English GM David Howell explained how he helped Magnus Carlsen prepare for Norway Chess 2026. Howell says he told Carlsen about a rare move while they were in a hot tub, and notes that Magnus could not remember who suggested the move to him.
David Howell
English GM, commentator“Magnus played an opening I’d chatted about with him in a hot tub just two weeks before the tournament.
Magnus thought for almost half an hour before deciding to play the extremely rare move. It’s not the best, I was joking about it with him in that hot tub. But Magnus decided to draw inspiration from it.
And a few moves later, he got a decent position, bringing his pieces out, he ended up making a very solid draw, winning the Armageddon. It was a great day for him.
The twist is, in a confessional, Magnus didn’t remember who he spoke about it with… I was a bit offended, but he apologized.”
The Norway Chess 2026 takes place from May 25 to June 5, at the Deichman Bjorvika public library, Oslo. Magnus Carlsen played the move in round 7 of the tournament against Vincent Keymer. Magnus is in 3rd place with 9/21 points after 7 rounds.
Credit: David Howell X
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