Chess is mental torture.
Garry Kasparov

I have some security that could protect me against provocations but of course there are more terrible actions that could not be stopped by any security.
Garry Kasparov

I have some strategical vision, I could calculate some few moves ahead and I have an intellect that is badly missed in the country which is run by generals and colonels.
Garry Kasparov

I learned that fighting on the chess board could also have an impact on the political climate in the country.
Garry Kasparov

I may play some exhibition games so I don't want to quit the game of chess completely. I just decided and it's a firm decision not to play competitive chess anymore.
Garry Kasparov

I think our chances are not looking great today but the only way to fail for me is just not to try.
Garry Kasparov

I think Russian people are learning that democracy is not an alien thing; it's not a western invention.
Garry Kasparov

I think Russians today have a distorted picture of capitalism, liberal democracy and market economy.
Garry Kasparov

I think that it's a vital moment now for Russian democracy to convince people that it's only our actions, our joined actions and protests that could force Kremlin to reconsider its plans to abolish presidential elections.
Garry Kasparov

I think we have very steady records of President Putin, who inherited the country with democratic values.
Garry Kasparov


I wouldn't overestimate the importance of my popularity in the country and abroad but at the end of the day it's not as important because I believe that my presence here could make some difference and it could encourage people.
Garry Kasparov

I'm still number one and I just recently won a major tournament ahead of my toughest rivals so I think I had a few years ahead of me if I decided to stay.
Garry Kasparov

I've met enough KGB colonels in my life.
Garry Kasparov

If you make a decision to fight for future of your own country you have to consider all the consequences.
Garry Kasparov

It didn't take long to recognise the shortcomings of the Soviet regime and to see the values of the free world.
Garry Kasparov

It was not about losing my mental power; it's about not feeling good about my contribution to the game.
Garry Kasparov

It's quite difficult for me to imagine my life without chess.
Garry Kasparov

More and more people in my country recognise the dangers of having their governors appointed by Putin and having no influence in parliament because Parliament today is also following instructions from Kremlin and no longer represents its people.
Garry Kasparov

Putin can't afford to leave the office because he will be in real danger of being prosecuted for things he and his people did during their stay in power.
Garry Kasparov

Russian Parliament today is a bunch of puppets that just fall in with the instructions from Kremlin.
Garry Kasparov