Endgame_ Bobby Fischer's Remarkable Rise And Fall Part 18

Bobby Fischer's interview in a publication that was attempting to expose the Worldwide Church of G.o.d was one of the most revelatory ever published about his religious beliefs. That article and interviews of players at Curacao in 1962 added to the sources for this chapter.

1 he and his sister took a taxi to a victory dinner for Bobby at Vorst's he and his sister took a taxi to a victory dinner for Bobby at Vorst's Interview of Jack Collins by author, January 1961. Interview of Jack Collins by author, January 1961.

2 "Fischer has not lost a game in an American tournament since 1957." CL "Fischer has not lost a game in an American tournament since 1957." CL, January 20, 1961, p. 1.

3 It didn't help that a study had been published that year in It didn't help that a study had been published that year in American Statistician American Statistician magazine magazine Ernest Rubin, "The Age Factor in Masters Chess," reprinted in Ernest Rubin, "The Age Factor in Masters Chess," reprinted in CL CL, February 20, 1961, pp. 4043.

4 During the summer of 1961 a sixteen-game match between the two players was negotiated and a prize fund of $8,000 was promised NYT During the summer of 1961 a sixteen-game match between the two players was negotiated and a prize fund of $8,000 was promised NYT, August 19, 1961, p. 15.

5 When four world-cla.s.s chess players-Svetozar Gligoric, Bent La.r.s.en, Paul Keres, and Tigran Petrosian-were asked PRO When four world-cla.s.s chess players-Svetozar Gligoric, Bent La.r.s.en, Paul Keres, and Tigran Petrosian-were asked PRO, p. 42.

6 Early in his career he Early in his career he did did play before sundown play before sundown Hooper and Whyld, p. 22. Hooper and Whyld, p. 22.

7 He simply couldn't play at that time, he said. "It's ridiculous." NYT He simply couldn't play at that time, he said. "It's ridiculous." NYT, August 15, 1961, p. 36.

8 She could always come to the game after the concert, he argued CL She could always come to the game after the concert, he argued CL, August 1961, pp. 21320.

9 Reshevsky paced up and down, a few spectators waited patiently NYT Reshevsky paced up and down, a few spectators waited patiently NYT, August 14, 1961, p. 20.

10 Bobby ultimately sued Reshevsky and the American Chess Foundation Bobby ultimately sued Reshevsky and the American Chess Foundation "Chess Stars Heading for Court Battle" "Chess Stars Heading for Court Battle" The Daily Gleaner The Daily Gleaner, Kingston, Ontario, April 27, 1962.

11 "It's up those metal stairs." "It's up those metal stairs." The source of the information following, pages 13739, consisted also of interviews with Bobby Fischer, circa 1964, and with Ralph Ginzburg, circa 1962. The source of the information following, pages 13739, consisted also of interviews with Bobby Fischer, circa 1964, and with Ralph Ginzburg, circa 1962.

12 an interview with Bobby for an interview with Bobby for Harper's Harper's magazine magazine Ralph Ginzburg, "Portrait of a Genius or a Young Chess Master," Ralph Ginzburg, "Portrait of a Genius or a Young Chess Master," Harper's Harper's, January 1962, pp. 4955.

13 In preparation for the interview, Ginzburg had read Elias Canetti's cla.s.sic work In preparation for the interview, Ginzburg had read Elias Canetti's cla.s.sic work Auto-da-Fe See Canetti. Auto-da-Fe See Canetti.

14 "I don't want to talk about it! Don't ever mention Ginzburg's name to me!" PRO "I don't want to talk about it! Don't ever mention Ginzburg's name to me!" PRO, p. 47.

15 It honed his instinct and forced him to trust himself CL It honed his instinct and forced him to trust himself CL, February 1962, p. 25.

16 "the number comes up again and again [the magic number for true expertise: ten thousand hours of practice]" "the number comes up again and again [the magic number for true expertise: ten thousand hours of practice]" Gladwell, p. 41. Gladwell, p. 41.

17 "Practice isn't the thing you do once you're good. It's the thing you do that makes you good." "Practice isn't the thing you do once you're good. It's the thing you do that makes you good." Gladwell, p. 41. Gladwell, p. 41.

