I Play Against | Pieces

: Unlike players like Mikhail Tal, who often used "psychological" tactics to unsettle opponents, Gligorić focused solely on the logical demands of the position on the board.

: He believed in playing what he believed was objectively best, rather than altering his strategy based on an opponent's perceived weaknesses. I Play Against Pieces (Batsford Chess Book) - Amazon.com I Play Against Pieces

is the title of the acclaimed collection of best games by Serbian Grandmaster Svetozar Gligorić . Beyond being a book title, the phrase encapsulates Gligorić's core chess philosophy: a commitment to objective, principled play that disregards the psychological profile of the opponent. The Philosophy : Unlike players like Mikhail Tal, who often

: This mindset made Gligorić a symbol of gentlemanly conduct. His respect for the game and his opponents led FIDE to establish the Svetozar Gligoric Trophy for sportsmanship. Beyond being a book title, the phrase encapsulates

The phrase "I play against pieces" (or "It's chess pieces, not a man I play against") reflects a to the game.