Word: fischer
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...Tribute to a Troubled Genius As an elementary-school chess coach, I read with great interest Garry Kasparov's tribute to the late, great Bobby Fischer [Feb. 4]. Chess is thriving where I live, but many talented young players have never heard of Fischer, and those who have do not view him positively. It is sad that he was never pardoned for violating a U.S. ban by playing a 1992 match in Yugoslavia. He was a chess champion who was not welcome in his own country. I think that may be partly to blame for his mental breakdown. He spent...
...Kasparov asked us to overlook Bobby Fischer's flaws (like his anti-Semitism, which Kasparov didn't mention), and Tyrangiel wants us to keep buying Winehouse's albums - perhaps so that she can keep herself supplied with drugs? There should be a group called Enablers Anonymous for Kasparov and Tyrangiel to join. I may not help madmen by refusing to patronize them, but at least I don't have to feel like a patsy. Leslie Gerber, Saugerties, New York...
...Fischer declined to defend his title in 1975, and by forfeit, it passed back into the embrace of the Soviets, in the person of Anatoly Karpov. According to all accounts, Fischer had descended into isolation and anger after winning that final match game against Spassky. Fischer didn't play again until a brief and disturbing reappearance in 1992, after which his genius never again touched a piece in public. Having conquered the chess Olympus, he was unable to find a new target for his power and passion...
...often asked if I ever met or played Bobby Fischer. The answer is no, I never had that opportunity. But even though he saw me as a member of the evil chess establishment that he felt had robbed and cheated him, I am sorry I never had a chance to thank him personally for what he did for our sport...
Much has already been written about Fischer's disappearance and apparent mental instability. Some are quick to place the blame on chess itself for his decline, which would be a foolish blunder. Pushing too hard in any endeavor brings great risk. I prefer to remember his global achievements instead of his inner tragedies. It is with justice that Fischer spent his final days in Iceland, the place of his greatest triumph. There he was always loved and seen in the best possible way: as a chess player...