Magnus Carlsen commented on his draw with German GM Vincent Keymer in the second round of Norway Chess 2026. Carlsen explains that he missed a strategy, and says he made bad decisions due to ‘short circuits’.

Magnus Carlsen

Magnus Carlsen

World's No. 1

“Some things were good, and some things were too bad…

After the Queen exchange, I could have just taken the Knight and broken into the opponent’s territory. I realized this immediately after the game. And it made me extremely angry!

There were several moments in the game that annoyed me a lot — when I just short-circuited and made bad decisions.”

The Norway Chess 2026 takes place from May 25 to June 5, at the Deichman Bjorvika public library, Oslo. Magnus Carlsen shares last place, and Vincent Keymer is in 4th place after two rounds.

Credit: Michal Walusza / Norway Chess