55 Quotes by Hikaru Nakamura

You can't follow or understand the game unless you play chess yourself, unlike poker which you can pick up in five minutes.

Definitely, some of the artistry and poetry has been lost in modern chess. It's very rare that I play a game where I'm like, 'Wow, this is really interesting. There were so many possibilities! It was such a rich game.'

When I was younger, I would look at a game with computers and still be fascinated by the possibilities.

Everyone is using the same programs, everyone is looking at the same opening ideas. I wouldn't say everyone is necessarily the same in terms of talent or ability, but when you're able to prepare games that go so deep that you don't have to think, really, it balances out the field.

Winning the second title feels better to me than the first.

It's good to win. Losses aren't good, and draws are O.K.

It's interesting to find new things with the game. It's fun finding new positions, new openings and new strategies.

I play different styles, and am very good at changing how I play.

When you're 17 and 18 is when you get really good, and in college, you have to put the chess aside.