Magnus Carlsen shocked by Ian Nepomniachtchi’s move

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Following the first game of the World Chess Championship match between Ian Nepomniachtchi and Ding Liren, Grandmaster Jan Gustafsson noted that Ding seemed surprised by 7.Re1.

Gustafsson added “Its a sideline but if you stick to the Marshall for the match it should have been checked.”

Magnus Carlsen appeared to be shocked that such move is possible. He asked Gustafsson, his second in several World Championship matches, “Did we check this for 2016 or 2021? I had no idea 7.Re1 existed.”

Did we check this for 2016 or 2021? I had no idea 7.Re1 existed https://t.co/Pj3mar1zP0

— Magnus Carlsen (@MagnusCarlsen) April 9, 2023

Gustafsson replied that he noticed 7.Re1 in 2019 as chess engine Leela liked it.

I noticed its a move in 2019 checking sidelines for the course as leela liked it. 2016 have my doubts it was a thing/on the radar.

— Jan Gustafsson (@GMJanGustafsson) April 9, 2023

@ChessJoscho added that GM Hans-Joachim Hecht mentioned 7.Re1 as possibility back in 1980.

7. Re1 is already mentioned in a German booklet by Hans-Joachim Hecht from the 1980s (Schach- und Turniertaktik, Kleine Schachbücherei Band 9, Beyer Verlag). He focuses on 7. .. Bg4 but also touches Nd7 briefly.

— Joscho (@ChessJoscho) April 9, 2023

Several chess fans used this opportunity to jab at Carlsen for his previously stated indifference about the World Chess Championship match.

Magnus: I don't even remotely care

also Magnus: https://t.co/c8IMx3TlaS

— Parrot Korchn0ia (@n0ia_de_capa) April 9, 2023

Magnus Carlsen before the match: "I don't care."

Magnus Carlsen as soon as the match begins: https://t.co/BxcgTvw9b1

— Joseph Robert Schneider (@cheekybigfoot) April 9, 2023