Chess "Cheating" Scandal Bombshell: The Magnus Carlsen Interview Explained

[@ASMRChess]

Correction: at 04:16 I say “in 2017, then 17 year old IM Hans Niemann begins a meteoric rise…” I meant to say “in 2021, then 17 year old IM Hans Niemann…” As you can see from the graph the rise really does start in 2021.

[@raghadkhalil2950]

Wow. It doesn’t seem possible? From under 2000 to 2700 elo in less than a year. I suppose he is young, but it seems only 12 year olds are moving that fast these days!

[@starmorpheus]

@@raghadkhalil2950 Yeah absolutely insane rise but if you're a natural prodigy and dedicate every waking hour to studying chess for two years, I can see it being possible. But Idk.

[@n0xure]

@@raghadkhalil2950 I think you misunderstood. He became a FM in late 2016; so he had at least 2300 & it took him five years to get to 2500. But then it took only took him a little over a year to get to 2680; which is insane.

[@raghadkhalil2950]

@@n0xure You’re totally right! I misread the chart after I saw the comment above correcting the dates from 2017 to 2021. Still a huge jump but way more reasonable.

[@taxatollah]

His rise was far from unprecedented.

[@firstandlast.1254]

The drama? I don't understand. The coverage from this channel? Impeccable. Much love ASMR Chess!

[@vincentv.9729]

A true journalistic work here. It gives context, facts, perspective and analysis and it's not trying to be more spectacular than the subject it talks about. Also great work from Carlsen who knows how to give tiny clues transforming in cliffhangers, can't wait for the next episode. You have a new subscriber anyway!

[@scottwarren4998]

I think Niemann has someone on another area controlling his mouse when Niemann plays. maybe niemann has a device for it, but it maybe isn't nedded one to cheat in his case..

[@PMoneyMillion]

Out of all the videos published on this subject, this is my favorite so far. Concise, informative, and relaxing! Great work, and thank you.

[@legitopotamus5394]

Thanks for the impartial and comprehensive coverage. I've seen a few other videos that contained only incomplete parts of what you have here. Great work! I hope everyone can learn to have patience. 'Innocent until proven guilty' is a two way road.

[@MalloryMinerva]

I wasn't expecting Bertrand Russell, I rather liked that bit

[@chairwood]

y u got ur pfp lookin so scary

[@viola308]

@@chairwood bro a menace

[@dkubisa]

Please keep updating us on this story. Your deep knowledge on the topic and unbiased analysis is so refreshing in an era where honest, thorough journalism has been nearly eradicated in the name of sensationalism and political gamesmanship. Thank you for keeping fact-based journalism alive. The quality of your character is one of the biggest reasons that you're the only content creator I support on Patreon, and it has really shined over these past few videos covering this story. Bravo, keep it up!

[@danielsogge136]

Its quite obvious at this point really. Niemann and Dlugy are both known cheaters. They have now teamed up. Niemann has an unprecedented rise. Magnus Carlsen as many others were suspicious. Magnus - the best player of all time only rivalled by Kasparov - played a new line he never played before to test Niemann. Niemann respond by player a flawless game against white pieces and deals Magnus his first blow against black for over two years. Niemann explain that he studied that very same line THE SAME DAY as he played Magnus - in a miracle! A miracle bestowed upon a known cheater, with a mentor who's a known cheater, in his first seriously big tournament. This confirmed Magnus' worry from the very beginning. If none of this counts as "evidence" in your mind, then nothing will. I'm not saying it seals the deal, but it most certainly is "evidence". If you require the same level of evidence as in a murder case, when it comes to chess, then no sophisticated cheater will ever get caught, and the competitive game is broken for good.

[@danielsogge136]

And it must be added as well: After this supposed "miracle", Niemann justified it by claiming Magnus had indeed played that line before (the G3 Nimzo). Niemann suggested a fictive year and tournament in which Magnus did that, in order to avoid any follow up question by the interviewer on "when". Now as we of course now know: that was a lie. Magnus never played the online, yet Niemann lies and claim that he did. Now is this not a piece of "evidence" either?

[@Tube_Chaser]

@@danielsogge136 From what I've heard, the game Hans referenced was found, except that it wasn't in 2018, but 2019. I'm well aware that could be false, however, but I'd still wait for something more concrete to pin Niemann as a current cheater and not just circumstantial evidence.

[@danielsogge136]

@@Tube_Chaser If you will only rest content once a something like a vibrator with his DNA on it is presented, then there will no evidence. They never proved that the kid with the funny walk cheated either - the story from the video. They never got a device. Yet was the circumstantial evidence not substantial enough to be considered as evidence? The Niemann apologists are making "evidence" almost unachievable.

