During a Chess competition a Chessmaster should be a combination of a beast of prey and a monk
Alexander AlekhineRead
I consider chess an art, and accept all those responsibilities which art places upon its devotees.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Chess is not just a game, but a form of artistic expression that carries significant responsibilities for its players.
In this quote, Alexander Alekhine expresses his view of chess as more than a mere competitive activity; he sees it as an art form that requires dedication and a deep sense of responsibility from those who practice it. By likening chess to art, Alekhine emphasizes the creativity, strategy, and emotional investment involved in the game, highlighting the honor and seriousness required from players to truly appreciate and excel in this discipline.
Themes
ChessArtResponsibilityStrategyDevotion
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of creativity in various fields, I shared Alekhine's perspective on chess as an art form.
More from Alexander Alekhine
All quotes βI do not play chess β I fight at chess. Therefore, I willingly combine the tactical with the strategic, the fantastic with the scientific, the combinative with the positional, and I aim to respond to the demands of each given position.
Alexander AlekhineRead
Capablanca was snatched too early from the chess world. With his death we have lost a great chess genius, the like of whom we will never see again.
Alexander AlekhineRead
You can become a big master in chess only if you see your mistakes and short-comings. Exactly the same as in life itself.
Alexander AlekhineRead
For my victory over Capablanca I am indebted primarily to my superiority in the field of psychology. Capablanca played, relying almost exclusively on his rich intuitive talent. But for the chess struggle nowadays one needs a subtle knowledge of human nature, an understanding of the opponent's psychology.
Alexander AlekhineRead
During a chess tournament a master must envisage himself as a cross between an ascetic monk and a beast of prey.
Alexander AlekhineRead
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