TMC's Kakoli Dastidar alleges ‘verbal abuse, misogyny’ by Kalyan Banerjee in letter to Lok Sabha SpeakerThe letter comes a day after Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar resigned from all organisational posts in the Trinamool Congress. Updated on: May 28, 2026 12:10 PM IST By HT News Desk Share via Copy link
Rakhi Sawant defends Ranveer Singh amid FWICE row over Don 3 dispute: ‘Salman Khan ko ban karke dikhaye’During her recent outing in Mumbai, Rakhi Sawant was seen sharing her thoughts about Ranveer Singh and Don 3 dispute while interacting with the paparazzi. May 28, 2026
Man who spent 2 decades in Saudi jail, faced death sentence returns to KeralaMan who spent 2 decades in Saudi jail, faced death sentence returns to Kerala Published on: May 28, 2026 12:02 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Kozhikode, Abdul Rahim
India U-18 hockey teams eye positive start in Asia CupIndia U-18 hockey teams eye positive start in Asia Cup Published on: May 28, 2026 12:06 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Kakamigahara , Guided by senior stalwarts like Sardar Singh and Rani Rampal
Former cricketer Aakash Chopra lauded 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi's powerful IPL innings. He called Suryavanshi a special player but cautioned against fast-tracking him to the Indian team. Chopra believes there is ample time for the young talent's national debut
Carlsen’s chess secrets: The puzzles that stumped the GOAT, his winning mindset
Magnus Carlsen’s chess secrets: The puzzles that stumped the GOAT and his winning mindset
Magnus Carlsen’s chess secrets: The puzzles that stumped the GOAT and his winning mindset
Published on: Mar 04, 2026 12:47 PM IST Written by Dhairya Bagga Share via Copy link Magnus Carlsen attends a news conference (REUTERS)Magnus Carlsen doesn't just play differently; he thinks differently. His interviews reveal a man who prioritizes "the feel" over the "the math."
Magnus Carlsen is often viewed as a "chess god," a machine-like entity who grinds down world-class Grandmasters until they crumble. But beneath the 2882 peak Elo rating lies a human being who has struggled with specific puzzles, battled self-doubt, and even admitted to hating the very training tools most amateurs swear by. To understand Carlsen is to understand the bridge between raw intuition and relentless calculation. Here is a deep dive into the mind of the man who redefined modern chess, the obstacles that actually slowed him down, and the philosophy that keeps him at the top. Also Read: D Gukesh drops to world No. 20 in live chess rankings after defeat to Aravindh ChithambaramThe "Impossible" Chess Puzzles: When Magnus Met His Match
It seems irrelevant to suggest there is a chess problem Magnus Carlsen cannot solve. However, Carlsen himself has been candid about the limits of human calculation, even his own.The 8 Queens Pattern Hunt
In a rare moment of vulnerability during a BBC interview, Carlsen recalled a puzzle from his childhood that took him weeks to fully exhaust. While he solved the basic 8 Queens Puzzle (placing eight queens on a board so none attack each other) quickly, the real challenge was finding all 92 possible patterns. "I worked on it for weeks. Literally every day after school, I sat in front of the chessboard," Carlsen admitted. This highlights a key trait: even for a prodigy, mastery wasn't about a "eureka" moment, but the stubbornness to sit with a problem until every stone was turned.The "Engine" Problem
Perhaps the most famous "problem" Carlsen faces isn't a specific setup on a board, but the perfection of silicon. Carlsen has famously stated that he rarely plays against top-tier engines like Stockfish because they make him feel "stupid and useless”. For Magnus, a problem that has no "human" solution, where the only way to survive is a sequence of 30 computer-perfect moves, is a problem he finds creatively bankrupt.The Philosophy of a Champion: In Carlsen’s Own Words
Magnus Carlsen doesn't just play differently; he thinks differently. His interviews reveal a man who prioritizes "the feel" over the "the math."On Intuition vs. Calculation
Many believe Grandmasters calculate 50 moves ahead. Magnus disagrees. "Usually, I do what my intuition tells me to do. Most of the time spent thinking is just to double-check." He views chess as a language. You don't "calculate" how to form a sentence in your native tongue; you just know how it should sound. To Magnus, a move "sounds" right or wrong long before the calculation proves it.On the Mental Toll of Losing
