Endgame_ Bobby Fischer's Remarkable Rise And Fall Part 15

12 Neither Joan nor Bobby had ever seen a chess set before Neither Joan nor Bobby had ever seen a chess set before BFE, p. 1. BFE, p. 1.

13 "n.o.body we knew ever played chess" "n.o.body we knew ever played chess" BFE, p. 1. BFE, p. 1.

14 "At first it was just another game" "At first it was just another game" BFE, p. 1. BFE, p. 1.

15 "She was too busy to take the game seriously." "She was too busy to take the game seriously." BFE, p. 2 BFE, p. 2 16 "My mother has an anti-talent for chess" Life "My mother has an anti-talent for chess" Life, February 21, 1964.

17 Instead, he sought to discover any trap or pitfall lurking in his "opponent's" position Life Instead, he sought to discover any trap or pitfall lurking in his "opponent's" position Life, February 21, 1964.

18 Bobby, then seven years old, hated his new environs Bobby, then seven years old, hated his new environs BFE, p. 1. BFE, p. 1.

19 The tenants downstairs complained of the banging noise The tenants downstairs complained of the banging noise Letter from landlord to Regina Fischer, no date, MCF. Letter from landlord to Regina Fischer, no date, MCF.

20 "Bobby could discuss concepts like infinity" Parade "Bobby could discuss concepts like infinity" Parade, October 27, 1957, p. 21.

21 He then named Siegbert Tarrasch, a German player Chessworld He then named Siegbert Tarrasch, a German player Chessworld, Vol. 1, No. 1, 1964, p. 59.

22 "MOMMY I WANT TO COME HOME" "MOMMY I WANT TO COME HOME" Postcard, no date, MCF. Postcard, no date, MCF.

23 In the winter of 1950, when he was seven years old In the winter of 1950, when he was seven years old BFE, p. 1. BFE, p. 1.

24 However, a distant relative of Bobby's suggested However, a distant relative of Bobby's suggested Interview of Russell Targ by author, December 2008. Interview of Russell Targ by author, December 2008.

25 "my little chess miracle," "my little chess miracle," Letter from Regina Fischer to Herman Helms, Brooklyn, New York, Nov. 14, 1951. Letter from Regina Fischer to Herman Helms, Brooklyn, New York, Nov. 14, 1951.

26 "They did not interest me too much" "They did not interest me too much" BFE, p. 1. BFE, p. 1.

27 One spectator at the exhibition that evening was Carmine Nigro One spectator at the exhibition that evening was Carmine Nigro BFE, p. 2. BFE, p. 2.

Chapter 2: Childhood Obsession.

Discussions with Carmine Nigro about Bobby Fischer supplied much of the material in this chapter, as well as correspondence with Dr. Harold Sussman and Dr. Ariel Mengarini. Several notes exchanged between Bobby Fischer and his mother were also helpful in outlining this period of his life; his autobiographical essay supplied information that filled in gaps of knowledge.

1 No one had the temerity to disagree No one had the temerity to disagree Author's conversation with Carmine Nigro, May 1955, Brooklyn, NY. Author's conversation with Carmine Nigro, May 1955, Brooklyn, NY.

2 Even Emanuel Lasker Even Emanuel Lasker Hannak, p. 17. Hannak, p. 17.

3 where Enrico Caruso and Geraldine Farrar had sung CR where Enrico Caruso and Geraldine Farrar had sung CR, December 1944.

4 After coaxing from Nigro After coaxing from Nigro Discussion with author, 1956. Discussion with author, 1956.

5 "At first I used to lose all the time" "At first I used to lose all the time" BFE, p. 2. BFE, p. 2.

6 Nigro would greatly increase his son's allowance PRO Nigro would greatly increase his son's allowance PRO, p. 7.

7 there are 72,084 positions after two moves each there are 72,084 positions after two moves each AnswerBag.com.

8 "Mr. Nigro was possibly not the best player in the world but he was a very good teacher." "Mr. Nigro was possibly not the best player in the world but he was a very good teacher." BFE, p. 2. BFE, p. 2.

9 "My mother was often on duty on weekends" "My mother was often on duty on weekends" BFE, p. 2. BFE, p. 2.

10 Dr. Sussman was also an amateur photographer Dr. Sussman was also an amateur photographer Letter from Dr. Sussman to author, circa 1972, FB. Letter from Dr. Sussman to author, circa 1972, FB.