18 Bobby signed it using the Russian Cyrillic alphabet, needing to change only a few letters. CL Bobby signed it using the Russian Cyrillic alphabet, needing to change only a few letters. CL, February 1962, p. 25.

19 "A charmer" CR "A charmer" CR, November 1961, p. 347.

20 Tal [Sighing]: "It is difficult to play against Einstein's theory." Tal [Sighing]: "It is difficult to play against Einstein's theory." Fischer, Fischer, My 60 Memorable Games My 60 Memorable Games, p. 196; also in CL CL, March 1952, p. 58.

21 Bobby was not happy with his eventual second-place showing in the tournament CR Bobby was not happy with his eventual second-place showing in the tournament CR, November 1961, p. 323.

22 he was also having difficulty keeping food down PRO he was also having difficulty keeping food down PRO, p. 50.

23 the British Broadcasting Corporation invited him to London to appear on a show called the British Broadcasting Corporation invited him to London to appear on a show called Chess Treasury of the Air Tiller, p. 124. Chess Treasury of the Air Tiller, p. 124.

24 Bobby spent a British Christmas with his mother and her new husband Bobby spent a British Christmas with his mother and her new husband Letter to Regina Pustan from Bobby Fischer, January 1963, MCF. Letter to Regina Pustan from Bobby Fischer, January 1963, MCF.

25 "I wasn't just 'trusting in G.o.d' to give me the moves." "I wasn't just 'trusting in G.o.d' to give me the moves." "The Painful Truth," interview of Bobby Fischer in "The Painful Truth," interview of Bobby Fischer in Amba.s.sador Report Amba.s.sador Report, June 1976.

26 Bobby wrote a preachy letter to his mother Bobby wrote a preachy letter to his mother Letter to Regina Pustan from Bobby Fischer, March 9, 1964, MCF. Letter to Regina Pustan from Bobby Fischer, March 9, 1964, MCF.

27 A good and tolerant life was the best life, she said A good and tolerant life was the best life, she said Copy of letter, perhaps unsent, to Bobby Fischer from Regina Pustan, August 1964, MCF. Copy of letter, perhaps unsent, to Bobby Fischer from Regina Pustan, August 1964, MCF.

28 "If anyone tried to live by the letter of the law, it was me" Amba.s.sador Report "If anyone tried to live by the letter of the law, it was me" Amba.s.sador Report, June 1977.

29 "The more I tried [to be obedient] the more crazy I became," he noted "The more I tried [to be obedient] the more crazy I became," he noted "The Painful Truth," interview of Bobby Fischer in "The Painful Truth," interview of Bobby Fischer in Amba.s.sador Report Amba.s.sador Report, June 1976.

30 the real prize for Bobby was to qualify for the Candidates tournament the real prize for Bobby was to qualify for the Candidates tournament Conversation with author, April 1962. Conversation with author, April 1962.

31 "Bobby Fischer's margin of 2 points reflects his complete domination of the event." CL "Bobby Fischer's margin of 2 points reflects his complete domination of the event." CL, April 1962, p. 69.

32 entered Bobby's room at the Hotel Intercontinental in Curacao shortly after Arthur Bisguier, Bobby's second, had arrived entered Bobby's room at the Hotel Intercontinental in Curacao shortly after Arthur Bisguier, Bobby's second, had arrived. DeLucia, p. 270.

33 "No, you get out!" Benko replied, somewhat illogically "No, you get out!" Benko replied, somewhat illogically. Interview of Pal Benko by author, summer 2008.

34 "I am sorry that I beat up Bobby. He was a sick man, even then." "I am sorry that I beat up Bobby. He was a sick man, even then." Ibid. Ibid.

35 The day after the fight, Bobby penned a letter to the Tournament Committee, asking them to expel Benko The day after the fight, Bobby penned a letter to the Tournament Committee, asking them to expel Benko. Chesscafe.com/FromArchive/FromArchive.htm, "The Fischer-Benko Slapping Incident," September 1977.

