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Knight editorial
INTERACTIVE CONTENTS
Click on title to move directly to page.
Click on “White Knight Review” on Gerald (Jerry) Wall www.offthewallchess.com
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Table of Contents.
3
White Knight Review September-October 2010 White Knight Review September-October- 2010
don’t want you playing chess all who played at Washington Square quick game. I’ve only been playing a
TAKING IT TO THE STREETS night.”
Another hustler is Junior, who
Park include Joel Benjamin, Roman
Dzindzichashvili, Kamaran Shirazi,
year.” “OK.” “Five a game?” “Two.”
“Come on, man. That’s not even
by Bill Wall always wears a baseball cap and talks Bruce Pandolfini, Hikaru Nakamura, minimum wage. Three.”
4 5
White Knight Review September-October 2010 White Knight Review September-October- 2010
When a chess hustler get out- $2 a game, when, in fact, you were In 2004, Alaxandra won the European women’s
Book Review championship by winning the tournament in Dresden,
hustled, the usual scam is that the playing for $5 a game. After 3 lost
Germany. She was also awarded the International
hustler says he will be right back,
that he needs to go to the
games, you owe $15 and not $6.
Some hustlers will lose a few Diary of a Chess Queen Grandmaster title, becoming the 10th woman to be
awarded the World Chess Federation’s (FIDE) highest
bathroom. games on purpose at $5 a game, title.
He usually doesn’t come back then raise the stakes to $10 a game. by Bill Wall
In 2005, she won the Russian Women’s Championship
after that and his opponent is out They suddenly begin to win every with 7 wins, 4 draws, and no losses.
$5. Some will accept their losses game after that. Alexandra Kosteniuk In 2006, she became the first Chess960 (Fischer
and blame it on distractions and It is illegal for two chess pieces (born April 23, 1984 in random) women’s world champion. She defended her
lack of coffee. to occupy the same square Perm, Russia)) became title and won it again in 2008.
Another scam that hustlers may simultaneously, nor can they ever the European Women’s In September 2008, she won the Women’s World Chess
use is allowing their chess clock to be placed on the dividing lines Chess Champion in 2004 Championship after defeating Hou Yifan of China by the
be used that runs faster for the between squares. and the Russian Women’s score of 2.5 to 1.5. She is the 14th Women’s World Chess
opponent or slower for the hustler. Chess hustlers usually often try Chess Champion in 2005. Champion.
Sometimes hustler rig their to confuse their opponents into In 2008, she won the The book should be of great interest to any chess player,
Click on ads to visit websites clock so as to win on time in most thinking a piece is on a Women’s World especially the girl chess players interested in how world
instances. To beat this scam, if you neighboring square by moving Championship. class chess players start out and how hard they have to
think the clock is rigged, ask the close or partially over an Alexandra chronicles her work. Alexandra brings new insights in how to go about
rise to the top of the studying chess and what chess training and practices
hustler to put the clock on the intersection. women’s chess world in this autobiographical work.
other side of the board. That way, It’s a good idea to hang out works or not. At the very beginning, there was an
Drawing from her personal diaries kept during her emphasis on blindfold training, playing over many of the
you switch clocks that may now be awhile first and study your youth, Alexandra takes the reader from the very
in your favor. If the chess hustler prospective opponent in action. elementary positions and solving problems blindfolded.
beginning of her chess career in Russia to the pinnacle of Alexandra’s writing is easily accessible to players of
refuses to put the clock on the side It’s still hard to tell a street chess success in women’s chess.
asked by his opponent, chances are player’s strength until you’ve every skill level. Her annotations to her games are good,
The book is broken up into 11 chapters. Chapter 1 is with the right amount of variations and explanations per
the clock is defective. Usually played him a few times. entitled “Those Wonderful Childhood Years.” Chapter 2
Black has a choice of sides of where Don’t assume that if some game. Alexandra does a good job of promoting chess and
describes Elista, the City of Chess. Chapter 3 is entitled making it fun, not boring.
the clock should be placed. In hustler plays a dubious opening “School Days.” Chapter 4 is “Kremlin Breakdown.”
most instances, the hustler chooses (like 1.g4 or 1.h4), that he is no What’s interesting is that she is able to balance chess
Chapter 5 is called “After the Applause Died Down.” with family, health and fitness and a hectic travel
the white pieces, so the opponent good. They are good at what they Chapter 6 is “The Conquest of Europe,” Chapter 7 is
should have the choice of which do and what they play. Chess schedule.
“Russian Gold.” Chapter 8 is entitled “Career and In her simuls, she is easily accessible for autographs and
side to put the clock on. hustlers use psychology and play Family.” Chapter 9 is called “Return.” Chapter 10 is pictures. She has appeared in a Russian film, has done
Know the dubious moves to entitled “Nalchik - The Ascent of Olympus.” Chapter 11 is product promotions, and has appeared in several fashion
rules before start get you “Being World Champion.” An introduction by 12th world magazines.
playing the overconfident. They chess champion Anatoly Karpov is also included. The book contains over 100 pictures of Alexandra, from
hustler. Find out will usually play Alexandra describes her first acquaintance with chess. the days playing in the Under-10 Moscow Championship
if it is touch- faster than you do, On April 23, 1989, she received a chess set and pieces for to winning the world women’s championship title. There
move (as in so if you slow down, her 5th birthday. Her dad, Konstantin Vladimirovich are also 64 annotated games and dozens and dozens of
tournaments) or you may be winning Kosteniuk, then began to teach her how to play chess. diagrams to go along with the games.
clock-move the game, but will She played in her first tournament in the fall of 1990, only A complete tournament and match record is included at
(more common lose on time. scoring 2 out of 8. the end of the book. A list of opponents and list of
in blitz games). Hustlers usually try The next year, in 1991, she scored 6 out of 8, and was openings is also included for all the games that appear in
Touch-move to win with just a awarded the title of Moscow Champion among girls the book. There is also a collection of color photos that
means that if few seconds left on under 10. occupy an insert in the center of the book.
you touch a their clock. In 1992, she scored a perfect 9 out of 9 in the Moscow
piece, you must Some of the Championship for girls under 10. The book was
move it if it is a street chess players It is interesting to note the hard work, dedication, and published in January,
sacrifice the family made for Alexandra to play chess. 2010 in paperback
legal move. simply say they Her dad gave her his full support, including resigning
Clock-move don’t gamble, so the from Mongoose
his Army commission to spend more time supporting her Press. There are 244
means that your games are $5 for two daughter and looking for financial assistance. They were
move is not done until you punch games, win or lose. Some will pages, About 1/3 of
able to find people who supported and aided Alexandra the book is text,
the clock. Also expect the hustler advertise they are a chess master, and her family. She has a little sister, Oxana, who is a
to slam, slap, and pound the chess but most are not. mostly from here
FIDE master herself. diaries. The
pieces on the chess board. If street chess becomes too Reading through the chapters, you can see the evolution
Keep track of the number of much hustling, gambling, remaining 2/3 of the
of a small, shy girl who sometimes had to hustle chess to book is devoted to
games that someone is up. swearing, etc, then it may not be a earn enough money for her chess tournaments, to an
Hustlers, if they are winning, will safe place to play chess, particularly her 64 games and
international star - a chess queen. analysis. The book
say they are up three games, when, for kids. In 1998, at the age of 14, she was awarded the title of sells for $24.95.
in fact, they may only be up by two Find a good chess club or play Woman Grandmaster. Alexandra has her
games. on the Internet. In 2000, at the age of 16, she was awarded the title of own web site,
Verify the amount of money you International Master. maintained by her
are playing for each game. You In 2001, at the age of 17, she reached the final of the husband, at www.
may have thought you were playing World Women’s Chess Championship, but was defeated kosteniuk.com.
by Zhu Chen of China.
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White Knight Review September-October 2010 White Knight Review September-October- 2010
games. The exhibition lasted 13
History 1/2 hours. Humor
In 1943 Najdorf played EXCUSES, EXCUSES
Sight Unseen-The History of Blindfold Chess 40 opponents blindfold
simultaneously in Rosario, Every chess player makes up excuses for every situation. Here are
by Bill Wall
In 1857 Louis Paulsen Argentina. He was trying to some excuses that players say -- and what they really mean.
