A Carlsen Game So Good, You Question Chess Itself

[@Williamottelucas]

That sumo wrestler is Kakuryu, now retired, one of three recent Mongolian grand champions of the Japanese national sport. (But whether or not he plays chess . . .)

[@epicchess2021]

That’s awesome you know that haha, gotta pin this one, thanks

[@Amethyst_Friend]

Yeah, I was pleased to see Kakuryu also!

[@dianagentu7478]

@@epicchess2021 Question : Why doesn't the bishop take on d5 at 4:17? Thanks for this analysis

[@epicchess2021]

@@dianagentu7478 I believe you take the bishop on g7 and then white wins a rook but black gets huge compensation on the light squares, just like in the game

[@dianagentu7478]

Thanks - you're really engaging! And quite amusing too :) @@epicchess2021

[@KumarBendrake]

I feel proud. As I watched this, I was picking many of the same losing moves as a top 20 player.

[@YashvirD]

😂

[@xibal3405]

Magnus discovered he can play unorthodox or even bad openings to throw his opponents off of their prep and then proceed to demolish them with a much better understanding of chess.

[@Ebb0Productions]

He's like the joker. "Introduce a little chaos".

[@PhilomathBret]

He's been doing that pretty much since before he was the world champion, even in classical chess. He said from his training with Kasparov that they figured out he should get his opponents out of book early so it isn't a battle of his computer vs theirs.

[@zacharysherry2910]

"Complicate and they will blunder" -Tal

[@angelsjoker8190]

​@@PhilomathBret I was about to ask whether he only does it (and is successful) in speed/bullet chess or also in classical.

[@dontwaittobegreat5808]

As in all professions memorization is for the beginner. Understanding is for the master!

[@hisgreatness2]

It looked like Le was so serious in this game while Magnus was eating popcorn while playing.

[@epicchess2021]

Hahaha yeah

[@CavairChess]

He is genius bro

[@hamishmaxa6509]

Magnus - Do you remember how to play against this opening? Opponent - *crickets*

[@todesque]

Okay, the babysitting tirade is your funniest joke yet. Loved it!

[@schekistar]

magnus is unreal, the only one who can make a GM look like a amateur :D great content!! love ur passion for the game!! keep it up!

[@epicchess2021]

Yeah! And thanks very much appreciate it

[@rg7535]

Not only a GM, but a top 20, super GM.

[@michaelmassaro4375]

@@rg7535 that Queen fork grabbing the Rook was a terrible oversight

[@rg7535]

@@michaelmassaro4375 Absolutely, but it happens under time pressure.

[@grahamf695]

At the end, the key point is that white's only way to escape check is to interpose the rook, so after they are exchanged white is a piece down in the ending.

[@JS_Precision]

Exactly

[@michaelhenry4149]

Thanks for this comment, I don't feel it was explained in the video.

[@hairtoss7975]

Magnus, with these games, is exposing a lot of the current GMs and Super GMs to be just great memorizers.

[@marcinsocha1500]

Masterpiece. Magnus showed what a pair of bishops can do to a miserably positioned heavy pieces. In one moment the evaluation bar showed an absurd level of advantage for Magnus in spite of quite yet unsolved postion especially for an amatour. This second rook sacrifice was insane.

[@olafslartibartfast5248]

Magnus still is the best chess player there is; pure art.

[@24B791]

He will be as long as he lives I believe 🙏 dudes just so good

[@wolflink9000]

​@@24B791I mean probably not when he's like 80. Hell probably won't be within 10 years

[@theuniversewithin74]

​@@wolflink9000as long as he's motivated, I think Magnus can remain #1 for much longer than what's historical. He's in much better shape than GMs way back. I honestly think he can keep going on top into his 50s.

[@garymaiano1008]

It's unfathomable how great of a player this guy is. Will people in the future look at him like a Paul Morphy and say.."Yes he was good for his time, but he didn't have any opponents." Great work as usual Epic Chess.

[@epicchess2021]

Thanks a lot! Yeah he’s insane

[@jevitigre]

Not the same example

[@sterlingmullett6942]

Such a great quote. Reminds me of the story when Spielberg asked John Williams to score Shindler's List and Williams was like, "Me? Why me? There are better composers out there." And Spielberg supposedly replied, "This is true, but they are all dead." paraphrasing of course.

[@sursurrus]

@@sterlingmullett6942 For the 1978 Academy Awards, John Williams was nominated for best score for Close Encounters of the Third Kind. In a stunning turn of events, he lost to... John Williams, nominated for best score for Star Wars: A New Hope. Truly unfathomable talent

[@robinstrong1641]

“Here comes the tin opener, looking to rip open this giant baked bean and get at it” - that made me laugh. Imagine opening a tin of beans and it contained a single giant bean. A sumo bean!

