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.