We have a large underclass in Britain, and a fairly low standard of education. Our best universities are extremely good, but a very significant proportion of the British population that comes out of compulsory schooling with very low standards of education.

Chess is, in essence, a game for children. Computers have exacerbated the trends towards youth because they now have an immensely powerful tool at their disposal and can absorb vast amounts of information extremely quickly.

Modern Chess is too much concerned with things like Pawn structure. Forget it, Checkmate ends the game

If your opponent offers you a draw, try to work out why he thinks he's worse off

I cannot claim to thoroughly enjoy coaching, because it is very hard work if you are even moderately conscientious. Nevertheless it does provide a degree of satisfaction - not to mention a steady income, which is why I do it occasionally.

I know that with perfect play, God versus God, Fritz versus Fritz, chess is a draw.

Chess is ruthless: you've got to be prepared to kill people.