advantage and help them live up to their full potential."

As Honorary Chairman, Carlsen will announce his partnership with America's Foundation for Chess tonight at a special event hosted by Silicon Valley Bank and the Churchill Club, sponsored by Innovation Norway. Magnus will play six people simultaneously while blindfolded followed by an interview with avid chess player Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and Facebook investor, to talk about Magnus' rise in the chess world, the value of chess and the impact on kids.

About Magnus Carlsen: At age 23, Carlsen's already storied career makes him a dream champion for the cause. Born in 1990 in Norway, Magnus became a Grandmaster at thirteen years and four months. He was the youngest player ever to be ranked number one in the world at the age of 19. In January 2013, he achieved the highest rating in the history of chess beating Garry Kasparov's legendary record from 1999. In November 2013, he became the World Chess Champion making him the first World Champion from a Western country since Bobby Fischer in 1972. His many accolades extend beyond the chess world; but the game remains his passion, and he welcomes the chance to share it.

For more information about Magnus Carlsen, visit his website at http://magnuscarlsen.com.

About First Move: America's Foundation for Chess developed the First Move curriculum based on the belief that chess is good for kids and schools need powerful tools to engage students and teach critical thinking skills. The interactive program currently reaches over 80,000 students in 24 states and four countries, and builds coveted skills both on and beyond the chess board, including concentration and focus, self-motivation, memory-building and the ability to analyze, plan and execute.

"We worked hard to develop an engaging and turnkey program that helps teachers inspire new avenues of thinking, levels the playing field and builds confidence," said Erik Anderson, Founder of America's Foundation for Chess. "The program has been a great success; we have schools on a wait list and over 300,000 kids in line to receive First Move."

America's Foundation for Chess encourages districts and elementary schools that are interested in First Move and the Magnus Carlsen Critical Thinking Grant to contact them at info@af4c.org or to visit http://af4c.org.

SOURCE First Move

Read More

Magnus Carlsen Crushes 20 in Las Vegas Chess Simul with 'Steady Heart Rate' at Nordic Semi Exhibition

World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen easily beat 20 chess players at an exhibition chess simul at CES, Las Vegas, on Friday. The event was based on an innovative idea by Nordic Semiconductor - Magnus Carlsen's sponsors. 

Photo: NRK.no/Nordic Semi Facebook Page

The idea was to hook the World Chess Champion and all the players with heart-monitoring, low-energy, bluetooth equipment. Nordic Semiconductor stated, the World Chess Champion was up to the challenge and beat everyone with a steady and normal heart rate. Nordic Semiconductor stated on their Facebook page, "We believe Heart Rate Monitoring will add a new element to chess tournaments both for the audience and the players. Will our new thinking with the #HRMchess tournament at International CES?"

A screen grab from a VG TV video (and report) showing heart rate of World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen and his opponents during the simul.

Yes, the World Chess Champion's heart rate remained steady as he went around beating all the 20 players.

NRK.no also had a neat report on the event with a cool video of the World Chess Champion crushing his simul opponents! The report quoted Magnus Carlsen as saying, "I think it was fun to watch the pulse rate of the people. That was entertainment for me." Magnus Carlsen has said he would be interested in using the pulse monitor at the upcoming Zurich Chess Tournament 2014.

Nordic Semiconductor commercial director said the gadget would be great for the audience at a chess tournament. For example, the audience would be able to see how a chess player's heart reacts to a blunder or mistake

Nordic Semiconductor is an industry leader in ultra low-power wireless devices. With a world-class mixed-signal R&D team Nordic develops innovative ground-breaking devices for Bluetooth low energy, ANT and 2.4GHz proprietary markets. The ARM Cortex M-series lie at the core of Nordic's highly flexible, ultra low-power wireless SoC solutions. Ultra-low power (ULP) wireless sensors that are small enough to be worn on the body are transforming the sports and fitness world by making it easy to track and log training data – such as heart-rate, speed, and distance – and share the results on-line with others. 

This benefits everyone from elite athletes seeking to fine-tune their training regimes to those who simply want to get fit and stay motivated by seeing the results of their hard work. Typical products in this segment are:Wearable sensors, Heart-rate belts, Speed-distance foot pods, GPS pods, Pedometers Activity sensors, Bike cadence sensors, Bike speed sensors, Bike power sensors and Weight scales.

 The International CES is the world’s largest tradeshow for consumer technology and America’s largest annual tradeshow of any kind. With more than four decades of success, the International CES reaches across global markets, connects the “who’s who” of the industry and enables consumer electronics (CE) innovations to grow and thrive.

Read More

World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen at Sports Gala: I will Continue to be One Step ahead of Others

World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen continues to overwhelm Norway (and the world) with his wow factor. The World Chess Champion - even though not eligible to win the Athlete of the Year Award - at Norway's annual Sports Gala (Idrettsgallaen) on Saturday night - won in every category he was nominated for. 

Carlsen won for

- Name of the Year 

- Open Class 

- Top sporting personalities (peer-nominated) shared with Norway Golf Queen Suzann Pettersen.

World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen quotes:- There are some who’ve complained that I haven’t prepared a speech. No, I haven’t prepared a third speech. That’s what I can say. Now I’ve already thanked those who should be thanked.”- In his earlier speeches, Carlsen paid tribute to his family, the jury, and co-winner Pettersen. - “I will continue to be one step ahead of all the others. I don’t want to be a world champion who doesn’t care so much about tournaments, but just sits and clutches onto the title.”

Golf star Suzann Pettersen and chess prodigy Magnus Carlsen share the athletes’ choice award. Photo: newsinenglish.no/NRK screen grab

* Read a detailed report by NewsInEnglish.no

Read More

Norway Ambassador in India Eivind S Homme Congratulates Magnus Carlsen from New Delhi

Congratulations, Magnus!

Last updated: 22.11.2013 // The Embassy of Norway warmly congratulates the new Chess World Champion, Magnus Carlsen, on winning the World Chess Championship, held in Chennai.

The young champion has also truly managed to put Norway on the map in India, perhaps as never before. He has excelled as an Ambassador for his country both in India and around the world as a fantastic player and sportsman that we are very proud of.

We would also like to pay our respect to Viswanathan Anand, for his play and great sportsmanship, for his contributions to chess internationally and in his own country over many years.

The Embassy would like to extend a big thank you to the organizers and to the government of Tamil Nadu, led by Chief Minister Ms J. Jayalalithaa, for their kind hospitality and for making the championship a most successful event.

We look forward to welcoming everyone to the Chess Olympiad 2014 in Tromsø, the Arctic City of Northern Norway. Thus the games will continue, now with even stronger ties of friendship between Norway and India.

Eivind S. Homme
Ambassador

* The Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi credits the photo to Magnus Carlsen's official website.

* His Excellency Eivind S. Homme's biography is here.

* Link for lots of information on visiting Norway

* Official website of the Tromso Chess Olympiad 2013

Read More

World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen has Landed in Oslo, Watch Live on NRK TV Right Now (India 6.30 pm)

World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen has landed in Oslo. Watch Live Right now on NRK TV (can you spot him - swamped by fans and media?) He is signing autographs and taking media questions at the same time!

The World Chess Champion takes on question after question with fantastic aplomb.

Read More