B lindfold chess refers to played 4 opponents blindfold gain publicity to let his family
regular chess, but played simultaneously. members in Europe know that he EXCUSE TRUTH
without seeing the chess board. was still alive.
The blindfold player (not really In early 1858 Morphy In 1947 Miguel Najdorf broke
the world record for blindfold Mind if we use my set and board? My only set is this green and red
blindfolded, just out of sight of played 6 opponents blindfold It’s my favorite set and, besides, plastic Florentine set. Christ-
the boards) is told the opponent’s simultaneously in New Orleans. chess by taking on 45 opponents
move, then announces his own, simultaneously at Sao Paolo, Larry Christiansen liked it. iansen was playing blindfold.
usually to a referee, who makes In 1858 Paul Morphy Brazil. The display started at
the move on the opponent’s played 8 opponents blindfold 8 pm on January 24, 1947 and Interesting game. Your 12th move I was out of book on move three.
board. simultaneously. The 8 players finished at 7:30 pm on January
25. He won 39 games, drew 4 must be a theoretical novelty. I I seem to be losing after that
were the strongest players in have never seen it before. 12th move that I overlooked.
HISTORY Paris. The games were played games, and only lost 2 games.
Perhaps the first blindfold in the Cafe de la Regence. The
game was played by Sa’id bin players were Baucher, Bierwith, In 1955, George Koltanowski, I played this game in a postal match This has been played against me
Jubair (665-714) who was to play Guibert, Lequesne, Morneman, age 51, played 12 opponents and I crushed my opponent in 15 in a postal game and I was mated
one game of chess without site Potier, Pret, and Seguin. The blindfold simultaneously in moves. in 15 moves.
of board, and not feel the pieces exhibition lasted 10 hours. 15, drew 7, and lost 3 games. Vancouver, British Columbia.
while playing, in the Middle East. Morphy won 6 and drew 2. On April 27, 1924 Alekhine This was the record for the most
played 26 opponents blindfold games blindfolded for a player I unconsciously thought I was playing Not that again. I keep forgetting
simultaneously in New York. that reached 50. the guys at work; they don’t know how the en passant rule works. I
In 1265 the Muslim player In 1861 Paulsen played
Buzecca was playing chess 10 opponents blindfold Alekhine learned how to play en passant so I don’t use it. forgot the pawn could be
blindfolded. It was said that he simultaneously in London. He blindfold chess when he was In October 1960 Janos Flesch captured.
played two games blindfolded in won 9 and lost 1 after six hours confined in a hospital in World of Hungary played 52 opponents
Florence in 1265. of play. War II after a spine injury. blindfold simultaneously in
Budapest. He won 31 games, Yes, I said “J’adoube” before I I’m not going to move my Queen
In February 1925, Alekine drew 3 games, and lost 18 games touched my Queen. I wasn’t going to now. It would have been trapped. I’ll
In 1744 Philidor played In 1876 Zukertort played move it. I’m just adjusting it. Try to move another piece. Besides, he
2 opponents blindfold 16 opponents blindfold played 28 opponents blindfold in 12 hours play.
simultaneously in Paris. This simultaneously. simultaneously. He won 22, drew listen better next time. needs witnesses that I touched it.
was the first time blindfold 3, and lost 3. In December 1960
play against two opponents was In the late 19th century, Koltanowski played 56 opponents Fischer played that against Evans in Little known all right. Johnny Fischer
recorded. He said he had learned Pillsbury was playing 15 games of In 1925 Reti played blindfold consecutive (not
29 opponents blindfold simultaneously) in San Francisco. 1963. It’s a little known line. I should lost to Danny Evans the same
how to play blindfold chess when chess and 15 games of checkers have played the improvement. way back in the elementary school
he could not sleep at night, so he blindfold simultaneously. The simultaneously in Sao Paulo. He won 50 games and drew 6
After the exhibition, he was games. The exhibition lasted 9 championship
played chess in his head without world record for the number of
site of a chess board. checker games played blindfolded going home and forgot his hours. The moves were made at
simultaneously is 28. suitcase. When somebody 10 seconds a move. As soon as a Wow! I just played this exact opening Actually I was playing a homeless
In 1751 Philidor played reminded him about it, Reti game was over, another person in a tournament last week and guy in the park who thought he was
3 opponents blindfold In 1900 Pillsbury played said, “Thank you very much. My took his place.
memory is so bad...” creamed my opponent. playing checkers.
simultaneously while in Berlin. 17 (New Orleans) then 20
He won all three games. He (Philadelphia) opponents In 1986 Leo Williams
In 1930 blindfold chess played 27 opponents blindfold Yeah, I like to play aggressively on Man I knew I should of castled early
was actually blindfolded in the blindfold simultaneously.
exhibition. exhibitions were banned in the simultaneously in 18 hours and this opening. in the game.
In 1916 Kostic played USSR because it was considered a 45 minutes in Montreal. This is a
In 1783 Philidor again 20 opponents blindfold health hazard on the brain. record for a Canadian player. He
played 3 opponents blindfold simultaneously in New York. won 21, drew 3, and lost 1.
In 1933 Alexander Alekhine Yeah I saw that my knight was forked #$@!*$! *^#$@
simultaneously. but thought I saw a way out.
On August 6, 1919 Reti played 32 opponents blindfold In 2004 Jonathan Barry,
In 1795 Philidor played his list played 24 opponents blindfold simultaneously in Chicago. He age 51, played 12 opponents
blindfold exhibition. In London, simultaneously in Haarlem, the won 19, drew 9, and lost 4 games. blindfold simultaneously in Iowa. Yeah sometimes sacrifices just don’t Especially when you sacrifice your
at the age of 68, he played two Netherlands. In 1937, George Koltanowski This tied the record for most work! King.
games blindfolded and a third In 1921 Gyula played (1903-2000) played 34 opponents games played blindfolded for a
game with sight of the board. 25 opponents blindfold simultaneously without sight of player over 50.
Philidor died two months later. simultaneously in Berlin. He won board in Edinburgh, Scotland.
He won 24 games and drew 10
8 9
White Knight Review September-October 2010 White Knight Review September-October- 2010
translates as pieces. The main patterns prior English chess master, Howard
“made by Yusuf to the Staunton pattern were Staunton, who sanctioned the
al-Bahilis.” Its the Lund, Merrifield, Calvert, request that the design be called
origin is India and Barleycorn, Selenius and St the Staunton chessmen. John
it may not even George patterns. Cook used Jaques was also the brother-in-
be a chess piece. symbols in their plainest form. law of Nathaniel Cook. Jaques
It has an Eastern The king had a crown, the queen obtained a copyright for the
leader being carried had a coronet, the bishop had a design, registering the design
by an elephant, mitre, the knight was a horse’s under the Ornamental Designs Act
surrounded by a head, the rook was a castle, and of 1842, and began manufacturing
T
he earliest Genadio, may be as old as the feet below the top of a sandbank One of the first chessmen Marbles. These were designs and boxwood and very heavily
Indian chess beginning of the 10th century. that had been partly washed away. designs came from John Calvert found in the Parthenon frieze and weighted. Some ivory sets were
pieces were The four small pieces were made The pieces, perhaps made in in 1790. The king and queen had taken to England by Thoms Bruce, made from African ivory. King
called shah (king), of ivory and preserved in the 1150 by the Norse, were made of openwork crowns, the bishop had 7th Lord of Elgin, in 1806. The sizes were 3.5 inches or 4.5 inches
wazir (counsellor), Mozarabic monastery in Leon, walrus tusk and believed to be of a deep clefted mitre, and the rook pawns were developed from the (for match or tournament play).
