One of the things that first attracted me to chess is that it brings you into contact with intelligent, civilized people - men of the stature of Garry Kasparov, the former world champion, who was my part-time coach.

I am trying to beat the guy sitting across from me and trying to choose the moves that are most unpleasant for him and his style.

Kids love games and chess is a game where you have to sit down and concentrate and it just helps in every way.

I don't really watch too many movies. I don't have the patience usually to watch one, one and a half or two hours in a row.

I can’t count the times I have lagged seemingly hopelessly far behind, and nobody except myself thinks I can win. But I have pulled myself in from desperate [situations]. When you are behind there are two strategies - counter-attack or all men to the defences. I’m good at finding the right balance between those.

I'm not really into rap.

I get more upset at losing at other things than chess. I always get upset when I lose at Monopoly.