But I think his whole, “I don’t care” mantra is not what it’s portrayed. He still cares, and he’s been very well prepared for each opponent, I think it’s more about how he’s not being miserable with it anymore. More care free, than grinding. It’s allowing him to play more relaxed and see more. He’s the least emotionally attached to any single tactic he begins that is possible. He has a strategy, but he’s not invested in it so he allows himself to be brutally honest with every move. He’ll abandon something the second it’s no longer the best course.
He also understands game theory as well as Carlsen does. He understands that his opponents get emotionally invested in tactics and he can use that against them.
Nakamura has always had weak openings, but he might have the second most powerful chess computer between his ears in the chess world to Carlsen. Carlsen is a freak of nature, when the chips are down he’ll make the most accurate moves. I’d love to see this version of Hikaru vs Carlsen in world title mode. I’d be really intrigued by the team Hikaru puts together too. If he could get Duda, Levin, and Fabiano in his corner he’d come up with something fun for Carlsen to deal with.
= new reply since forum marked as read