cardlygiro

Garry - As a casual chess player, I find the first 3 - 4 opening moves to be very boring and predictable. A mere formality to get to the real action when pieces are in better position.

I play it safe with the 'Sicilian defense' against good players or attempt a 'fools mate' against a novice player.

Suggestions for how to make the opening game more exciting and fun?

Garry - I hear a lot about the different playing styles of the greats:
Anand supposedly spends his prep spending hundreds of hours strategizing against a chess computer (a workman like Rafa Nadal).
Fischer, yourself and Magnus are supposed be natural geniuses who get on with your attacking instincts (like Roger Federer).
Can you explain the playing styles in a way a casual player would understand?

Garry - As we all know Vladimir Putin is a great ice hokey player, shirtless horse rider and martial arts expert. How do you think he'll fare in a game of chess against you?

In all seriousness, I'm a big fan of your activism. I hope you get to see Russia restored to a legitimate, functioning democracy in your lifetime. Stay safe and my best regards.