"I think most people just assume that Kasparov can solve most chess problems without realizing that solving is a somewhat different skill than playing"

Yes, that was exactly my point. Although I do not question he understands without a doubt such problems a little bit better than the average chess player too. But would he be better at problem solving than say, Nunn (who has won world problem solving contests, if I am correct)...?

Take a look at this list for example:

http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=4226

Would Kasparov be 'top-20' material?

Originally posted by heinzkat
"I think most people just assume that Kasparov can solve most chess problems without realizing that solving is a somewhat different skill than playing"

Yes, that was exactly my point. Although I do not question he understands without a doubt such problems a little bit better than the average chess player too. But would he be better at problem solving tha ...[text shortened]...
http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=4226

Would Kasparov be 'top-20' material?