What does Magnus Carlsen do every day?
What does chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, the world‘s highest rated player for over 10 years now, do on a normal day to stay at the peak of a notoriously competitive game? With utmost dedication blended seamlessly into his balanced lifestyle, Carlsen shows us that supreme chess brilliance thrives on variety, not burnout.
60 Minutes of Exercise for Physical and Mental Performance
For Carlsen, age 32, no two days look exactly alike, but daily exercise is a constant. Typically getting at least 60 minutes, he mixes up soccer, basketball and swimming – stamina-building activities. This serves him well during lengthy tournaments where he could sit for 50+ hours over a two week span! Solid fitness also enhances mental acuity, keeping his creative chess juices flowing. According to grandmaster peers, Carlsen has a particularly keen ability to visualize positions many moves ahead.
Analyzing the Masters – Both Classic and Contemporary
Beyond exercise, Carlsen dedicates 2-3 hours reviewing and analyzing other chess games. Deep study of history‘s legends like Bobby Fischer, combined with recent games of his competitors, grows his vast knowledge of openings, tactics and endgame scenarios. Carlsen also uses chess tools like ChessBase and the Stockfish engine to experiment with countless move variations. This rigorous yet enjoyable preparation is the counterbalance to his athletic activity.
Brain Foods for World Champion Thinking
Extreme mental exertion at the tournament level requires the right fuel. While traveling for matches, personal chef Henrik Carlsen ensures Magnus gets the veggies, proteins and iron he needs. Things like lentils, chickpeas and spinach keep cognitively sharp. According to Dutch neuropsychologist Dr. Barbara Sahakian, data shows nutritional psychiatry boosts blood flow supporting complex planning tasks – like the thinking involved in chess strategy!
Rest and Relaxation to Refresh a Brilliant Mind
World class play isn‘t possible without adequate rest. In the days before major tournaments or matches, Carlsen sleeps up to 16 hours to let his subconscious work its magic, revealing creative moves. And periodic relaxation during events is critical too – taking a walk outdoors, reading, enjoying time with family or playing casual card games with his father. This balanced lifestyle is instrumental to Carlsen‘s longevity at the top.
Since first becoming World Champion in 2013 at age 22, the Norwegian GM has earned over $10 million in career prize money alone. He holds the peak FIDE rating of 2889, an all-time record, and his total +300 global ranking score is 100 points higher than anyone else in history! It‘s easy to see why Magnus Carlsen is deemed the "Mozart of Chess". His harmonious life tuned seamlessly for both optimal performance and personal enjoyment lets him continue composing chess masterpieces year after year.
