A candid conversation with Mr. Carlsen

This morning I had breakfast with Mr. Carlsen, Magnus’ Dad, a very pleasant gentleman. We both acknowledged that it is nice that the environment is so friendly among the world’s elite players today. They discuss politics, sports, music, literature, many other issues, while having fun and joking around when they do not fight against each other on the chessboard.

Mr. Carlsen also said that Magnus has three sisters, ranging in age 11 to 19. Two of them play chess, although not as seriously as their superstar brother. However, they are good enough to represent Norway in some International Youth Competitions. The girls are also involved in music, horse riding and other activities. However, their favorite circle is the chess community! The Carlsen sisters will arrive in a few days to support Magnus for the second half the Grand Slam Final.

Magnus likes Italian and Mexican food, but not keen on fish, unlike his Dad and most Scandinavians. He is not home schooled (as many young chess prodigies are), but attends a special school for top Norwegian Athletes (when he is not at tournaments), where GM Simen Agdestein is still his coach.

Mr. Carlsen had doubted himself time to time for years whether to support his son’s passion for chess which requires so much time. Today he is convinced that they made the right choice. Not only because he can make a good living by chess but because he is also very touched by individual stories of how young fans of Magnus look up to him as their idol.