Despite his dominance, Carlsen handles defeat poorly, and he prefers it that way. "I’ve never been very good at losing. I hate losing, and I don’t handle it very well. I always cope with it by thinking that I should be better at not losing instead of being better at handling it." This "Virat Kohli" style comeback mentality, where a loss isn't a lesson in grace but a fuel for a more "merciless" performance, is what has kept him at World No. 1 for over a decade.Why Magnus Hates Traditional Puzzles
If you look at the training habits of top players, they often involve thousands of "tactics trainers." Magnus, however, has expressed a certain disdain for "artificial" puzzles. He once noted that puzzles are often just variations of about six different tricks. To him, the "problem" with puzzles is that they tell you there is a solution. In a real game, the hardest part is realizing that a tactical opportunity exists in the first place. “The most helpful thing I learnt from chess is to make good decisions on incomplete data in a limited amount of time.”Why did Magnus give up the World Championship title?
He cited a lack of motivation and the "grind" of opening preparation. As he put it: "The day it stops being fun is the day I give up." He prefers the creativity of Freestyle Chess (Chess960), where engines and memorization matter less.How does Magnus deal with "tilt" or bad form?
He focuses on the process. During his 2016 match against Karjakin, he admitted his state of mind was "awful" after a loss, but he forced himself to trust his gut. "It is better to trust your gut and get burnt sometimes than to always second-guess yourself."Magnus Carlsen: The Human Behind the Legend
The takeaway for any aspiring player is that even the greatest of all time finds certain problems "boring" or "stunningly difficult." Magnus Carlsen’s brilliance isn't just in his ability to see the board, but in his refusal to be a robot. He plays with a "merciless" human spirit, relying on an intuition built from thousands of hours of simply "exploring things" on a board. Whether he is struggling with an 8-queens pattern or a grueling endgame against a computer, Carlsen remains the ultimate proof that in chess, self-confidence is the strongest piece on the board. The video features Magnus Carlsen discussing his thought process and tackling various logic puzzles, providing a firsthand look at how he handles challenges outside of standard tournament play. Chess Magnus Carlsen Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Olympics 2024, where Indian athletes will compete for glory in Paris. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series. News / Sports / Others / Magnus Carlsen’s Chess Secrets: The Puzzles That Stumped The GOAT And His Winning Mindset See LessMagnus Carlsen is often viewed as a "chess god," a machine-like entity who grinds down world-class Grandmasters until they crumble. But beneath the 2882 peak Elo rating lies a human being who has struggled with specific puzzles, battled self-doubt, and even admitted to hating the very training tools most amateurs swear by.
To understand Carlsen is to understand the bridge between raw intuition and relentless calculation. Here is a deep dive into the mind of the man who redefined modern chess, the obstacles that actually slowed him down, and the philosophy that keeps him at the top.
Also Read: D Gukesh drops to world No. 20 in live chess rankings after defeat to Aravindh Chithambaram
This highlights a key trait: even for a prodigy, mastery wasn't about a "eureka" moment, but the stubbornness to sit with a problem until every stone was turned.
He views chess as a language. You don't "calculate" how to form a sentence in your native tongue; you just know how it should sound. To Magnus, a move "sounds" right or wrong long before the calculation proves it.
This "Virat Kohli" style comeback mentality, where a loss isn't a lesson in grace but a fuel for a more "merciless" performance, is what has kept him at World No. 1 for over a decade.
He once noted that puzzles are often just variations of about six different tricks. To him, the "problem" with puzzles is that they tell you there is a solution. In a real game, the hardest part is realizing that a tactical opportunity exists in the first place.
“The most helpful thing I learnt from chess is to make good decisions on incomplete data in a limited amount of time.”
