Train Like Magnus

How does the highest-rated chess player in the world study? In this letter, we will look at some of the ways he's trained in the past. Even if we can't play like Magnus, we can take steps to train like Magnus.

Tip 1: Find a study buddy

Magnus Carlsen briefly studied with the legendary Garry Kasparov. Magnus stated in an interview with Chessbase that much of their training surrounded openings but that they also delved into the psychology of different players. Kasparov was able to offer new insight.

Finding a study buddy is helpful for chess players of ALL levels. Don't worry, this person doesn't need to be Kasparov. Find another player within a hundred or so points of your level.

You can keep each other accountable by reviewing what you'll be studying, or making friendly competitions to see who can study more! They can also be a good sounding board to analyze with or play practice games against.

Tip 2: Put in the time

Magnus believes one of the most important predictions of chess improvement is time spent at the board.

While you don't need to train for hours every day, having a set amount of time to study per week can help you have a goal to aim toward.

You don't always need to study the hard stuff. If you're feeling up to it one day, tackle endgame technique. If you're a bit tired another day, feel free to play a game of blitz and analyze it.

Tip 3: Create a training schedule that works for you

Magnus has spoken about his dislike for rigid schedules. While finding a way to put in the time, as discussed above, is important, it's also about finding what works for you.

For Magnus, it is important to be inspired and enjoy the game. As long as that occurs, he will be able to put in the time routinely without having to schedule it.

This is a good reminder that your chess studying is your own journey, and to study in a way that inspires you, and doesn't feel bothersome.

Chess study should be hard, and pushing yourself (just like one would when working out, or training for something) is very healthy. That being said, it should never feel like something you're dreading. If it is, it's time to rediscover your love for the game and adjust how you're training.

Tip 4: Good health hygiene

Especially during tournaments, Magnus has talked about the importance of getting enough sleep and eating well.

It's proven your brain functions better when you're sleeping well and eating a healthy diet. Exercise can also help you perform your best.

Before you play a game of blitz or classical chess, try an experiment. Do a few pushups or any sort of movement. See if this increases your focus or not.

Tip 5: Play through the greats

Magnus was always a very avid learner growing up. While he didn't adhere to very rigid training schedules, he truly loves the game and spent many hours playing through master games in his youth. This helped motivate and inspire him.

Studying master games is important for players of ALL levels. Not only can it inspire you, but you'll be able to begin to recognize patterns and ideas in specific positions.

When you come up with a unique idea in a game, many times it is inspired but something you have seen before.

Here are some interesting ideas from Magnus games (answers at the bottom):

Magnus Carlsen vs Vishy Anand, 2014

Black blundered with their last move, h5. How did Magnus continue the attack?

Magnus Carlsen vs Veselin Topalov, 2010

Black's last move was Ne5, and in response, Magnus found a brilliant winning move with a beautiful final sequence! Can you find it too? White to move, how would you play?

It's always a good idea to study interesting positions from master games. Pick a game from the Learn from the Masters section, and play through it on a board if you can. Try to deeply analyze it, or even annotate it!

These tips may not turn you into the best player in the world, but hopefully, they will inspire you to take control of your training and pursue your passion.

Answers:

Magnus Carlsen vs Vishy Anand, 2014:

 1. Qb7!, forming a battery on the 7th rank and creating a checkmate threat. Black is forced to sacrifice their queen for the rook to avoid being checkmated. 1.... Qxe7 2. Qxe7 +-

Magnus Carlsen vs Veselin Topalov, 2010 1. dxe6! White temporarily sacrifices the queen to launch a powerful attack on the enemy king, eventually regaining a significant amount of material and achieving a material advantage in the end. 1....Nxd3 2. exf7+ Kf8 3. Bxh6+ Ke7 4. fxe8 (Q)+ Kxe8 5. Bxd3 +-  with Bxg6 and Bxh7 to follow, there is no defense against this threat.