Savielly Tartakower Quotes

In chess, there is only one mistake: over-estimation of your opponent. All else is either bad luck or weakness.

It is said that an ounce of common sense can outweigh a ton of ‘variations’.

To avoid losing a piece, many a person has lost the game

Like the alchemist of old, for ever searching for the philosopher’s stone, the analyst to-day never stops looking for stronger moves to prevent the defender from establishing equality.

The tactician must know what to do whenever something needs doing; the strategist must know what to do when nothing needs doing

Psychologically, the choice of an appropriate opening is of the utmost importance for a player’s success in a tournament.

Lasker thought that his rationalism rendered him immune from the surprises of chess theory.

No one ever won a game by resigning.

Any opening is good enough, if its reputation is bad enough.

I never defeated a healthy opponent.

A Queen’s sacrifice, even when fairly obvious, always rejoices the heart of the chess-lover.

Some part of a mistake is always correct