11 one could tell by the inflection in his voice that he was affected by the experience one could tell by the inflection in his voice that he was affected by the experience Author's conversation with Bobby Fischer, New York City, circa 1964. Author's conversation with Bobby Fischer, New York City, circa 1964.

12 Carmine Nigro was a professional musician, and taught music in a number of styles NYT Carmine Nigro was a professional musician, and taught music in a number of styles NYT, September 2, 2001, p. 27.

13 Soon Bobby was playing "Beer Barrel Polka" and other tunes Soon Bobby was playing "Beer Barrel Polka" and other tunes Regina Fischer press release, circa 1956, MCF. Regina Fischer press release, circa 1956, MCF.

14 "I did fairly well on it for a while" "I did fairly well on it for a while" BFE, p. 2. BFE, p. 2.

15 He played at the Brooklyn Chess Club every Friday night He played at the Brooklyn Chess Club every Friday night BFE, p. 2. BFE, p. 2.

16 Nigro would drive Bobby to Was.h.i.+ngton Square Park in Greenwich Village Nigro would drive Bobby to Was.h.i.+ngton Square Park in Greenwich Village BFE, p. 2. BFE, p. 2.

17 Nigro felt they wouldn't tolerate Bobby's sometimes languorous tempo Nigro felt they wouldn't tolerate Bobby's sometimes languorous tempo Author's conversation with Carmine Nigro, May 1955, Brooklyn, NY. Author's conversation with Carmine Nigro, May 1955, Brooklyn, NY.

18 Bobby spent hours after school at the Grand Army Plaza library Bobby spent hours after school at the Grand Army Plaza library BFE, p. 3. BFE, p. 3.

19 a photograph showing him studying appeared a photograph showing him studying appeared Brooklyn Public Library News Bulletin, July 1952. Brooklyn Public Library News Bulletin, July 1952.

20 Years later, when a chess collector finally took possession NIC Years later, when a chess collector finally took possession NIC, 2008, Issue 4, p. 6.

21 He even maintained his involvement with the game while bathing He even maintained his involvement with the game while bathing Conversation with Regina Fischer, circa 1958. Conversation with Regina Fischer, circa 1958.

22 "Bobby virtually inhaled chess literature" "Bobby virtually inhaled chess literature" Author's interview of Allen Kaufman, New York, March 16, 2009. Author's interview of Allen Kaufman, New York, March 16, 2009.

23 he was taught songs by rote for Hanukkah and Purim, in both English and Yiddish, a language he didn't know he was taught songs by rote for Hanukkah and Purim, in both English and Yiddish, a language he didn't know Undated papers from Brooklyn Jewish Children's School, MCF. Undated papers from Brooklyn Jewish Children's School, MCF.

24 And in the restroom he may have seen that his p.e.n.i.s was different from the rest: He wasn't circ.u.mcised And in the restroom he may have seen that his p.e.n.i.s was different from the rest: He wasn't circ.u.mcised Fischer's open letter to Fischer's open letter to Judaica Encyclopedia Judaica Encyclopedia, 1984.

25 and he later claimed that he'd received no training in Judaic customs or theology and he later claimed that he'd received no training in Judaic customs or theology Fischer's open letter to Fischer's open letter to Judaica Encyclopedia Judaica Encyclopedia, 1984.

26 Bobby could concentrate on puzzles or chess for hours Bobby could concentrate on puzzles or chess for hours Article in Article in Parade Parade, October 27, 1957, p. 21.

27 By the time he reached the fourth grade, he'd been in and out of six schools By the time he reached the fourth grade, he'd been in and out of six schools Ibid. Ibid.

28 In frustration, Regina registered Bobby in a school for gifted children In frustration, Regina registered Bobby in a school for gifted children Ibid. Ibid.

29 In the fall of 1952, when Bobby was nine, Regina secured scholars.h.i.+p enrollment for him in Brooklyn Community Woodward Architecture In the fall of 1952, when Bobby was nine, Regina secured scholars.h.i.+p enrollment for him in Brooklyn Community Woodward Architecture 101: 321, "Clinton Avenue, The Architecture of Brooklyn." 101: 321, "Clinton Avenue, The Architecture of Brooklyn."

30 The school's philosophy of education was based on the principles of Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi The school's philosophy of education was based on the principles of Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi BFE, p. 9. BFE, p. 9.

31 To learn early American history, for example Brooklyn Eagle To learn early American history, for example Brooklyn Eagle, January 31, 1943.

