Dojo Talks: A Chess Podcast EP 155 | What Made Norway Chess So Good?
Jun 12, 2025
The recent Norway Chess tournament takes center stage, showcasing a top player's triumph amidst wavering motivation. Intriguing match-ups, especially between Gukesh and Magnus, highlight the tournament's impact on chess. A shift in time controls from 30 to 10 seconds alters gameplay dynamics dramatically. A viral match sparks emotional responses from competitors, while the psychological aftermath of victory reveals unexpected vulnerabilities. Young talents like Arjun and Gukesh showcase contrasting styles, emphasizing chess's evolution as a battle of intellect and endurance.
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Magnus' Classical Chess Crisis
- Magnus Carlsen does not want to play classical chess anymore, diminishing his motivation despite being the best player.
- This lack of desire strongly impacts his performance and mindset during classical tournaments like Norway Chess.
Gukesh's Time Trouble Hurdle
- Gukesh's major problem is severe time trouble, which affects his results against top players including Magnus.
- With experience and coaching, he can fix this, potentially surpassing Magnus in classical chess.
Impact of 10-Second Increment
- The 10-second increment time control heavily influenced the tournament drama, causing time-induced mistakes.
- Though controversial, this faster time control led to more decisive games and dramatic finishes.