Once upon a time supporters of the Steinitz-Tarrasch school had a very high opinion of a queen-side pawn majority. Modern strategy on the other hand categorically denies that such a majority is an independent factor of any importance. — Alexander Kotov Copy Share Image
If a chess statistician were to try and satisfy his curiousity over which stage of the game proved decisive in the majority of cases, he would certainly come to the conclusion that it is the middlegame that provides the most… — Alexander Kotov Copy Share Image
I can remember a case where Capablanca worked out an impressive combination, but then chose to make a simple move in answer to which… — Alexander Kotov Copy Share Image
There is no doubt that the reason for my awful oversight was over-confidence that sapped my sense of danger. So that is where to… — Alexander Kotov Copy Share Image
In analysing complicated variations one must examine each branch of the tree once and once only. — Alexander Kotov Copy Share Image
All candidate moves should be identified at once and listed in one's head. This job cannot be done piecemeal, by first examining one move… — Alexander Kotov Copy Share Image
Just as the pianist practices the most complicated pieces to improve the technique of his fingers, so too a grandmaster must keep his vision… — Alexander Kotov Copy Share Image
I cannot think that a player genuinely loving the game can get pleasure just from the number of points scored no matter how impressive… — Alexander Kotov Copy Share Image
The placing of the centre pawns determines the "topography" of a game of chess. — Alexander Kotov Copy Share Image
I soon realized that it is not enough for a master simply to analyse variations scrupulously just like an accountant. He must learn to… — Alexander Kotov Copy Share Image
After a great deal of discussion in Soviet literature about the correct definition of a combination, it was decided that from the point of… — Alexander Kotov Copy Share Image
Anyone who wishes to learn how to play chess well must make himself or herself thoroughly conversant with the play in positions where the… — Alexander Kotov Copy Share Image
If you study the classic examples of endgame play you will see how the king was brought up as soon as possible even though… — Alexander Kotov Copy Share Image
In choosing an opening plan players think most of all of harmonious development for the pieces, but sometimes leave the development of the queen… — Alexander Kotov Copy Share Image
