Impressions of Bobby Fischer
Chess
As a young player in the 1960s, I dreamed of playing chess like Bobby Fischer. Everyone did. Even those he derided as "Commie cheaters" admired his direct style and his relentless search for the secrets of the game. Let's thank Iceland for its compassionate treatment of a man who could not take care of himself in his final years.
Today we feature tributes to Fischer from prominent American players.
GM Melikset Khachiyan, Los Angeles: "Sad news, very sad. Fischer was a real genius. To beat Taimanov and Larsen, 6-0, unbelievable. To me, Fischer is the greatest chess champion in history."
GM Varuzhan Akobian, Los Angeles: "Fischer's results were one of a kind. Many of his games became famous forever. Overall I think he left a positive influence on chess."
GM Gregory Kaidanov, Kentucky: "As a kid growing up in the Soviet Union, I was a big Fischer fan. His uncompromising chess style, his bizarre behavior, everything appealed to me. I felt that by choosing him as my chess hero I am rebelling against surrounding reality."
IM Cyrus Lakdawala, San Diego: "Fischer will be remembered as the Mozart of chess, taking Capa's style and sharpening it. He was my childhood inspiration and is the reason I play chess today. We must separate the man who had repugnant views from the artist."
IM Anthony Saidy, Los Angeles: "Tal called Fischer 'the greatest genius to descend from the chess heavens.' Comparing Fischer to Kasparov is like comparing a lone warrior armed only with his wits to the pampered general of an army."
GM Yasser Seirawan, Seattle: "Bobby Fischer was an inspiration for me and countless others. He was a national hero turned tragic figure. While the decisions he made in life were a mystery, the fact that he died with malice in his heart for his country and people is truly a great tragedy."
GM Dmitry Gurevich, Illinois: "For me and many of my friends in Russia, he was an absolute hero. Fischer's portrait was one of the few personal belongings I brought to this country years ago. Later that portrait was taken down with great sorrow and disbelief."
Local news
The Hanley Chess Academy, 7390 Center Ave. in Huntington Beach, will conduct its first adult tournament next weekend. The tournament begins with three one-hour games on Saturday and concludes with two slower games Sunday. For details, and for information about the many HCA events for children, see hanleychessacademy.org.