32 "If he'd been born next to a swimming pool he would have been a swimming champion" "If he'd been born next to a swimming pool he would have been a swimming champion" Schonberg. Schonberg. NYT NYT, February 23, 1958; P. SM 38.

33 "Dear Bobby-Finish off the soup and rice" "Dear Bobby-Finish off the soup and rice" Regina Fischer notebook, MCF. Regina Fischer notebook, MCF.

34 that potential friend would have had to not only know how to play chess but that potential friend would have had to not only know how to play chess but a.s.sociated Press wire story, October 12, 1958. a.s.sociated Press wire story, October 12, 1958.

35 He was happy when the glare of the winter light ceased He was happy when the glare of the winter light ceased Letter from Regina Fischer to Bobby Fischer, circa September 1958, MCF. Letter from Regina Fischer to Bobby Fischer, circa September 1958, MCF.

36 A young math student replied-he even knew how to play chess A young math student replied-he even knew how to play chess Postcard, September 24, 1951, MCF. Postcard, September 24, 1951, MCF.

37 And off he'd go to his chessboard, without his mother's permission And off he'd go to his chessboard, without his mother's permission Author's conversation with Regina Fischer, December 1960, New York. Author's conversation with Regina Fischer, December 1960, New York.

38 One of Bobby's few non-chess interests emerged unexpectedly during his eighth year in the summer of 1951 One of Bobby's few non-chess interests emerged unexpectedly during his eighth year in the summer of 1951 BFE, p. 1. BFE, p. 1.

39 Bobby would train to take various Red Cross swimming tests Bobby would train to take various Red Cross swimming tests American Red Cross Swimming Cards, various dates, MCF. American Red Cross Swimming Cards, various dates, MCF.

40 Regina insisted that he have a psychological evaluation Regina insisted that he have a psychological evaluation Author's conversation with Regina Fischer, December 1960, New York. Author's conversation with Regina Fischer, December 1960, New York.

41 "I just go for it." "I just go for it." Author's conversation with Bobby Fischer, January 1964, New York. Author's conversation with Bobby Fischer, January 1964, New York.

42 "I told her that I could think of a lot worse things than chess that a person could devote himself to" "I told her that I could think of a lot worse things than chess that a person could devote himself to" Letter from Dr. Ariel Mengarini to author, March 31, 1963, New York. Letter from Dr. Ariel Mengarini to author, March 31, 1963, New York.

43 "I'd already gone through most of the books in the public library" "I'd already gone through most of the books in the public library" BFE, p. 3. BFE, p. 3.

44 the money was spent on chocolate milk for lunch and a candy bar after school the money was spent on chocolate milk for lunch and a candy bar after school Regina Fischer notebook, MCF. Regina Fischer notebook, MCF.

45 he expected to be called in front of Senator McCarthy's House Un-American Activities Committee hearings he expected to be called in front of Senator McCarthy's House Un-American Activities Committee hearings Author's conversation with Harold M. Phillips, New York City, June 1960. Author's conversation with Harold M. Phillips, New York City, June 1960.

46 When Mikhail Botvinnik, who became World Chess Champion, arrived at the Bolshoi Opera House When Mikhail Botvinnik, who became World Chess Champion, arrived at the Bolshoi Opera House Alexander Kotov, "Why the Russians?" Alexander Kotov, "Why the Russians?" Chessworld Chessworld, 1964, No. 2.

47 One Soviet tournament registered more than seven hundred thousand players One Soviet tournament registered more than seven hundred thousand players Ibid. Ibid.

48 "They are out to win for the greater glory of the Soviet Union" NYT "They are out to win for the greater glory of the Soviet Union" NYT, June 13, 1954, p. SM19.

49 He dutifully took his seat in the auditorium, as though he were at the Academy Awards of chess PRO He dutifully took his seat in the auditorium, as though he were at the Academy Awards of chess PRO, p. 9.

50 David Bronstein asked for a gla.s.s of lemon juice NYT David Bronstein asked for a gla.s.s of lemon juice NYT, June 25, 1954, p. 23.

51 there was the Soviets' recent routing of the Argentine team in Buenos Aires and the French team in Paris NYT there was the Soviets' recent routing of the Argentine team in Buenos Aires and the French team in Paris NYT, June 13, 1954, p. S4.

52 Nigro noted with proud amus.e.m.e.nt that his protege was watching carefully Nigro noted with proud amus.e.m.e.nt that his protege was watching carefully Author's conversation with Carmine Nigro, May 1955, Brooklyn, NY. Author's conversation with Carmine Nigro, May 1955, Brooklyn, NY.

