I'm more interested in the games than the people.

I got the travel bug when I was quite young. My parents took me and my sisters out of school and we travelled all over Europe. It was an eye-opening experience and, although I love Norway, I also enjoy visiting new countries. I don't get homesick.

One of the things that first attracted me to chess is that it brings you into contact with intelligent, civilized people - men of the stature of Garry Kasparov, the former world champion, who was my part-time coach.

I really enjoy the experience of playing humans. The psychological game is so much more important.

Some people think that if their opponent plays a beautiful game, it's OK to lose. I don't. You have to be merciless.

I am trying to beat the guy sitting across from me and trying to choose the moves that are most unpleasant for him and his style.

For me right now I think being the world number one is a bigger deal than being the world champion because I think it shows better who plays the best chess. That sounds self-serving but I think it's also right.