'Not All Positive, But Net Positive'! Magnus Carlsen Reveals What Helps Him Stand Out Form Competition

Last Updated:February 28, 2026, 08:40 IST

The five-time World Champion opined that he is arguably a bit better at everything which has helped him remain atop the rankings for a prolonged time.

World’s top-rated Chess player, Magnus Carlsen, who has ruled the roost in the past decade, opened up on what sets him apart from other players, and how he has managed to carve a niche for himself in the highly competitive sport.

The five-time World Champion has redefined what it means to be a star in the ever-changing world of chess and opined that he is arguably a bit better at everything which has helped him remain atop the rankings for a prolonged time.

“Very hard to say. Against most people, around top-100, I am a little bit better at everything," he opined

“I evaluate a little bit better, I calculate a little bit better. Some people, they will get a little bit intimidated playing against me, so they might not play as aggressively as they should and I can use that to my advantage sometimes," the Norwegian voiced.

“It’s overall net positive. Not all positive, because sometimes people will not take as many chances," he explained.

Carlsen, the boy who made the world take notice of him as a 13 year old as he got the better of the legendary Anatoly Karapov, has managed to go toe-to-toe with the iconic Viswanathan Anand and has also held his own as the younger generation of players including World Champion D Gukesh have made their way to the top, in a testament to the Scandinavian’s longevity.

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