Full conversation with Magnus Carlsen: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ZsB_ZZt_2dHbp4U.html Quick note from Lex: The camera on Magnus died 20 minutes in. Most folks still just listen to audio-only version, but here on KZfaq we did our best to still make it interesting to watch & listen by adding image overlays. I mess things up sometimes, like in this case, and it hits me hard when I do. I'm sorry for this. I'm always working hard to improve. I hope you understand. Thank you for your patience and support along the way. I love you all.

One thing to keep in mind is "World Chess Championship" is like "World Series" it's an owned name by some company that puts it on. Magnus doenst like that they dont make former champions climb the ladder again, but just have him waiting around like the boss in a kung fu movie to take on the other player that makes it. He suggested this rule change, they denied it because they like their tradition, so he said "Meh, I dont want to play your game anymore" Fair enough. He's still the best in the world based on his ranking and one tournament where a bad day can screw it all up doesnt change the statistical reality of his strengths. If he's not having fun he should do other things. If this ruins the "World Chess Championship's" prestige that's their fault for not attracting the highest level of competition.

these comments are something else. magnus is undeniably the strongest player in the world, by quite a large margin. he’s bored, he’s tired, he has nothing left to prove, and everyone in the chess world knows it, even if they are disappointed with his decision.

He's so honest about the fear of losing. It's definitely a super rare feeling of being in the shoes of someone like Magnus Carlsen. I just want to put my two cents here- Fear of losing is what should drive us rather than making us quit. But then who am i to judge never knowing the pressure of being Magnus freaking Carlsen.

"A strange game. The only winning move is not to play"

Very common feeling when the fear of losing is so incredibly bad that the joy of winning pales in comparison. I know friends that have quit their sport because of it. They got so all out devastated when losing.

Great interview! No worries about the camera thing. We know you well enough, Lex, to know that you are beating yourself up far more than anyone else would. I usually just watch the first 30 minutes of video, to get the flavor, then do something else while listening to the interview in the background.

Imagine the next World Champ winning, knowing Carlsen(the best player) was not present. Wouldn't be of more value compared to winning against Carlsen.

I’d have to agree with Magnus. Playing Nepo again really doesn’t make sense. Nepo is really good playing against players outside the top 5 because his style is super unconventional but not so good against the likes of Magnus, Ding and Fabi

Why there is no video but just photo

In case anybody's still wondering, the more detailed reasons for his decision to not defend his title can be found on other interviews such as the one he had with Oxford Union. That way, if you're interested, you'll understand why cause it has everything to do with FIDE's policy. But as always remarkable podcast, Lex.

Don't be scared homie - Nick Diaz (#1 contender for the Queen Belt)

I think Ding can motivate magnus again to compete for world championship because like he said.. against caruana he enjoy winning because he felt they were at same level.

I've been a chess player for many decades and completely sympathize with the GOAT. The fear of losing in chess is completely unique. I've never had that same worry / fear / concern when I played baseball, football, etc. In fact, i'd say it's pretty unique to chess for some reason. Maybe a psychology study in the making?

i think basically magnus is only afraid of losing to himself- very inspiring. he doesn't want to witness himself getting worse. if he loses to someone equal or better than himself, he doesn't mind that much.

I believe in a 1 on 1 match setting Ding and So at their best are his current worst matchups due to their stability and playing styles.

I get it. At this point, he wants to have fun more than he wants another two years as reigning world champion. He's already proven himself. Now he wants to enjoy himself.

Magnus Carlsen is scared of my smoke on the chess board

He went 26-0 on atomic and finally lost and never played again

When everyone knows you’re the best, you’ve nothing to prove…

The format needs to change. Make it a yearly thing.

Not sure I can get behind his reasoning here. Seems like he’s afraid to lose, so rather not play altogether. Before I thought he’s just not excited anymore to play, but not afraid

So many chess players are scared of their own shadow. It doesn't surprise me that fear keeps the best player in the world from playing. In my opinion that fear ruined the game by the style Most play. The best players in chess are the ones trying not to lose. A weak mindset that breeds fear.

He did say that he intends to play the match if Firouzja wins; maybe same for Duda and Rapport - one of the new guys. With them, there can be huge leaps in a short amount of time, and it could be that somehow their progression leads them to the point where they are at his level at the time of the match. It's more interesting. As for changing the nature of the World Championship title, to make it so that the winner doesn't get a personal hold on it, and an automatic spot at the next match... It is all greater than even him. This is what makes the World Champion title special, and it shouldn't end now - we have to keep this for future generations also. It was the right thing for him to do, to bow down now. I think he is focussing on the right things - it'll be very hard to get to 2900. If he does do that, i see him then letting himself go loose a bit more, and potentially conjuring a couple evergreen games. That would put him right up there with Kasparov (if only he/we had a Karpov alongside, this whole time).

Lex... As the World's smartest man I literally invented new rules to Chess! A new rule for every piece of the game on top of Classic Chess! It's called King Rules! I'm trying to play a game both the new and the old way with Magnus to teach him the new rules!

It's the Barry Sanders technique. Quit while you're the best and everyone will assume you were the greatest ever. To be fair though Barry and Magnus may be the best ever in their fields.

People: Now the championship title won't matter because the challenger won't beat the true champion! Magnus: I missed the part where that's my problem. Anyway, gonna go back to living my life how I want to now

Stress stopping someone from competing is wild

Love charslan and max....

