Oh! this opponent, this collaborator against his will, whose notion of Beauty always differs from yours and whose means (strength, imagination, technique) are often too limited to help you effectively! What torment, to have your thinking and your phantasy tied down by another person!

During a chess tournament a master must envisage himself as a cross between an ascetic monk and a beast of prey.

During a Chess competition a Chessmaster should be a combination of a beast of prey and a monk

For success I consider three factors are necessary: firstly, an awareness of my own strengths and weaknesses; secondly, an accurate understanding of my opponent's strengths and weaknesses; thirdly, a higher aim than momentary satisfaction. I see this aim as being scientific and artistic achievements, which place the game of chess on a par with other arts.

Chess for me is not a game, but an art. Yes, and I take upon myself all those responsibilities which an art imposes on its adherents.

Chess, like other arts, must be practiced to be appreciated.

I consider chess an art, and accept all those responsibilities which art places upon its devotees.