'Kramnik is the toughest'

In a big strong man’s world, she is the odd-woman out. At the outset, her aim was to win the world championship and she pursued that goal meritoriously.

Having beaten almost every big chess player in the world, including Viswanathan Anand and Garry Kasparov,she has her priorities etched out in her mind.

Now a mother, the 32-year-old Judit Polgar, youngest of the famous Polgar sistersfrom Hungary — Susan and Zsofia are the others — has slowed down but has not given up. Vijay Tagore catches up with her

How is it being the odd-woman out in the very elite chess players of the world?
For me it is very natural to play with men and I have been competing at top level for more then a decade. Though I must admit, it is very difficult maintain that kind of form at the top level.

How do you prepare yourself to compete against the most cerebral of the players?
I changed something in my preparation in the last few years. I make more use of my experience now and try to work more efficiently so that my efforts aren’t wasted. Usually I start making my preparation about two weeks before a tournament.

How have you managed to stay competitive for so long?
First of all, since I love chess, I have the fighting spirit, and I like challenges, so it was especially interesting for me when I played my first tournament in Wijk aan Zee after my son was born.

From the beginning you were adamant about competing with men, why?
It comes mainly because of my education. My parents always told me and my sisters that a girl is as good as a boy. They wanted us to complete our education.

You aimed to become a world champion. How far you think you are from that goal?
Well after my kids were born, I have been wanting it less than before, and it is not only because I have less time to work on chess, but also because when you want to become number 1 you have to ignore everything else. Everything takes a backseat, at least for some period of time. For me, my family gets the preference right now.

You have beaten all top players, including Gary Kasparov. Which has been the most satisfying victory for you?
I loved my game against Anand in 1999 and also against Shirov in 1994 in Buenos Aires. Basically, I am happiest when I win in a beautiful style, especially against a top player.

Who according to you has been your toughest opponent?
Well, for me it has to be Kramnik (Vladimir), because I have never been able to beat him. He was always very good.

How about Vishy? How do you rate him as a player
I think he fully deserved to be the World Champion in Mexico. He is someone who will be remembered for a long time in chess history, because he has been on the top for decades, his style of playing has been very interesting. He is a real professional and his love for the game comes second to none.

You are a mother. How difficult it is for a mother to carry on at the highest level in chess?
Motherhood comes along with responsibilities. It can be really difficult to prepare, both in terms of time and mind space.  But as I mentioned earlier, my children are far more important to me than my career.

How do you look at women’s chess right now?
I believe there is no need for separation, and I believe in the long run it will disappear. Logically also it doesn’t make sense to separate a game like chess.

What are your thoughts on Konru Humpy?
She is playing very well, and if she takes up chess as her profession, she will improve. Playing with all kinds of players under different circumstances will make her game more complete.

You had been to India once. What do you remember most about India?
I have been only once in New Delhi in 1991, and I hope to visit again sometime together with my family. I am very happy that chess is so popular in India. I would also like to congratulate Anand on winning the Sportsperson of the year award!