There are many things that make us laugh and think at the same time:
– Monkey Island computer games
– John Oliver’s The Weekly Tonight
– Marijuana
However, nothing makes us laugh and think as much as immortal quotes by an immortal player – Savielly Tartakower.
He was not only an immensely strong player. He was incredibly funny. In the world of witty chess players like Spassky, Larsen or Nemec, Tartakower is an absolute champion.
Who hasn’t heard some of his famous quotes, such as:
” No one ever won a game by resigning. “
Or
“I never defeated a healthy opponent.”
Or (my favorite):
“I talk to myself because I like dealing with a better class of people”
Perhaps he was not a World Champion. But his legacy will live forever.
Happy birthday to the father of the Tartakower-Makagonov-Bondarevsky variation.
(If you like posts as these, check our complete list of Chess Birthdays )