I Played Magnus Carlsen: Full Game Analysis

In this video, I analyze my chess game against Magnus Carlsen that we played in the Opening Ceremony of the Sinquefield Cup. Watch the some of the footage raw footage from the game here: • I Played Magnus Carlse...
Thumbnail photo by Crystal Fuller / @STLChessClub / Grand Chess Tour
Analyze the game here: lichess.org/study/nOLklQpG
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Edited by @JonathanSchrantz
#chess #ericrosen

[@willc3421]

Can't believe Magnus didn't fall for the stalemate trick. That guy is quite good at chess

[@pizzaperson1096]

Ikr like he should probably be like a low level IM more something

[@brett6468]

Eric has singlehandedly rekindled my love of Chess over the past year or so. His KZbin channel is both a teaching class and a Chess appreciation show. I consider Eric an excellent player and a good sport. But mainly I think of him as a great Chess ambassador. Watching Eric play across the board against Magnus (who was relaxed and funny) was very cool. There were multiple moves by both players I didn't understand. After Eric explains strategy and tactics, everything becomes more interesting.

[@sniekerd]

I am such a noob with chess,... I tend to lose against all the same moves I already lost against... However, I find it facinating and Eric has a way of explaining it in a way I think I understand,... and if not his voice is also very good audio to fall asleep with! ;)

[@nickfazzio5277]

Same here bro

[@nickfazzio5277]

@@sniekerd this sounds like me

[@bobbobert4884]

chess should pay him

[@mahichess]

Ya

[@mathewseandre]

Can't believe you actually almost held a worst endgame with Magnus Carlsen

[@isaiaheads6327]

And the video got a couple thousand views

[@andrew_owens7680]

I'm sure there are many others that can say that.

[@10thletter40]

@@andrew_owens7680 and there are many others who know what Magnus said and understand this is an inside joke 🤣

[@Nelson484]

I can't believe you made the same comment as someone else in the previous video.

[@djdialjockey6262]

@@Nelson484 top comment at that

[@ChristianHegele]

Eric's gentleness and patience is matched only by his amazing ability to clearly explain complex chess positions. Which is quite a contrast to his savagely aggressive play!

[@brett6468]

Agreed. In addition to being very good at chess, Eric is also a superb teacher.

[@maxkho00]

His chess in this game (and in OTB play in general) was anything but aggressive.

[@ChristianHegele]

@@maxkho00 Agreed, I mean elsewhere, not here.

[@maxkho00]

@@ChristianHegele Yeah, elsewhere OTB, his style is very non-confrontational.

[@ChristianHegele]

@@maxkho00 You're right, of course. Just pointing out his reputation for picking savagely aggressive lines in online play (something Eric acknowledges in the intro to the first video on this game).

[@10thletter40]

"Eric you clearly should have played...." Every 1400 and under backseater.

[@sleeponthefloor9622]

Eric my man, you are a "national hero" regardless. Nice job.

[@31redorange08]

Nice quotes, clarifying the irony in your comment. Without them, someone could've thought you actually meant it.

[@MrRenoNg]

@@31redorange08 cringe + ratio

[@RishabhSharma10225]

When Eric explains his moves or analyses games, he does it so well, I feel like I could have come up with those moves.

[@MyBiPolarBearMax]

Its been scientifically demonstrated that GMs and high level chess players dont see *more* moves or options than most people, they just think of *better* moves and plans. Its why the best way to improve is to understand piece synergy, overall ideas and concepts and to see many different ways people have played to add to your repertoire

[@soheil5710]

@@MyBiPolarBearMax That is until they recite 50+ moves

[@ildarion3367]

@@soheil5710 in this case they don't see it, they memorized lines. A big part of chess is studying.

[@danielward7008]

​​@@ildarion3367Much of chess is pattern recognition rather than just memorised lines. And yes, unless you're an actual genius like Magnus, that only comes with years of study and practice.

[@hamletfisherman5740]

Ben: ´Never play F6.´ Eric: _plays F6_

[@fejfo6559]

Wow Eric is seriously calculating stalemate in 6

[@KyleMart]

Not sure if anyone else caught this yet, but at around 3:55 White is shown to play a3 first and Rb1 next turn. In the actual game, as shown in the other video, it is the other way around. Rb1 is played first and then a3.

