But how difficult it can be to gain the desired full point against an opponent of inferior strength, when this is demanded by the tournament position!

I still remember Botvinnik's reaction to each of my games, right from the opening moves. At first he would express amazement, then annoyance, and, finally irritation.

Like dogs who sniff each other when meeting, chess players have a ritual at first acquaintance: they sit down to play speed chess.

It doesn't require much for misfortune to strike in the King's Gambit - one incautious move, and Black can be on the edge of the abyss.

I still love to play chess. So I do not even spend a minute on the possibility to step back.

My studies with Botvinnik brought me immense benefit, particularly the homework assignments which forced me to refer to chess books and to work independently.

I have found after 1.d4 there are more opportunities for richer play.