Who was the greatest Grandmaster of all time... prior to the year 2000?

anand

 PRIOR TO 2000!!! :(:(:(

I'd say Kasparov(1985-2000)

Thanks :):))::):) 

Kasparov of course....is there really any doubt?

 I wouldn't... Kasparov is a great player, I must say fischer is good though. :):):)

Chess_Champion26 wrote:

 PRIOR TO 2000!!! :(:(:(

I'm quite sure Anand achieved GM status in the 1990s. That is, of course, unless you were subjectively deriding his claim. 

Sorry i am wrong, sorry chessfanforlife. Thanks Locke

PS Kasparov and Fischer kick Anand's butt.

Thanks :):):) 

Kasparov easy

Karpov won much more  tournaments and matches! He was a  great Champion!

And he continue playing, as fare! Where are the Fisher and Kasparov in the chess, now?  There are in the great history...

Its spelled Fischer, and Kasparov dominated his period and was world champion for fifteen years. Cmon, Give him a break. :):):)

As far as I'm concerned, Kasparov.  He had to fight the Russian dominance of the chess world, where he was considered an outsider (of course so did Fischer) and had to put up with cheating  by the Russians in his second world championship match with Karpov where Karpov withdrew due to exhaustion.  Kasparov defended his crown successfully many times.  He even engaged in 2 matches against the super computer Deep Blue, more interested in the evolution of chess and the computer's influence and contributions, than his own ego.  In the mid nineties, Kasparov claimed that women would never reach the upper levels of chess.  Later, after being defeated by one of the Polgar sisters (I'm sorry, I can't remember which one) he became instrumental in starting a chess program for young girls in Russia to develop world class players.  He has an incredible ability to grow and evolve.  He has become the greatest international ambassador for chess in its history.   Fischer on the other hand didn't defend his crown even once.  He had the potential to be the greatest but never realized it.  He refused to accept the responsibility that goes along with being world champion.  Fischer was only interested in how chess could serve him, not how he could serve chess.  He thought he was bigger than the game, and although he will always be one of its greatest practitioners, his status will diminish as the great players of today and the future follow the example of Kasparov by serving the game and advancing it into the future.

 Exactly. :):):)

 

Reb,

 

Not to sound rude but those numbers are skewed?! Fischer did not play anywhere near the number of games Kasparov or Karpov did, and just as importantly he did not play at the top levels of chess as long either. The 2 K's had to adjust to a new world of computers and databases, and thus improved competition. They proved they could evolve where Fischer never took that chance.

Piratedog hits the nail on the head as well. A great player is seen as being great for more than just the game itself. It's what they do that makes the game great for us. Lets face it, if Tiger Woods were a mean spirited malcontent do you really think golf would be as popular as it is now?

Greatness comes in more forms than just winning, it also shows in ones character, and their ability to give back.  

Kasparov is my pick when it comes to his longevity at the top level, evolution as a player, consistency, and tireless promoter of the game. 

Anand, and will continue to be until Carlsen Magnus takes the World Champion throne.

I still say Kasparov... no question:):):)

I also think that Kasparov it's the choice

Fischer is good, Kasparov is Great, period :):):)