[@danielsogge136]

Who possess a track record of trust between Magnus and Hans? Clearly Magnus. This is also evidence (of character) in any court, even for cases such as murder. Yet here it counts for nothing? Absurd!

[@australium7374]

@@danielsogge136 well it’s not about trust. They trusted Kramnik less in 2006 but that doesn’t make him a cheater

[@marthalea876]

Another brilliant, and completely fair breakdown of the weird ins and outs of this ongoing drama.

[@kamitebyani5309]

This video brings so much clarity to what is happening, none of the other channels are presenting the facts , all they care about is views and silly content. Bravo to your channel

[@DaevorTheDevoted]

Thanks. Unlike other channels, you're doing the legwork and presenting actual information. Thank you. Subscribed.

[@johnsorrelw849]

Yours is the only channel I've found that's doing actual reporting on this scandal. Every other place I've looked just recycles the few bits of info we all already know, padded with a gazillion vacuous reaction clips. ASMR Chess is the only place I learn something new, and put in intriguing content. Bravo!

[@omegaguy3265]

Really like these kind of storytelling videos, you're great at it

[@fredouz]

The best reporting on this scandal on KZbin. lightyears ahead of everyone in terms of quality.

[@xwrathsx]

I think he just wanted to make sure we all remember how the knight moves

[@Market_]

Absolutely amazing video. I've scavenged the site for easy to digest understanding, and I'm proud to say this takes the cake. Love your videos and please do one on the World vs Karpov!

[@bluemystic7501]

I knew there was something to the comment Magnus made about Maxim Dlugy. Thanks for the background story here. Excited to see how it all plays out!

[@collegeisdabomb]

From ASMR artist to chess news reporter. excellent video!

[@timrputnam]

Your rational and sensible explanation is truly appreciated! Thanks again for the update.

[@Zaetobe1]

I'm a big fan of the videos you've been doing lately. Still relaxing, but with a more journalistic approach. I'm curious to see what will happen next! Keep up the excellent content!

[@joseguedes1421]

Wow!!! Thank you so much, this actually sheds so much light on it.

[@oscarandrade1717]

Awesome resume, thanks for the video.

[@Sahil_sw__]

Very interesting video, the naration and the edit were on point👌🏻

[@jenniturtleburger3708]

They better run that RF detector through all that hair of his.

[@Hakabas01]

Suspending Judgement gang

[@logician9116]

I’m surprised Magnus doesn’t hold some sort of invitational, and then have a clothing check at the event without warning. He could even inform other players who respect him that this would be happening so everyone agrees without feeling violated.

[@the_manchovie1795]

You can’t really perform a search on a person without their consent, Hans could simply refuse, which only gives suspicion of cheating not concreate proof

[@CarlDidur]

Love the intro haha, especially ending with Jan's "ehh?". Nice Work!

[@Stokie09123]

I honestly struggle to watch any other chess channels because I find the voices too loud and annoying. This is why I love your channel, no hyperbole, always relaxing but always informative too!

[@Tridentine]

Objective and fair analysis of an evolving situation - great video!

[@yunggeist3211]

Your videos on this situation are the best. Enjoyed the first and I am enjoying this even more

[@gergokiss7377]

This video is the best I've seen about this case by a very long shot! Thank you and grats!

[@jesserobertson8012]

Love the new style of video! Thanks for the relaxing yet informative coverage.

[@thomatesque]

Thank you for your amazing work!!! it was clear, entertaining, objective and helped me to understand a bit more all of this chaos .... you did a great job !

[@LeBeautiful]

What mic do you use? it sounds great

[@ASMRChess]

Schoeps CMIT 5u

[@LeBeautiful]

@@ASMRChessWOW. no wonder..any plugins and other audio gear? Thanks for the incredible content.

[@johnmilon866]

Brilliant coverage of this. The only one I wil lwatch goign forward as this unfolds. Also nice to hear a fellow Dane :)

[@acct5910]

Great summary. Gave all the info but didn't cast judgement.

[@mikekenworthy]

Excellent assessment of ongoing saga, cheers :)

[@matthiaszielinski2343]

Mind blown. Incredible job on this professional level of investigation in such a short time!

[@mjkeith8748]

What was that music at the start of the video -- so cool. Would love to know? Great vid as well, hooked me into following.

[@hwangsaessi2335]

This is getting juicy...good recap! Also 11:27 you said the line!! nice lol. I try to suspend judgement, too, but I'm definitely here for the ride.