[@Thaumazo83]

Correct: in the actual game Rb1 was played before a3

[@nicholastoftemark7337]

Ye I saw that and was like that’s not right had to go back and make sure

[@molware]

Yeah, I noticed this as well.

[@channel1776_yt]

This made me laugh. "He played like Magnus Carlsen. So, what to do?" Part of why your videos are so fun to watch. Great analysis of course!

[@justaname6452]

Carlsen

[@channel1776_yt]

@@justaname6452 Thanks. Auto correct is helpful sometimes I think. 🤔

[@Iamwood1005]

He took your pen and went ahead to autograph others. That was lit. 🤣

[@diepho308]

Hi Eric Rosen! I'm not good at English, and it's not easy for me to listen to and understand all of your explanations. But I like your warm voice, your kind manner and the way you talk about chess. Thank you very much. It's very helpful for me. Keep it up 🥰🥰🥰

[@manumanu83]

I really think you are a good human being and appreciate your way of explaining and teaching soooo much. But the good human being is the most important part, keep it up brother, godspeed.

[@mhanson01]

The big question, did Magnus sign your score sheet?

[@NotQuiteFirst]

Heartbreaking when he just took Eric's pen from the sheet and used it to sign the kids' stuff

[@adfadf32342]

@@NotQuiteFirst Yes that was like the final blow :D But since they're discussing the game afterwards, I assume that the GOAT did infact sign the score sheet. I hope for Eric, at least!

[@32remu]

Same question 😭😭😭😭

[@chrisdavis2161]

ngl that was a baka mitai moment !! MagnusXpen from Eric's score sheet to sign autographs#

[@UncleDansVintageVinyl]

Eric, man, this is just a great video. You're a superb player and a superb person. My hat's off to you.

[@mattdelaney9418]

14:48 understatement of the year.

[@nettman42]

Here is a computer analysis of the game on lichess bo8fXXDH. Magnus reached 11 cp avg. and did two inaccuracies: After 20. Bf5?! the game was equal again (better was 20. Ne5! Nxe5 and only then 21. Bf5). And 29. Rd3! was better than the natural looking move 29. Rbc3?! Eric reached 27 cp avg. and did two inaccuracies and two mistakes. Better than 18. ... a4?! was 18. ... Bg4 to avoid the trade on e6. And better than 26. ... axb3?! was 26. ... g6 with an equal position. After 30. ... f6? Black was totally lost. Better was 30. ... c5 and White would have been only slightly better.

[@prgnify]

Rd3 is crazy, even following the analysis through, stockfish is something else, awesome move

[@nettman42]

Yes, @@prgnify, 29. Rd3 is strange, especially because Stockfish expects ... Ra7 in the analysis and does not take on d5 then. Obviously this is due to the too lower depth of the analysis while using an old version of Stockfish. I just let run the position with Stockfish 15 for two hours on Arena, and now 29. Rbc3 is the best move! Magnus needed only some seconds for this. UPDATE: Half an hour later 29. Rd3 is again the best move. How ever: Magnus was never in any danger, so he could not be beaten by Eric. A draw would be fine, but 30... f6? just lost the game.

[@chadreuter4212]

I laughed out loud when you played Pg5…”he’s going for a stalemate!” Great stuff, as usual!

[@joshuabakradze5592]

Love your content, Eric!

[@jeffhaley9494]

Totally awesome...the match and the commentary....great insights....thank you!

[@davidnelson4960]

Eric, you're such a class act. I'll never forget the Gibraltar tournament where half the online-chat watching live were Rosen fans.

[@jasonz9902]

There are so many Chess YT content creators but IMO this is one of the best.

[@purvammodi5257]

Your explanations are easiest to relate to and understand. Keep grinding !

[@1a1u0g9t4s2u]

Finally have some quiet time to watch this video. You started undefeated against Magnus, but now you only have one lost against him. Really enjoyed your analysis of the game. Thanks for sharing.

[@lukesaxtaxman867]

awesome man just subscribed. you played him tough; wish I had that opp one day. before i watch this vid i wonder what would've happened if: advanced pawn in lieu of initiation queen trade, advanced pawn at end in lieu of moving king over, and didnt block the other pawn in at end (minor). pretty darn good made him sweat and lasted a long time, speaking of wonder how much time there was left on both clocks and what time rules were. i look forward to viewing more of your content and learning to improve my casual gameplay

[@johnchessant3012]

that OTB stalemate trap elaborate fantasy :D

[@Tangermusic]

at 7:35 instead of nd3 you have a much better nc4 and when white retreats the bishop you have nd2 hitting the b rook and its only way to move away is to a1 where you get the knight fork on b3 anyway, so you get the exchange back.