53 Dr. Fine wasn't playing for the United States CR Dr. Fine wasn't playing for the United States CR, July 1954, p. 199.

54 the man Bobby had played in a simultaneous exhibition three years previously the man Bobby had played in a simultaneous exhibition three years previously Ibid. Ibid.

55 "He seemed to be a nice kid, somewhat shy" "He seemed to be a nice kid, somewhat shy" Interview of Allen Kaufman by author, March 16, 2009. Interview of Allen Kaufman by author, March 16, 2009.

56 "Chess spectators are like Dodger fans with laryngitis" NYT "Chess spectators are like Dodger fans with laryngitis" NYT, June 23, 1954, p. 27.

57 "No matter how talented by natural heritage, the amateur lacks that sometimes brutal precision" CL "No matter how talented by natural heritage, the amateur lacks that sometimes brutal precision" CL, July 5, 1954, p. 4.

58 The following year, in July 1955 NYT The following year, in July 1955 NYT, July 7, 1955, p. 33.

59 There Khrushchev issued a policy statement NYT There Khrushchev issued a policy statement NYT, July 5, 1955, p. 1.

60 "Mr. Nigro introduced me around and when I got better it was easier to get a game." "Mr. Nigro introduced me around and when I got better it was easier to get a game." BFE, p. 2. BFE, p. 2.

61 Kibitzers, always free with mostly unwanted advice Kibitzers, always free with mostly unwanted advice BFE, p. 5. BFE, p. 5.

62 "Mr. Nigro, when is the food coming?" "Mr. Nigro, when is the food coming?" Author's conversation with Carmine Nigro, May 1956, New York. Author's conversation with Carmine Nigro, May 1956, New York.

63 So involved was Bobby in his games NYT So involved was Bobby in his games NYT, June 20, 1955, p. 42.

64 Bobby was highly indignant PRO Bobby was highly indignant PRO, p. 10.

65 "We were glad when it was over" "We were glad when it was over" BFE, p. 5. BFE, p. 5.

66 He finished fifteenth, and was awarded a ballpoint pen NYT He finished fifteenth, and was awarded a ballpoint pen NYT, October 3, 1955, p. 27.

67 A few weeks later, however, while walking with his mother A few weeks later, however, while walking with his mother BFE, p. 5. BFE, p. 5.

68 The New York Times The New York Times ran a small story about the results NYT ran a small story about the results NYT, October 3, 1955, p. 27.

69 "My grandfather had shown little interest in [me] and knew nothing about chess." "My grandfather had shown little interest in [me] and knew nothing about chess." BFE, p. 5. BFE, p. 5.

Chapter 3: Out of the Head of Zeus.

Regina Fischer's diary entries about Bobby's trip to Cuba offered illuminating anecdotes about his interactions with his teammates. Interviews of players such as James T. Sherwin, Allen Kaufman, and Anthony Saidy, and extracts from Bobby's autobiographical essay, also elucidate aspects of his life at this time.

1 "We were looking for [a way] to get out of the heat..." "We were looking for [a way] to get out of the heat..." BFE, p. 4. BFE, p. 4.

2 "I was so impressed by his play that I introduced the 12-year old to Maurice Kasper, the president of the club" "I was so impressed by his play that I introduced the 12-year old to Maurice Kasper, the president of the club" Letter from Walter s.h.i.+pman, March 31, 2009, FB. Letter from Walter s.h.i.+pman, March 31, 2009, FB.

3 "perhaps half of all of the greatest players of the past hundred years have been Jews" "perhaps half of all of the greatest players of the past hundred years have been Jews" Saidy and Lessing, p. 179. Saidy and Lessing, p. 179.

4 "I adored playing with Bobby" "I adored playing with Bobby" Interview of Dr. Stuart Margulies by the author, February 19, 2009. Interview of Dr. Stuart Margulies by the author, February 19, 2009.

5 Nevertheless, the boy was impressed at being in the presence of a champion Nevertheless, the boy was impressed at being in the presence of a champion Note by Bobby Fischer, undated, circa September 1955, FB. Note by Bobby Fischer, undated, circa September 1955, FB.

6 Eighty-year-old Harold M. Phillips, a master and member of the board, wistfully likened Bobby's style of play Eighty-year-old Harold M. Phillips, a master and member of the board, wistfully likened Bobby's style of play Author's conversation with Harold M. Phillips, circa 1964, New York. Author's conversation with Harold M. Phillips, circa 1964, New York.