I ... have two vocations: chess and engineering. If I played chess only, I believe that my success would not have been significantly greater. I can play chess well only when I have fully convalesced from chess and when the 'hunger for chess' once more awakens within me.

It must be clearly understood that Soviet players do not seek simple systems in the opening, but try to formulate opening systems in which everything is complicated, distinctive, or new.

Above all else, before playing in competitions a player must have regard to his health, for if he is suffering from ill-health he cannot hope for success. In this connection the best of all tonics is 15 to 20 days in the fresh air, in the country.

I only think well when my mind is calm.

Chess mastery essentially consists of analyzing Chess positions accurately

Don't worry kids, you'll find work. After all, my machine will need strong chess player-programmers. You will be the first.

Chess cannot be taught. Chess can only be learned.