Chess Champions: Robert Fischer

The 11th World Chess Champion

The youngest-ever participant of the Candidates Tournament, Robert James Fischer (1943-2008), made history by single-handedly disrupting Soviet dominance in chess. Bobby Fischer made his debut in the Candidates in 1959 at the age of 16, but he was not mature enough to compete with the top Soviet Grandmasters. After winning the Interzonal in Stockholm three years later, Fischer entered the Candidates in Curacao (1962) as one of the favorites, but he finished only fourth.

Carl Mydans, 1962-04, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection
,
Chess Champion Bobby Fischer, Carl Mydans, 1962, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection
Show lessRead more

Fischer voluntarily missed two championship cycles only to return stronger, winning the Interzonal in Palma de Mallorca in 1970. After pummeling Taimanov (6-0), Larsen (6-0), and Petrosian (6½-2½), he earned the right to play a title match with the reigning champion Boris Spassky in Reykjavik in 1972. Fischer won by a score of 12½–8½ and became the 11th World Champion. He was expected to defend his title in 1975 against Karpov but refused and lost by default.

Envelope with a caricature and stamp commemorating the World Championship Match Fischer vs Spassky, FIDE archive, 1972, From the collection of: International Chess Federation (FIDE)
Show lessRead more

From 1973 to 1991, Fischer did not play in official chess competitions. He agreed to play a match against Spassky in 1992, claiming he was still the World Champion. Fischer won 10–5 and then retired from chess.

Autograph of Robert Fischer by Robert James FischerInternational Chess Federation (FIDE)

Fischer's autograph

Fischer's signature chess combination

Fischer vs Benko chess position (1963) by Robert FischerInternational Chess Federation (FIDE)

Fischer – Benko. New York 1963

19.Rf6! A brilliant move that sets up a mate threat on h7. If Black captures with 19… Bxf6, then after 20. e5, mate is inevitable on h7. The same happens if Black captures the knight on c3. Benko played 19… Kg8, and after 20. e5! h6 21. Ne2!, he resigned.

Chess Champion Bobby Fischer, Carl Mydans, 1962, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection
Show lessRead more

Bobby Fischer was inseparable from his pocket chess

The chess world speaks: opinions on Fischer

"When you play Bobby, it's not a question of winning or losing. It's a question of survival." - Boris Spassky

"In his play, Fischer was amazingly objective, long before computers stripped away so many of the dogmas and assumptions humans used to navigate the game for centuries." - Garry Kasparov

"What I admired most about Bobby Fischer was his ability to make what was so difficult look easy to us. I try to emulate him." - Magnus Carlsen

Magazine:Life magazine, November 12, 1971, 1971, From the collection of: The Strong National Museum of Play
Show lessRead more

Timeless chess wisdom from Fischer

I don't believe in psychology. I believe in good moves.

1. e4 is the best, by test!

A strong memory, concentration, imagination, and willpower are required to become a great chess player.

You are never too old to play chess!

Chess Champion Bobby Fischer, Carl Mydans, 1962, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection
Show lessRead more

Dive deeper: explore Fischer's legacy through these videos

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
Explore more
Related theme
Chess
Chess history, its brilliant minds and what lies ahead: Part 1
View theme

Interested in History?

Get updates with your personalized Culture Weekly

You are all set!

Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.

Home
Discover
Play
Nearby
Favorites