36 the Candidates tournament had furnished "a series of early-round surprises that are probably without parallel in chess history" CL the Candidates tournament had furnished "a series of early-round surprises that are probably without parallel in chess history" CL, August 1962, p. 172.

37 "Chess is better." "Chess is better." Interview of Arthur Bisguier by author, February 21, 2009. Interview of Arthur Bisguier by author, February 21, 2009.

38 "There was open collusion between the Russian [Soviet] players" Sports Ill.u.s.trated "There was open collusion between the Russian [Soviet] players" Sports Ill.u.s.trated, August 20, 1962, accessed December 10, 2009, http://sportsill.u.s.trated.cnn.com/vault.

39 Korchnoi, in his memoir Korchnoi, in his memoir Chess Is My Life, Chess Is My Life, backed Bobby's accusations backed Bobby's accusations Korchnoi, pp 4445. Korchnoi, pp 4445.

40 "He simply wasn't the best player." "He simply wasn't the best player." Interview of Pal Benko by author, July 2000, Philadelphia, PA. Interview of Pal Benko by author, July 2000, Philadelphia, PA.

41 The article was reprinted in German, Dutch, Spanish, Swedish, Icelandic, and (with modifications) Russian The article was reprinted in German, Dutch, Spanish, Swedish, Icelandic, and (with modifications) Russian. Bobby Fischer, "The Russians Have Fixed World Chess," Sports Ill.u.s.trated Sports Ill.u.s.trated, August 20, 1962.

Chapter 8: Legends Clash.

FBI files of an investigation of Bobby Fischer added facts, heretofore unknown, about his life. Interviews with players who knew him well provided additional insights. Observations by the author served as a catalyst to the research.

1 "tinkering with the engine of a plane" "tinkering with the engine of a plane" Quoted in the film Quoted in the film Me and Bobby Fischer Me and Bobby Fischer, directed by Fridrik Gudmundsson, DVD, 2009.

2 Winner three times of the World Champions.h.i.+p, he'd defeated Alexander Alekhine, Jose Capablanca, Max Euwe, and Emanuel Lasker Winner three times of the World Champions.h.i.+p, he'd defeated Alexander Alekhine, Jose Capablanca, Max Euwe, and Emanuel Lasker Golombek, Golombek, Golombek's Encyclopedia Golombek's Encyclopedia, pp. 3839.

3 Bobby shook hands and said succinctly, "Fischer" CL Bobby shook hands and said succinctly, "Fischer" CL, November 1962, p. 262.

4 He knew he was a major representative of the Soviet Union He knew he was a major representative of the Soviet Union Interview of M. Botvinnik by author, Skopje, Macedonia, September 1972. Interview of M. Botvinnik by author, Skopje, Macedonia, September 1972.

5 His pupil, Anatoly Karpov, said of him that he had an "Olympian inaccessibility" His pupil, Anatoly Karpov, said of him that he had an "Olympian inaccessibility" Karpov, p. 41. Karpov, p. 41.

6 When the game was adjourned, it appeared that Fischer's position was clearly superior. CL When the game was adjourned, it appeared that Fischer's position was clearly superior. CL, November 1962, p. 261.

7 "Look," he said. "Botvinnik is getting a.s.sistance!" "Look," he said. "Botvinnik is getting a.s.sistance!" Botvinnik, pp. 17078. Botvinnik, pp. 17078.

8 No official protest was put before the tournament committee PRO No official protest was put before the tournament committee PRO, p. 66.

9 Mysteriously, the nineteen-year-old wrote a letter of apology to Dr. Eliot Hearst Mysteriously, the nineteen-year-old wrote a letter of apology to Dr. Eliot Hearst Interview of Dr. Eliot Hearst by author, February 7, 2009, by telephone. Interview of Dr. Eliot Hearst by author, February 7, 2009, by telephone.

10 Aboard the Aboard the New Amsterdam New Amsterdam once again once again DeLucia, p. 96. DeLucia, p. 96.

11 Botvinnik might have been able to become Premier Botvinnik might have been able to become Premier DeLucia, p. 96. DeLucia, p. 96.