[@ASMRChess]

Told you I would steal it!

[@Eli-yr7ou]

Thank you for the updates :)

[@swizzzle63]

Best video I've seen on this by far

[@eternalsummer8409]

Imagine doing a video replaying the game one day “and Hans moves here..” video ends

[@ASMRChess]

I did

[@eternalsummer8409]

My bad lol, saw this one first

[@Lars_Maassen]

This whole story is so facinating. So much drama

[@robest334]

To me, the story is like a undisputed, unified belted, pound for pound boxer lost to the rank 45 boxer in the world. Thats why top boxers cherry pick their opponents.

[@ghosthunter0950]

@@robest334 did you even watch the video? Magnus wasn't happy with Hans being included before the game. not to mention, chess players dont get to pick their opponents. Magnus is an undisputed #1 that played whoever challenged him.

[@icarusflying1814]

@@ghosthunter0950 that’s what’s he saying. He’s saying this would never ever happen in the boxing world

[@icarusflying1814]

@Tara Bartholomew exactly. You can’t always choose in chess. That’s what the man’s point was.

[@solfeinberg437]

I think Magnus has always valued his personal feelings. I've seen him walk off the stage when he was being awarded a trophy because he didn't like the confetti. He decided not to continue to defend his world title because it was more work than fun - or something. So, deciding not to play Hans could be for any personal reason. Maybe he just doesn't like the guy.

[@Somm_RJ]

He was also way dominant in the tournament and way above the scoreboard that he can afford to lose and still come up on top.

[@SMSELWA]

hey, now i dont have to rewatch the haans part since theres a new video. nice.

[@liambui9500]

I got startled when I thought it was going to be quiet at the start 😆

[@ASMRChess]

sorry - I will return to my more usual stuff shortly!

[@liambui9500]

@@ASMRChess no problem, I was just caught offguard. This content is also great!

[@ShowToddSomeLove]

Here we go looking forward to hearing more about this

[@4piousmen]

wow amazing coverage

[@upplsuckimcool16]

The more I hear about this, the more it just seems like Magnus dropped the ball. He already didn't like the guy.... he played an opening he's never played before... He declined to defend his title and has even suggested he has thought he might be losing his edge...

[@mqbq3651]

Magnus was already suspicious, played a weird opening to prove a point, got crushed. For himself he had all the evidence he needed I suppose. He resigned and the tournament enforces stronger rules. Niemann seems to not be able to judge positions with the engine turned off in his follow up interview and gives his reason for the magnus game that "through a miracle" he studied the line magnus played. Also Niemann never played a none top 3 move throughout the whole magnus game. Let's see what happens.

[@strawman7428]

I’m almost convinced that magnus has someone on his team leaking info, and that he used this specific opening to test his theory. I’m unsure whether hans would be aware if his prep was leaked info or not, but those on his team definitely would.

[@taotoo2]

@@strawman7428 If so, ideally you would have several unique openings, and discuss one of them exclusively per team member

[@marvinhuckabyjr]

This guy has nerves of steel if he is a called out cheater and is still, so called, turning an engine off and on throughout all his games. He's under intense public pressure and scrutiny, thanks to Magnus, and still manages to evade enhanced metal detection to shuffle stockfish on and off, aye? He's in a no win situation. If he wins, he was cheating. If he makes mistakes and loses, the engine was turned off. No evidence has been produced, no engine has been foumd, he has publically confessed to his past indiscretions, and he is still holding up extremely well under all this pressure.

[@TedThomasTT]

The thing is though, Hans was able to say when Magnus played that weird opening before in the post interview. Also many GMs think he just played poorly in that game.

[@mqbq3651]

@@TedThomasTT true, he knew the one time magnus played something simular in his whole career. I wonder if there is a way someone could have fed him the information before the interview, but seems harder to feed such information. Might be that, as niemann said, he studied the opening just because of his own reputation. Overall it is all very weird.

[@HenryTho]

These videos will be shown in schools a hundred years from now

[@BetterHabitsWithToby]

They should have some kind of x-ray check for every player to get scanned for electronics pre-game

[@LoneWolfCrooner]

I am speechless. You've done a fantastic job explaining. Thank you so much. BTW, are you able to tell me what language was spoken in the intro ie "what?" More power!!

