Carlsen's Dilemma: Selfie or Rules?

0:00On April 9th, at the Grenki Chess Festival in Germany, 18-year-old Kazat Grandmaster Alua Nerman snagged a quick selfie with World No. 1. Magnus Carlson as they sat down the play. The 35-year-old champ leaned in with a smile for the shot, but right after, he walked over to an official and reported her for having a phone. At the board, which straight up violates the no-device policy. Nerman handed over her phone without much fuss, and the game went on. Carlson faced a tough call, say no to the pick, and look like a bad sport, or let it slide and ignore the rules. He chose to play it by the book after agreeing to the photo. Nerman took it in stride, sharing the selfie online, and giving a nod to Carlson's trick side. Chess fans lit up with debate. Some called him overly rigid, while others said rules are rules for everyone to keep things fair. Phones stay banned in top tournaments to block cheating apps that spit out perfect moves, and with prizes up to 58,000 pounds at stake, they check players hard.

1:00No hint Nerman planned anything shady. She even said she got the idea from another grandmaster who tried it last year. Carlson cruised the victory in that match anyway, proving once again why he's the king of the board, while holding the line on integrity.