"At some point he seemed to lose all confidence trying to break down the Berlin Wall. He was still fighting as only Kasparov can, but I could see it in his eyes that he knew he wasn't going to win one of these games"
- Vladimir Kramnik
About this Quote
This quote by Vladimir Kramnik is describing a game of chess in between himself and Garry Kasparov. Kramnik is explaining the moment when he might see that Kasparov had actually lost all confidence in his ability to break down the Berlin Wall, a chess opening method. Kasparov was still playing as only he could, however Kramnik might see in his eyes that he understood he was not going to win the game. This quote talks to the enormous skill and decision of Kasparov, even in the face of defeat. It likewise talks to the power of body movement and the capability to read one's opponent. Kramnik was able to see in Kasparov's eyes that he had lost confidence, and this permitted him to gain a benefit in the video game. This quote is a testament to the ability and decision of both gamers, and the value of having the ability to read one's challenger.
"When the missionaries came to Africa they had the Bible and we had the land. They said "Let us pray." We closed our eyes. When we opened them we had the Bible and they had the land"