Chess University Weekly Digest #28

Speed Chess Championship Report | Puzzle Challenge

Welcome to our special Speed Chess Championship 2024 edition.

Brace for a lightning-fast clash of chess titans and rising stars. From Carlsen's reign to Firouzja's challenge and Niemann's controversies, we've got it all.

Let's dive in!

🏆 Speed Chess Championship 2024: Carlsen's Dominance Prevails

The Speed Chess Championship 2024 showcased Magnus Carlsen's unrivaled mastery of speed chess. Here are the highlights:

1. Carlsen won his 4th SCC title with a record-breaking final performance.

2. Alireza Firouzja emerged as a worthy challenger, defeating Hikaru Nakamura en route to the final.

3. Hans Niemann stirred up drama but fell when “chess spoke for itself.”

4. The event even featured a brain-chip-controlled first move!

Read on for our breakdown of the semi-finals, consolation match, and the gripping final showdown. But first, let’s warm up with a chess puzzle.

💡 Puzzle Challenge #25 - Can You Find Black’s Best Move?

SCC Semifinal 1: Alireza Firouzja vs Hikaru Nakamura

In a stunning upset, 21-year-old Alireza Firouzja defeated five-time SCC finalist Hikaru Nakamura 16-11. This marked the first time Nakamura failed to reach the SCC Final, signaling a potential changing of the guard in speed chess.

Key moments:

• Firouzja maintained control throughout the match, showcasing his rapid improvement over the past year.

• Nakamura, despite his experience, struggled to find his footing, particularly in the 3+1 segment.

• In his post-match interview, Firouzja praised Nakamura's longevity, noting, "He's very impressive. It's a pity I didn't play him when he was like 25, 26, I think it would've been a much greater match, much closer match probably... he's one of the legends, of course."

SCC Semifinal 2: Magnus Carlsen vs Hans Niemann

World #1 Magnus Carlsen emerged victorious against Hans Niemann with a score of 17.5-12.5. However, the match was not without controversy and tension.

Key moments:

• Carlsen dominated the early stages, at one point holding a 10-point lead.

• A dramatic incident occurred when a game was aborted due to Niemann citing technical issues. Carlsen, visibly frustrated, had been in a winning position at the time.

• Post-match, Carlsen expressed relief at the match being over, stating, "I was going through the motions for a long time. I just wanted the match to be over with."

SCC Consolation Match: Hikaru Nakamura vs Hans Niemann

In a dazzling display of speed chess mastery, Hikaru Nakamura claimed third place with a commanding 21-9 victory over Hans Niemann. The match was a roller coaster of brilliant plays and dramatic moments.

Key highlights:

1. Blitz blitzkrieg: Nakamura dominated the 3+1 portion 7.5-1.5, essentially sealing the match before bullet began.

2. Houdini act: Nakamura's 60...Nf5!? escape in a lost position left Niemann visibly jaw-dropped.

3. Game of the Day: Despite the loss, Niemann won the most spectacular game with a series of sacrifices culminating in a beautiful checkmate.

Post-match fireworks:

Nakamura didn't mince words: "3 of 4 players here are at a certain level... I think it showed that when Hans says all these things he's just not at the same level."

The match reaffirmed Nakamura's elite status while highlighting Niemann's potential for growth in the high-stakes world of speed chess.

SCC Final Match: Magnus Carlsen vs Alireza Firouzja

Magnus Carlsen proved once again why he's the king of speed chess, crushing Alireza Firouzja with a staggering 23.5-7.5 victory in the Speed Chess Championship 2024 final.

Key highlights:

1. Carlsen lost just 5 games in 4 hours, winning 21 and drawing 5.

2. This is Carlsen's 4th Speed Chess Championship title, with the largest margin of victory in SCC final history.

3. Segment scores:

   • 5+1 Blitz: Carlsen 6-3 Firouzja

   • 3+1 Blitz: Carlsen 8-2 Firouzja

   • 1+1 Bullet: Carlsen 9.5-2.5 Firouzja

Special moments:

• Neuralink patient Noland Arbaugh made the ceremonial first moves using his brain chip!

• Carlsen found a rare two knights vs. one pawn endgame, with a theoretical mate in 20+ moves.

• In one game, four queens graced the board without a single pawn in sight.

Post-match comments:

Carlsen, beaming with satisfaction: "I think I'll be around for a while still and they will have to earn it. I'm not going to necessarily give it to them."

When asked about learning anything new about Hans Niemann after their Friday match, Carlsen's curt response? "No, not really."

The crown remains firmly on Magnus Carlsen's head, with Firouzja and the next generation left to ponder how to dethrone the best chess player of all time.

♔ On Sale: Improving Your Game Analysis

🎉 Until Next Week

That’s all for today’s newsletter. Stay tuned for our online chess camp announcements and exciting chess action in the upcoming World Rapid and Blitz Championships.

Kairav Joshi
President and CEO
ChessUniversity.com