Bobby Fischer (1943-2008)

Today Bobby Fischer died in an Iceland hospital at the age of 64 after suffering with a long bout of kidney failure. Although many people have held contrasting views on Fischer, one thing cannot be denied; he forever changed chess.

As has been well documented ever since that fateful match in 1972, Fischer proceeded to become a recluse and started making sad anti-semetic remarks on a rather consistent basis. Many of these remarks starting occurring in the new millenium shortly after the horrific attacks on 9/11/01. Many of these remarks were directed towards Jewish people which is quite sad as Fischer’s mom was Jewish and he himself was too. But alas, I think due to the natural nature of chess, its very easy to become paranoid and losing your mind if chess is all you think about.

Ultimately though, we should remember him for his chess and not his personal faults and failures. The one greatest aspect of Fischers chess was his fighting spirit and attitude towards the game. Much of this attitude is what I have incorporated into my own chess involving the fighting aspect and never giving up. After all, when one looks at former greats in a wide variety of different arenas such as Franklin Roosevelt, Bill Clinton, Michael Jordan, Rick James, Pete Rose, Benazir Bhutto and many others, we remember them for what they gave and not their many failures.

With Fischer now gone, a large piece of American chess history is now lost. Hopefully, this will inspire more youngsters to take up the charge and for someone to become the next American World Champion.

Rest in Peace Bobby Fischer, the chess world will forever remember you.