Levon Aronian spoke about Hans Moke Niemann’s game at the Chess Olympiad 2026. Levon says that Hans played a bad variation and got lucky. Aronian jokes that Niemann should study Classical theory. Levon spoke about it in an interview with Chess24.

Levon Aronian

Levon Aronian

American GM

“[Question: When you saw your teammate playing the line that Magnus fell into against you, what were your thoughts?]

I thought it was going to be a disaster, because I know that after a specific line this variant is just crushing. White regains the material with a big advantage.

[Question: Did you recognize right away that Hans was playing the same thing that Magnus played against you?]

Sure, I recognized the same mistakes he has done.

[Question: What does that say about his resilience in the event?]

I think he just got lucky. His opponent didn’t know the line!

[Question: What are you going to say to Hans when you leave the interview and go chat with him?]

I’ll say, maybe, he needs to study his Classics.”

The Chess Olympiad 2026 takes place from September 16 to 27 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Hans Moke Niemann defeated Aleksandar Indjic in Round 8 of the event. Hans played the main line Semi-Slav Defense and gained a significant advantage by move 34. Team USA is in 6th place with 13 points after 8 days of the event.

Credit: Rafal Oleksiewicz / FIDE