Cowardly Fischer

Why the heck are you people arguing about this? There's no potential benefit.  You aren't these people, I'm under the impression none of you are related to them, and likely none of you stand to gain or lose anything based on the ambiguous outcome.  Let your passion shine elsewhere please, where you're less likely to offend somebody, or embarrass yourself.  

I think that if Fischer were a "coward" he would not have granted Spassky an unsanctioned rematch after he beat Spassky in the WCC.

Kasparov has written in an annotated WCC game that he himself was afraid of Karpov. However, Kasparov still defeated im.

If an athlete chooses to retire when they are in their prime, instead of fading away, that doesn't mean they are a coward. There is nothing wrong with quitting after you have accomplished your goal. Eventually Carlsen will quit, and sure enough, the haters will call him a coward too.

"Eventually Carlsen will quit, and sure enough, the haters will call him a coward too"

If Carlsen after 20 years of refusing to play declares that he still is the World Champion, and calls the top ranked active players cheaters that are weaker than him, I'm sure he too will be called a coward. Even if he suddenly plays a match against Anand and calls it the World Championship.

If you quit then I do not agree that makes you a coward. You have simply gotten older and rearanged your priorities. If Carlsen gets married and starts a family than his family will come first. Chess is not everything. However, I think even if Carlsen stops playing in professional tournaments he will still teach chess or be active in the chess community in some way. However,  Carlsen is probably not going to quit for a while. 

@fabelhaft and others: I think you are confusing the mental illness Fischer apparently developed later in life with cowardice. You are focusing on the mental problems he developed, but not giving him credit for granting the Spassky rematch. I'm not sure why someone developing a mental illness would cause such animosity.

Then again, many (not all) Anand fans on this site hate Carlsen right now for no reason other than the fact that Carlsen is a stronger player than their Indian champ. It's absurd. Why hate and belittle great players and champions because they don't play for your country?

Jealousy.

"I think you are confusing the mental illness Fischer apparently developed later in life with cowardice. You are focusing on the mental problems he developed, but not giving him credit for granting the Spassky rematch. I'm not sure why someone developing a mental illness would cause such animosity"

Why should he be given credit for only allowing a handpicked opponent outside the top 100 to play a "title match" against him, after 20 years without playing? What is there to credit?

Fischer did prove his greatness over a career that saw him play the best players in 3 decades. When his detractors are dead and long forgotten, chess lovers will still admire his art.

Perhaps it was just a joke. Ever thought of that?

Said one of the rudest posters on this forum.

Want proof? Your next post will provide it.

This discusssion esculated quickly

Every thread on Fischer becomes as disturbing ascthe man himself

Quote: rdecredico 

Seems accurate to me

Kinda wimpy calling someone a coward long after they've gone.

Much better to say it to their face while they are still are around. Far more interesting to watch.

I wouldn't call someone you don't know a troglydite, especially when they are married with kids.

You understand this thread is about Fischer being afraid to play Karpov. The Spassky rematch holds no relevance here. 

Let it go or go cry somewhere else please

This is funny , especially coming from a mediocre B class player !  The very worst titled player has more chess credibility than any B class player but ofcourse most people into serious chess know that !   Anyway ... this is all anyone needs know to see this hater in a clearer light :  http://xpertchesslessons.wordpress.com/2014/11/26/the-decredico-incident/

Uh Oh! Reb annoyed!