12 But back in Brooklyn, Bobby said he just no longer wanted to be involved with those "commie cheaters," as he called them But back in Brooklyn, Bobby said he just no longer wanted to be involved with those "commie cheaters," as he called them. Conversation with author, circa December 1962, New York.

13 Saidy's position was powerful, and Bobby's was precarious Saidy's position was powerful, and Bobby's was precarious. Observation of author, 1964.

14 Saidy's blunder gave Fischer an opportunity to develop a winning endgame Saidy's blunder gave Fischer an opportunity to develop a winning endgame Interview of Anthony Saidy by author, February 21, 2009, by telephone. Interview of Anthony Saidy by author, February 21, 2009, by telephone.

15 Fischer's first prize for his two weeks of intensity and brilliance was just $2,000 NYT Fischer's first prize for his two weeks of intensity and brilliance was just $2,000 NYT, January 4, 1964.

16 "Fischer was playing against children," he said CL "Fischer was playing against children," he said CL, August 1964, p. 202.

17 he'd said that he would never play in the FIDE cycle again because it was stacked in favor of the Soviets he'd said that he would never play in the FIDE cycle again because it was stacked in favor of the Soviets. "The Stalemate of Bobby Fischer," CL CL, April 1964, p. 186.

18 General George B. Hershey, head of the Selective Service bureau General George B. Hershey, head of the Selective Service bureau Author's discussion with Harold M. Phillips, circa spring 1964. Author's discussion with Harold M. Phillips, circa spring 1964.

19 Alfred Landa, then a.s.sistant to the president, said Alfred Landa, then a.s.sistant to the president, said Interview of Alfred Landa by author, circa spring 1964, New York. Interview of Alfred Landa by author, circa spring 1964, New York.

20 Bobby Fischer was cla.s.sified 4F Bobby Fischer was cla.s.sified 4F Draft deferment card, 1964, MCF. Draft deferment card, 1964, MCF.

21 Nonetheless, the State Department flatly refused to recognize him as a legitimate columnist CL Nonetheless, the State Department flatly refused to recognize him as a legitimate columnist CL, September 1965, p. 191.

22 "Cuban travel criteria make no provision for validation for the purpose of partic.i.p.ating in chess compet.i.tions." "Cuban travel criteria make no provision for validation for the purpose of partic.i.p.ating in chess compet.i.tions." FBI investigation file of Robert James Fischer, 19581967. FBI investigation file of Robert James Fischer, 19581967.

23 Furious, Bobby cabled Castro NYT Furious, Bobby cabled Castro NYT, August 25, 1965, p. 36.

24 Upon receiving word from Castro, Bobby confirmed his partic.i.p.ation NYT Upon receiving word from Castro, Bobby confirmed his partic.i.p.ation NYT, August 25, 1965, p. 36.

25 The tick of the chess clock was the only sound heard The tick of the chess clock was the only sound heard Observation of author, who was a referee during the Havana match, August 1965. Observation of author, who was a referee during the Havana match, August 1965.

26 Bobby had to play this strange, isolated form of chess every single game Bobby had to play this strange, isolated form of chess every single game "Fischer Against the Odds," "Fischer Against the Odds," NYT NYT, October 24, 1965, p. X30 27 Still, he tied for second, a half point behind Russia's Vasily Smyslov, the former World Champion NYT Still, he tied for second, a half point behind Russia's Vasily Smyslov, the former World Champion NYT, September 28, 1965, p. 10.

28 They rigorously studied his opening, middle game, and endings They rigorously studied his opening, middle game, and endings Vladimir Linder and Isaac Linder, "From Morphy to Fischer, Who's Next?" ten-page unpublished essay, Moscow, 2002, p. 8. Vladimir Linder and Isaac Linder, "From Morphy to Fischer, Who's Next?" ten-page unpublished essay, Moscow, 2002, p. 8.

29 "We "We must must get Bobby Fischer," Gregor Piatigorsky told his wife get Bobby Fischer," Gregor Piatigorsky told his wife. Piatigorsky, p. 166.

30 The story of how Fischer went into a swoon The story of how Fischer went into a swoon Kashdan, pp. xix.x.x. Kashdan, pp. xix.x.x.

