The Impact of Alcohol on Chess: A Drunken Experiment with Levy Rozman and Magnus Carlsen

Levy Rozman, also known as GothamChess, recently posed a thought-provoking question to Magnus Carlsen during an interview: “How many beers would it take for you to drink for me to beat you in a classical chess game?” Magnus Carlsen, the current world number one chess player, responded with a smile, stating that he would probably start with 20 and take it from there. This intriguing exchange sparked curiosity about the impact of alcohol on chess performance, leading to an experiment conducted by a news writer.

In this experiment, the news writer, along with his nephew Willow, tested the validity of Magnus Carlsen’s 20-drink hypothesis by competing against each other in chess while the news writer became increasingly intoxicated. The games were played using shot glasses as chess pieces, with the news writer having to drink the contents of each piece he captured. The experiment involved three games, with the news writer consuming varying amounts of alcohol before each game.

The results of the experiment revealed interesting findings. As the news writer consumed more alcohol, his chess performance declined significantly. While the first game was won comfortably, the subsequent games showed a noticeable decrease in accuracy and strategic decision-making. The experiment highlighted the impact of alcohol on cognitive functions and decision-making in chess.

Additionally, the news writer delved into the history of alcohol in chess, recounting stories of famous players who relied on alcohol during games. The experiment also raised questions about the potential effects of alcohol on chess players’ performance and the implications of playing under the influence.

In conclusion, the experiment provided valuable insights into the relationship between alcohol consumption and chess performance. While the results may not definitively answer the question posed to Magnus Carlsen, they shed light on the complexities of playing chess under the influence of alcohol. The engaging news story offers a unique perspective on the intersection of chess, alcohol, and cognitive function.