The first chess book that I read was Dufresne's self-tutor, published with Lasker's Common Sense in Chess as an appendix.
Vasily SmyslovA considerable role in the forming of my style was played by an early attraction to study composition.
Vasily SmyslovMy fascination for studies proved highly beneficial, it assisted the development of my aesthetic understanding of chess, and improved my endgame play.
Vasily SmyslovI have frequently stated that I regard chess as an art form, where creativity prevails over other factors.
Vasily Smyslov