About this video

• Video Title: He gave a 2-hour interview in Russian. My recap
• Channel: Chess with Mustreader
• Speakers: Mustreader (Narrator)
• Duration: 00:28:41

Overview

This video provides a recap and analysis of a two-hour interview given by Vladimir Kramnik in Russian. The interviewer discusses Kramnik's views on the late Grandmaster Daniel Naritzki, his anti-cheating campaign, and the perceived consequences of his actions. The narrator offers commentary and personal opinions on Kramnik's statements and behavior.

Key takeaways

• Kramnik's Role in Naritzki's Death: Kramnik claims he noticed strange things about Naritzki, tried to help him, and drew attention to Naritzki's distressed state in his last stream. He states he learned of Naritzki's passing due to an influx of DMs and threats, which he attributes to an "orchestrated campaign" by a "chess mafia."
• Denial of Bullying and Accusations: Kramnik denies bullying Naritzki or directly accusing him of cheating, stating he was merely "asking questions" and presenting data. He distinguishes between his actions and direct accusations, referencing a specific incident where Naritzki admitted to using an engine in a training game.
• "Chess Mafia" Theory: Kramnik believes in a "chess mafia" controlling information and illusions in the chess world. The narrator finds this theory far-fetched but acknowledges Kramnik's belief stems from a distrust of institutions.
• Legal Threats: Kramnik announced his intention to sue those who "smear" him or speak negatively about his role in the events, which the narrator sees as a potential intimidation tactic due to Kramnik's financial resources.
• Impact on Others: The narrator highlights statistics showing Kramnik publicly attacked Daniel Naritzki and David Navara. Navara reportedly considered suicide due to cyberbullying and pressure, while Naritzki is also presented as a victim of Kramnik's content.
• Shimanov Suspicion: Kramnik directly admitted to suspecting Grandmaster Alexander Shimanov of cheating, a claim the narrator finds surprising given Shimanov's transparent streaming practices.
• Intuition vs. Data: Kramnik relies on his intuition as a top chess player to identify suspicious behavior, while the narrator questions the reliability of such intuition and emphasizes the need for rigorous testing and data analysis.
• Kramnik's Desire for Peace: When asked about his dream, Kramnik expressed a desire for a vacation, to turn off his phone, and for the online "wars" to end, seeking peace and quiet.