Bobby Fischer- "Ahead of his time"

You ever asked yourself who Bobby Fischer was? I am just kidding guys, of course you know. But do you really know who he was or you only know that he was a great chess player maybe THE greatest chessplayer ever.

If you want to know more about "Robert James Fischer" you should stay here .

The name Bobby Fischer is inextricably linked to the world of chess, a name that stands for genius, controversy and legendary chess games.

In this blog post we want to take a look at the fascinating life and legacy of this chess genius. From his beginnings as a child prodigy to to his legendary victory in the 'Match of the Century' against Boris Spassky. We will explore the highs and lows of his life and his lasting significance for the game of chess.

Let's delve into the world of Bobby Fischer, one of the greatest chess players of all time.

The life of a prodigy

Bobby Fischer was a chess genius and a legend in the world of chess. He was born in Chicago on March 9, 1943 and showed an exceptional talent for the game from an early age. At just 15 years old, he became the youngest grandmaster in the history of chess and won numerous tournaments and championships.

However, Fischer's life was not only characterized by his successes on the chessboard. He was considered eccentric and struggled with mental health problems. His behavior and views often caused controversy and led to conflict with the chess federation and the public.

Nevertheless, Fischer is remembered for his brilliant chess games and his revolutionary opening ideas. His legendary victory against Soviet grandmaster Boris Spassky in 1972, which became known as the "Match of the Century", made him an icon of chess.

After his triumph, Fischer withdrew from the public eye and lived a withdrawn life. However, he repeatedly found himself in the headlines, among other things because of his anti-Semitic and anti-American statements.

Political and sexistic statements

Bobby Fischer was known not only for his chess skills, but also for his controversial political and personal statements. Especially in his later years, he spoke publicly on various topics, which often caused a stir and outrage.

Fischer was known for his anti-semitic statements in interviews and public appearances. He also made disparaging comments about the United States and the West in general, which caused tensions with the US government and the public.

In addition, Fischer also made sexist statements that outraged many people. He made disparaging comments about female chess players and believed that women were fundamentally unable to play chess at the same level as men. He said Women are only there for cleaning.

These statements and views caused considerable controversy and resulted in Fischer being largely isolated and distanced from the chess community during the final years of his life.

Bobby Fischer as a coach for Judith Polgar

Even though Bobby Fischer was a sexist when he was younger, he seemed to have come to his senses over the years and started to train with Judith Polgar, the strongest female chess player in history.

Judith Polgar was an exceptional chess player and was considered a child prodigy. Fischer was impressed by her talent and determination and offered to coach her. During this time, Fischer shared his deep knowledge and unique insights into the game of chess with Polgar, he also stayed a while in their home with Polgars family.

The collaboration between Fischer and Polgar was of great importance for both of them. Fischer was able to pass on his knowledge and experience to a promising young player, while Polgar benefited from Fischer's unique perspective and deep understanding of the game.

Although Fischer's training was short-lived, it had a lasting impact on Polgar's chess career. She developed into one of the strongest chess players in the world and achieved impressive success in her career. Fischer's contribution to Polgar's development as a chess player remains a remarkable chapter in the history of chess.

Bobby Fischers relationships to other chess player

Bobby Fischer was known for his demanding and often controversial personality, which made it difficult for him to form close relationships with other chess players. He was considered withdrawn and isolated, and his relationships with other chess players were often characterized by tension and conflict.

Fischer's eccentric behavior and high expectations of himself and others meant that he often found himself in conflict with other chess players. He was known for harshly criticizing his opponents and colleagues and for feeling isolated in the chess world.

Nevertheless, Fischer also had some positive relationships with other chess players. In his younger years he had a close friendship with the grandmaster William Lombardy, who was Fischer's coach and mentor. This friendship played an important role in Fischer's development as a chess player.

In addition, Fischer also had a respectful relationship with some of his opponents, especially Boris Spassky, with whom he had a legendary match in the "Match of the Century" in 1972. Although the relationship between Fischer and Spassky was characterized by tension and conflict, a mutual respect developed between the two players over the years.

Overall, Fischer's relationship with other chess players was characterized by his complex personality, his high standards and his often isolated attitude.

Bobby Fischer and Michail Tal as best friends

Bobby Fischer and Michail Tal were two of the greatest chess players of their time and had a remarkable friendship based on their shared passion for the game of chess.