[@basb6590]

Nice combo!

[@AhmedMostafa-hl9yl]

I saw that line too but doing it at 7:26 makes more sense

[@mlsanica7618]

we get it, you used stockfish

[@mitsossvi5778]

yeah but after Nc4 there is b3 and white doesnt have to lose the exchange back

[@Alexto1301]

You play chess tanger? Didn't know that, wow

[@sforkmann]

Kudos! Very cool video. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@Viewingonly2000]

Im so happy for you bro! You're such an inspiration. I really with the best for you!

[@thestockfishgirl2681]

Well, Eric, Magnus is a very decent player. Not at my level (3600 rated), but he is the best human playing chess.

[@mathwizard296]

Love the analysis this is so insightful :)

[@anthonyrosewarne9259]

There’s literally no way you’ve watched the whole video already, but true

[@mathwizard296]

@@anthonyrosewarne9259 lol you're right but I already knew it was gonna be a good one since I saw the previous video of the game

[@gunnarsamuelsson4611]

Not your greatest game Eric, felt that pin and c6 weakness was really savage. U play the goat and end up in a very difficult situation, he found easy to play position and executed perfectly. Great analysis much love from Sweden!

[@125conman]

I actually laughed out loud at the joke of little Eric and the goat. Great video Eric, definitely my favorite chess KZbinr

[@alidarwiche1645]

I subbed after that, omg man

[@debashisbanerjee260]

haha yeah it kinda felt funny and emotional at same time.

[@syoudipta]

After watching all the chess dramas on other channels, it's very refreshing to come here for pure, unadulterated (pun intended) chess between two fine players.

[@jaybingham3711]

When you guys traded dsb, was MC (or say any top player) taking with f pawn ever a consideration? Or was an endgame with no h pawn more important than another half open file...especially since c already had an active opportunity?

[@ts4gv]

8:59 i like how you put 10x as much effort into editing this segment as it would’ve taken to cut it out lol

[@DansHobbies]

4:05 in the game you played first pawn to A4 then he answered with pawn to A3. In the video you showed the opposite.

[@nasanerdv]

I noticed the same. This analysis has Magnus' a3 and Rb1 moves transposed.

[@JustenGraves]

Eric, you make me wish KZbin had a heart button for videos instead of a thumbs up. I learn as much about being an awesome human as I do about chess.

[@dimkilago2958]

I have play so many times this structure but with French Exchange variation.I don't push the queen side pawns.Usually is an all out kings side attack after maneuvers or endgame without rooks.

[@drip2245]

Magnus has been real quiet since this video dropped

[@rdspam]

Eric shook him so much he had to withdraw in StL.

[@tysonhoward1748]

Magnus only won because he was consulting the engine on his phone between moves 😳 only way to beat our champion.

[@ramachandra776]

11:59 - the potential Rosen trap . 🙂 . and 14:47 - the real goat of chess anointing not a national but international hero in Eric . Thanks for two videos in one day .

[@chrhe894]

Just thanks.. :) Even I felt the pressure there. And thanks for posting the analysis of the game!!

[@UnwarrierChicken]

enjoyed the video very much, such a cool experience

[@Anova_Studio]

I wonder if he signed the sheet

[@KQDUDE]

Nope, Magnus is still signing kid's autographs to this very day. Who knows if he'll ever get to sign Eric's sheet? But let it be known! Eric did _almost_ hold a worse endgame..

[@christopherw1248]

He didn't sign the sheet, but he did borrow's Eric pen to sign the other kid's board. I feel very bad for Eric lol.

[@rebeccamasse1557]

Great you got to play Magnus, and I enjoyed the analysis. Wish you had played on a bit longer for fun.

[@anirudhgovada2753]

We all know you’re a celebrity Eric to us. Especially against magnus and keeping calm on those nerves. As always your analysis is very instructive and helpful. I find your videos relaxing for me. Keep growing Eric I know you’ll do well in the future.

[@EliasHasle]

At 7:03, instead of accepting the trade if queens, would c5 be an option? It looks to me like black has a stronger hold on that square. Am I overlooking something else important?