fil (bishop), asp Spain. Icelandic in origin. The shepherd was a tower on a pedestal. He Freemason’s square and compass. The first Staunton Pattern chess
(knight), rukh The oldest European chessmen was terrified by the expressions on produced his chess sets from 1790 Every symbol was supported on pieces from Jaques was offered to
(rook), and piyade (pawn). The may be some Italian chess pieces the pieces and fled from the spot. to 1841. a plain stem rising from a heavy, the public on September 29, 1849.
earliest Persian names were shah, made of bone with ivory topping. He told his minister, Alexander In the early 19th century the wide base which gave stability.
farzin, pil, asp, rukh, and piyada. It was found at Venafro, Italy MacLeod, who returned to the most common chess design was The design impressed John
In Arabic they were shah, firzan, and is dated about 980 AD. sight and exorcised the site, then the St. George chessmen. Jaques, leading wood carver, that
fil, faras, rukhkh, and baidaq. It is displayed in the Museo sold the pieces (67 chessmen and In early 1849 Nathaniel Cook he immediately suggested making
Countries of the western world archeologico di Napoli. The pieces 14 plain draughts men) to the designed the Staunton set at a the pieces on a commercial basis.
translated the earliest names as were discovered in a Roman tomb British Museum for 84 British time when players were refusing Nathniel Cook was Staunton’s
closely as possible. in 1932. The controversy is how pounds. to play with each other’s pieces editor at the Illustrated London
In July 2002, an ivory piece to explain how it was possible that Another early chess set is the because of the difficulty in Times.
less than 2 inches in size was chess pieces of Arabic shape were so-called Charlemagne chessmen, distinguishing the various chess Jaques was a friend of the
discovered in Butrint, an ancient discovered in a tomb of Roman which is in the Cabinet des
Mediterranean city in souther age. Radiocarbon measurements Medailles, Bibliotheque Nationale
Albania. The piece is dated to 465 yielded a date of 885 to 1017 AD. in Paris. It is a massive elephant
AD. If this is really a chess piece, One of the earliest authentic ivory carving. Charlemage
then it is the oldest chess piece European chess pieces are the probably never played chess. The Mobile
found anywhere in the world.
It even pushes back the date of
Lewis chess pieces, which are
now in
so-called Charlemagne chessmen
was at the Saint
Chess?
chess. The piece has a cross on the British Denis Abbey near
top of it and was found in an old Museum and Naples since the
Move
Byzantine or Roman palace. the National end of the 13th
The earliest known chess Museum of century. The pieces
pieces (chatrang) were found Antiquites in are dated around
at Afrasaib, near Samarkand in Edinburgh. 67 1100 and were
Uzbekistan. What was found were
seven pieces consisting of a king,
chariot, vizier, horse, elephant,
Lewis chess
pieces are in the British Museum,
the other 11 in the National
probably made in
Salerne, Italy. The pieces may
have come to Paris as a gift to
In
and 2 soldiers made of ivory. It is
dated about 760 AD. A coin, dated
761 was found with the chess
Museum. The pieces come from
four different chess sets. The
set contains the oldest known
French King Philip II or Phillip
III. Both kings stopped in Salerne.
In 1598 there were 30 pieces. In
Motion
pieces. ecclesiastical bishop. 1794, after the French Revolution,
The Mozarab chess pieces, The Lewis pieces were found there were 16 pieces. The set
also known as the pieces of Saint in March, 1831 in an underground consists of 2 kings, 2 queens, 4
chamber on the west coast of elephants, 4 knights, 3 chariots,
the Isle of Lewis (Uig Bay) in and 1 foot soldier.
the Outer Hebrides islands of A piece that is part of the
Scotland. A local peasant, Calum Charlemange set is a King
nan Sprot, who was looking for Elephant. It carries an Arab
his cow found a small chamber 15 (Kufric) inscription which
10 11
White Knight Review September-October 2010 White Knight Review September-October- 2010
published because the editorial staff becoming a teaching golf pro. chess master in Brooklyn. The teams
Biography By Bill Wall could not decide under what At the time, Nigro was teaching played two matches. Nigro’s team
category to place it. The paper then chess to his son, Billy (Brady wrote won the first match with a 5-3 score.
The Fischer King: The illusive life of Bobby Fischer Pt. 1 forwarded the ad to Hermann
Helms (1870-1963), their chess
that Carmine Nigro’s son was
named Tommy), and offered to
Bobby drew the first game and won
the second game against Raymond
Bobby Fischer (1943-1958) columnist from 1893 to 1955. He tutor Bobby Fischer as well. Billy Sussman. The score of the 2nd
replied on January 13, 1951, and was uninterested in chess, and match has been forgotten.
Editors Note: The life of Bobby suggested that Bobby go to a chess Carmine increased Billy’s allowance Fischer was a fairly good player.
Fischer was a enigma to say the least exhibition at the Grand Army Plaza if Billy agreed to take a lesson in One chess master said of him: “I was
but his incredible talent and influence Brooklyn Public Library at 8 pm to chess. Bobby couldn’t wait to have a impressed with his intuitive sense of
on chess is undeniable. He went from find someone his own age that plays lesson every Saturday and became the game and his swift thinking. His
chess prodigy at 14, the youngest U.S. chess. He could also take a board absorbed in the game. Nigro enthusiasm never flagged and he
champion ever to the vanquisher of and play Max Pavey (1918-1957), tutored Fischer from January 1952 showed unusual concentration and
the famed Boris Spasky in 1972 in a who was giving a simultaneous to July 1956, when Nigro moved to willpower. He had chess fever early!
match followed around the world, to exhibition. Helms also suggested Miami. His main tactic was to challenge me,
a fugitive from the United States on that Bobby come by the Brooklyn A few weeks later Bobby joined which showed his strong will and
charges of violating a trade embargo Chess and Checkers Club and talk the Brooklyn Chess Club. Bobby ego view even then (I was rated
against Yugoslavia, to an increasingly to Henry Spinner, secretary of the showed up and played chess at the among the top twenty players in the
odd recluse, one who denounced Jews Brooklyn Chess and Checkers Club. Brooklyn Chess Club almost every U.S. at the time). Although amused
and praised the attacks on the World It met at the Brooklyn Academy of Friday night. Bobby later started by the boy’s tenacity, I did play him
Trade Center in 2001. In this 2 part Music every Tuesday, Friday, and playing chess at Nigro’s house on from time to time and while his
series Bill Wall examines his early Saturday evening. the weekends and often went with talent was obvious, I did not realize
life and prolific rise in the world of On January 17, 1951 Bobby, age him to play chess at Washington that I was playing against a future
chess. 7, played a game against Senior Square Park in Manhattan world champion.”
Robert James (Bobby) Fischer Master Dr. Max Pavey, who was (Greenwich Village), usually on So who was this unidentified
was born at 2:39 pm on March 9, giving a simultaneous exhibition at Sundays. Carmine Nigro was Bobby master? As of December 31, 1950,
1943 in Chicago, Illinois (Michael the Grand Army Plaza Library in Fischer’s only chess instructor. the top twenty players were Fine,
Reese Hospital) to Regina Wender Brooklyn. Bobby lost in 15 minutes Fischer spent every weekend at the Reshevsky, Dake, Horowitz,
Fischer (born in Switzerland of (he lost a Queen) and burst into Nigro house for several years. Bill Kashdan, Evans, Seidman, Pavey,
Polish-Jewish parents on March 31, 1955 Prodigy Fischer astounds his observers at the age of 12 tears when he lost the game. Nigro wrote, “He [Fischer] was an Shainswit, Denker, Pinkus, Bisguier,
1913 and raised in St. Louis, Another player, Edmar Mednis eccentric kid – he so much loved to Kramer, D. Byrne, Adams, Steiner,
Missouri). For the father, the birth stenographer, a typist, and a candy store. Regina bought games (1937-2002), age 14, also win, he would throw the pieces R. Byrne, Hesse, DiCamillio, and
certificate said it was Hans- shipyard welder in Portland, for her daughter, Joan, and her son, participated in this simul and drew. across the room if he lost. I would Hearst.
