Former chess champ Bobby Fischer dead at 64 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Gurkha · #1 01-18-2008, 10:01 AM

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22724870

REYKJAVIK, Iceland - Bobby Fischer, the reclusive American chess master who became a Cold War icon when he dethroned the Soviet Union’s Boris Spassky as world champion in 1972, has died. He was 64.

A genius departs......

865sp300e · #2 01-18-2008, 11:50 AM

Checkmate, game over

aklim · #3 01-18-2008, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gurkha

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22724870

A genius departs......

In his final years, Fischer railed against the chess establishment, alleging that the outcomes of many top-level chess matches were decided in advance.

Instead, he championed his concept of random chess.

“I don’t play the old chess,” he told reporters upon arrival in Iceland. “But obviously if I did, I would be the best.”

Sure he would be the best.

And he just happens to agree with you. Wow. What are the odds of that.

Over the years, Fischer gave occasional interviews with a radio station in the Philippines, often digressing into anti-Semitic rants and accusing American officials of hounding him.

He praised the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, saying America should be “wiped out,” and described Jews as “thieving, lying bastards.”

For one, I am glad he is dead. Too bad it wasn't sooner.

Txjake · #4 01-18-2008, 01:35 PM

good riddance........

cmac2012 · #5 01-18-2008, 05:04 PM

He was a genius in some regards but sure seemed to lack balance.

Similarly, I've heard Kasparov (sp) on the tube a few times recently railing against Putin, and while he may have a point, his style is not likely to take him too far.

Mistress · #6 01-18-2008, 05:07 PM

I would like to know what made him turn against the USA in his later years....he just sort of dive bombed.

MTI · #7 01-18-2008, 05:16 PM

Was it his tax bill?

Gurkha · #8 01-18-2008, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTUpower

Most of the human race that has large amounts of one attribute lack in some other area is my HO. Those that have a huge ability in one area lack greatly in other areas. Van Gogh, Mozart, Einstein, Tom Cruise, and Hitler are all good examples. Bobby was one of them. He didn't like jewish people? His mother was jewish....

“I don’t play the old chess,” he told reporters upon arrival in Iceland. “But obviously if I did, I would be the best.”

Sure he would be the best.

He was the best

All criticisms aside........he was the best, just brilliant during his heydays.

Gurkha · #9 01-19-2008, 02:44 AM

Has been is inevitable..........everyone will get there, Anand included.

Kuan · #10 01-19-2008, 06:55 AM

I played some moves with Bobby three years ago. He used to come on our chess server under a pseudonym. I recall we were trying to pick apart Kasparov's Dragon. I've seen him beat 2600 level GM's, not too shabby for a has been.

He died at 64, one year for every square on the chessboard.

Dee8go · #11 01-22-2008, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kuan

. . . He died at 64, one year for every square on the chessboard.

Interesting observation, Kuan. After I learned which way the men can move, I pretty much gave up chess. I wish I could find some interest in it. I think it's a terrific game and has many benefits to those who do play.

Kuan · #12 01-22-2008, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dee8go

Interesting observation, Kuan. After I learned which way the men can move, I pretty much gave up chess. I wish I could find some interest in it. I think it's a terrific game and has many benefits to those who do play.

Benefits? Teaches you to deal with dissapointment.

Teaches you that you're not as smart as you think you are! LOL!

Gurkha · #13 01-19-2008, 09:13 AM

Reigning champion Viswanathan Anand called Fischer the ultimate romantic: "He fought the whole system," he said. "He was someone who could not deal with being a world champion."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080118/ts_nm/chess_fischer_dc

That bout sums it up...............

aklim · #14 01-19-2008, 09:21 AM

He walked out of tournaments because of what he considered to be bad lighting or bad air conditioning.

In the mid-1960s, he opted out of two world championship qualifying series because he thought the tournament system favored the Russians. In 1967, when officials would not meet his demands for better conditions, Fischer angrily withdrew from international competition "for a period of introspection."

When the rules were changed in 1972 to include an eight-player eliminator to find the challenger to world champion Spassky, Fischer had the chance to prove he was as good as he always said he was.

From Wiki: In 1975, Fischer refused to defend his title when FIDE, the international chess federation, would not accept all his conditions. He was stripped of his title as a result, after which he became more reclusive.

Sorry, not impressed by the antics of a "has been" Prima Donna. Wanna be a Prima Donna? Make sure you are always on top. If not, you are yesterday's news. In the past we had to put up with his antics because he was on top. Sorry if being "over the hill" is a *****. Today, all he really is, WAS a champion a long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away with a big mouth and little to back him up. Not even his title.

But hey, he does have something in common with Hitler. Both had Jewish blood but highly ashamed of it.

Kuan · #15 01-19-2008, 09:54 AM

He wasn't a has been. Even a coupla years ago he was still playing at a 2600 level. With a little preparation, he might have still been the top US born US player.

But of course, my opinion isn't worth much since I don't play at that level. It's based solely on watching him beat some Grandmasters in games over the internet. It's still only just the internet.