[@Wi11daThri11]

Eric, small correction: diffuse is pronounced d-ih-fuse, not "die"-fuse. Great analysis! Love watching it!

[@Zach.765]

very cool Eric! 'twas a good fight against the champ.

[@danielthonen8201]

You are a genuinly super nice guy ❤ Love your kind way of analizing 👍

[@sdaiwepm]

I'm glad you had this fun opportunity, and gave the GOAT a good fight! (That too, without computer assistance.)

[@codematics8344]

When I saw you played f6 I was like WTH? I immediately saw the continuation that Magnus played, and I was like how did Eric miss that? Needed an explanation. Now that I see your analysis I see what you had in mind and how you prevented mate. Great!

[@GamingPoliz1]

Hi Eric! At 8:22, why didn't you just push your pawn? Like you would have left his pawns doubled and had a past pawn deep in his position, plus you could re-enforce it with Rook to A8.. Just curious, Great video, your sincerely MajorPian.

[@rickharold7884]

Yeah that was so fun watching the original game. You did a really good job. Analysis was fun and useful. I know watching those two rooks stacked up on your pawn it was going to come down to holding that. After you couldn’t it didn’t matter , not really with him. It’s very fun though thanks!

[@MikeySlice]

After you played d4 I saw the smirk and knew you were up to something!

[@johntatum8088]

Thanks Eric, glad you got to play Magnus!

[@xxpp1459]

incredible stuff Eric, Getting close to Magnus to always so impressive

[@Michi880088]

Can only imagine how exciting it was!

[@tcstrackteam]

Great game and explained well.

[@kevinarmes9804]

Loved the game, he was so savage (hilariously killing the joy each chance he got)

[@andrew_owens7680]

Great commentary.

[@StarLander6]

f6? yeah that logical positional pitfall which soon goes ouch! Then magnus pulls you into an end game net. Then no doubt the nerves kick in at this time then the struggle begins to wane in Magnus' favor. Very informative instructional game, Thanks Eric.

[@SyedMuktasid]

I started playing chess recently, and I watch this channel for inspiration. I actually didn't even know who Magnus Carlsen was until now haha.

[@TrumpForPrison2023]

Bruh

[@queennine]

Very nice! Wonder what the analysis was at the end of the game.

[@viveksoni5971]

Hey, you played your best game. Keep playing 🎉 I rejoined chess arena after watching your videos. Thanks for that 😊

[@sailorjerry3720]

Well done, Eric! I had a similar experience in the world of billiards when I played Efren Reyes from the Philippines who is arguably the greatest pool player of all time. We played a game called one pocket which is often compared to chess on a pool table. Efren is also an avid real chess player and we've played several times OTB. BTW, I lost the one pocket game from a winning position because a got a bit cocky and attempted a very low percentage shot that missed. I could taste the adrenaline during the whole experience as I'm sure you could as well playing Magnus. Anyway, keep up the good work!

[@laszlokiss6203]

Wow, playing against The Magician must be a really awesome experience.

[@garrettmarshall7664]

In light of recent events, I for one fully blame Eric Rosen for Magnus withdrawing from the tournament.

[@neville-mladen9393]

The video was great Eric and so was your game fabulous and ever so strong big hug neville

[@AMultipolarWorldIsEmerging]

I like that your explanation is calm and level , I like levy too but sometimes he gets so excited 😆 it takes me out of the analysis

[@DrinkCoffeeRun]

At 6:52 when offered the Queen trade, how viable would c5 be? If they take with the pawn the Knight is undefended. If they take with anything else, you can be up in the exchange.

[@AA-zu3pw]

Queen b5 and then Black's knight would be triply attacked

[@DrinkCoffeeRun]

@@AA-zu3pw Thanks, makes sense.

[@SB-ex2px]

at 7:00 what about c5 for Eric, instead of queen trade?

[@nostalgicdouchebag1912]

I like how they acknowledge each other in that picture

[@TheUndulyNoted]

When I saw you play f6 I was like noooo blunder, because I didn’t even notice you could just defend the backwards pawn with the king rather than retake the pawn. So funny how it’s like you saw an extra layer deep, and Magnus saw an even deeper layer deep with that checkmate if you did defend pawn with king.

