Lex Fridman Podcast #330 – Hikaru Nakamura: Chess, Magnus, Kasparov, and the Psychology of Greatness
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Oct 17, 2022 Hikaru Nakamura, a chess super grandmaster and top Twitch streamer, dives deep into the world of chess. He shares insights on the pressure of playing different colors and the influence of modern chess engines on player behavior. The conversation includes a fascinating recount of his match against Magnus Carlsen, emphasizing strategy and psychological resilience. Nakamura also reflects on the recent cheating controversies in online chess, discussing their impact on the community's trust. Finally, he explores the balance between passion and risk in both chess and streaming.
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2010 Blitz Match
- Hikaru Nakamura and Magnus Carlsen played a private 40-game blitz match in 2010.
- This match significantly impacted their future encounters, as Carlsen learned Nakamura’s style and weaknesses.
Match as Mistake
- Nakamura views the 2010 blitz match as a mistake, as it revealed his weaknesses to Carlsen.
- Despite this, he believes everything happens for a reason and doesn't dwell on past decisions.
Post-Championship Blitz
- Nakamura recalls a 2005 US Chess Championship memory where he played blitz for hours.
- He contrasts this with the present, where such casual matches with Carlsen would likely involve stakes.