31 Fortunately, drawing deep from his inner reserves, Bobby Fortunately, drawing deep from his inner reserves, Bobby did did climb CR climb CR, October 1966, p. 296.

Chapter 9: The Candidate.

Letters and postcards to Jack Collins, and widespread media coverage that appeared in the general and chess press for Fischer's three matches leading up to the World Champions.h.i.+p, provided most of the sources for this chapter.

1 He won the Monte Carlo International and ungallantly refused to pose for a photograph with His Royal Highness Prince Rainier CR He won the Monte Carlo International and ungallantly refused to pose for a photograph with His Royal Highness Prince Rainier CR, May 1967, p. 131.

2 when Princess Grace awarded him his cash prize when Princess Grace awarded him his cash prize Michael Hoffer, "Boris Spa.s.sky Interview and Fischer-Spa.s.sky Retrospective," posted in Michael Hoffer, "Boris Spa.s.sky Interview and Fischer-Spa.s.sky Retrospective," posted in Chess History Chess History, http://yes2chess.com.

3 he led the American Olympiad team to Cuba he led the American Olympiad team to Cuba Andrew Soltis, Andrew Soltis, Karl Marx Plays Chess and Other Reports on the World's Oldest Game Karl Marx Plays Chess and Other Reports on the World's Oldest Game, p. 51.

4 because of the refusal of the organizers to agree to his scheduling demands CR because of the refusal of the organizers to agree to his scheduling demands CR, December 1965, p. 355.

5 "Leave me in peace!" Newsday "Leave me in peace!" Newsday, December 1967.

6 He, not the organizers, would decide when he'd play and when he wouldn't He, not the organizers, would decide when he'd play and when he wouldn't Letter from William Lombardy to Anthony Saidy, November 13, 1967, FB. Letter from William Lombardy to Anthony Saidy, November 13, 1967, FB.

7 "He felt he should enjoy whatever money he could get before it was too late." "He felt he should enjoy whatever money he could get before it was too late." Evans, Evans, The Chess Beat The Chess Beat, "Bobby's Dilemma," p. 5.

8 Bobby withdrew from playing compet.i.tive chess in late 1968 Bobby withdrew from playing compet.i.tive chess in late 1968 Letter from Bobby Fischer to Ed Edmondson, October 29, 1969, JWC. Letter from Bobby Fischer to Ed Edmondson, October 29, 1969, JWC.

9 later telling one interviewer that he'd refused to play because of undefined "hang-ups" Sports Ill.u.s.trated later telling one interviewer that he'd refused to play because of undefined "hang-ups" Sports Ill.u.s.trated, April 20, 1970, pp. 6263.

10 "to plot my revenge" NYT "to plot my revenge" NYT, November 14, 1971, pp. 32 ff.

11 Then, unpredictably, he made an exception NYT Then, unpredictably, he made an exception NYT, April 27, 1970, p. 30.

12 Larry Evans, who was reporting on the match instead of playing in it and would act as Fischer's second PRO Larry Evans, who was reporting on the match instead of playing in it and would act as Fischer's second PRO, p. 161.

13 "This is not surprising, but if you see Bobby kiss the girl "This is not surprising, but if you see Bobby kiss the girl, then you have a news item!" CL&R you have a news item!" CL&R, May 1970, p. 247.

14 fans filled the large hall to capacity in less than half an hour fans filled the large hall to capacity in less than half an hour "USSR vs. the Rest of the World," Glenn Giffen at "USSR vs. the Rest of the World," Glenn Giffen at Olipbase.org, 1970.

15 "At home they don't understand. They think it means there's something wrong with our culture." CL&R "At home they don't understand. They think it means there's something wrong with our culture." CL&R, May 1970, p. 246.

16 He wanted to He wanted to win win the car, not to the car, not to keep keep the car Chess Digest the car Chess Digest, September 1970, p. 194.

17 "He prefers to enter chess history alone." CL&R "He prefers to enter chess history alone." CL&R, June 1970, p. 301.

18 If Bobby Fischer was ever going to become the World Chess Champion If Bobby Fischer was ever going to become the World Chess Champion As published in As published in Courier Journal Courier Journal, December 13, 1970, and NYT News Service.