You have to choose the move that feels right sometimes; that's what intuition is.

I learnt an enormous amount, but there came a point where I found there was too much stress. It was no fun any more. Outside of the chessboard I avoid conflict, so I thought this wasn't worth it.

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

I've never really had a favorite player, past or present.

I'm more interested in the games than the people.

If you want to get to the top, there's always the risk that it will isolate you from other people.

Self-confidence is very important. If you don't think you can win, you will take cowardly decisions in the crucial moments, out of sheer respect for your opponent. You see the opportunity but also greater limitations than you should. I have always believed in what I do on the chessboard, even when I had no objective reason to. It is better to overestimate your prospects than underestimate them.