Russian GM Ian Nepomniachtchi shared his seconding experience during a Titled Tuesday stream on his YouTube channel. Ian mentions how he helped Magnus Carlsen and admits, that while working with Peter Svidler, they spent a lot of time on playing Hearthstone.

Ian Nepomniachtchi

Ian Nepomniachtchi

Russian GM

“I haven’t really been offered to second anyone. I don’t really see myself in the role of a second.

I’ve only seconded a few times in my life. Once for Magnus Carlsen at the London Classic in 2012. He played well there, but I suspect he would have played just as well without me.

I also helped Peter Svidler a little bit at the Candidates Tournament in Moscow in 2016. But our preparation back then was, unfortunately, heavily diluted by Hearthstone. One of his seconds was responsible for chess, and I was responsible for Hearthstone…

That’s how it was. So yeah, I’m not planning to second anyone anytime soon.”

Magnus Carlsen finished first at the London Chess Classic 2012, scoring 6.5/8 points. Russian GM Peter Svidler (2682) tied for 4th–7th place at the Candidates Tournament 2016 in Moscow. Russian GM Ian Nepomniachtchi (2723) is not coaching other players currently.