Carlsen to seek Kasparov's advice to prepare world match-up against Vishy Anand

Magnus Carlsen

“Yes, I’m going to talk to him. I think he has some advice for me. It is true that Kasparov is not part of my team, but I will consult him before the World Championship. He knows Anand better than anyone. He beat Anand in a World Championship Match in 1995, Anand never managed to beat Kasparov in a long time.”

This is what World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen told Norwegian newspaper VG.

Earlier this year, Carlsen had maintained that Garry Kasparov would not be a part of his team as he prepares for the World Chess Championship.

Carlsen said, “I have always said that it was appropriate to ask him (Kasparov) for help and advice at a World Championship if and when it becomes necessary. And now it’s there!”

VG states that they do not know how Carlsen will seek this advice – in person, via skype or in some other way.

It is widely believed that Carlsen could not handle Kasparov’s strict tutelage and even told his father, “Get me out of this.” That was after the Corus Chess Tournament, 2010 and “revealed” in a 2011 Carlsen biography Smarte trekk. Magnus Carlsen (‘Smart move. Magnus Carlsen’). For Smarte trekk, daily newspaper journalist Hallgeir Opedal followed Carlsen for a year.

Speaking to VG, New in Chess editor Dirk Jan ten Geuzendam, says it would be wise on Carlsen’s part to seek advice from Kasparov. He says their break-up was the result of Kasparov’s dominance, but now they are friends and now, Magnus would be receiving advice from one of the best chess players of the world. It is a very good deal, and it makes sense for Magnus to take advantage of this, he said. – Rajat Khanna