Advantage Quote by Wilhelm Steinitz
“The task of the positional player is systematically to accumulate slight advantages and try to convert temporary advantages into permanent ones, otherwise the player with the better position runs the risk of losing it.”
About This Quote
Source Chess Theory: Principles of Positional Play, 19th‑century treatise
A positional player should build small, lasting advantages and turn them into permanent strengths, avoiding loss of position.
In simple terms: Build and keep small advantages.
Key Takeaway
Focus on incremental positional gains.
Themes
strategy
patience
risk management
Mood
analytical
focused
Type
educational
strategic
When to use this quote
- tournament play
- training drills
- game analysis
Key Concepts
positional chess
advantage accumulation
conversion tactics
Questions to Reflect On
- What small advantage can you secure now?
- How do you convert a temporary edge into lasting strength?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on small edges can ignore dynamic opportunities.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
