43 Quotes by Alexander Alekhine

For success I consider three factors are necessary: firstly, an awareness of my own strengths and weaknesses; secondly, an accurate understanding of my opponent's strengths and weaknesses; thirdly, a higher aim than momentary satisfaction. I see this aim as being scientific and artistic achievements, which place the game of chess on a par with other arts.

The infallible criterion by which to distinguish the true from the would-be strategist is the degree of originality of his conceptions. It makes little difference whether this originality is carried to excess, as was the case with Steinitz and Nimzowitsch.

Chess, like other arts, must be practiced to be appreciated.

Playing for complications is an extreme measure that a player should adopt only when he cannot find a clear and logical plan.

You can become a big master in chess only if you see your mistakes and short-comings. Exactly the same as in life itself.

When asked, -How is that you pick better moves than your opponents?, I responded: I'm very glad you asked me that, because, as it happens, there is a very simple answer. I think up my own moves, and I make my opponent think up his

During a chess tournament a master must envisage himself as a cross between an ascetic monk and a beast of prey.

A lifetime in not enough to learn everything about chess.

For my victory over Capablanca I am indebted primarily to my superiority in the field of psychology. Capablanca played, relying almost exclusively on his rich intuitive talent. But for the chess struggle nowadays one needs a subtle knowledge of human nature, an understanding of the opponent's psychology.