In the Soviets' view, chess was not merely an art or a science or even a sport; it was what it had been invented to simulate: war.

When you defend, try not to worry or become upset. Keep your cool and trust your position - it's all you've got.

Errors have nothing to do with luck; they are caused by time pressure, discomfort or unfamiliarilty with a position, distractions, feelings of intimidation, nervous tension, overambition, excessive caution, and dozens of other psychological factors.

Under no circumstances should you play fast if you have a winning position. Forget the clock, use all your time and make good moves.

I always urge players to study composed problems and endgames.

Patience is the most valuable trait of the endgame player.

I had a slightly inferior endgame that probably should have been drawn, but Kortchnoi kept torturing me with little threats until finally, exhausted and exasperated, I made a losing mistake.