Alexander
ALYOKHIN

The best chess player of the first half of the 20th century


The goal of human life in terms of happiness is the maximum of what a person can give

I have been playing chess since I was seven, but I started playing seriously at 12.*

The goal of human life in terms of happiness is the maximum of what a person can give. I unconsciously felt that I would be able to succeed in chess.

I consider chess to be an art and undertake all the duties that it imposes on its followers. And every outstanding, gifted chess player not only has the right but even the imperative to consider himself an artist.

A chess master, unlike masters of other arts, unfortunately, is often deprived of the pleasure to complete his work with the final touches he has planned, since bringing his creative designs to reality depends on how logical the resistance of his opponent is.

During a tournament, a chess master must be an abstinent monk and predator in one person: a predator in relation to the rival, and an ascetic in everyday life.

Through chess I trained my character. Chess primarily teaches one to be objective. In chess, you can become a great master only after realising your mistakes and shortcomings. Quite the same as in life.

I want to remain the best among my generation; if a young rival beats me – well, that’s life.

Plans? What plans can I have? The best part of my life passed between two world wars that left Europe covered in ruins and crosses and captured my will, which was used to winning. Both wars devastated me, but in different ways: when the first one ended, I had my youth and boundless ambition, and after the second there was neither one nor the other.

* The information is based on the accounts of the personas featuring in this section as well as accounts of their family members, acquaintances and colleagues