Caruana Talks About Strategy, Firouzja
The Opening press conference was held this morning at the monumental Palacio de Santona in Madrid. The only player participating in the Candidates to take part in the opening press conference was Fabiano Caruana, for whom this will be the fourth time to play in this event.
Caruana had the chance to answer some questions and give us an idea of what it means to play at the Candidates, which is the best strategy for victory, and what are the chances for the 19-year-old GM Alireza Firouzja. Here are some key points of his answers.
What does it mean to play a tournament like this?
“The tension of this tournament is only surpassed by the world championship match. For me, that was the highest tension I had ever felt in my life. Chess is a game, but it feels massively important when you’re in the midst of it,” said the American. “The most important thing to understand is that all of the players here, from their childhood – they had one dream, which is to become world champion.”
The final games of the tournament
“I think the final games of this tournament are usually where the differences are made. It shows who can handle the stress and tension best.”
The best strategy for winning the Candidates
“The best strategy is to be patient and not panic if you don’t start winning from the start. Starting well doesn’t guarantee victory, nor that you have to push for wins from the start. Patience and waiting for your chances are usually the strategy that paid off for the past winners.”
Is the financial reward a motivation?
“I didn’t know what it [the money prize] was until you mentioned it. Because anything which isn’t the first place to me would be considered a disappointment.”
What are the chances for the youngest participant, Alireza Firouzja?
“He is not a very experienced player. He is super gifted and super strong, but he hasn’t played in this event before, and it is a different event from the ones he’s played in. [...] So, I don’t think it’s impossible for a first-timer to potentially win a [Candidates] tournament. I think he is also quite smart in his approach to chess and how he prepares. He has chances for sure. His ascent to World No 2 position was a little bit of momentum. I don’t think it fully conveyed his level compared to other top players in the world, but momentum carries you far, and I’ve experienced this myself”
