World Number One Magnus Carlsen Gets a Five-Word Warning From Newly Selected World Chess Championship Challenger Ian Nepomniachtchi

Published 07/06/2022, 7:30 AM EDT

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People sometimes find themselves amid events due to mere coincidences. However, sometimes these events occur due to their capability. Ian Nepomniachtchi found himself amidst such an event after winning the 2022 Candidates Tournament. It seems like a repeat of 2021 as he will challenge Magnus Carlsen in 2023.

Following his win, Nepo took a jab at Carlsen for one of his infamous moves. And this got the crowd present at the tournament cracking up.

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What suggestion did Ian Nepomniachtchi have for Magnus Carlsen?

After the match, Nepo attended the mixed zone to answer questions from the media personnel present at the tournament. However, he did not hold back when answering a question by one of the journalists.

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During the event, the journalist asked if the chess grandmaster wanted to say something to Carlsen. Hearing this, he gave a hilarious reply to the journalist. Nepo said with a smirk, “I mean, maybe stop playing his h4 a4 nonsense.”

It cracked most of the audience present there. However, the GM seemed to be criticizing one of Carlsen’s infamous moves by his remarks. Magnus had previously made weak opening moves when there was not much pressure on him during any part of a tournament.

The most famous of his weak opening moves are the 1.h4 followed by 2.a4. In chess, experts consider the opening moves weak. So, when Nepo uttered these words, he seemed to be directly attacking Carlsen, whom he will face for the second time in 2023 for the world title.

How does Carlsen defend his stance on the move?

Carlsen seems to make this move every once in a while during tournaments. However, as per observations, he opens with this move only when the stakes are low, and he can get away with a draw or even a defeat.

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However, the grandmaster has defended the move previously during interviews. His most notable stance on it came during an interview when he said that it was not a “great move,” but it seemed to get the work done against opponents from time to time.

During the interview, the interviewer asked the grandmaster if he would opt for the g4 in the future. However, Carlsen said that the move is worse than the h4. He also mentions another move he would never open with during a tournament.

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And it is none other than the condemned f3! A move despised by every chess player, from amateurs to professionals, owing to its numerous limitations.

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Written by:

Aklanta Chetia

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Aklanta Chetia Wanniang is a US Sports author for EssentiallySports. He has a Master's degree in Literature from the University of Delhi. With an interest in learning about multiple sports, Aklanta himself is a former sportsperson and has participated in state and national level swimming events.
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Edited by:

Simar Singh Wadhwa