In the 70s Karpov was a darling of the Politburo or the political elite. So Kramnik is now. Just like the old days. But at least Karpov, unlike him, played in and won qualifying matches.
Veselin Topalov
People knew about 110 years of chess history. Nowadays, nobody is able to tell you the name of the world champion of 2000.
Anatoly Karpov 2005
I believe motivation is one of the most important things one has to have after playing for many years. Chess is a very complete, well thought-out game, which is why people have been playing it since ancient times.
Judith Polgar
Karpov is the official World Champion, but I’m not sure what that really means.
Jan Timman 1993
When I am in the USSR, I have the feeling that every tram conductor plays chess better than I do.
Hans Ree
Abbreviation for rook.
