It has been stated that a characteristic mark of a combination is surprise; surprise for the defender, not for the assailant, since otherwise the combination will probably be unsound.

The study of combinations should enrich the analytical spirit of studious amateurs. Thereafter the most gifted among them will be able to catch some sparks of the genius of masters, and in addition some rays of the glory that is the masters.

A defeatist spirit must inevitably lead to disaster.

Haste is never more dangerous than when you feel that victory is in your grasp.

It is not a move, even the best move that you must seek, but a realizable plan

It would be idle, and presumptuous, to wish to imitate the achievements of a Morphy or an Alekhine; but their methods and their manner of expressing themselves are within the reach of all.

All conceptions in the game of chess have a geometrical basis.