Gerhardt Fischer (born in Berlin on Oregon, during World War II. Bobby to keep them amused. Edmar’s family fled Riga, Latvia in play a game or two with Fischer, As of December 31, 1951, the top
September 28, 1908). Hans- In 1945 Hans-Gerhardt Fischer In May 1949, Bobby (age 6) and 1944 and arrived in the U.S. in 1950. then I was ready to go play outside. 20 players were Reshevsky, Dake,
Gerhardt was a German biophysicist left the Fischer family and divorced Joan (age 11) learned how to play Max Pavey’s 1950 USCF rating He stayed with Dad the whole day.” Denker, Evans, Fine, Horowitz,
from Berlin. Hans and Regina Regina. He was born in Berlin in chess from instructions found in a was 2442 (#15 in the US and about Regina was worried about her Pavey, Bisguer, D. Byrne, R. Byrne,
married on November 4, 1933 in 1908. He moved to Santiago, Chile. chess set that Joan bought at a #90 in the world). Five years later, son’s obsession with chess and took Kashdan, Kevitz, Kramer, Seidman,
Moscow where Regina was studying Hans never lived with Regina in the candy store below their apartment. Fischer would draw his game him to the Children’s Psychiatric Shainswit, Steiner, Pinkus, Adams,
medicine at the First Moscow United States. Bobby Fischer never Bobby recalled later, “At first it against Pavey in the 3rd Lessing J. Division of the Brooklyn Jewish Hesse, and DiCamillio.
Medical Institute. met his father. Regina had custody [chess] was just a game like any Rosenwald and lose to him in the Hospital. Bobby was seen by Dr. Bobby also spent time playing
Regina started out in medical of Bobby and his older sister, Joan other, only a little more 1956 Manhattan Chess Club semi- Harold Kline who told Regina that against his grandfather’s cousin,
school in Moscow, but did not Fischer Targ (born in Moscow in complicated.” finals. Pavey was a medical doctor. there were worse preoccupations, Jacob Schonberg, who also lived in
graduate. She then became a riveter 1938 and died on June 2, 1998 in Bobby saw his first chess book a In 1939, he won the Scottish and not to worry about it. Brooklyn. When Jacob’s health was
at a Soviet defense plant. She later Portola Valley, California of a month later. He found a book of old championship. In 1947, he was the Fischer’s mother wrote to Paul failing, Regina Fischer took care of
became a grade school teacher, a cerebral hemorrhage). chess games while vacationing at U.S. Lightning Champion. In 1949, Nemenyi that the family was too him almost every day. She brought
registered nurse, a physician (she In 1948 they moved to Mobile, Patchogue, Long Island. He spent he was the New York State poor to even afford to patch Bobby’s along Bobby to play chess with the
first entered medical school in Arizona where Regina taught in an most of his vacation time poring champion. He died of leukemia at torn shoes. Paul Nemenyi may have older gentleman. Another person
Moscow in 1933 but did not elementary school. over this book. the age of 39. been Bobby Fischer’s real father. He who played chess in the family was
complete her medical degree), and In 1949 they moved to Brooklyn, For over a year Bobby played Watching in the crowd was died in 1952 of a heart attack in Bobby’s great uncle, Jack Wender’s
completed a PhD in hematology. New York where Regina worked as chess by himself. He was so Carmine Domenico Nigro (1910- Washington, DC at the age of 56. He brother, who was a strong
She went on to doing pro bono an elementary school teacher and a thoroughly absorbed by chess that 2001), President of the YMCA chess had been paying child support to tournament player in Switzerland
medical work for the poor in registered nurse at Prospect Heights his mother became worried. She club in Brooklyn (Frank Brady Regina Fischer until his death. In 1952, Regina had trouble
Central America and South Hospital in Brooklyn. Regina then tried to use chess as a means to wrote that he was the President of Bobby Fischer’s talent in chess controlling Bobby and his chess
America. She could speak English, moved to Brooklyn (Apt Q, 560 get Bobby into contact with other the Brooklyn Chess Club). Carmine probably helped him obtain a mania. She once called Dr. Ariel
French, German, Russian, Spanish, Lincoln Place) to get her master’s children. Regina Fischer recalled, was a musician who played under scholarship at Community- Mengarini (1919-1998), a chess
and Portuguese fluently. degree in Nursing Education at New “Bobby isn’t interested in anybody the title Tommy Little, calling his Woodward, a private school, when master and psychiatrist, and asked
Regina Fischer returned to the York University. unless they play chess - and there 7-piece band Tommy Little and his he was in the fourth grade. (Brady, him what he could suggest to curb’s
United States in 1939. The FBI The Fischer family first lived in just aren’t many children who like Orchestra. page 7). Bobby obsession with chess. He
claims that Hans-Gerhardt Fischer an apartment at 1059 Union Street it.” After the game, Carmine (rated Carmine Nigro formed an recalled later, “I told her I could
never entered the United States, in Brooklyn. Later, they moved to a On November 14, 1950, Regina 2028) went up to Bobby and invited unofficial chess team with Bobby think of a lot worse things than
having been refused admission by four room apartment on Lincoln Fischer attempted to place an ad in him to join his club. Carmine Nigro Fischer, Billy Nigro, and two other chess that a person could devote
US immigration officials because of Place the corner of Lincoln and the Brooklyn Eagle, looking for chess (pronounced NIGH-grow) had been boys. They played a match against himself to and that she should let
his alleged Communist sympathies. Franklin), in a four-story brick opponents for her son. The ad, an accomplished band leader in the another team of kids coached by Dr. him find his own way.”
Regina had worked as a building. On the first floor was a written on a postcard, was never 1940s and was a stockbroker before Harold Sussman (1911-2004), a In 1957, Mengarini played and
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White Knight Review September-October 2010 White Knight Review September-October- 2010
drew Bobby Fischer in the New game) forfeits (Chess Review, April 1956, June 5, 1955 issue of CHESS LIFE. champion one day. She said, “The event at age 15. Fischer stayed with
Jersey Open. 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 d6 page 120). sooner the better. Then he can get the Liepnieks family. Fischer’s USCF
In 1953 Bobby was playing at the 5.d4 b5 6.Bb3 Bg4 7.Bxf7+? Kxf7 8.Ng5+ Donald Reithel said, “In 1955 I A. Humphrey – Fischer, US Amateur, down to some real work.” rating was 1625 after this event.
Brooklyn Central YMCA at 357 9th Qxg5 [ 9.Bxg5 Bxd1 10.Kxd1 Nxd4] 0-1 played Bobby in postal chess - a Lake Mohegan, NY, May 22, 1955 Mrs. Fischer also said that the In round 1 of the US Junior
Street in Brooklyn. prize tourney in Chess Review. I 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.Nf3 0-0 Manhattan Chess Club was his Championship, Fischer lost to
In February 1953, Bobby played Fischer played a lot of skittles remember him as a typical 5.e4 d6 6.h3 Nbd7 7.Be3 e5 8.d5 a5 9.Be2 favorite hangout. She was Kenneth Warner (1550) of
in his first organized tournament, games at the Marshall Chess Club. American kid: Brooklyn Dodger b6?! 10.0-0 Ne8 11.Qc2 .Nc5 12.Nh2 .f5 interviewed by the New Yorker Bakersfield, California. In round 2
the Brooklyn Chess Club A man once asked Fischer why he fan, somewhat opinionated about 13.f3 .f4 14.Bf2 Qg5 15.Kh1 Bd7 16.Rg1 magazine and said, “Sometimes I he drew with William Whisler
championship, and took 5th place. made a certain move and Fischer school and somewhat desirous to 16...Nf6 17.g4? fxg3 18.Rxg3 Qh6 19.Nd1 have to go over there at midnight (unrated) of Concord, California. In
If this was the Napier Memorial responded, “Please, this is a chess exchange ideas and thoughts. He 19...Nh5 20.Rg1 Bxh3 21.Be3 Nf4 22.Nf2 and haul him out of the place.” round 3 he beat Jimmy Thomason
tournament, then it was won by 22...Bf6 23.Rg3 Bd7 24.Nfg4 Bxg4 25.Rxg4 Sometimes Fischer would read (1600) of Fort Worth, Texas. In
Henry Spinner with an 11-0 score. Qg7 26.Rag1 Be7 27.Qd2 Rf7 28.R1g3 chess books 12 to 14 hours a day round 4 he drew with David Ames
Raf8 29.Bxf4 29...Rxf4 30.Rh3 Qf7 31. and would memorize numerous (unrated) of Quincy, Massachusetts.