Tal, known as "the wizard from Riga", was famous for his creative and dynamic playing style. Fischer, on the other hand, was known for his deep opening analysis and precise endgame techniques. Although their playing styles were different, they were united by their passion and pursuit of perfection in chess.

The friendship between Fischer and Tal developed during their encounters at various chess tournaments and championships.

Their friendship was also strengthened by their shared appreciation for the art of chess. Both players strived to take the game of chess to a higher level and bring new ideas and concepts to the game.

Despite their different personalities and playing styles, Fischer and Tal shared a deep appreciation for each other and for the game of chess. Their friendship was characterized by mutual respect, shared discussions about chess, and recognition of each other's unique abilities.

The friendship between Fischer and Tal remains a significant chapter in the history of chess and shows how a shared passion for the game of chess can connect people of different backgrounds and personalities.

He was the only one of the chess players who regularly visited Michail in the hospital where he was in a life-threatening condition.

Bobby Fischer against Spassky at the World-Championship 1972

The World Chess Championship between Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky in 1972 was a historic event that captivated the world. The two players, considered the best chess players of their time, met in Reykjavik, Iceland to win the world title.

The duel between Fischer and Spassky attracted worldwide attention and was dubbed the “battle of the giants.” The tension was enormous, as the political tensions between the USA and the Soviet Union were also noticeable on the chessboard. The match was followed extensively by the media and brought unprecedented attention to the game of chess.

Ultimately, Bobby Fischer managed to win the world title after defeating Spassky in a dramatic match. His victory was hailed as a triumph in the United States and made him a chess legend. Fischer's success also had a major impact on the popularity of chess worldwide and helped it become recognized as a serious sport.

The duel between Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky at the World Chess Championship remains one of the most memorable events in the history of this fascinating game.

Game of the Century, Fischer against Spassky

The match of the century between Boris Spassky and Bobby Fischer took place at the 1972 World Chess Championship in Reykjavik, Iceland, and attracted worldwide attention. The match was played over 21 games and was marked by political tensions between the USA and the Soviet Union, which further increased the importance of the competition.

The match began with a series of drama and controversy, including Fischer's demands for changes to the playing conditions and his delay in arriving. These arguments led to high tension before the actual games began.

Bobby Fischer started poorly, losing the first two games, leading to speculation about his mental state and ability to recover. But then he began an impressive comeback and won the third game. In the following games, Fischer showed his skills and won more games while putting Spassky under pressure.

The match featured high-quality chess and the players played a series of exciting and complex games. Fischer demonstrated his impressive ability to identify and exploit tactical opportunities, while Spassky demonstrated his deep understanding of the game and his strategic skills.

Spassky resigned the game and the match by telephoning the arbiter. He accepted his lose and shows his great sportsmenship in an interview after the game.

Finally, Bobby Fischer managed to win the match and win the world championship title after winning a total of seven games. His victory was celebrated as a historic achievement in the United States, and Fischer became a chess legend.

The match between Spassky and Fischer is considered one of the most memorable events in the history of chess and left a lasting impression. It was not only a fight for the world title, but also a symbol of the competition between the two superpowers of the Cold War.

The ending of a "once in a lifetime genius"

On January 17, 2008, Bobby Fischer, one of the most colorful figures in chess history, died in Reykjavík, Iceland. His death marked the end of an eventful life marked by genius, controversy and personal challenges.

Fischer's final years were spent in Iceland, the country that granted him asylum after his legendary victory against Boris Spassky.

Fischer was hospitalized for kidney failure, where he refused life-prolonging dialysis. Shortly before his death, he asked for a photo of his mother, which he was holding as he died on January 17, 2008 at Landspitali Hospital in Reykjavík.

Fischer was buried at Laugardælir Church, near the town of Selfoss.

                                                                                        -Bobby Fischers grave in Iceland

Even in death, the driven soul finds no peace, two years later, as part of an inheritance dispute, his coffin has to be opened for a DNA sample.

His death sparked worldwide mourning and led to a wave of remembrance of his extraordinary talent and significant contributions to the game of chess.

Many chess grandmasters and fans remembered him and acknowledged his achievements, which changed the game of chess forever.

Bobby Fischer will be remembered as one of the greatest chess players of all time. His legacy lives on in the countless chess games and books he left to the world, and his name will always be inextricably linked to the fascinating world of chess.