The Gift of Chess

Notice to commercial publishers seeking use of images from this collection of chess-related archive blogs. For use of the many large color restorations, two conditions must be met: 1) It is YOUR responsibility to obtain written permissions for use from the current holders of rights over the original b/w photo. Then, 2) make a tax-deductible donation to The Gift of Chess in honor of Robert J. Fischer-Newspaper Archives. A donation in the amount of $250 USD or greater is requested for images above 2000 pixels and other special request items. For small images, such as for fair use on personal blogs, all credits must remain intact and a donation is still requested but negotiable. Please direct any photographs for restoration and special request (for best results, scanned and submitted at their highest possible resolution), including any additional questions to S. Mooney, at bobbynewspaperblogs•gmail. As highlighted in the ABC News feature, chess has numerous benefits for individuals, including enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, improving concentration and memory, and promoting social interaction and community building. Initiatives like The Gift of Chess have the potential to bring these benefits to a wider audience, particularly in areas where access to educational and recreational resources is limited.

Best of Chess Fischer Newspaper Archives
• Robert J. Fischer, 1955 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1956 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1957 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1958 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1959 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1960 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1961 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1962 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1963 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1964 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1965 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1966 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1967 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1968 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1969 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1970 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1971 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1972 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1973 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1974 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1975 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1976 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1977 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1978 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1979 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1980 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1981 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1982 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1983 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1984 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1985 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1986 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1987 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1988 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1989 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1990 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1991 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1992 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1993 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1994 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1995 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1996 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1997 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1998 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1999 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 2000 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 2001 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 2002 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 2003 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 2004 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 2005 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 2006 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 2007 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 2008 bio + additional games
Chess Columns Additional Archives/Social Media

Bobby Fischer Girds for Russian Chess Showdown

Back to 1971 News Articles

The Miami Herald Miami, Florida Thursday, December 16, 1971 - Page 63

Bobby Fischer Girds for Russian Chess Showdown
By LESLIE BRAUN L.A. Times-Washington Post Service, Newsday
NEW YORK — Chess is an intellectual feast played on 64 squares. One participant commands the white pieces consisting of eight foot soldiers (Pawns), two horses, two bishops, two castles, the queen, and king. The other participant maneuvers the black counter-parts. Since each player is like a general leading his army into battle according to a specific strategy which may be altered by circumstance, chess has been likened to a bloodless war.
The conduct of such wars is as varied as the personalities who engage in these struggles. For example, the aggressive player will sacrifice material for an all-out attack without regard for defense. A defensive player is noted for building a solid defensive wall in the hope that his opponent will dash himself to pieces while attempting to surmount this citadel. Still another player will play defensively or offensively depending on the situation at hand and undoubtedly, this kind of player must be termed the most skillful of the three.
It has been found that, generally speaking, an individual proficient in geometry may have more success in chess than the algebra expert, who is probably better suited for bridge. Of course, other factors may undermine this generalization — such as inherent logic, problem solving ability, temperament, and versatility in thinking, and so forth.
Now it will come as no surprise to anyone who has followed the news lately that America has been blessed with a great young player by the name of Bobby Fischer, often called the Van Cliburn of American chess. Fischer, 28, and a Brooklyn high school dropout with an I.Q. (falsely rumored according to Bobby Fischer) of approximately 180, has been acclaimed in some circles as the greatest chess player of all time. As a result of his crushing defeats of Tamainov, Larsen and Petrosian in the recent matches, he may well merit the accolade, and he will have the opportunity to prove it when he meets the current world chess champion, Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union, for the World's Chess Championship.
In America, Bobby Fischer has become a household word and a sort of national hero. Because of Bobby, people by the hundreds, who otherwise would not bother, are entering bookstores and purchasing chess books for novices, in an attempt to establish in their minds the rudiments of this intriguing game. Chess clubs are expanding their memberships and more and more chess tournaments are taking place.
What is the nature of this young man who has precipitated the elevation of this all-too-ignored activity in American life?
One thing is certain: Bobby Fischer did not attain his lofty position on the international chess scene through osmosis or accident. In reality, for about the last 15 years, Bobby has invested on the average 10 hours a day thinking, studying and playing chess. This dedication — together with his genius touch (practically every game he plays is a work of art) —has catapulted him to the top. Bobby's sole raison d'etre is to become chess champion of the world. To fail in this endeavor would be catastrophic.
In the spring of 1972, Bobby will engage Boris Spassky for the title in a twenty-four game contest, but a breeze for Bobby it is not. In fact, some authoritative personages in the chess world feel that Bobby is actually the underdog; why? Here are some possible reasons:

