Comparing players from the past with players from the present or close to present is extremely biast towards the players of today.

Kasparov got to see over 700 Capablanca games.

Capablanca got to see 0 Kasparov games.

Kasparov had a computer to spar against as well as players, as well as the ability to analyze his games with computer engines.

Capablanca had only other players to play with, no computer assisted training.

If we took a time machine, and grabbed Capablanca in his prime, then brought him to the world of today. Then we showed him a database of the current top players games... Then we showed him how to play against a computer, and use one to analyze games... I feel Capablanca given a couple of years to catch up would be the greatest player of all times with Kasparov a close 2nd.

1) Capablanca (+ a time machine & a little training)

2) Kasparov

3) Kramnik tie

3) Anand tie

3) Carlsen tie

3) Topalov tie

7) Fischer

8) Karpov

9) Morphy

10) Chuck Norris, but only b/c people are afraid to get beat up if he loses

Chuck Norris is one bad dude, but he's a marshmallow compared to our Xenia.  Anthony got it right.

Xenia Onatopp > C. Norris

Xenia's Georgian, former SSR, so she's got to be in the top 5 at least.

 i meant of their time but i agree with your opinion

Bobby Ficcher, Emanuel Lacker, William Cteinitz, Boric Cpaccky, Magnuc Carlcen, Emanuel Lacker, David Bronctein, Adolf Anderccen, Alexei Chirov, Vaccily Ivanchuk, Nigel Chort, and of course Emanuel Lacker.

 Awesome. Except in that list Erik should be #1, not #7.

Aaaw, wouldn't incur the wrath of Xenia, if I were you.  Erik's going to have to be happy with 2nd place, I'm afraid.

Are you sure Xenia even plays chess?

How many threads of this is being posted?? Needless to say Bobby Fischer is the best player ever

She's ex-Soviet, right?

Last time I was with her she said chess was much too tame for her.

Xenia plays an extreme version.  Her opponents rarely get beyond the middlegame.  Kasparov, Fischer?  Hah.  Carlsen....roll eyes.

Xenia's still around after the game.  She has to be #1.

edit to your edit - no offence, but Xenia was bored.  ;)

 How many more spelling errors possible?

You might want to include Emanuel Lasker as well.  He was pretty good.

 Xenia was bored with what we were doing so she said she thought chess was boring? I don't follow your logic. (We weren't playing chess BTW.)

+4

and now...

6.Topalov

7.Lasker

8.Spassky

9.Steinitz

10.Botvinik

Ivanchuck Norris is without a doubt one of the toughest players alive.  He could probably take out practically anyone in chess kickboxing.

I reckon that Tyson would be the toughest to face in "OTB".