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.

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.

Surely, serious problems can't be solved just by talking about them.

A good sacrifice is one that is not necessarily sound but leaves your opponent dazed and confused.

I am acutely conscious, from vast experience in opens, that guys around, say 2100 or more can definitely play chess and that one often has to work very hard to beat them.

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