Pal Benko Quotes

According to such great attacking players as Bronstein and Tal, most combinations are inspired by the player's memories of earlier games.

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

Patience is the most valuable trait of the endgame player.

Agreeing to draws in the middlegame, equal or otherwise, deprives you of the opportunity to practice playing endgames, and the endgame is probably where you need the most practice.

I always urge players to study composed problems and endgames.

There is nothing wrong with trying to exploit the natural human tendency to become impatient when forced to play a boring position.

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.

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.

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

Sometimes players need to gain time on the clock by repeating the position, but most often its purpose is to wear down the opponent psychologically.

There is no doubt that Bronstein's shrewd understanding of chess psychology was crucial to his success. Without it, his impetuous style and technical flaws might have relegated him to a minor career.

Typically, in the last round of open tournaments the level of play is markedly lower, the number of blunders higher.