According to several players NRK has spoken to, conditions were mostly perfect during the Blitz and Speed ​​Chess World Championships.

Dutch star player Anish Giri also thinks so, praising the facilities they play at.

There is still something bothering him.

In his private cottage inside the “Baluan Sholak sports palace” in Almaty, Magnus Carlsen has free access to his cell phone between games. Mobile access also has other players, but in contrast to Norway’s biggest chess, phones are locked in cupboards some distance from the actual players area.

– It’s not ideal. It would be better if nobody could do it – play the whole championship without being able to prepare (between games), Giri told Chessbase India.

– Only one player can

As in most chess tournaments, it is not allowed to have your cell phone near you during the match. It is also illegal to carry cell phones near play areas.

In Almaty, arrangements have been made for players to leave their mobile phones and other electronic devices in locked cabinets, located some distance from the play and rest areas after games.

– It’s great for players if you can look at your phone between games and prepare a bit. Now only one player can do that, claims Giri.

When asked if he meant Magnus Carlsen, he answered clearly “Yes”.

In NRK’s ​​answer, Henrik Carlsen, Magnus Carlsen’s father and manager, writes about mobile access that “it’s not just Magnus who has access”.

The Norwegian captured WC gold in rapid chess on Wednesdayand begins Thursday the hunt to recreate feats in blitz chess.

– Not good

Fide pointed out to NRK that all players can use their phones between games, and it’s up to everyone if they choose to do so.

Critics of Giri seem to focus mainly on the logistics surrounding it, and accessibility being more difficult for them than Carlsen.

– The better aspect of preparation is not good, says the Dutchman.

Russian Grandmaster Daniil Dobuv is less harsh than his critics, but admits that mobile access is challenging.

– Technically I could, if I really wanted to (get it). But then I had to go through another security check, the Russian told NRK

– Took a long time?

– Yes. Sometimes if you finish the lot early you can do that. But usually I don’t do that, he replied.

Equal rights

It’s nothing new that the biggest stars and reigning world champions get special treatment during tournaments. Carlsen was on several occasions given a separate room during championships.

Fide confirmed that this time it would be the same.

– He is constantly in the spotlight and exposed to more public pressure than any other actor. For his safety and privacy, the world champion usually has a separate room at important events, wrote Fide’s press representative, Milan Dinic, in a message to NRK.

When it comes to criticism about access to mobile use, Dinic answered as follows:

– The same rules apply to him as to other players. After a round, players can go to their lockers and pick up the phone to check in play, but some people just listen to music to relax. Some players also have their coach (outside the playing area) who follows and analyzes the game.

Support treatment

Dubov fully understands that Carlsen accepted the treatment he received.

– Being Magnus is something special in general. This has advantages and disadvantages too. To have one of your own “the lounge” must be upside down.

– Is it unfair?

– That is not fair. It put him a little off balance. He has some advantages that we don’t have, but also vice versa. When I came out five people asked me to take pictures, if Magnus did that he would never be allowed to leave the place, said Dubov.