Return to Chess 9 | Attempting to Comprehend Alireza Firouzja

Hey, everyone.  I'm really stoked to write this blog, as it focuses on my favorite chess player, Alireza Firouzja!  Right now, I'm studying his Caro-Kann games, as he is the greatest player who plays the Caro-Kann regularly, which, coincidentally, is my favorite opening.  I'd also like to expound more about my thoughts on the super-GM, as I try to understand his thought process on the board and off.

For the accompanying video, I decided to show a game that I analyzed in order to train, which was Karjakin v Firouzja in the 2020 FIDE Chess.com Online Nations Cup.  This game of Firouzja's, in my opinion, illustrates why he is one of the best in the world.  Moves such as Kf8, along with his whole opening, middlegame, and endgame prowess make him undoubtedly a top talent in our game.

Now, I'll talk about a topic that many have given their opinion on: Alireza's underwhelming performance in the 2022 Candidates.  In November of 2020, I released a YT video stating why I believed that Firouzja would be the next World Champion.  Many fans and chess professionals alike shared in my opinion, placing immense pressure on the 19-year-old.  Unfortunately, I'll call it how it is: Alireza did not have a good tournament.  However, I still feel as if he will be the one who dethrones Magnus Carlsen.

I personally feel as if an aspect that all tournament players (definitely including myself) can take a lesson from Firouzja, seeing the human aspect of players playing in high-level tournaments.  To me, it's obvious that Firouzja is extremely competitive and desperately wants to win: this is a quality that is admirable.  Furthermore, while his counterparts such as Magnus, Nepo, and others possess a similar desire to win at all costs and killer instinct, I've noticed through their body languages how they are able to harness their competitive energy and use it to their advantage.  In my opinion, Alireza's competitive nature is a blessing, yet a curse, as he has not managed to master the containment of his competitiveness into his chess; Instead, it breaks out into blunders and frustration.

Moreover, I know that I can relate to Firouzja, as I am an extraordinarily competitive player who sometimes wears his emotions on his sleeve.  I am a firm believer that passion is great; however, un-harnessed emotion can do harm over the board.

Feel free in the comments to let me know if you agree, disagree, or have other points of emphasis.  I'm always willing to listen to new perspectives.

Alireza, if you're reading, I hope you and your family are well, man.  You seem like a really upstanding guy, and I wish you nothing but success and will be cheering you on.

Jack