[@ASMRChess]

Thank you very much. Yes I can tell you who the people are and what their native languages are: 1 and 2 (silent): Emre Hasgülec and Sabri Can Onay (Turkish) 3: Peter Leko (Hungarian) 4: Tania Sachdev (Indian) 5: Anna Cramling (Swedish) 6: Sagar Shah (Indian) 7 and 8: Divis and Pablo (Spanish) 9: Jan Gustafsson (very German)

[@LoneWolfCrooner]

@@ASMRChess wow! U replied!! Thanks so much for this info; I will watch it again 😁 also, I absolutely love the quote from Bertrand Russell. I filmed it and even wrote it down. Best! Watching from NZ 🥳

[@ASMRChess]

@@LoneWolfCrooner I try to respond to all relevant questions :) have a nice day in NZ!

[@Neptune8]

I’m more concerned about a business monopoly on the game than I am over who is the world champion. It seems like this cheating scandal is a great distraction from that

[@roadcyclist1]

You're the only concerned over it.

[@arisaartenoja7823]

All kind of little gadgets and pocket computers and even tiny wires would be detected immediately in the anti-cheat examination before real tournament. Here is Sinquefield Cup Chief Arbiter's statement: In response to the recent rumors circulating the chess world, I can confirm that we currently have no indication that any player has been playing unfairly in the 2022 Sinquefield Cup. This includes all rounds played to date. We have been running all the Grand Chess Tour events, including the Sinquefield Cup, and other major tournaments here in Saint Louis, for many years with the same strict anti-cheating measures that were in place for rounds 1-3, and we are not aware of any fair play violations during these past events. These measures included scanning of players with metal detectors prior to games and randomly after games, close observation of the players and fair play analysis by Professor Kenneth Regan using the FIDE Game Screening Tool.

[@patsk8872]

The officials will do everything they can to cover up or hide cheating, to protect the money coming in. Like everything else, money determines everything, and integrity means nothing.

[@marguneri]

Great video explaining everything!

[@arcachucho]

The only way to resolve this issue going forward is to use one of those full body scanners similar to what is used in airports....

[@CampfireKodiak]

Good explanation! I'm wondering how hard it would be to use your toes or feet to communicate with a computer? Even half of the chess notation for best move would be helpful for cheaters I'm guessing. There are so many muscles on your body that could potentially be used to send a signal. And then there is embedded microchips. Bill Gates would love that idea.

[@Ma007rk]

I have to admit I was thinking along those same lines and so far as an embedded microchip.

[@JohnnyBrook]

Niemann was born in 2003. That means in 2017 he was either 13 or 14, not 17 as you say in the video. But this detail aside, this is yet another amazing video from you, congrats again.

[@ASMRChess]

Yes I misspoke, thanks for pointing it out. The meteoric rise begins in 2021, not in 2017.

[@u.v.s.5583]

Suspending judgement is not entertaining. Since the most entertaining outcome is the most likely, I will not suspend my judgement. I will say that Stockfish cheated in the match against Leela; it had a Hans Niemann in it's shoe.

[@lluvik2450]

8:16, which country's accent is that?

[@katersss]

ohhh okay i was wondering what magnus was hinting to with that name drop

[@esloquees3854]

My brother I could listen to you talk about your shopping list

[@Grimmson2]

Great video. Thank you for making it.

[@lukeadsit4049]

“He walked as if he had something in his shoes” 💀💀💀

[@marissa3248]

Hey just started the vid but I've gotta know. Is the intro based on the song "Babel" by Rone? It's so sick!

[@breakdancinfool]

Just have Hans Neilsen play a tournament inside a faraday cage.

[@MundialPL]

Excellent video, again!

[@JB-my4pp]

This "hä" from Jan Gustafsson at the beginning 😂😂😂

[@skillywilly187]

I need help somebody please help me if there is chess software in his shoe how Does it convey the information to him seriously has anybody really thought of that about that.. Am I missing something

[@ASMRChess]

Morse code with any type of signal that Hans can feel

[@zl7460]

Magnus should be sanctioned for his outrageous behaviors leading to this ridiculous witch hunt. However, Magnus holds so much power and influence so that FIDE is not punishing Magnus at all. Shame on other GMs too for licking Magnus' boot and fueling this witch hunt further.

[@Miqa.99]

Was not expecting Emre Hasgüleç and Sabri Can Onay Yontar here but I am glad they appeared in the video.

[@ASMRChess]

Why not? They are amazing commentators!

[@Stevestray13]

Can someone explain how the computer in the shoe gets move information from the players?

[@IIIlllIIllIlIl]

The match is broadcasted so it could just be a signaling system

[@AS-yi1gj]

Yes but whit 15 min delay…

[@HaidukeNT]

His mentor is Sai Fujiwara

[@lonewolf5238]

Brilliant work here. Best analyses I've seen yet. What is truth? Time will tell.