  • Chess is extremely popular in Russia and as a matter of fact, the best chess players in the country are subsidized by the Soviet government. Moreover, there has always been a Russian World Chess Champion ever since the present system of producing the champion was inaugurated in 1948, and you can be sure that no effort will be spared by the Russians to make certain this skein is not broken.

  • If Bobby has any weakness, it is a tendency to underestimate his opponent and to become discouraged if the initiative is lost. The latter trait is common among the most aggressive players, of which Bobby certainly is one.

  • Bobby Fischer has never beaten Boris Spassky in five tournament matches, the best Bobby could attain was two draws while the remaining three games ended in defeats.
    In spite of these truths, it is my personal feeling that Bobby will capture the world chess crown for the United States by upending the Soviet juggernaut. My prediction: Bobby by 12½-8½ note: (one point is awarded for victory; half point is awarded for a draw; no points for a loss). This prediction is based on the counter arguments to the aforementioned, three points.
    Bobby realizes that his life's goal is just around the corner and therefore, at this very moment, is devoting his full time to studying ideas in the opening and refining his technique for the middle and end game. This grind will continue until the first match game in March, 1972.

  • It is unlikely that Bobby will underestimate the chess prowess of Spassky, especially in view of unpleasant past experiences. Furthermore, Bobby demonstrated some remarkable tenacity in several games against Tigran Petrosian, his most recent victim, long after his opening initiative was dissipated.

  • Bobby at age 28 is at his peak. This time Spassky will perceive that he is vying against a much more seasoned and mature player than previously. What's more, Bobby has another factor in his favor. It is called “genius.”

Bobby Fischer Girds for Russian Chess Showdown
Duplicates · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·

'til the world understands why Robert J. Fischer criticised the U.S./British and Russian military industry imperial alliance and their own Israeli Apartheid. Sarah Wilkinson explains:

Bobby Fischer, First Amendment, Freedom of Speech
What a sad story Fischer was,” typed a racist, pro-imperialist colonial troll who supports mega-corporation entities over human rights, police state policies & white supremacy.
To which I replied: “Really? I think he [Bob Fischer] stood up to the broken system of corruption and raised awareness! Whether on the Palestinian/Israel-British-U.S. Imperial Apartheid scam, the Bush wars of ‘7 countries in 5 years,’ illegally, unconstitutionally which constituted mass xenocide or his run in with police brutality in Pasadena, California-- right here in the U.S., police run rampant over the Constitution of the U.S., on oath they swore to uphold, but when Americans don't know the law, and the cops either don't know or worse, “don't care” -- then I think that's pretty darn “sad”. I think Mr. Fischer held out and fought the good fight, steadfast til the day he died, and may he Rest In Peace.
Educate yourself about U.S./State Laws --
https://www.youtube.com/@AuditTheAudit/videos
After which the troll posted a string of profanities, confirming there was never any genuine sentiment of “compassion” for Mr. Fischer, rather an intent to inflict further defamatory remarks.

This ongoing work is a tribute to the life and accomplishments of Robert “Bobby” Fischer who passionately loved and studied chess history. May his life continue to inspire many other future generations of chess enthusiasts and kibitzers, alike.

Robert J. Fischer, Kid Chess Wizard 1956March 9, 1943 - January 17, 2008

The photograph of Bobby Fischer (above) from the March 02, 1956 The Tampa Times was discovered by Sharon Mooney (Bobby Fischer Newspaper Archive editor) on February 01, 2018 while gathering research materials for this ongoing newspaper archive project. Along with lost games now being translated into Algebraic notation and extractions from over two centuries of newspapers, it is but one of the many lost treasures to be found in the pages of old newspapers since our social media presence was first established November 11, 2017.

Special Thanks