Tigran Petrosian

Tigran Petrosian (17 June 1929 – 13 August 1984) was World Chess Champion from 1963 to 1969.

Tigran Petrosian in 1962

Quotes

• I have a weakness for any piece in excess of my opponent's numbers - from pawn to queen.
  • Quoted in Vik L Vasilev, "Tigran Petrosian His Life and Games" (Batsford, London, 1974) p. 166.

• Chess is a game by its form, an art by its content and a science by the difficulty of gaining mastery in it. Chess can convey as much happiness as a good book or work of music can.
  • Attributed without citation in "Tigran Petrosian's Best Games" at chessgames.com^{[specific citation needed]}

• Some consider that when I play I am excessively cautious, but it seems to me that the question may be a different one. I try to avoid chance. Those who rely on chance should play cards or roulette. Chess is something quite different.
  • Attributed without citation in "Tigran Petrosian's Best Games" at chessgames.com^{[specific citation needed]}

• They say my chess games should be more interesting. I could be more interesting - and also lose.
  • Attributed without citation in "Tigran Petrosian's Best Games" at chessgames.com^{[specific citation needed]}

About Petrosian

• In those years, it was easier to win the Soviet Championship than a game against 'Iron Tigran'
  • Garry Kasparov (2004). My Great Predecessors, Part III. Everyman Chess. p.80

• It is to Petrosian's advantage that his opponents never know when he is suddenly going to play like Mikhail Tal
  • Boris Spassky "Tigran Petrosian's Best Games". chessgames.com. Retrieved 21 December 2013.