Wilhelm Steinitz knew what it took. Needless to say having a massive beard was an important factor.
#3 – What it Takes
“The stomach is an essential part of the chessmaster.” – Bent Larsen
Of course the great Dane is not implying that eating a lot will help you to be good at chess! He is suggesting that having the stomach for a fight is a critical factor to success.
Lets not mince words. Being good at chess demands scrupulous intellectual rigor, iron-willed discipline and indefatigable fighting spirit. There is no short cut. Talent and hard work won’t make up for a lack of these attributes. Fight for every game like your life depends upon it but in the knowledge that often, even this won’t be enough.
The first World Champion knew what it took better than anyone.
Chess is not for the faint-hearted; it absorbs a person entirely. To get to the bottom of this game, he has to give himself up into slavery. Chess is difficult, it demands work, serious reflection and zealous research.”
– Wilhelm Steinitz