Ivanchuk’s surreal reply to an odd question on chess genius was one of the highlights of the Nalchik Grand Prix.
Originally posted here:
Ivanchuk gave another weird and wonderful press conference, as reported by Yury Vasiliev of Chesspro:
A local journalist asked the “brilliant [genius] Ivanchuk” (as she put it) about who he considers chess geniuses. Vasily said it was a complicated question. And then he began to name names:
– Capablanca – definitely. Fischer – also.
A pause.
– Alekhine? – someone suggested.
– Yes. Alekhine was “approved” by Vasily.
– Kasparov?
– Yes
– Karpov?
– No
– And Tal?
– A mystery. I can’t give a clear answer yes or no. I don’t understand Tal.
– Among women?
– Judit Polgar
– And Magnus Carlsen?
– A big talent. But I wouldn’t be confident of calling him a genius.
Awesome! Though I’ve read many of the articles here, and they’re great in general, it is your attention to such fragments that is simply unique and outstanding.
Thank you for this wonderful service you’re rendering to your chess brothers.