Magnus Carlsen gives a statement about the recent chess drama through his Twitter:

22 comments
  1. Well, at least he’s accusing Niemann openly, which I guess is the more proper thing to do.

    Apparently still doesn’t have permission to talk about The Beads, though.

  2. So, I keep hearing about this, but from what I can tell it’s all just speculation at this point, right? No one has actually found evidence of cheating? They are basing this all on a strange rise through the ranks? I’m honestly not a troll, just trying to wrap my head around the situation.

  3. It’s a very difficult situation, really. Carlsen is obviously more capable than most at recognizing suspicious play and behaviour, although computers are of course much better than any human at actually analyzing Niemann’s moves over several tournaments. But Carlsen’s experience of Niemann not even fully concentrating on the game in critical positions while still outplaying him is, of course, something no computer can take into consideration. It’s subjective, sure, but again it’s something Magnus is more capable of noticing than any of us. And I do think it counts for something.

    Furthermore, I think the “Let FIDE handle it” stuff is easier said than done and not necessarily a good idea either. When you are the biggest star in the world at what you do, and your life revolves around it, I think just taking part and hoping that someone catches on in the future isn’t easy. And just keeping this inside could have a negative effect on Carlsen’s level of play too, even if he managed fine during the last online tournament.

    On the other hand, if Niemann is “just” a huge talent whose playing level varies even more than usual at this age, I can’t even imagine how frustrating this must be for him. If he has been cheating and now stops out of fear of getting caught, his rating will drop, but the same thing could happen if this whole controversy just messes up a teenager like Niemann as well. So we might never know.

  4. hold the chess championship at the Admirals Club or Centurion Club of a airport after going through the body scanners.

  5. Only time can tell really. He is very persistent with his “accusations”, and it would be weird to accuse someone without proof. He is waiting for the green light from Hans to go all out.

  6. Sorry I’m confused. How does one cheat at the world championship ?

    Do they have a earpiece and someone telling them what to do ?

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