There was a time in my life when I almost thought I could never lose a single duel of chess.

People who want to improve should take their defeats as lessons, and endeavor to learn what to avoid in the future. You must also have the courage of your convictions. If you think your move is good, make it.

A good player is always lucky.

Morphy gained most of his wins by playing directly and simply, and it is simple and logical method that constitutes the true brilliance of his play, if it is considered from the viewpoint of the great masters.

Chess can never reach its height by following in the path of science ... Let us, therefore, make a new effort and with the help of our imagination turn the struggle of technique into a battle of ideas.

I have not given any drawn or lost games, because I thought them inadequate to the purpose of the book.

An hour's history of two minds is well told in a game of chess.