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.
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.
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 – 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.
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
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!
Dive deeper: explore Fischer's legacy through these videos
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