Viswanathan Anand is an Indian chess grandmaster and former FIDE world champion. Anand is one of only four players in history to break the 2800 ELO mark in the FIDE rating list. He has been among the top three ranked players in classical time control chess in the world continuously since 1997.

In the recently release April 2007 FIDE rating list, Anand is ranked first in the world for the first time. He is only the sixth person to lead the rating list, the other five being Fischer, Karpov, Kasparov, Kramnik and Topalov. In this interview with Viswanathan Anand, he tells us about the importance of daily physical exercise for the chess players, his views on modification of draw rules, cheating at high-level tournaments, about the playing style of the world's strongest chess players, computer chess programs, how children can manage the balance of both academics as well as chess. We hope our readers would enjoy reading the interview with few rare snaps of Viswanathan Anand.

 

Hello Anand, We are glad to have you on LatestChess. Congratulations for winning Linares 2007 Chess Championship, you performed very well in Amber Rapid and Blindfold Tournament as well. You must be very happy with your performances.

Thank you very much. of course I am very happy.

Do you think daily physical exercise can help a chess player to increase brain's ability to concentrate, remember, focus, visualize, and plan ahead? Could you tell our readers about your views on importance of physical fitness + chess.

In chess a small mistake can cost you the game. If you are tired then you make errors in calculations. I go to the gym everyday and it helps me concentrate longer. Especially when you play a tough tournament you need to conserve energy for the last rounds.

What are your views on modifications in Draw rules? Do you think that draw offers should be allowed only after the minimum number of moves (30, 40, 50) are completed, draw offers should not be allowed at all, or the current rules should not be changed?

I think there is no need to have rules. I personally feel as a chess player you have a certain duty to play . For your self conscience and for the public you need to play a decent game. Chess theory sometimes also makes it difficult to progress in certain lines. I feel that the current rules need not be changed. I believe that individual organizers can decide these rules for themselves (like in Corsica).

Anand analyzing games with demo chess board

Do you consider the possibility of cheating at high-level tournaments as a serious problem? What measures would you suggest to reduce such a possibility?

More than cheating, the thought that someone could cheat is more serious. Seconds should be prohibited from going on stage or into the player's area before the game. They should also not be allowed to enter the playing hall and leave and re-enter during a game. It is actually a bit strange to police people. But in today's time where a mobile phone is more than enough to cheat we need to take these steps. Delay in transmission is one step.

Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand with wife Aruna

What do you think about Kasparov's sudden decision to stop playing tournament chess? In the closing ceremony at Linares, he told you, "I'm out, now you're the oldest! You're the dinosaur now!" so how's the feeling of being dinosaur.

It was a joke.

All the world champions came from Russia, except you and Bobby Fischer. What could be the reasons?

Difficult to say. Maybe we have talent and worked very hard.

You have played with almost all top Grandmasters and world champions of the recent times, could you tell us about the playing styles behaviors or some incidents with Karpov, Kasparov, Kramin and Topalov.

Each one them has a distinct style. Karpov - is a very gifted player. He can calculate on the board very well. If you make even a slight inaccuracy he knows how to maximize your mistake Kasparov - He is one of the best prepared players. He is a complete player and brings a lot of energy and preparation to the board Kramnik - he is a very solid player. One of the greatest Russian talents. Topalov - A very aggresive player . He always tries to maximize his position even when the advantage is not evident.

Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand with principal

You have played with computer chess programs like Rebel, Fritz. How was your experience playing with these programs? Which computer chess program do you use?

You have to think differently when playing a machine. You cannot outdo it in calculations so you have to try and get it out of book. I use many programs.

In couple of years computer technologies will further advance. Do you think Computers will surely beat everyone including the most celebrated Grand Masters and World Champions? Do you think the playing style matters when you play against computers, computers find it hard against positional players?

Just because a mathematician uses a calculator does it mean a calculator is going to replace mathematics. It is the same for chess. The computer is very strong in analysis and calculations With processing speed increasing they will be powerful in their work.

Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand with other Grandmasters

In India, Many young chess players are ready to take a break in the education and they are fully focused on chess preparations, do you think it is a risky approach considering the risk of the failure possibility?

A normal childhood is very important. It is healthy to have a lot of interests and go to school . It is not just academics but also the need to interact with other children . Children are very smart and they can very easily learn to balance both academics and chess.

You are member of ACP and also Chess Players Association of India, what role should these bodies play and is it useful to have players associations? do you plan to take lead role in any of this organizations in future?

They provide a platform and a voice for the chess players. They are able to act on decisions and matters that affect chess . I do try and help when I can but I dont see myself taking a lead role for the next few years at least.

Anand with Karpov

Whom you consider as next V. Anand from India?

Tough to say. Sasi & Hari are the close contenders.

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