Here is Fischer’s earliest known game. Rgg3 Bh4 32.Rg4 Bf2 33.Bd1 [ 33…Bd4 chess games. He usually went to the In round 5 he drew with Kenneth
Dan Mayers was the 1939 New York City 34.Be2 Na4; 33.Rg2] 1/2-1/2 New York Public Library and Stone (1600) of Los Angeles. In
High School chess champion and worked studied the games of the old chess round 6 he drew with John Briska
at Los Alamos during World War II. In June, 1955, Bobby scored 4.5- masters. (unrated) of Albany, New York. In
Dan E. Mayers – Bobby Fischer, 3.5 in a Washington Square Park, On July 3, 1955, Regina Fischer round 7 he lost to Viktors Pupols
Brooklyn Chess Club, 1953 (blitz game) New York, 8-round Swiss sent a postcard to Alexander (2027) of Tacoma, Washington on
1.e4 e5 2.f4 exf4 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Nc3 c6 tournament with 32 players. He tied Liepnieks (1910-1973) and asked if time. In round 8, he drew with
5.d4 Bb4 6.e5 Ne4 7.Qh5?! 0-0 8.Nge2 for 15th place. he could make any arrangements for Robert Blair (1650) of Midwest City,
d5 9.Bb3 g6 10.Qh6 Bg4 11.Bd2 Nxd2 He joined the Manhattan Chess Bobby Fischer to play in the US Oklahoma. In round 9 he drew with
12.Kxd2 g5?! 13.h4 gxh4? 14.Rxh4 Bf5 Club in June, 1955. At the time, the Junior Championship in Lincoln, John Winkelman (1650) of Lincoln,
15.Rah1 Be7?? 16.Rg4+! Bg6 17.Qxh7# club was located at 100 Central Park Nebraska. Lipenieks was the Nebraska. In round 10 he beat
1-0 South. Fischer soon won the class C Nebraska State Champion at the Franklin Saksena (1600) of Ft.
championship (1400-1600 rated) time and organizer for the US Worth, Texas. His total score was
In 1954 Bobby, age 11, was and the class B championship Junior Championship. 5-5.
playing a lot of chess at the (1600-1800 rated). At age 12, he was In July of 1955, Fischer ,age 12, During the event, Fischer wore a
Brooklyn Chess Club and the youngest member of the and Charles Kalme (1939-2002), age large military-style dog tag around
Brooklyn YMCA. Fischer, in his Manhattan Chess Club. 15, took a train from Philadelphia his neck. His mother had given it to
chess column in Boy’s Life in 1966, Often it would reach midnight to Lincoln, Nebraska to play in the him that had his name, address, and
wrote, “One of the biggest thrills and Bobby Fischer was still playing 10th annual US Junior phone number on it. When Fischer
of my life was when I won first chess at the Manhattan Chess Club. Championship, organized by was losing, he would twist the dog
prize at the YMCA children’s His mother would have to take the Alexander Liepnieks. The event was tag nervously.
championship. One critical game, subway or use the old, unreliable car held July 15-24, 1955. Fischer won 2 Fischer won a trophy for best
incidentally, was against my to drive from Brooklyn to games, drew 6 games, and lost 2 player 12 or under (he was the only
teacher’s son, Bill Nigro. I was game. This is brain surgery. Don’t also liked listening to the radio and Manhattan to get Bobby. She once games at the U.S. Junior 12 year old in it and the youngest
nervous in that game, but the ask me that.” religiously was reading and said, “For four years I tried Championship in Lincoln, Nebraska player in the event). His name first
training I got from my early games In early 1955 Fischer was playing studying the Bible.” (Donaldson, A everything I knew to discourage (held at the local YMCA). Fischer appeared in Chess Life, Aug 5, 1955
was important to me and gave me in a Chess Review correspondence Legend on the Road, page 12) him, but it was hopeless.” She was (rated 1830) took 20th place out of in an article about the US Junior
confidence. I still have that medal tournament (section 54-P prize On May 21-23 (Memorial Day certain he would be world chess 25. Kalme (rated 2186) won the Championship.
at home.” tournament). He was mentioned as weekend), 1955, Fischer played in On July 17, 1955,
He was exposed to international a new postalite in the May, 1955 his first US Chess Federation he took 3rd place in
chess when Nigro took Fischer to issue of Chess Review in the Class B tournament. He scored 2.5 points the U.S. Junior
watch the USA-USSR chess match at 1200 section. He had an 1198 (out of 6) in the U.S. Amateur Rapid Transit
every day at the Hotel Roosevelt in postal rating in the August, 1955 list Championship in Lake Mohegan, Championship
Manhattan. It was held June 16-24, of Chess Review and a 1082 postal New York (played at the Mohegan preliminaries,
1954. rating in the March, 1956 issue of Country Club). His post- behind Robert Cross
In December, 1954 he took 3rd- Chess Review. He remained at 1082 tournament provisional USCF and Ronald Gross.
5th place at the Brooklyn Chess in the August, 1956 issue if Chess rating was 1826. Carmine Nigro Every move was 10
Club championship. It was during Review. He lost his only known took him to the event. Fischer, age seconds a move with
this period that Fischer later said postal game in 12 moves (A. Wayne 12, only wanted to watch, but was a warning buzzer at
“just got good” when describing Conger (1418 postal)-Fischer, corr. persuaded to play by Nigro. The 8 seconds and a bell
when his chess improved. 1955). Donald Reithel recalls that only known Fischer game from this at 10 seconds.
he played Fischer in a event was Humphrey-Fischer in In late autumn of
Bobby Fischer - Jacob Altusky, correspondence game in 1955. round 6. Fischer drew that game. 1955, Bobby played
Brooklyn, NY, December 1954 (offhand Fischer wrote to Reithel that he was Fischer won 2, drew 1, and lost 3. in a chess
game) a Brooklyn Dodger fan. Fischer did He tied for 33rd place. The event tournament at
1.d4 g6 2.c4 Nf6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 0-0 not finish the correspondence game was won by Clinton L. Parmalee of Washington Square
5.Bg5 d6 6.Nf3 Nbd7 7.e5 dxe5 8.dxe5 with Reithel because he was starting New Jersey and organized by Park in Greenwich
Ng4 9.Nd5 Ngxe5? 10.Nxe7+ Kh8 11. to play in over-the-board Kenneth Harkness. There were 75 Village. There were
Nxg6+ hxg6 12.Bxd8 [ 12…Rxd8 13.Nxe5 tournaments. He may have also entrants. The event was open to 66 players. It was
Bxe5] 1-0 played in 54-C section (class anyone except rated masters an elimination
Jacob Altusky - Bobby Fischer, tournament). There is a Fischer in (masters were anyone rated 2300 or tournament.
Brooklyn, NY, December 1954 (offhand 54-C, tourney 41, in which he over). The event was covered in the 12 year old Bobby Fischer playing 12 members in New York chess club (he won all 12 games). Fischer lost to Harry
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White Knight Review September-October 2010 White Knight Review September-October- 2010
Fajans and was eliminated. 1956). It was held at the Churchill 8, drew 1, and lost 2.
On November 26, 1955, Fischer, Chess and Bridge Club in He also was the top scorer in the
age 12, gave his first simultaneous Manhattan. The event was won by Metropolitan League A team with 4
exhibition He played 12 members of Bill Lombardy on tie-breaks over wins and 1 draw. At the end of
the Youth Group (age 7 to 12) of the Dr, Ariel Mengarini. Fischer won 5 April, his USCF rating was 2168.
