Who was best, Kasparov or Fischer?
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KASPAROV!
Kasparov
Kasparov
...who cares... - maybe none of both?
Absolutely Kasparov.
Fischer 1972, not 1992. He likely would have beaten Karpov until Karpov would dethrone him, but then Karpov would be better and would best Kaspy in all those close matches. But then Kaspy would be better. But then through all that they could have Fischer continuing to play and get better himself and complicating the successions. So I am going with Fischer.
Absolutely Fischer
They are players from different eras, they cant be compared.
Who was better? Kasparov was obviously better at chess, he had a whole team behind him, computers and an easier access to information.
Who was more talented? This is the real question. And I dont know, I would personally say Fischer.
Fischer was so far beyond any other player at his peak that it's very likely that if he was at his peak today, with all the advantages of today, or any time between 1972 and today, he would be the best.
Best in what?
Both at their best... it's a toss up... Both could pull a rabbit from their hat in difficult positions. However, from a talent and mental ability standpoint I would give Fischer a slight edge. Kasparov is the greatest champion though he held the title for many many Moons! But if you talked to Fischer about anything but chess you would be disappointed and walk away shaking your head. I saw Fischer many times at the Pasadena Main Library 1977-78 reading Khasdan's LA Times column and various chess books. He thought he was Jack of all Trades but he was Master of only one!
Noone's pulling a bunny out of a hat. President max will see to that.
Meanwhile the answer to the op's question
fischer
is the best
Fischer.
Kasparov. There is a reason Fischer refused to play Karpov. It would be a close match though.
Fischer
So far, Kasparov 6 Fischer 8.
Who was best, Kasparov or Fischer? Give me straight answer, no bullshit.