Fischer, Bobby (James)

Fischer, who is half-Jewish, popularized the game of chess, making it front-page news, and justifying a vast increase in the amount of money awarded to the winner of the World Championship. As the first American World Champion, he drew world-wide attention for his eccentric antics, his extraordinary skills�he was so superior to his world-class opponents that he won the qualifying rounds of the world championship with unprecedented wipeout scores of 6-0,6-0,6-0�and for being an American, who, singlehandedly, was able to defeat the combined efforts of the entire Soviet chess establishment.

Fischer possessed a rare talent--combined with a volatile personality. His refusal to continue a match with Reshevsky in 1961, turning away from the 1962 World Championship, and deserting an international tournament in Sussa (1967), are only some of the examples of his hot temper.

Fischer began playing chess at the age of 6, with the help of his older sister. His playing style was highlighted by the precision of his thinking, sharpened to be almost mechanical. A highly ambitious player, Fischer stopped competing in the 1970's.

When asked if he had invented some new chess formula, Fischer's usual answer was: "No, my secret lies in the mistakes made by my opponents. I was just successful at using them to my advantage."

Birth and Death Dates:
b. March 9, 1943

Career Highlights:

Fischer was U.S. Champion: 1957-77and 11th World Champion: 1972 - 1975.

He played on the U.S. team in the Olympiads of:
1960: scoring 13 out of 18
1966: ? out of 17

In his 16 years of chess, Fischer played, within various tournaments, a total of 576 games, winning 327, losing 61, and achieving 188 ties.

Origin:
USA

Category:
World Champion (International Grand Master: 1958)

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