Magnus Carlsen criticizes the classical chess format following D Gukesh’s World Championship victory, stating, “Probably the worst way because…”

Five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen has criticized the classical chess format, arguing that faster versions of the game are more aligned with “pure sport.” He called classical chess the “worst” way to determine the best player, stating that it is “too forgiving.”

‘Too easy to hide flaws in your game’
“It’s difficult to pinpoint what truly measures the best overall player. Right now, if you’re looking for a form of chess that tests a well-rounded game, classical chess is probably the worst because it’s too forgiving. It’s too easy to hide flaws in your game. If you can handle faster chess and freestyle, you’ve covered a lot of bases, including your basic patterns and quick tactics,” Carlsen explained on the Take Take Take podcast.

“Faster chess is a sport—it’s a pure sport. But when you move to longer freestyle formats, it becomes more like science and art,” he added.

Carlsen recently criticized the quality of the 2024 World Chess Championship match between India’s D Gukesh and China’s Ding Liren, which Gukesh won with a 7.5-6.5 score. After 13 games, the score was tied at 6.5-6.5, and although it seemed like the match would go to tiebreakers, a blunder from Ding in Game 14 secured the title for Gukesh. Tiebreakers are played in the rapid chess format.

“This doesn’t feel like a match between two World Championship contenders. It looks more like a second or third round of an open tournament. It’s the stage where you’re playing someone who’s decent with openings but ultimately, you win with class,” the Norwegian Grandmaster remarked.

Carlsen defeated Ian Nepomniachtchi to win the 2021 World Chess Championship but chose not to defend his title in 2023. Ding, who finished second in the 2022 Candidates tournament, faced Nepomniachtchi, the Candidates winner, in the World Championship match, ultimately winning on tiebreaks. Gukesh earned his spot in the 2024 World Championship match against the then-defending champion Ding by winning the Candidates tournament earlier this year.

After becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, Gukesh acknowledged Carlsen as the best player, despite his own victory. “Becoming the world champion does not mean I am the best player; that is obviously Magnus,” Gukesh said.