Vasily Smyslov Quotes

#1. The Ruy Lopez occupied a constant place in my opening repertoire. In it is reflected the classical interpretation of the problem of the centre.

Vasily Smyslov

#2. No fantasy, however rich, no technique, however masterly, no penetration into the psychology of the opponent, however deep, can make a chess game a work of art, if these qualities do not lead to the main goal - the search for truth.

Vasily Smyslov

#3. In my opinion, the style of a player should not be formed under the influence of any single great master.

Vasily Smyslov

#4. A considerable role in the forming of my style was played by an early attraction to study composition.

Vasily Smyslov

#5. I have frequently stated that I regard chess as an art form, where creativity prevails over other factors.

Vasily Smyslov

#6. The first chess book that I read was Dufresne's self-tutor, published with Lasker's Common Sense in Chess as an appendix.

Vasily Smyslov

#7. My fascination for studies proved highly beneficial, it assisted the development of my aesthetic understanding of chess, and improved my endgame play.

Vasily Smyslov

#8. My study of chess was accompanied by a strong attraction to music, and it was probably thanks to this that from childhood I became accustomed to thinking of chess as an art, for all the science and sport involved in it.

Vasily Smyslov

#9. In chess, as in life, a man is his own most dangerous opponent.

Vasily Smyslov

#10. Despite the development of chess theory, there is much that remains secret and unexplored in chess.

Vasily Smyslov