Magnus Carlsen on Joe Rogan Experience
This week’s newsletter brings you:
Magnus Carlsen on Joe Rogan Experience
Sergey Karjakin Sanctioned by the EU
The Prague International Chess Festival 2025
Standings of Fide WGP 24-25 - Monaco
Recommendation for Chess improvement
Chess Creators and Content: Jason Noah
📰 Chess News & Stories
#1. Magnus Carlsen on Joe Rogan Experience
World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience, discussing AI, cheating, psychology, and his evolution as a player.
For the first time, Carlsen openly addressed his infamous 2022 feud with Hans Niemann, revealing what made him suspicious: Niemann’s unpredictable playing style and sudden improvements. “It didn’t smell good to me. It still doesn’t,” he admitted. While the legal battle has ended, Carlsen remains distrustful, as do many top players.
He also highlighted chess’ growing cheating problem, noting that “if you’re not cheating in a dumb way, there won’t be a smoking gun.” On preventing computer-dominated play, he praised Freestyle Chess and Chess960, where opening preparation is irrelevant.
Reflecting on his career, Carlsen said 2019 was his peak in dynamism, while 2013–2014 saw him as a “relentless beast” at the board. Despite aging, his chess knowledge continues to grow.
The full two-hour episode is now available on Spotify and YouTube.
#2. Sergey Karjakin Sanctioned by the EU
The European Union has sanctioned former world chess championship challenger Sergey Karjakin for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. Announced on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, the sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans for 48 individuals and 35 entities.
Karjakin, once a top chess player, now serves as a Russian Senator representing Crimea. The EU accuses him of aiding the war effort, visiting occupied Ukrainian regions, and coordinating military aid.
In 2022, FIDE banned him for six months due to his pro-war stance, leading to his exclusion from the Candidates Tournament. While he faces no restrictions from FIDE today, many organizers avoid inviting him.
Reacting sarcastically, Karjakin stated he had no EU assets and was “happy to work for his country.” Olympic gymnast Nikita Nagornyy was also sanctioned for alleged involvement in the deportation of Ukrainian children.
Once celebrated in chess, Karjakin's focus has shifted to politics, distancing him from the sport.
#3. The Prague International Chess Festival 2025
The Prague International Chess Festival 2025 is currently underway, running from February 26 to March 7, 2025, at the Don Giovanni Hotel in Prague, Czech Republic. This annual event, now in its seventh edition.
These participants will compete over nine rounds, with games starting daily at 3 p.m. local time, 15:00 CET, except for the final round on March 7, which begins at 11 a.m. A rest day is scheduled for March 3.
Futures Tournament: The Futures section features an all-girls lineup with an average age of 13, aiming to promote young female talent in chess.
A unique tradition continues this year: during the draw of lots, a participant from the Futures group selects an envelope containing a photo of a Masters player, who then draws their pairing number. The duo with the highest combined score at the end of the event receives special recognition, fostering mentorship and memorable interactions between established and aspiring players.
#4. FIDE Women's Grand Prix 2024/2025 - Monaco
🎯 Chess Improvement and Tips
Problem: Many club players struggle with finding the right plan in slow, strategic positions. They often rely on tactical tricks but feel lost when there are no immediate threats. This leads to passive play, missed opportunities, and eventually, a worse position.
Solution: IM Alex Astaneh, in the video (below), on his Youtube Channel emphasizes the importance of pattern recognition in positional chess. Instead of calculating move-by-move, strong players recognize key strategic elements like weak squares, outposts, and color complexes.
By internalizing these concepts, you’ll find good plans quickly and play with more confidence in positional battles.
📹 Chess Creators & Content
New YouTube Channel: “Jason Noah”
I’ve found a new youtube channel, Jason Noah. As of today, He has 753 subscribers. His videos are very high quality and underrated.
That’s all for this week. Thank you.
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