Yorktown, Chess Club (Yorktown games and lost 2 games. There were On May 20, 1956, the U.S. Chess
Heights, New York) youth at the 52 players in this event. Fischer tied Federation (USCF) published its
Manhattan Chess Club. Fischer won for 5th-7th (shared with Anthony 10th national rating list. Fischer’s
all 12 games, eliminating the first Saidy). The event was listed in the first published rating for over-the-
player in 50 minutes and the last Feb, 1956 issue of Chess Review. His board play was 1726.
player in 2 hours and 20 minutes. USCF rating for the event was 2157. In May of 1956, he played in the
Fischer had White in all his games. Fischer was a member of the West U.S. Amateur Championship in
Most of the games went 1.e4 e5 2. Orange, New Jersey Log Cabin Asbury Park, New Jersey (held on
Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Ng5. He Chess Club. The club was founded May 25-27, 1956), winning 3 games,
received a watch from the and run by Forry Laucks (1897- drawing 2, and losing 1 game. At 13,
Manhattan Chess Club and a check 1965). he was the youngest player in the
from the Yorktown Chess Club. In February 1956, Bobby traveled 88-player event (won by Hudson,
Fischer was mentioned in the with the Log Cabin Chess Club to Cotter, and Lyman). He tied for 21st
December 20, 1955 issue of Chess Cuba and even gave a simultaneous place. His USCF rating after this
Life (Chess Life in New York by Allen exhibition at the event was 2003.
Kaufman) for Capablanca Chess In round 1 of the 1956 US
his simul Club (winning 10 Amateur Championship, Fischer
exhibition. and drawing 2). His drew with Michael Tilles. In round
The January mother 2 he beat J. Bacardi. In round 3 he
1956 issue of accompanied him drew with Norman Hurttlen. In
Chess Review and served as round 4 he beat S. Klaroff. In round
had him on photographer for 5 he lost to Edmund Nash. In round
the cover Chess Review. The 6 he beat R. Riggler.
(“Small Time Log Cabin Chess In June 1956, he joined the
Big time) Club lost to the “Hawthorne Chess Club,” which met
with another Capablanca Chess at the home of John (Jack) W.
picture of Club by a score of 2 Collins (1912-2001) twice a week in
him playing – 5. Flatbush. Collins was 1952 New
chess in the The Log Cabin York state champion. Fischer’s
article. His Chess Club and chess instructor, Carmine Nigro,
opponents Fischer also visited moved to Miami to become a
were Stuart Philadelphia; St. professional golf instructor. Fischer
Siepser, Peter Petersburg, Florida; took advantage of Collins’ extensive
Foley, Walter Hollywood, Florida; chess library and read almost every
Nitz, Billy Miami, Florida; chess book and magazine he had.
David, Henry Tampa, Florida; Collins was also tutoring the Byrne
Brooks, Jimmy Rice, Marc Budwig, and Clinton, NC for simultane- brothers and Bill Lombardy.
Leonard Bergstein, Evanna Nelson, ous exhibitions. Norman Whitaker On June 13, 1956, Bobby Fischer
Linda Villator, Eric Mynttinen, and played board 1 for the Log Cabin appeared with Arlene Francis
Michael Foley. His exhibition was Chess Club and Fischer played (1908-2001) on the “Home” show
also covered by the New York Times. board 2. Fischer won 5, lost 1, and (1954-1957) on NBC.
In 1955, Dick Schaap (1934- drew 1 during this exhibition match In July 1956, he took first place at
2001) befriended Bobby Fischer as board 2. The event was covered the 11th Annual U.S. Junior
At the end of the 1955, Fischer in the April, 1956 issue of Chess Championship (July 1-7) in
two USCF ratings, 1826 and 1625, Review. It included a picture of Philadelphia with 8 wins, 1 draw,
were averaged. So at the end of Fischer playing Mr. Weeks, a retired and 1 loss. The event was held at the
1955, Bobby Fischer’s USCF rating engraver for the U.S. Treasury, in Franklin Mercantile Chess Club
was published at 1726. St. Petersburg. The photo was taken with Bill Ruth as tournament
It was around this period, when by Regina Fischer. Another photo director, assisted by D. A.
Fischer started to get real good. He shows Fischer playing at the Ca- Gianguilio. Fischer’s USCF rating
is quoted as saying, “When I was pablanca Chess Club in Havana. A after this event was 2321, making
eleven, I just got good”. third photo shows Fischer playing him a master at age 13 years, 3
The January 1956 issue of Chess in Hollywood, Florida. months, 29 days and ranked #33 in
Review had Fischer on the cover In March 1956, Fischer turned the nation. The rating was not
giving a simul at the Manhattan 13. He gave a simul at the Jersey published until August of 1956.
Chess Club against the Yorktown YMCA and won 19 out of the 21 There were 28 participants.
Chess Club youth group. opponents. His opponents were Arthur
In January 1956, Bobby won the In April 1956, he won the class A Feuerstein (2150), Carl Grossguth
class B prize of the first Greater New (1800-2000 rated) championship at (2022), William Whisler (1882),
York City Open (January 21-26, the Manhattan Chess Club. He won Sydney Geller (2150), George
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White Knight Review September-October 2010 White Knight Review September-October- 2010
Baylor (2014), Charles Henin nation. His game with Dr. Peter chess. On that long drive home he tourney was sponsored by the Log
(2265), Charles Weldon (1927), Lapiken was the first to appear in a barely glanced at the scenery. All he Cabin Chess Club in New Jersey and
Steven Friedman, Kenneth Blake chess magazine. It appeared in the wanted to do was talk about chess, the district of Columbia Chess
(1877), and David Kerman (1927). August 5, 1956 issue of Chess Life chess, and more chess. While my League. The tourney was organized
Fischer drew with Feurestein, lost to and the September issue of Chess eyes were glued to the road he plied and directed by Norman Whitaker.
Henin, and won the rest. Fischer Review. During this event, he was me with technical questions and we In December Bobby won the
won his last game versus David interviewed on television for the discussed complicated variations rapid transit play at the Manhattan
Kerman on an adjudication which first time. blindfold, calling out the moves Chess Club and took 4th place in
took more than two hours of In the US Open, he defeated A. without the sight of the board. His the Manhattan Chess Club
analysis by a panel of three referees. M. Swank in the first round (the total dedication and relentless quest Championship.
(Chess Review, August, 1956, page oldest player vs. the youngest for excellence were apparent even At the end of 1956, Fischer’s
227). Feurestein and Henin took player), drew with Henry Gross then.” USCF ratings were averaged for the
2nd-3rd. Geller took 4th. Baylor (2181), drew with Fred Tears (2123), In October, 1956, he was invited year and were published at 2231. He
and Levine took 5th-6th. The beat Dr. Peter Lapiken (2173), drew to play in the Rosenwald appeared on the cover of the
crosstable of the event appeared in Brian Owens (1800), drew Anthony tournament, limited to the 12 best December, 1956 issue of Chess
the July 20 issue of Chess Life, page Santasiere (2236), drew Ken Smith players in the country. In October Review, titled Game of the Century.
3. (2193), drew W. E. Stevens (1824), he took 8th-9th place (with Abe In 1957 Regina wrote directly to
At 13 years and 4 months, beat Dale Ruth (1754), beat Orest Turner) in the 3rd Lessing J. Nikita Khrushchev, requesting an
Fischer was the youngest player to Popovych (2055), beat Stephen Rosenwald Trophy Tournament in invitation for Bobby to participate
win the U.S. Junior Championship. Popel (2000), and drew Jerry New York. His score was 4.5-6.5. The in the World Youth and Student
He won a typewriter for his efforts. Donovan (2175). event was won by Reshevsky. His Festival. Khrushchev replied that he
The record still stands for youngest- Fischer’s USCF rating was win against Donald Byrne in round could play in the event, but the
ever junior champion. published in August 1957 as 2349. 8 won the first brilliancy prize and invitation came too late.
