Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Magnus Carlsen Reflects on Chess, Competition and Fatherhood
Magnus Carlsen is one of the best chess players in history.
He says chess was not easy for him when he first learned it as a child.
He had to study a lot by himself before chess became something he loved and understood well.
Carlsen says some players are naturally faster at calculating moves.
He believes his own skill comes from both ability and many years of practice.
He also talked about angrily banging a table during a game against D Gukesh.
He called that reaction a moment of despair and said it was not one of his proudest moments.
Carlsen recently became a father, and he says having a family helps him handle losses.
He will next play tournaments in Oslo and London.
Magnus Carlsen says chess did not come naturally to him as a child and required extensive self-study.
He says years of experience gave him an instinctive feel for positions, although some players calculate faster than he does.
Carlsen described his table-banging reaction against D Gukesh at Norway Chess as an outburst of “pure despair.”
He said becoming a father has sometimes reduced his sleep but made tournament losses easier to accept.
Carlsen is scheduled to play in Oslo from September 19 to 24 and at the London Classic from November 15 to 24.
- Who
- Norwegian chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, discussing his career, D Gukesh and fatherhood.
- What
- Carlsen reflected on learning chess, a frustrated reaction during a game and balancing competition with family life.
- When
- The report is dated September 16; his next events are scheduled for September 19–24 and November 15–24.
- Where
- The interview was reported from New Delhi; upcoming tournaments are in Oslo and London.
- Why
- Carlsen was discussing his development as a player, his competitive emotions and how becoming a father has affected his professional life.
- Age
- Carlsen is 35 years old, according to the report.
- Early chess development
- He said chess did not initially come naturally and that he studied it extensively on his own.
- Norway Chess incident
- Carlsen banged the table during a classical game against D Gukesh last year.
- Family
- Carlsen and his wife, Ella Victoria, welcomed their first child in September last year.
- Next tournament
- The Carlsen Chess Challenge in Oslo is scheduled for September 19–24.
- Later tournament
- The London Classic, part of the Grand Chess Tour, is scheduled for November 15–24.