Magnus Carlsen participated in the Guess the Elo in Real Life format on the Team Liquid Chess channel on January 27. In the video, Magnus often used questions about favorite openings, endgame checkmating skills, and square colors knowledge to accurately determine the rating.

He guessed his opponent Thiago’s rating with particular precision:

— How long have you played chess?

— For about 20 years.

— What’s your favorite opening with the white pieces?

— Definitely the London system.

— Is B5 a light or a dark square?

— …Uh, light.

— Do you play other openings as white or do you main the London?

— I main the London.

— Do you know how to checkmate with king and rook against king?

— Probably not…

— Do you feel like you’ve improved your chess over the last 2 years?

— I would say it actually went down.

— I’m going to guess around 900.

— Yes, 977!

The Guess the Elo is a popular format on YouTube where participants determine a chess player’s rating based on the moves made in an online game. Magnus Carlsen, who plays for Esports Team Liquid, guessed his opponents’ ratings in a new way — through leading questions in-person.

Credit: Team Liquid Chess YouTube