Vasily Smyslov

A considerable role in the forming of my style was played by an early attraction to study composition.

— Vasily Smyslov

My fascination for studies proved highly beneficial, it assisted the development of my aesthetic understanding of chess, and improved my endgame play.

— Vasily Smyslov

In chess, as in life, a man is his own most dangerous opponent.

— Vasily Smyslov

Despite the development of chess theory, there is much that remains secret and unexplored in chess.

— Vasily Smyslov

I have frequently stated that I regard chess as an art form, where creativity prevails over other factors.

— Vasily Smyslov

The Ruy Lopez occupied a constant place in my opening repertoire. In it is reflected the classical interpretation of the problem of…

— Vasily Smyslov

In my opinion, the style of a player should not be formed under the influence of any single great master.

— Vasily Smyslov

The first chess book that I read was Dufresne's self-tutor, published with Lasker's Common Sense in Chess as an appendix.

— Vasily Smyslov

No fantasy, however rich, no technique, however masterly, no penetration into the psychology of the opponent, however deep, can make a chess…

— Vasily Smyslov

My study of chess was accompanied by a strong attraction to music, and it was probably thanks to this that from childhood…

— Vasily Smyslov