Fischer took 2nd place in the He was 13 years, 5 months old, the has been called the game of the Regina also wrote to Soviet
blitz championship with a 4-1 score youngest US master ever. The record century (named by Hans Kmoch, Grandmaster Alexander Kotov, “I
(won by Arthur Feuerstein with 4.5- stood until July, 1977, when Joel Manhattan Chess Club Director). would like you to publish a
0.5 score). William Lombardy took Benjamin became a master at 13 The tournament was held at both collection of my son’s games. Bobby
3rd. years, 3 months. the Manhattan Chess Club on would like to have an account in a
A few weeks later (July 17-28, In September, 1956, he tied for Central Park South and the Russian bank.”
1956) he played in the 57th U.S. 8th-12th place at the first Canadian Marshall Chess Club. His USCF In February, 1957, he took 6th-
Open in Oklahoma City (102 Open (August 25-September 2) in rating after the event was 2321. 14th in the Log Cabin Open. His
players), winning 5 games, drawing Montreal (88 players). The event A few weeks later, Fischer gave a USCF rating after the event was
7 games, losing none (scoring 8.5 was won by Larry Evans and Bill simul at the Jamaica Chess Club in 2222.
out of 12), and tied for 4th-8th place Lombardy. His score was 7-3. Long Island. He won 11 and drew In March 1957, Bobby played two
(won by Bisguier and Sherwin). After the Canadian Open, he one. games against former world
Fischer set some kind of record by asked for a ride home from Larry Fischer usually played blitz or champion Max Euwe in New York,
going undefeated through all 12 Evans. Evans said, “He asked if I skittles chess for twenty cents a drawing one and losing one.
rounds of a USCF Open at the age of would drive him back to New York. game. One day, at the Marshall At the end of March, 1957, Bobby
13 (Chess Review, September, 1956, I had no inkling that my passenger Chess Club, he was playing for 20 played in the Log Cabin 50-50
page 260). His USCF rating was would become the most famous and cents a game when Hans Kmoch had tournament. He won 2 games, drew
2349 after this event, #25 in the phenomenal player in the history of an appointment with the cellist two games, and lost one game (to
Gregor Piatagorsky. Kmoch wanted James Sherwin).
Fischer to show Piatagorsky his In April he won the New York
brilliant win over Donald Byrne. Metropolitan Chess League.
Fischer was interrupted and lost the In the May 5, 1957, issue of Chess Federation received an official William Rebold to Cleveland for the
skittle game to Ron Gross. Fischer Life, appeared the 11th annual invitation for Bobby Fischer to visit US Open in Guthrie McClain’s old
angrily flipped two dimes to Gross USCF national rating list (National the Soviet Union. car. Along the way, Fischer and
while Kmoch tried to get Fischer to Chess Ratings – Spring 1957). A few days later he played in the Ramirez got in a fist fight with each
show his famous “Game of the Fischer’s rating was 2231, which was U.S. Junior Championship in San other over a pillow. Ramirez was left
Century.” Fischer got mad and over 500 point higher than his Francisco and took first place and with bite marks, which can be seen
replied, “I don’t care. I don’t have to rating before, in 1956. This made another typewriter. The event was to this day. Fischer was left with a
show anybody my games just him at the time, the youngest U.S. held at the Spreckels Dairy black eye.
because he is a big shot!” Fischer master ever. Company. He also won the U.S. On August 5-16, 1957, Fischer
then stormed out of the club. On June 13, 1957, Reshevsky Junior Speed Championship. His tied for 1st-2nd with Arthur
In November (Thanksgiving Day played 10 players, including Fischer, prize for that was a copy of the 1956 Bisguier at the 58th U.S. Open in
weekend), 1956, he tied for 2nd-5th at 10 seconds per move. Reshevsky Candidates Tournament book by Cleveland, scoring 10-2, and won
place (with Rossolimo, Lombardy, was blindfolded and Bobby won the Euwe and Muhring. His USCF $750. His rating after the event was
and Feurestein) in the Eastern game. Reshevsky won 5 games and rating at the end of the US Junior 2264. Bisguier said, “Who could
States Open, played at the Central lost 4. (Chess Review, August 1957, Championship was 2298. The event have seen in the early stages, by not
YMCA in Washington, D.C. The pg. 241). was covered in the August 5th, 1957 winning against Fischer, I created a
winner was Hans Berliner. There In July he tied for 6th place at the issue of Chess Life. Frankenstein!” The tournament
were 56 players in the event. A New Western Open in Milwaukee, Fischer left San Francisco and was covered in the August 20, 1957
picture of Fischer playing in the Wisconsin. His USCF rating at the headed for Long Beach, California and September 5, 1957 issue of
event appeared in the Washington end of the tournament was 2103. with some friends. Bill Addison Chess Life. Fischer became the
Post on November 24, 1956. The In July, 1957, the U.S. Chess drove Fischer, Gil Ramirez, and youngest player to win the U.S.
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White Knight Review September-October 2010 White Knight Review September-October- 2010
Open, at age 14. essay on Fischer, claiming that all the 1958 Interzonal in Portoroz. novel The Godfather. Newcomers.” Dick Clark asked if he refused to play in the Interzonal.
In August-September he won the Fischer does and all Fischer knows Since this was a Zonal event, he The February 5, 1958 issue of what he did made people happy. Cardoso of the Philippines was in
New Jersey Open championship is chess, and that he kept a chess set qualified for the Interzonal and was Chess Life reported that FIDE Fischer responded, “It made me the Interzonal. He wanted revenge
with 8 wins and 1 draw (to Dr. Ariel by his bedside. An article by Aben given the International Master title awarded the International Master happy.” Garry Moore asked him how after he lost to Fischer during the
Mengarini), no losses. His USCF Rudy in the Dec 5, 1957 issue of by FIDE at the age of 14 years, 10 title to Fischer, long he had been Pepsi-Cola sponsored match.
rating after the event was 2605. The Chess Life said the Fischer was months. Except for Santa Monica based on the fact playing chess. Cardoso told everyone that he was
tournament was covered in the proficient at tennis and table-tennis. 1966, Bobby Fischer would win that Fischer Fischer responded going to beat Fischer. When they sat
September 20, 1957 issue of Chess Fischer was also an avid hockey fan every U.S. tournament he played in. placed 1st in the that he had been down at the board, Cardoso said,
Life. and sees as many “Ranger” games as A reporter asked Bobby whether Zonal playing since he “Would you like to resign now and
In September, 1957, he was a his crowded schedule will allow. The he now considered himself the best tournament (US was six, but that save time?” Fischer laughed and
student at Erasmus Hall High article also mentioned that Fischer chess player in the United States. Championship). he had not been beat him. The event was covered in
School in Brooklyn. Barry Munitz, was a quite promising ventriloquist. Fischer responded, “No. One In February, playing seriously the September 20, 1958 issue of
President of the Erasmus High Just before the Centennial U.S. tournament doesn’t mean that 1958 he played a until age 9. Chess Life.
School Chess Club, tried to get championship in 1957/58, Bisguier much. Maybe Reshevsky is better!” 30 board simul at For stumping During the Portoroz Interzonal,
Bobby to join the club. Bobby wasn’t said: “Bobby Fischer should finish After winning the US the Marshall the panel on I’VE Fischer would analyze in his hotel
interested. One of his teachers said, slightly over the center mark in this Championship, the famed resort Chess Club, GOT A SECRET, room until late at night, and then
“He never seems to be listening in tournament. He is quite possibly the Grossinger’s in the Catskill winning 29 and Sabena Airlines sleep until noon. He rarely left his
class. He must always be thinking most gifted of all players in the Mountains invited Fischer for a 10- drawing one. He provided two room except to play chess.
about chess.” tournament; still he has had no day all-expenses-paid stay at the was seeded in the complimentary In one game, Fischer took an
Janice Wolfson Epstein was experience in tournaments of such resort. It was here that he learned to Manhattan Chess round trip airline early draw with Yuri Averbakh.
