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

- Vasily Smyslov

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

- 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

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

- Vasily Smyslov

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

- Vasily Smyslov

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

- Vasily Smyslov

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

- 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

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

- Vasily Smyslov