Chess Grandmasters Answer What’s the Best Chess Opening?

Summary

In this engaging conversation with top chess grandmasters, the players discuss some of the most debated topics in the chess world, including the age-old question of who is the greatest chess player—Gary Kasparov or Magnus Carlsen. They share insights into their personal experiences, from the challenges of trash-talking during games to the mental strategies required to stay ahead. The conversation also touches on topics like the future of chess, the importance of talent versus hard work, and the best chess openings. The grandmasters reflect on their careers and share personal anecdotes, offering a glimpse into the world of elite chess.

Takeaways

• 😀 The debate over the greatest chess player of all time: Magnus Carlsen vs Garry Kasparov is still a hot topic among grandmasters.
• 😀 Chess is far from being solved, as it's still too complex for humans to fully analyze, even with the help of modern engines.
• 😀 The worst opening move in chess is considered to be 1. g4, as it exposes the king to immediate threats, leading to possible checkmates in just a few moves.
• 😀 Chess grandmasters believe that 80% of chess success comes from hard work, while only 20% is based on natural talent.
• 😀 Early in their careers, grandmasters sometimes win games quickly, such as the Scholar's Mate, but serious tournaments rarely feature such rapid victories.
• 😀 Players tend to prepare for specific opponents rather than general improvement as they reach higher levels of expertise in chess.
• 😀 Some of the most popular chess openings include the Ruy Lopez and the Sicilian Defense, with variations like the Najdorf being favored by many world champions.
• 😀 During pandemic chess events, players sometimes resorted to unsportsmanlike conduct, with players becoming frustrated when their opponents refused to resign.
• 😀 Grandmasters rely heavily on intuition and memorization, sometimes thinking 10-15 moves ahead in slower games, and focusing on instinct in faster formats.
• 😀 If they won a $250,000 chess prize, most grandmasters would opt for modest purchases rather than extravagant ones, such as buying a gift for a loved one.

Q & A

Who do the grandmasters think is the best chess player of all time?

The opinions on who the best chess player of all time is vary. Magnus Carlsen is favored by some, while others, including one of the grandmasters, prefer Garry Kasparov. There was also mention that personal opinion may change over time, especially as current players like Magnus continue their careers.

What’s the most savage trash talk ever heard in a chess game?

Chess games generally prohibit verbal communication between players during official games. However, in more informal settings, players may vent frustration through messages or remarks, particularly during the pandemic era, when online games sometimes saw players losing composure.

What is considered the worst opening move in chess, according to the grandmasters?

The grandmasters agree that the worst opening move for White is 1. g4, which weakens the king’s side and exposes the pawn structure. It can lead to quick checkmates, such as the Fool's Mate, where White’s move allows an immediate attack from Black.

What game is considered the grandmasters' favorite or most special?

One grandmaster mentions his game against Alexander Grischuk in the 2018 Candidates Tournament as a favorite. Another grandmaster highlights his 2021 World Rapid Championship game against Magnus Carlsen as a career-defining moment, where he secured his title by winning a game from a nearly equal position.

Has chess been solved?

Chess has not been solved yet. While certain positions with fewer pieces have been analyzed in-depth, the full game remains far beyond our current technological capabilities to solve. Even with powerful engines, we’re still far from understanding all the intricacies of the game’s starting position.

What is the grandmaster's opinion on talent vs hard work in chess?

One grandmaster believes that 80% of success in chess is due to hard work, with only 20% attributable to talent. While players like Magnus Carlsen may exhibit natural intuition, constant practice and improvement are crucial to becoming a top player.

What’s the fastest checkmate the grandmasters have experienced?

The grandmasters have not experienced particularly quick checkmates in serious games, though one mentioned that early in his career, he likely achieved a four-move checkmate, also known as the Scholar’s Mate, in casual games.

How many moves ahead do grandmasters typically think during a game?

In slower games, grandmasters can calculate 10 to 15 moves ahead. In faster formats like blitz or bullet, they rely more on instinct and typically think two to three moves ahead. With ample time, grandmasters can even calculate 30 moves ahead in certain lines.

What’s the current best chess opening?

The grandmasters discussed that the best chess opening can vary depending on the player’s style. The Ruy Lopez and the Sicilian Defense, specifically the Najdorf variation, are commonly considered solid and reliable openings. However, some argue that chess openings have been analyzed to the point where creativity and flexibility are more important than sticking to traditional 'best' openings.

What would a grandmaster do if they won a $250,000 chess prize?

The grandmasters mentioned that they wouldn’t splurge on flashy items, despite the large sum. One mentioned buying a nice handbag for their wife, while another joked about potentially purchasing a supercar but ultimately not intending to go crazy with the money.