[@flyingcod14]

Stockfish and AlphaZero are now looking at Carlsen''s games to learn from.

[@scarlatescuovidiu9857]

11:15 The endgame is lost also because white will have to sacrifice the rook after Bxc5+, because the king has no legal moves. So black will be a bishop and a pawn up

[@epicchess2021]

Yeah I only realised that when I was editing after haha, didn’t even bother analysing as even if the king escapes it’s very lost anyway

[@mickdonedee1]

I'm lost for words. I'm glad you can make sense of Magnus' tactics with your brilliant analysis.

[@normalmrniceguy2746]

I’ve seen a ton of your videos, this is the best, cleanest, funniest one so far. Your personality really shows, highly entertaining. EPIC!

[@epicchess2021]

Thanks very much! Yeah I'm always working on things and trying to improve quality, plus have some fun with it, makes it a lot more enjoyable for me too throwing in a few jokes haha. Cheers for watching and commenting

[@michaelmurray6197]

That end game is actually even more brutal. You have to block with the rook if you are white. If you block with the pawn the black bishop just takes it and you still have to block with the rook. So you lose the rook and take the bishop with your king. And then you are against Magnus in an end game where he is up a bishop, a pawn, and he has a minute and a half of time and you have a few seconds. If it wasn't Magnus maybe you can go for some type of forced draw if your opponent is terrible, but unless you are assuming Magnus blunders like three times you aren't going to get even a draw in that game.

[@jbr84tx]

When you're that good, you can break all the rules and still win.

[@quebono100]

Magnus Calsen, was the first chess player who was given a chance to study AlphaZero back in the days. He copied the style of AlphaZero how to move the pawns. Not to rush and use them in the right moment

[@jarlardo]

Thanks for showing a brilliant Magnus game! Final position the king is toast. He has to give up the rook to avoid checkmate, so there is no endgame really :)

[@epicchess2021]

Very true thank you!

[@Kirok2005]

I'm hardly qualified to say this (~1400 on a good day), but I agree with you, Epic Chess -- it was a beautiful game, and such entertaining and awesome analysis! Magnus sees the board...the game, even...so differently than I do, and apparently even most other GMs. I am LOVING his recent disdain for modern opening conventions 1) to keep the game interesting for him; and 2) to cattle-prod his opponents out of their comfort zones. He is definitely in their heads, and it seems he has gotten past his purported boredom with the game. And his boldness -- courage even -- to yield material for advantage, when he knows the clock is such a factor, and that his opponents simply cannot think as fast! Wow. I'd love to be in the room when he's thinking up all these atypical openings, watching him think aloud "how can I completely neuter my opponent's preparation and memorization, how can I force him to match my natural genius." Thank you, Epic Chess!

[@zxbc1]

The unreality speaks for itself.

[@JoacoBravo11]

Magnus playing an opening I would play at 800 ELO lol

[@epicchess2021]

😂😂 that’s why I love these games so much

[@jonjonjonjonjonjon]

"Why mate in 10 when you can grind out an end game." Huh? Good game to watch, thank you for the presentation :)

[@epicchess2021]

Haha and thanks a lot glad you enjoyed!

[@jamesdelb6885]

I can only shake my head in wonder at the insight of Magnus chess.

[@elvisp9811]

Magnus took him into deep woods for a walk 😂😂😂😂

[@asdf9C]

Someone needs to do an MRI of Magnus's brain. The way he thinks is quite extraordinary.

[@kylehight6626]

I'm not good at chess, I'm an 1100. However, since I've been watching your channel(for the great content mind you) I've increased my rating by 150. You have me laughing so hard some times, I love it. Keep up the great work

[@epicchess2021]

Oh awesome love to hear this stuff thanks a lot for letting me know!

[@Ultimate-gamers]

this is by far the best chess chanel - keep up the good work

[@epicchess2021]

Thanks a lot!

[@pawnoir]

Exceptional game! Stockfish analysis: 84% accuracy, 3 inaccuracies 1 mistakes 2 blunders So when Hans Niemann has been obtaining 98% and 000 for every games in his tournament in a row, there's something fishy

[@jotarokujo5132]

there is a difference between blitz and classical, buddy.

[@pawnoir]

@@jotarokujo5132 Thanks for pointed it out, I really had no clue. If you have any other perspicacious and acute observations, don't hesitate.

[@jotarokujo5132]

@@pawnoir don't blame me now after you made an idiotic comment.

