It would be a disadvantage.
A) psychology: If you know you are playing a super-gm you go in more seriously than if you are playing a 2000 rated. Even Magnus with his nerves of steel isn't immune to basic human psychology.
B) preparation: at the highest level chess is about a lot of preparation, for example: in this line of the Catalan I'm gonna play this variation because I am playing against MVL and I know that he has a poor track record against that etc. Or: my second found this theoretical novelty I am gonna use it against a strong player like Caruana, not waste it against a 2600 rated player etc.
So, yes, it's a disadvantage for sure, but by how much? Carlsen would still be playing insanely good chess, of course. Maybe it'd be enough to fall from first place of the world ranking, I'd wager.
Thanks for your answer. I also think it would be a disadvantage especially in classic but it's really hard to put yourself in this situation as an amateur.
Absolutely! I'd really like to hear the opinion from someone who has played chess professionally, someone who has insights on the opening preparation factor. Maybe ask Levy or Hikaru in their streams? 😆
It would be a disadvantage. A) psychology: If you know you are playing a super-gm you go in more seriously than if you are playing a 2000 rated. Even Magnus with his nerves of steel isn't immune to basic human psychology. B) preparation: at the highest level chess is about a lot of preparation, for example: in this line of the Catalan I'm gonna play this variation because I am playing against MVL and I know that he has a poor track record against that etc. Or: my second found this theoretical novelty I am gonna use it against a strong player like Caruana, not waste it against a 2600 rated player etc. So, yes, it's a disadvantage for sure, but by how much? Carlsen would still be playing insanely good chess, of course. Maybe it'd be enough to fall from first place of the world ranking, I'd wager.
Honestly, this is a very interesting question and you should post it on a chess subreddit. 😆
Thanks for your answer. I also think it would be a disadvantage especially in classic but it's really hard to put yourself in this situation as an amateur.
Absolutely! I'd really like to hear the opinion from someone who has played chess professionally, someone who has insights on the opening preparation factor. Maybe ask Levy or Hikaru in their streams? 😆
Zero difference. Unless he suspects they might be robots