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Who is the real GOAT (Greatest of All Time)?

The debate between fans of Kasparov, Fischer, Carlsen or Karpov never dies down.

The debate between fans of Kasparov, Fischer, Carlsen or Karpov never dies down.

Wilhelm Steinitz was the best.
But most probably Carlsen is technically the best now.

Wilhelm Steinitz was the best. But most probably Carlsen is technically the best now.

kasparov for me just because of the sheer intensity of his approach. the games he played in the 90s at his peak had this aggression that nobody has really matched. i actually have a few annotated kasparov games saved on movebookchess.com that i go back to sometimes just to study the ideas. there is something really instructive about watching how he handled the initiative in sharp positions, the way he kept pressure without overextending

kasparov for me just because of the sheer intensity of his approach. the games he played in the 90s at his peak had this aggression that nobody has really matched. i actually have a few annotated kasparov games saved on movebookchess.com that i go back to sometimes just to study the ideas. there is something really instructive about watching how he handled the initiative in sharp positions, the way he kept pressure without overextending

magnus for me and i don't think it's particularly close. fischer was obviously a genius but the era difference matters. magnus has been world #1 for over a decade now against a much deeper competitive pool

what makes him special to me is the endgame conversion. i've been studying his games on movebookchess.com — annotating positions where he converts minimal advantages and the technique is just on another level. most GMs know what to do, magnus actually does it consistently

kasparov makes a strong case too especially for sheer preparation and opening innovation but i keep coming back to longevity at the top

magnus for me and i don't think it's particularly close. fischer was obviously a genius but the era difference matters. magnus has been world #1 for over a decade now against a much deeper competitive pool what makes him special to me is the endgame conversion. i've been studying his games on movebookchess.com — annotating positions where he converts minimal advantages and the technique is just on another level. most GMs know what to do, magnus actually does it consistently kasparov makes a strong case too especially for sheer preparation and opening innovation but i keep coming back to longevity at the top

IMO, it is Kasparov. He was the world champion for 15 whole years, and he was clearly better than his competitors. He was #1 from 1984 to 2005 (till his retirement).

Carlsen himself has acknowledged that Kasparov was the greatest chess player of all time.

IMO, it is Kasparov. He was the world champion for 15 whole years, and he was clearly better than his competitors. He was #1 from 1984 to 2005 (till his retirement). Carlsen himself has acknowledged that Kasparov was the greatest chess player of all time.

Garry Kasparov.

This is an objective assessment cos 20 years no 1., 3 times defense against Karpov.

Fischer only cleanly best from 1970-1972. Wasn't dominant against Soviets in 60's.

Carlsen only no.1 for 16 years vs Kasparov 20 years. Carlsen also reduces Classical play to a minimum and quit World Championship to reduce chances of losing, which negatively impacts GOAT claim.

Top 4:

Kasparov
Carlsen
Karpov
Fischer

Karpov above Fischer cos longer time as no.1, longer longevity and more World Championships + almost equal record against Kasparov.

**Garry Kasparov.** This is an objective assessment cos 20 years no 1., 3 times defense against Karpov. Fischer only cleanly best from 1970-1972. Wasn't dominant against Soviets in 60's. Carlsen only no.1 for 16 years vs Kasparov 20 years. Carlsen also reduces Classical play to a minimum and quit World Championship to reduce chances of losing, which negatively impacts GOAT claim. Top 4: Kasparov Carlsen Karpov Fischer Karpov above Fischer cos longer time as no.1, longer longevity and more World Championships + almost equal record against Kasparov.

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