By positional play a master tries to prove and exploit true values, whereas by combinations he seeks to refute false values ... A combination produces an unexpected re-assessment of values.
Emanuel LaskerRead
The game gives us a satisfaction that Life denies us. And for the Chess player, the success which crowns his work, the great dispeller of sorrows, is named 'combination'.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Chess provides a unique satisfaction that real life often lacks, achieved through successful combinations in the game.
In this quote, Emanuel Lasker reflects on the deep psychological fulfillment that chess players derive from the game, contrasting it with the disappointments and challenges of real life. The term 'combination' signifies the strategic moves that lead to victory in chess, representing a moment of clarity and success that can be elusive in everyday life, offering a sense of accomplishment that transcends ordinary experiences.
Themes
ChessSatisfactionLifeSuccessCombination
In practice
Example use cases
During a chess tournament, I quoted Lasker to emphasize the joy of strategic thinking.
More from Emanuel Lasker
All quotes βOf my fifty-seven years I have applied at least thirty to forgetting most of what I have learned or read. Since then, I have acquired a certain ease and cheer which I should never again like to be without. (...) I have stored little in my memory, but I can apply that little, and it is of use in many and varied emergencies. I keep it in order, but resist every attempt to increase its dead weight.
Emanuel LaskerRead
The laws of chess do not permit a free choice: you have to move whether you like it or not.
Emanuel LaskerRead
When Alekhine recognizes the weakness in his position he has a tendency to become very aggressive. Patient defence is not for him if he can see the slightest chance of creating an attack. Yet sound strategy often demands that you submit to the opponent's will so as to strengthen your weaknesses and get rid of defects in your game.
Emanuel LaskerRead
Truth derives its strength not so much from itself as from the brilliant contrast it makes with what is only apparently true. This applies especially to Chess, where it is often found that the profoundest moves do not much startle the imagination.
Emanuel LaskerRead
He who has a slight disadvantage plays more attentively, inventively and more boldly than his antagonist who either takes it easy or aspires after too much. Thus a slight disadvantage is very frequently seen to convert into a good, solid advantage.
Emanuel LaskerRead
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