[@imanolsarnago838]

Hi! Wasn't the move order something like: Rb1, a5, a3? Instead of: a3, a5, rb1

[@Chillypuwn]

Before I watch this video: When I watched the game it was clear to me early that your backwards pawn on c6 was going to be a major weakness in your position that he was going to exploit, and I thought several times you had to push it, even if it meant to sac a pawn.

[@kimllamazares9203]

Awesome game. I really want to know if you got that signature.

[@marshill88]

curious, i haven't checked the engine, when i watched you play this game i thought "c5" but then you pushed a4. what does the engine say about c5 at the moment you played a4?

[@tobias4411]

Mistake, c-pawn guards b-pawn. White would just take b-pawn for free then with his bishop. Every pawn move create weakness next to it when moving forward.. Its not of a problem if there is another defender.

[@Moose808]

This makes me realise how clinical Magnus is in that he looks like he spent most of his effort during the game taking in the atmosphere and s**t chatting Eric, before cruising to an easy victory.

[@TomYnaa]

Yeah, the difference between International Masters and Super Grandmasters Is Like The Difference Of A 100 Elo Player Vs A 2000 Elo Player

[@DecvsJapan]

Eric, please tell me Magnus signed whatever it is you gave him after your game! The tension is killing me!

[@steliosioannou4996]

why not after Ne5 black can not played immediately the exchange sacrifice?I thought that it would be tough game then

[@golbzrtmontzgn7927]

12:33 what about pushing d3 instead of Ke4 ?

[@andreasrosenberg9317]

9:18 Why didn´t you go B5? If B4xC5 you can answer with the rock, supported by the knight and rock, must be missing something ...

[@dw3yn693]

Great Video

[@holycrusader7287]

At 7:01, why not push c5? He has to move the queen or take with the rook. I am not a very strong player so if someone knows... i would have played it

[@sameerasmr6217]

Come on nerves always happen when your opponent is MAGNUS. Very valuable video with your good experience 👍 Thank you Eric Rosen...! Long well 🙏

[@adnansadik376]

what did you guys analyze after the game?

[@campised]

It’s strange seeing this video now with Hans Niemann in the background telling the interviewer “Chess speaks for itself”

[@paddymac7303]

Thank you - great stuff as always

[@friedrichvolkmann]

1) Carlsen played Rb1 before a3. a3 first would be odd, because Rb1 needs to be played soon anyway, whereas the a-pawn is weaker on a3 than on a2, and in case of a later a3-a4 (which is necessary if Black plays a6) the pawn move to a3 turns out as a tempo loss. 2) I would never even consider b5 in any Karlsbad structure, because the c6 pawn is so weak. I didn't know the a4,Nb6-c4 idea, but White always has e3-e4, even if the N is already on c4. 3) If Black takes the Ne6 with the pawn (fxe6), e3-e4 again seems strong. The g6 weakness would concern me less, because a White piece landing there doesn't do anything. 4) Carlsen must have foreseen that both possible recaptures after Nxe6 are bad. Otherwise he wouldn't have taken the "bad" bishop on e6. This shows his great calculating skills. 5) Qc2-c3 is another move that impressed me. The Q can go to b4 (as in the game) or a5 (if the black rook leaves the a-file), and the c2 square becomes available for doubling the rooks. Most players would have failed to improve the position. 6) I don't think you'll regret f6 for the rest of your life. You are completely tied down here and I don't see how Black can untangle without losing material. If you had played Ke7-d8-e7... for the rest of the game and waited for Carlsen to slowly strangle you, your resistence would have looked much poorer. Even if there was some miraculous escape possible, you don't need to be embarrassed for missing it.

[@amirk8709]

Did he sign your thingy that you write your moves on at the end?

[@ahmetakgul8132]

The handshake at the end is so wholesome. Love you both

[@tristanwhitefield3474]

You did well mate be proud of your self!

[@adriaandehaan6536]

Dude, I thought you uploaded this vid today wearing a OH No my queen shirt. But I see it's 2 days ago

[@digathomas]

Did Magnus end up signing your paper with the moves log Eric?

[@rebeccamasse1557]

Btw how many players got to compete in the simul?

[@lolobuggah2670]

Magnus seems to move so cool and gracefully. His body language that is.

[@olanrewajuamusa6812]

You were amazingly calm bro

[@thesalfords5171]

@10:44 what would have happened if you moved d4 instead

[@jonaslentz250]

omg its so cute how eric wants his notebook to be signed