Quote #8

The universal chess style, characterized by the ability to play quite different types of chess positions, is considered by many to derive from that of Boris Spassky. But I think that the general idea that Spassky has a universal style overlooks the fact that from an early age, Spassky had a bent for sharp, attacking play and a good eye for the initiative.

More from Garry Kasparov

  1. I believe that judged by his style of play, Spassky is much closer to Alekhine and Tal than to Smyslov, Botvinnik, or Petrosian. This is pr…
  2. It is characteristic that Spassky has never in his life started a game with 1.Nf3. He must have considered it a 'semi-move', real moves bei…
  3. What was the secret of Morphy's invincibility? I think it was a combination of a unique natural talent and brilliant erudition. His play wa…
  4. Spassky was the first great chess player to use both 1.e4 and 1.d4 with equal success. He managed to employ these moves more harmoniously t…
  5. The depth of Tigran's approach to chess is the direct consequence of his clear mind and his rare insight into general aspects of chess, int…
  6. He was less concerned about the position's evaluation than about the character of the arising struggle. If he liked the character of the ba…
  7. Alekhine's attacks came suddenly, like destructive thunderstorms that erupted from a clear sky.
  8. 'The future of chess lies in the hands of this young man' ~ Mikhail Botvinnik

All Garry Kasparov quotes