[@pawnoir]

@@jotarokujo5132 Here you go, another brilliant remark. You can gain 98% accuracy in both of them. I'm talking about HN having systematically 000 for months.

[@martinjarzyna7624]

Thanks for the cheeky, hilarious, and always insightful commentary!! You’re crushin it

[@epicchess2021]

Haha thanks very much glad you’re enjoying!

[@BlindHatchet]

"Magnus plays the most Magnus move ever!"

[@Moderatelydisagreeable]

I think Magnus is one of those people that is just dangerous with whatever weapon you give him. Imagine if he decided to study martial arts.

[@user-vz2lc5kw9c]

With the chess drama going on, thanks for bringing back focus to what chess should be about. Namely, fantastic games!

[@Jez2008UK]

Classic lines "Tin opener comes to get that big baked bean" 🤣

[@Amer1kop]

Dr Drunkenstein has created a monster.

[@f.lundamo8906]

Magnus using old flanking war tactics and in this format he is a ninja when his killa intuition mode is on. He is so good with Lazer bishops Spectactular play.

[@JERRYR708]

Flanking war tactics even works in the game of chess under a great commander.

[@GigiPerla]

Love your comments! I learn a lot from it! Thank you! :)

[@asdf9C]

this is pure madness. Magnus is still the GOAT.

[@TheMg49]

Great game by Carlsen. Very good analysis and recap by Epic Chess. Thumbs up!

[@zweer13]

Yes the opening is unorthodox but then he can teach some chess principles.

[@Bob94390]

Every player rated below 2000 will see that Magnus did a lot of mistakes here. And that is why we are rated below 2000.

[@abee127]

First time seeing a video of yours in maybe a year. Your presentation has improved so much, much more natural, funny, and no longer seems stilted. I will subscribe

[@epicchess2021]

Thanks very much appreciate it, yeah growing into it all over time for sure

[@vosch8886]

I understood from the introduction: Magnus so good he beats Kuai Liang (aka Skorpion)

[@trytoo5167]

That queen trade was nasty.

[@lennyvlaminov9480]

So many mind-blowing games, I love the passion for chess that Magnus express game after game. He want to play chess, not have a theoretical battle that ends with a draw. Great recap as always, a passion on its own as well - much appreciated! 🎉

[@dontvoteforanybody3715]

Magnus has been studying Duncan Suttles.

[@raymondlego1701]

James Thanks for always doing a super job ... the way you comment the games is fantastic .

[@epicchess2021]

Thanks very much appreciate it!

[@trytoo5167]

Did Magnus just play the cow opening?

[@VallaMusic]

ya knew the end was near when white was busy babysitting

[@seanmacdude]

"Here comes the Tin Opener" Love it

[@trafyknits9222]

The Sumo wrestler comment/photo = Greatness!!

[@yehitecharts]

10:25

[@trentvlak]

"white is moribund" check out this guy's vocabulary.

[@epicchess2021]

I gotta use my English degree for something useful…haha

[@martijnheeroma5492]

beautiful game, when the white rook fell after the babysitting it was over, thanks for posting

[@stoolpigeon4285]

What does such a title even mean "you question chess itself".

[@epicchess2021]

Lol I meant like everything you know about chess, but I try and boil titles down as succinct as possible, and I guess creates a bit of intrigue though perhaps over simplified yeah

[@paulthebox9164]

the double exchange sac reminded me of a famous Lautier - Shirov game (Manilla 1990)

[@epicchess2021]

Oh nice yeah I know the one good shout

[@brandonsymonds]

Thanks man, great vids.. keep up the good work!😉... Brandon, Australia

[@epicchess2021]

Thanks a lot glad you’re enjoying down under!

[@brandonsymonds]

Thanks for the reply, appreciated!

[@detour1055]

It's the Hippo opening...

[@saeadborji1464]

I know that game. It was Alekhine vs Reti

[@JJ-kl7eq]

Colenier definition is easy - he’s currently tied for first at the Sinquefield Cup.

[@keithallpress9885]

Now I am careful not to drink anything whilst following your commentaries.

[@epicchess2021]

Haha glad you’re enjoying

[@davidmasse2829]

I appreciate your command and knowledge of the English language. Your eloquence and timing matches that of Naroditsky and then some.

[@epicchess2021]

Thanks very much appreciate it! Yeah I love listening to Danya as well

[@leoblum0631]

I don't understand why Black played Qc5+ instead of Bc5+, which would have forced White to sacrifice the Queen? And if the Rook instead interposes on f2, only alternative, we have Q a1 or c1 mate!

[@epicchess2021]

Yeah I guess all roads led to Rome tho!

