Fischer's Behavior Gave Him Edge?
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You make a good point Sprite! I am reading a book about Fischer and he appears to have had great controls over certain aspects of the tournaments he participated in. However, I believe his skills were so sharp that he would have won most of them without control of lighting, type of pieces, etc. We have to remember, that he was in the spotlight at a young age and this had to have played into his quirkiness. I believe the pressure on him was immense no matter how he shrugged it off. He was catered to because he put the game of chess on the map here in the United States. Fischer played through the cold war and I think that had a lot to do with his treatment. I've been in professional situations as a musician where other bands have gotten preferred treatment and yes, it can affect you, if you let it. I tend to go into a tunnel vision mode and ignore any special treatment. I just give it my best. You should also know that the Russians (I'm half Russian) had some preferred treatment going on as well and this lead Fischer to his own set of problems with FIDE.This said, since I wasn't there, I can only speculate based on second hand information.
Hugh makes an excellant point, and though we can clearly indicate psychological advantages in favor of Fischer, especially the 72 match, it should be noted that the Russians have played that card for many years prior, and since.
According to Josh Waitzkins' new book "The Art of Learning" he mentions how during his under 18 career how he had difficulty with one particular opponent. It was not until a foreign tournament where another coach explained to Josh and his father what his opponent was doing. Amazingly it was a subtle, yet effective, psychological trick taught from the Russian school of chess.
Many here may not recall much of the Karpov vs Korchnoi 1978 match, but the Russians used some major pschological ploys there also. Many belive Korchnoi would have won if it were not for the shear amount of psychological pressure the regime placed on him.
Yes, we all know about and talk about Fischer because we are in America, but the Russians blatenly perfected this side of the game well before he came onto the scene.
Now I'm really studying the psychological tactics employed by the Russians between 1960 and 1972 regarding Fischer and other players. Of course, being a relative novice, I had no idea how teams used the "draw" as a factor in team tournaments. It was quite an effective tool in competition. Although, I disagree with it's use since it falls outside of the realm of proper strategies and tactics!
Can I ask how you even found this forum. The last post was 10! Years ago.
First off, let's get some things straight. I acknowledge that Fischer is one of the greatest chess players of all time, and that he was a World Champion.
However, I can't help but think that his behavior might've psychologically damaged his opponents. When your opponent controls the lighting, the chairs, and essentially everything else about where the match is being placed, how can you be expected to win on the board? Not to mention the fact that FIDE catered to all his requests, and it seemed pretty obvious he got special treatment.
I just wonder what would've happened if Fischer behaved like most other chess players do. I know I'd be mentally hurt if my opponent got special treatment and controlled everything else about the match.