Whether he is struggling with an 8-queens pattern or a grueling endgame against a computer, Carlsen remains the ultimate proof that in chess, self-confidence is the strongest piece on the board.
The video features Magnus Carlsen discussing his thought process and tackling various logic puzzles, providing a firsthand look at how he handles challenges outside of standard tournament play.
Source: HindustanTimes
Related Posts: Magnus Carlsen gets Norway Chess revenge against D Gukesh Selfie With Magnus Carlsen Costs Chess Player Her Phone Magnus Carlsen backs controversial Total Chess World Championship Tour Rohith Krishna S Becomes India's 89th Chess Grandmaster With Almaty Showing CBSE Class 11 Chief arbiter lifts lid on Magnus Carlsen vs Hans Niemann cheating scandal D Gukesh To Lead 2026 Masters Field As Magnus Carlsen Opts Out FIDE CEO rebukes Magnus Carlsen for remark on Candidates 2026 rating spot rule India No. 1 Arjun Erigaisi checkmates Magnus Carlsen - Watch Nihal Sarin breaks silence on rejecting Magnus Carlsen's viral draw offer
The Israeli military has issued evacuation orders for large parts of southern Lebanon, declaring the areas "combat zones" ahead of fresh strikes against Hezbollah. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) urged residents to move north of the Zahrani River, about 40km (25 miles) from the border
49 minutes ago
Huma Qureshi says 'negative comments' on her looks hurt her confidence, made her withdrawn: 'It really affected me'Huma Qureshi has opened up on facing online criticism of her appearance and looks, which dampened her confidence early on in her career. May 28, 2026
56 minutes ago
Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar warned Yo Yo Honey Singh against drug abuse: ‘It will finish you’Honey Singh dismissed the notion that fame or the entertainment industry led to his downfall, saying it was his own choices and mindset that were to blame. May 28, 2026
56 minutes ago
BJP announces state president for 3 states; Harsh Malhotra appointed Delhi party chiefWith the appointments, party chief Nitin Nabin has set in motion the process of selecting a new team of office bearers in states as well as the national level Published on: May 28
56 minutes ago
There is corruption in the judiciary and judges should not be treated as “holy cows”, the Madras High Court has remarked while refusing to ban a Tamil film for portraying the judicial system in an allegedly damaging manner, Live Law reported on Wednesday
56 minutes ago
Inquiry launched after man alleges traffic cop assaulted him in GhataThe allegation surfaced after a passerby claimed he was stopped and allegedly slapped while filming a truck on fire near a power station on Wednesday. Published on: May 28, 2026 11:39 AM IST By HT Correspondent Share via Copy link
56 minutes ago
Smoothies make for a quick, easy and nutritious meal that is filled with protein, fibre, and food fats when made right. It also prevents food waste and stops you from snacking all day on junk food. Throw in a frozen banana, a handful of leafy greens and some more fruits
56 minutes ago
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Discussions focused on the sugar industry and onion farmers. Assurances were given for increased Minimum Support Price for onions and ethanol quota. Decisions on loan restructuring are also expected
56 minutes ago
In the coveted list of India-origin CEOs helming top US tech giants such as Google, Microsoft and more, the name of Sanjay Mehrotra often gets sidelined or ignored. Not many are aware that what Mehrotra is doing in the age of AI is a matter of pride for Indians
57 minutes ago
'Bachpan ka sapna tha': Man fulfils dream of eating full family pack ice cream aloneWhat once felt like a rare treat is now a personal celebration as a man enjoys a family pack of ice cream after starting to earn. Updated on: May 28, 2026 11:27 AM IST By Vaishali Kapila Share via Copy link For many
56 minutes ago
Twisha Sharma's mother-in-law Giribala Singh seen feeding stray dog after quashed anticipatory bailThe order to squash Giribala Singh's anticipatory bail came from the Jabalpur High Court on Wednesday (May 27) Published on: May 28, 2026 12:02 PM IST By Stuti Gupta Share via Copy link In the eye of
56 minutes ago
R. Praggnanandhaa achieved a significant victory against Magnus Carlsen in the Norway Chess tournament. The classical game was dramatic, with momentum shifting before Carlsen's decisive blunder. Praggnanandhaa expressed happiness over the fighting game
