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.

Your definition of a blunder seems lacking.

Fischer's 29...Bxh2 was not a blunder- just a risky move in a drawn position, which with optimal play would still end up drawn. The real blunder came up later in the game.

"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.

Mr. rdecredico:

You have forgotten your joker hat. Please wear it right now, you are way more entertaining like that. We do need more professional entertainers of your kind here. Best regards.

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

Thought? Nah, he doesn't do such nasty things. Never.

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 

And Anand at peak ELO (provisional Indian) - 49,875

Therefore Anand > all the W.C.'s combined.

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.