"Khabib enters the chat" LOLLLL 💀

Sound like someone that’s bored due to lack of competition.

Hi Lex Fridman

so if someone reaches his ranking and become wc, magnus will potentially compete again... get on it alireza!

Millennial. I dont follow chess that much. But he sounds like he needs a participation award at this point.

He’s gonna let the World Chess CHAMP win, and carry it. But I’ll promise you he will win it back again the next time. Meanwhile he’s gonna chase 2900.

So basically the world champ gave up the chance to solidify his legacy because of Fear. He is afraid he's going to lose. Even tho he is better and he will probably never lose. Cowardice can stop the best of men. Heavy is the crown, and Magnus cave to the pressure. Gukesh and Ding Liren who aren't even top 3 in the world will play for the nr 1 spot instead. Mentality is so important.

It's really not fair for him to have to play Nepo again after he crushed him in the last one. He's clearly head and shoulders better than everyone else. Firouza is the only one who has a chance and he probably still needs a few years to mature his playing. Besides, Magnus has made getting to 2900 rating his priority and this gives him the best chance by being able to play in the Candidates Tournament next year.

Well, he’s the “former” world champion now, regardless.

The champ has got to defend. Win Or lose, it’s the way it’s always been. Otherwise you are just padding your ego.

He wants to get to 3000

In my opinion, Magnus should defend his championship Because even if he loses the game, the fans will still love him. But if he does not defend, chess fans will not be happy

In what sport or tournament does the champ refuse to defend his title out of the fear of losing? 🤨

By not defending his world championship title, Magnus by default loses it. So it’s all a psychological issue that he prefers to make the choice, than to lose it against his will. I’m not sure I agree with it, but it’s entirely of course his choice and right.

He is talking about perfection and I would expect him to have a better understanding of that. You CANNOT COMPARE FIGHTING AND THE UFC TO CHESS. The fighters will fight maybe 35-45 times in their career and only 2 have 0 losses on their record. Magnus has played thousands of high level chess matches and he is by far the best. I understand what he is saying, but he is allowing just the thought of losing to weigh him down. Save that energy if you do lose. He is a beast though, you have to take the fun out of it, they say they have fun out of the love for chess but they are definitely not having fun during those crazy high level matches

Is anyone curious of the possible tantrum that would happen if he lost

A lot of comments here giving their opinion on what THE GREATEST CHESS PLAYER of all time is or should do. Gain some perspective to all of you. None of you know what it's like to be him and operate at his level.

happy to say that i'm the 420th like of this video fellows.

This is chess not checkers..

Won't be entertaining this time around to watch the WC without MC

He couldn’t beat me

its okay, don't have to do it if you don't want to. I support

He has nothing to prove and the cost exceeds the benefit. Want him to play? *Come up with the coin!* 💰💰💰

UFC is the WORST when it comes to the fear of losing. To have another man beat you in a combat sport is absolutely devastating. I'd say team sports have the least fear in losing because the pressure isn't all on you

(Get your thumbs down thumb ready.) I am a big Magnus fan and I've always liked LeBron James. My only gripe against James is how he walked off the court after loosing the NBA Finals final game without shaking anyone's hand. That Magnus is giving up is a bit of a knock against his legacy. Yes, he will continue to play tournaments, but still.

A world champion afraid to lose his title, how ironic.

Tom Brady wont just give up in his prime, Jordan wont just give up, Federer did not just give up. Carlsen is in his prime, to walk away in ur prime is a great tragedy.

You can no longer call yourself a World Champion, when you refuse new challengers. Ask Conor McGregor…

Magnus sounds so humble here. And then a week later accuses someone of cheating for beating him 😂

Not a cool thing to do for multiple reasons. I do agree with Carlsen wanting world champion to not be automatic in final etc but play tournaments etc qualify each time. Did Kasparov and Karpov give up ? No! Overall resumes Kasparov and Karpov 1 and 2. Then Carlsen then everyone else. Carlsen has time to surpass both if he stays active etc.

he may not know it but the real reason Carlson won't defend his title is because his ego could not sustain a loss.

wierd logic, you know you are so much better then why would you be afraid to lose, if you cannot convert winning positions then you are not so much better. Excuses, you dont just give up the championship, you make ur opponents take it away, and if they do for whatever reason, then you try it get it back next time. This is not rocket science.

Magnus not defending his title is a huge dishonour to chess.

What an unintelligent fear. Scared someone less skilled in chess will beat you. Chess isn't a game of luck, but all it's components involve skill. If someone beats you in positions you've studied less than them, they are better than you in that position. How many positions do you need to beat someone in to call yourself better than them?

bs a man accepts defeat , not even entering means you already lost

He owes it to the tournament that gave him so much of his identity. His logic is completely self serving. Every single champion had to live with that fear and had to lose, and learn to live with it. Him just throwing that away like it doesn't mean anything is delusional and self serving, and also cowardice. Beating him is an honour, he needs to realise that for someone else beating him will be the best thing they do in their life. That isn't something you can toss away with his weak, selfish reasoning.

Bruh, fear of losing is cowardly. He should embrace that he isn’t perfect

This hurts to hear . Just not competing is worse than defeat . Wtf lol. Typical euros

This is pathetic haha so he’s not gunna defend his title? Then strip him and move on. If a Ufc fighter wouldn’t defend he’d be ridiculed beyond belief.