Usually, I prefer not to study chess but to play…

Usually, I prefer not to study chess but to play it. For me chess is more an art than a science. It’s been said that Alekhine and I played similar chess, except that he studied more. Yes, perhaps, but I have to say that he played, too.

Attributed

Other Mikhail Tal Quotes

“I was surprised by his ability to figure out complex variations. Then the way he sets out the game; he was not interested in the objectivity of the position, whether it’s better or worse, he only needed room for his pieces. All you do then is figure out variations which are extremely difficult. He was tactically outplaying me and I made mistakes.” – Mikhail Botvinnik - View Quote Details on “I was surprised by his ability to figure out complex…
“In a world where most players have grudges against most other players - Korchnoi hates everyone, Kasparov hates Karpov, Shirov hates Kasparov, Fischer thinks everyone is out to get him, etc., etc. - Tal was the only chess personality who appeared to be loved by virtually everyone. Even Fischer adored the guy.” – Jeremy Silman - View Quote Details on “In a world where most players have grudges against most…
“Tal enjoys excitement and hair-raising complications, and in that kind of game he can find his way around better than anyone else.” – Paul Keres - View Quote Details on “Tal enjoys excitement and hair-raising complications, and in that kind…
Later, I began to succeed in decisive games. Perhaps because I realized a very simple truth: not only was I worried, but also my opponent. - View Quote Details on Later, I began to succeed in decisive games. Perhaps because…
I like to grasp the initiative and not give my opponent peace of mind. - View Quote Details on I like to grasp the initiative and not give my…
“When Spassky offers you a piece, you may just as well resign, but when Tal offers you a piece, go on playing, he may sacrifice another, and then…who knows?” – Miguel Najdorf - View Quote Details on “When Spassky offers you a piece, you may just as…
The pieces must breathe deeply and with a full chest! - View Quote Details on The pieces must breathe deeply and with a full chest!
“First, how to sac my queen, then rook, then bishop, then knight, then pawns.” (on what he thinks about after his opponent moves) - View Quote Details on “First, how to sac my queen, then rook, then bishop,…
“I realized that you cannot tackle him if the pieces are mobile and active. I played closed positions in which Tal could gain no advantage. Tal had no positional understanding for closed games.” – Mikhail Botvinnik (on their ‘61 rematch) - View Quote Details on “I realized that you cannot tackle him if the pieces…
I’d be glad to get to Heaven, but my sins won’t allow it! - View Quote Details on I’d be glad to get to Heaven, but my sins…