[@atothezeezee]

Why is Hans flipping between screens/programs during play? Monitor lighting on his face changes.

[@vegan.3176]

Time stamp?

[@atothezeezee]

@@vegan.3176 see if you agree 9:32. Curious also as to what he is looking down at. I don't watch a lot of chess streams so this may be normal.

[@atothezeezee]

Looks like this is how they nailed him - documented his screen switching during key moves.

[@michaelworkspace]

Thanks for the explanation!!!

[@souviendra]

the video is informative and well done but you shouldn’t have used Vox’s “Explained” graphic in the thumbnail, it’s not yours

[@Mudaro222]

Btw I like your videos!

[@ASMRChess]

Thanks man! Let me know if you wanna collab :)

[@Mudaro222]

@@ASMRChess 100%! where shall i contact you?

[@ASMRChess]

[e-mail]

[@WheresPoochie]

So people are accusing Hans of cheating because he is working with a guy who once famously spotted another guy cheating? What?

[@jockez3581]

Plot twist. Magnus lost his beads during this game. They were stolen by Niemann's team.

[@manzarek74]

the future will tell if Niemann can play at same level if the security search is more detailed before each match like shoe search

[@JimBalter]

He already did.

[@_TSC_46]

Good lord, the amount of work and effort you put into these videos. I think it strange that Carlsen is lowkey acting like a kid who went through their first middle school break up, his pettiness is insane. Again thank you so much for putting so much effort into these videos It’s incredible!

[@mahino420]

well if it is true and he cheated, magnus is not childish.

[@strawman7428]

I think he’s being really strange and dodgy because he’s legally obligated to be as silent as possible, as any word or small implication would make him liable to legal action being taken against him. There’s no way someone as smart as magnus would be this adamant on staying silent unless he has lawyers and others telling him to shut his mouth until the situation is resolved.

[@justanormaldude1113]

If Carlsen implies that Hans cheated without proof Hans would probably sue Carlsen.

[@bobxyzp]

Carlsen almost certainly doesn’t have proof so he can’t say “Niemann cheated.” But he can say that he has doubts and why without getting sued. He should do that, I think.

[@greg55666]

This is a fantastic video.

[@thepropolys]

Very nice presentation!

[@robest334]

Ego is proportinal to Elo.

[@yoeymusic]

That doesn't bode well for me...

[@emilerhard4189]

Well seems like rightfully so

[@sailorboatface2162]

Idk, I have a pretty big ego and a pretty low elo

[@ChocolateMilk..]

@@sailorboatface2162 You sure do.

[@brianinski]

@@cgray333 Caucasian Ebonics?

[@williamfrancis2763]

I don’t know anything about chess, but your videos have me hooked

[@u.v.s.5583]

Nor does Hans Niemann; it does not stop him for being a super GM!

[@_fa_]

I don’t know anything about chess, but it's pretty obvious...

[@JimBalter]

@@u.v.s.5583 He knows a lot more than you do.

[@JimBalter]

@@_fa_ What is?

[@u.v.s.5583]

@@JimBalter Every 1500 fide knows a lot more than I do.

[@bubbyisgod]

Wow .... I was on the side of Hans. This is troubling.

[@malibunights7108]

I didn't see any evidence here. Did you see any?

[@The1976spirit]

12:02 Bertrand Russel (white) cheats on Monty Python (black) Its called the babylonian opening. The Chewbacca Castling is sth. completeley different.

[@heinzvonwolken6221]

Time puts everyone in the right place. Niemann will never be world champion.

[@prawtism]

wtf, way better info than anyone else, impressive

[@othomile]

Best video i have seen about this issue

[@dakinnie]

11:27 This was somehow very hilarious for me 🤣

[@GENCAYAKYAR]

If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck

[@JimBalter]

A stupid aphorism, especially in this context: it looks like Magnus blundered in his game against Niemann and then acted like a dick ... but appearances can be deceiving.

[@austintrummel1945]

this is outstanding work

[@juredicey8867]

Aha.. that’s why he rose to the top easily.. birds of the same feather flocks together...

[@kawumaderrick6952]

You just won yourself a sub. :)

[@Y0kemeister]

What is your opinion on all this? I’d like to hear your opinion on Magnus resigning during the game with Hans.

[@dkoleary88]

watch the ending of the video

[@AS-yi1gj]

Its just crazy. Tanks for explaining.