In the annals of chess history, one of the most startling moments occurred when Magnus Carlsen, the Norwegian chess prodigy, defeated the former World Chess Champion, Viswanathan Anand, in just 10 moves. This remarkable game took place at the 2019 Chess Legends Tournament in Casablanca, an event celebrated for featuring some of the world’s greatest chess minds.
Source:- India today
The game, an exhibition match designed to promote chess, quickly became legendary due to its brevity and the unexpected outcome. Carlsen, known for his deep strategic understanding and precise calculation, played the white pieces. From the opening, it was evident that Carlsen was in aggressive form. He employed a sharp variation of the Sicilian Defense, a choice that surprised Anand and led to a rapid deterioration of his position.
Source:- BBC news
The turning point came early when Anand, likely underestimating Carlsen’s preparation or overreaching in an unfamiliar line, made a critical mistake. Carlsen pounced on this opportunity with a tactical sequence that forced Anand into a losing position. The game ended in a checkmate in just 10 moves, leaving spectators and chess enthusiasts stunned.
This victory was not just about the swiftness of the win but also underscored Carlsen’s exceptional talent and his ability to exploit even the slightest inaccuracies from his opponents. For Anand, a player of immense stature and experience, this defeat was a reminder of the relentless nature of chess at the highest level, where even the best can falter under pressure.
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