Pal Benko Quotes

17 quotes in 299 categories

• 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…
• Under no circumstances should you play fast if you have a winning position. Forget the clock, use all your time and make good moves.
• I always urge players to study composed problems and endgames.
• Patience is the most valuable trait of the endgame player. In the endgame, the most common errors, besides those resulting from ignorance of theory, are…
• 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…
• 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.
• 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,…
• There is nothing wrong with trying to exploit the natural human tendency to become impatient when forced to play a boring position.
• Since your mental state can have such dramatic effects on your body, obviously your physical condition can affect your mental well-being. It follows that regular…
• According to such great attacking players as Bronstein and Tal, most combinations are inspired by the player's memories of earlier games.
• 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…
• The business of the endgame is maneuvring to control critical squares, advancing or blockading passed pawns, preparing a breakthrough by the king, or exploiting the…
• Patience is the most valuable trait of the endgame player.
• Errors have nothing to do with luck; they are caused by time pressure, discomfort or unfamiliarilty with a position, distractions, feelings of intimidation, nervous tension,…
• Typically, in the last round of open tournaments the level of play is markedly lower, the number of blunders higher.
• I remember being with a girlfriend who asked me to look over some chess openings with her. I instantly fell asleep. I found that I…
• When you defend, try not to worry or become upset. Keep your cool and trust your position - it's all you've got.

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