2024 World Rapid & Blitz w/ GM Hammer
Dojo Talks
Jesse, Kostya, David, & GM Hammer • January 3, 2025
The sensei are joined by GM Jon Ludvig Hammer to discuss the 2024 World Rapid Blitz Championship and Magnus Carlsen's controversial decision to split the championship title with Ian Nepomniachtchi, drawing significant criticism for bending competition rules and setting a troubling precedent.
Summary of episode
Introduction and Guest Introduction (00:06)
Introduction of GM Jon Ludvig Hammer, his background, and promotion of his new Chessable course.
Topic Overview: Blitz Championship and Magnus Carlsen (00:37)
Discussion on Magnus Carlsen, his mindset, and takeaways from the Blitz Championship.
Impressions of Abdusattorov and Rising Stars (01:16)
Hammer discusses Abdusattorov’s rise and breakout performances in Blitz/Rapid formats.
Magnus Carlsen and Nepomniachtchi Sharing the Title Controversy (02:32)
Analysis of Magnus and Nepomniachtchi’s decision to share the Blitz Championship title and the public reaction.
Social Media and Viewer Perspectives on the Tie (03:15)
Hammer reflects on how perspectives differ depending on social circles and broadcast narratives.
Hammer’s Stance on Sportsmanship and Rule-breaking (04:08)
Arguments against sharing titles and comparisons to other sports regulations.
Comparisons to Past Events and Grandmaster Draws (08:21)
Parallels drawn to the "Grandmaster draw" era and Magnus’s evolving mindset.
Magnus Carlsen’s Motivation Behind Sharing the Title (12:20)
Speculations on Magnus’s motivations, including fatigue, strategy, and respect for Nepomniachtchi.
Hammer’s View on Magnus’s Changing Chess Career (29:03)
Insights into Magnus’s current form, work ethic, and future direction in chess.
FIDE’s Role in Allowing the Shared Title (34:15)
Analysis of FIDE’s decision-making and its implications for chess governance.
Freestyle Chess and FIDE Rivalries (41:04)
Discussion on the growing divide between FIDE and freestyle chess organizers.
Hammer’s Final Thoughts on the Controversy (48:22)
Hammer critiques Magnus’s recent decisions and shares predictions for the future.
Conclusion and Upcoming Topics (52:06)
Closing remarks and teaser for an upcoming episode on openings for beginners.
Make sure to follow the DojoTalks podcast