[@cogybear]

Love the metaphor.. babysitting pieces.. bean cans!

[@watteau6646]

So much babysitting he should open his own creche LOL. BTW, the ending is lost much quicker b/c White (in check) is losing the rook for an exchange, and Black will be up a piece and a pawn, an easy mop-up operation.

[@christiaan3315]

A crushing game from MC? A bad game from his opponent you mean.

[@sohrabpanday6886]

Liam needs to open his own creche right now!!!!!!! 😂😝

[@epicchess2021]

😁

[@NotTheWheel]

I've actually played a game similar to this.

[@threethrushes]

End-game grind from the end-game goat.

[@theuniversewithin74]

Makes me just "a little" proud to be 🇧🇻.

[@slendrmusic]

I felt suffocated just watching this, wow. Truly a boa constrictor.

[@artistejiro]

I started laughing when you made reference to a sumo wrestler 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@fabz1509]

Entertaining analysis. Thanks

[@epicchess2021]

Glad you enjoyed it thanks

[@swedishpsychopath8795]

So Magnus won again? Wonder how many rating points he will drop this time as it seems NO MATTER what and how many times he wins he stays put or goes down in rating.

[@jevitigre]

This was an online Blitz tournament, it doesnt affect oficial rating no matter how many games he wins or loses

[@hohaia01]

Sitting there, not sat there.

[@turkishsilver100]

Great commentary, reminds me of English football.

[@epicchess2021]

Thanks a lot glad you enjoyed! Cheers for watching

[@BillHimmel]

Just great art! Love him for playing like this!

[@epicchess2021]

Agree!

[@Stuartski]

He needs to open his own creche right now😅

[@epicchess2021]

😆

[@TruthandjusticeXXL]

MAGNUS MAGNIFICENTUS CARLSEN!

[@atillacodesstuff1223]

that was like alphazero vs stockfish lol, very physically uncomfortable to watch xD

[@madzilla14]

"...babysitting a pawn..." (!)

[@etienne7774]

Stockfish is still the best player out there.

[@davorstanley]

As always, great video, great commentary!

[@epicchess2021]

Much appreciated!

[@RationalEgoism]

In the final position, white must give up the rook for the dark square bishop. Then the a pawn marches down. I could have won from there.

[@epicchess2021]

Haha yeah and thanks yeah I only realised that when editing, I basically stopped analysing because even if not winning rook is completely lost! Thanks for watching

[@mitchiarikov2614]

Great videos!

[@nailertn82]

That was brutal.

[@ermanevcil]

So cool you are mate ! :) made me laugh twice there

[@ranchopatriot]

Speechless

[@ReuvenF957]

What?! It wasn't enough to beat him? He had to absolutely destroy him?! I would've taken that Bb7-Qg7 on the diagonal mate at the first opportunity. What was the point of beating him on time, materiel and in spirit?

[@epicchess2021]

Yeah something like that haha

[@cryptonite8495]

A break from Niemann's "interesting" brilliancies, thank you. Here, the #19 OTB player in the world could have spared himself some pain by resigning on move 1. At least, he avoided the torture of a Magnus end game.

[@kevinwellwrought2024]

Happy Birthday Magnus🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@epicchess2021]

ah true!

[@pedrorodriguez7187]

Unfortunately after about 3 minutes I had to finish the video on mute

[@epicchess2021]

Oh sorry to hear that!

[@michaelmassaro4375]

Not for nothing that white Rook on a3 should’ve definitely dropped back Magnus’s opponent so concerned about saving a pawn loses a Rook with a Schoolboy check by Magnus forking the Rook child’s play for sure Thanks for the Game James I have a feeling you’ll be covering the Wesley Fabiano game I don’t think you have yet Enjoy your day 😊👍

[@epicchess2021]

Thanks a lot and yes potentially tho it’s a bit dull in a way just a smash!

[@RS-np2bk]

Wonderful video. I wish I could see through the eyes of a great chess player for just 5 minutes. Can you arrange that?

[@epicchess2021]

I can try haha

[@robbo1415]

Hold on sir….Rawr!?????

[@foolmenow00]

Am I the only one who thinks it's a common problem in chess how we can't help but defend PIECES yet forget to defend the concept of chess which is establishing PIECES for optimal advance for winning the game NOT snatching opponents pieces or keeping our pieces safe! Am I saying this right?

[@kevinstewart2572]

So many players are introduced to chess with the "1 3 3 5 9" piece valuation system that this gets in their heads from youth and takes over their thinking, instead of encouraging the creativity necessary to play the best complete chess.

[@primeobjective5469]

That was brutal. 😅

[@coleclark6866]

magnus goat