56 minutes ago
How an Indian man earned ₹1,200 in 10 minutes in London before getting caughtA 25-year-old Indian man has revealed how he managed to earn 10 pounds in London in just 10 minutes Published on: May 28, 2026 11:39 AM IST By Sanya Jain Share via Copy link A 25-year-old Indian man has revealed how he
56 minutes ago
Want to live longer? Neurologist explains the ‘9-year longevity equation’ for healthy ageingCan three simple daily habits help you live longer? A neurologist shares the 9-year longevity equation focused on sleep, movement and balanced eating. Published on: May 28
56 minutes ago
The Pentagon on Wednesday announced a five-year, $9.69 billion agreement to consolidate Microsoft and other enterprise software licenses scattered across the military services, the intelligence community, and the U.S. Coast Guard into a single contract vehicle, officials said
56 minutes ago
The Students Federation of India (SFI) on Monday demanded that Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and Higher Education Minister Roji M. John clarify their stand on the Governor’s order regulating student political activity on the campus of Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University
57 minutes ago
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has informed his ministers of his decision to step down. Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar is expected to take over as the new Chief Minister. This transition follows months of speculation and internal discussions within the Congress party
56 minutes ago
Timothy Hudson update: Anna Kepner's killer remains free after Miami hearing; what's next for him?Timothy Hudson, 16, was charged with killing and sexually assaulting his stepsister, 18-year-old Anna Kepner, on a cruise ship. Published on: May 28
56 minutes ago
Bank Holiday Today: Banks across India are set to remain closed today, May 28, due to the Islamic festival of Bakri Id. Branches won’t open in all cities but a few ones including Bhubaneswar, Gangtok, Guwahati, and Itanagar, according to RBI list on Holiday under Negotiable Instruments Act
57 minutes ago
Vaibhav Sooryanshi, the 15-year-old, has stunned the IPL with his fearless batting. He has taken on champion bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Pat Cummins. His teammate Dhruv Jurel praises his self-belief and focus on the ball. Sooryanshi's aggressive style led to a match-winning 97 off 29 balls
56 minutes ago
Ferrari’s debut electric vehicle has landed in the middle of a social media storm after the luxury Italian automaker revealed its first fully electric car, the Luce. Priced at nearly $640,000 (approximately Rs 6 crore), the five-seater electric vehicle was introduced as Ferrari’s first major
56 minutes ago
The U.S. has no timetable for levying on semiconductors but preferential terms have already been agreed under a January trade deal, said on Thursday.The U.S. is removing or cutting some tariffs to 15% on Taiwanese imports as part of a reached in January
56 minutes ago
What began as one student's viral complaint about a mismatch between the physical and digital copies of his Grade 12 physics answer sheet has snowballed into a major controversy around one of India's biggest and most important school-leaving exams
56 minutes ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Xiaomi S Mini LED 65-inch TV review: A big and bright screen you must considerThis TV features a subtle yet premium design that is hard to ignore. While it is far from perfect
56 minutes ago
India has sent emergency pharmaceutical supplies to support efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak in Congo, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said on Wednesday (May 28, 2026). In a social media post, Ethiopia-headquartered Africa CDC said the consignment, donated by India
57 minutes ago
Foreigner ranks 'how safe she felt as a woman' travelling solo in different Indian states: '0/10 in UP, 9/10 in Kerala'After solo travelling in India for a year, a transwoman from NYC ranked states by safety. Her breakdown shows a sharp contrast between north and south India. Published on: May 28
1 hours ago
Hezbollah said its fighters clashed with Israeli forces beyond an Israeli-declared "yellow line" in south Lebanon on Wednesday (May 27, 2026) despite a ceasefire, a day after Israel said it was expanding ground operations. Israel this week vowed to intensify operations in Lebanon
1 hours ago
