Wilhelm Steinitz quotes

Wilhelm Steinitz was an Austrian chess player who became the first official World Chess Champion. His innovative approach paved the way for modern positional chess. He is remembered as a trailblazer who transformed the strategic understanding of the game. Here are 13 of his quotes:

Only the player with the initiative has the right to attack.

Wilhelm Steinitz

The King is a fighting piece. Use it!

Wilhelm Steinitz

A sacrifice is best refuted by accepting it.

Wilhelm Steinitz

I have never in my life played the French Defence, which is the dullest of all openings.

Wilhelm Steinitz

Chess is not for timid souls.

Wilhelm Steinitz

Fame, I have already. Now I need the money.

Wilhelm Steinitz

Unfortunately, many regard the critic as an enemy, instead of seeing him as a guide to the truth.

Wilhelm Steinitz

The task of the positional player is systematically to accumulate slight advantages and try to convert temporary advantages into permanent ones, otherwise the player with the better position runs the risk of losing it.

Wilhelm Steinitz

Chess is so inspiring that I do not believe a good player is capable of haviong an evil thought during the game.

Wilhelm Steinitz

A win by an unsound combination, however showy, fills me with artistic horror.

Wilhelm Steinitz

Chess is difficult, it demands work, serious reflection and zealous research.

Wilhelm Steinitz