American GM Hans Moke Niemann commented on his performance at the Prague International Chess Festival 2026 in an interview with organizers. Niemann states that this is his worst tournament in a while, and notes that blunders should not be rationalized.

Hans Moke Niemann

Hans Moke Niemann

American GM

“Well, I’m happy to win at least one game. I think I played that one very well.

But I got no idea what demon possessed me in the first five games. I think it was just sleeping badly. Although, basically, if you start trying to rationalize those types of blunders — then you should probably just quit chess at this point.

Honestly, this is probably the worst tournament I’ve been to in a while. And that’s a good thing — if the worst tournament looks like this.”

The Prague International Chess Festival 2026 took place in Czech Republic from February 25 to March 6. American GM Hans Moke Niemann (2735) won one game in the tournament out of nine and finished 8th, scoring 3.5 points.

Credit: Prague International Chess Festival