Is it possible that Maurice has greater chess understanding than

No.

I suppose there might be circumstances that a greater understanding might not translate to a better player, but all I can think about is some sort of crippling anxiety when dealing with people

not even close

>>54843677
No. Having the better underdstanding is being the better player.

>>54843677
Magnus is Great.

>>54843677
The only way that could be true is if magnus's superior play comes from his ability to read or predict his opponent, something more like a poker skill than a chess skill, but such a skill is not worth much in a game like chess where both players have perfect information at all times.