Fischer’s geometry teacher and consistently even strength.” ski. Club tickets for Bobby When Larry Evans asked why Bobby
remembered him as a poor student On January 8, 1958 Bobby The American Chess Foundation Championship, and his sister, agreed to a premature draw, Fischer
who was also antisocial. Fischer was Fischer at age 14 years and 9 months mailed a check for $250 to Fischer but withdrew the Joan, already a said, “I was afraid of losing to a
good in Spanish class. Bobby made won the 1957/58 U.S. Championship in recognition for his chess day before it was registered nurse at Russian grandmaster and he was
sketches of monsters, elaborate (the Lessing J. Rosenwald Trophy) achievements. to start. age 20, to travel to afraid of losing to a kid.” (Evans On
doodles, and wrote lyrics. In one and Zonal with 8 wins, 5 draws and Around this time, Bobby spent In early 1958, Europe. At the end Chess, July 22, 1994)
interview, Fischer said he had an no losses. The event was played at his time preparing a book of his Mrs. Fischer of the show, By qualifying for the Candidates
interest in astronomy, prehistoric the Manhattan Chess Club and games. He dictated his annotations wrote to the Fischer almost (Challengers) matches, Fischer,
animals, and hypnotism. He was Marshall Chess Club from into a tape recorder and his mother Yugoslav Chess tripped and fell as Benko, and Olafsson automatically
also an avid reader of comic books, December 17, 1957 through January transcribed them. When the book Federation and asked them to find he was leaving the stage. became Grandmasters.
especially horror types. Frank Brady 8, 1958. The tournament was was finished, he first took it to the room and board for Bobby. She In June, 1958 he was invited to In 1958, with the help of John W.
talked to someone in the Grade covered in the January 20, 1958 World Publishing Company to see if wrote that Bobby would not give Moscow and he spent almost all his Collins, Bobby wrote Bobby Fischer’s
Advisor’s Office at Erasmus Hall issue of Chess Life. they would publish it. The company any simultaneous exhibitions or time at the Moscow Central Chess Games of Chess. It was published by
while Bobby was a student there. His USCF rating after the event eventually declined the manuscript, interviews, and did not like Club. He played a few speed games Simon and Schuster in 1959. It
This person said, “His I.Q. was in was 2722. His USCF rating average but Joan Fischer, who accompanied journalists who asked non-chess of chess with Tigran Petrosian, included 34 of his games, including
the 180s, give or take a point or two. for 1957 was 2626, and #2 in the Bobby when he went there, met questions. She also said that Bobby Yeggeny Vasiukov, and Alexander the “game of the century” D. Byrne
He was definitely a high genius, but USCF (behind Samuel Reshevsky at Russell Targ, the son of the chief did not smoke, drink, or date girls. Nikitin. vs. Fischer.
with no interest or capacity for 2713). Players over 2600 were editor of the company (William She said that Bobby did not know In July, 1958, he played a match In late 1958, Fischer refused to
schoolwork. considered American Targ, 1907-1999). Russell and Joan how to dance but liked to swim, play with Dragoljub Janosevic. On July play in the Chess Olympiad unless
In September, 1957, the Pepsi- Grandmasters, so Reshevsky and later married. In 1963, the company tennis, ski, and skate. 20-26, he played a match with and he, rather than Sam Reshevsky,
Cola Company sponsored a match Fischer were the only grandmasters was sold to Times Mirror. William The March 5, 1958 issue of Chess Milan Matulovic at the Slavia chess plays first board for the USA.
with 19 year-old Philippine Junior with the USCF. He now qualified for Targ later published Mario Puzo’s Life published its second 1957 club in Belgrade. Fischer won the Around this time, Fischer
Champion, L. Rodolfo Tan Cardoso supplementary rating list. Fischer match 2.5-1.5. The Fischer- changed his dress habits from
(1937- ) and Fischer. Fischer won was rated 2626, just behind Matulovic event was a public sweaters and sneakers to suit and
6-2 and $325. Cardoso was awarded Reshevsky at 2713. It also listed training match held to help Fischer tie. He told Ralph Ginzburg, “I used
the International Master (IM) title Fischer as a Grandmaster, along get ready for the upcoming to dress badly until I was about 16.
in 1957, making him the first Asian with Reshevsky. Interzonal at Portoroz. But people just didn’t seem to have
IM. The match was covered in the On March 26, 1958 he was In August-September 1958, he enough respect for me, you know.
November 5, 1957 issue of Chess interviewed by Garry Moore for a took 5th-6th at the Portoroz And I didn’t like that, so I decided
Life. special television broadcast geared Interzonal (won by Tal) in I’d have to show them they weren’t
In November-December he took for teenagers (I’ve Got a Teenage Yugoslavia and gained the any better than me, you know? They
6th in the North Central Open in Secret). He talked about his winning Grandmaster title after winning 6 were sort of priding themselves.
Milwaukee. His USCF rating after the US championship and being games, drawing 12, and losing 2 They would say he beat us at chess,
the event was 2552. awarded the IM title. games. At the same time he became but he’s still just an uncouth kid. So
Fischer then played a match with In April, 1958, he gave interviews the world’s youngest World I decided to dress up.”
Dr. Daniel J. Benninson, a strong to Time, New York Post, New York Championship Candidate and
Argentine player. He was a scientist Times and the Voice of America. Grandmaster for the world
with the Committee on the effects of In May, 1958 Bobby, age 15, championship at age 15 years, 6 To be continued in the next issue of
Atomic Radiation for the United appeared on the television show months. Pal Benko was in the White Knight Review.
Nations. The match was played at I’VE GOT A SECRET and stumped Interzonal as a result of his 1957
the Marshall Chess Club, and the panel, which included Dick victory at the Dublin Zonal. Fischer’s early games - 1953-1958
Fischer won. Benninson later Clark (his secret was that he was Sherwin was in the Interzonal after http://www.geocities.com/
became head of Argentina’s Atomic U.S. chess champion). The made-up taking 3rd place in the U.S. SiliconValley/Lab/7378/fischer3.htm
Energy Commission. newspaper headline for Bobby was championship. Reshevsky had
The New York Times wrote an Bobby Fischer Plays Svetozar Gligoric -1958
“Teen-Ager’s Strategy Defeats all qualified for taking 2nd place, but
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White Knight Review September-October 2010 White Knight Review September-October- 2010
ment of magnetic resonance imaging gy in his paper The Search for Method. Baron Rayleigh (Lord Rayleigh).
Edward Kendall (1886-1972). He (MRI) possible. He played chess in Fridtjof Nansen (1861-1930). He Richard J. Roberts (1943- ). He was He won the 1904 Nobel Prize for
won the 1950 Nobel Prize in Physiol- high school. won the 1922 Nobel Peace Prize for awarded the 1993 Nobel Prize in Phys- Erwin Schroedinger (1887-1961). Physics for discovering the element
ogy or Medicine. He discovered the his work as a League of Nations High iology or Medicine with Phillip Sharp He won the 1933 Nobel Prize in Phys- argon. He was elected president of the
hormone cortisone. He was a doctor Sinclair Lewis (1885- Commissioner. He played chess dur- for the discovery of introns in DNA ics for his contributions to quantum Essex County Chess Association in
at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Min- 1951). He won the ing his arctic expeditions. and the mechanism of gene-splicing. mechanics. He once wrote “I do like 1898.
nesota and an ardent chess player. 1930 Nobel Prize in He played chess in high school. chess but it has turned out to be not the
Literature. He wrote John Forbes Nash (1928- ). He won appropriate relaxation from the work I Albert Szent-Gyorgyi (1893-1986).
Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936). He Main Street,Babbitt, Ar- the 1994 Nobel Prize in Economics Robert Robinson (1886-1975). He am doing.” He won the 1937 Nobel Prize in
won the 1907 Nobel Prize in Litera- rowsmith, Elmer Gan- for his work in game theory, where he won the 1947 Nobel Prize on Chem- Physiology or Medicine for discover-
ture. He is the author of The Jungle try, and Cass Timber- called chess a “zero-sum” game. He istry. He was president of the British Julian Schwinger (1918-1994). He ing vitamin C. He was president of
Book. lane. During the last period of his life, played chess in his younger years. Chess Federation (1950-1953) and won the 1965 Nobel Prize in Phys- the Szeged chess circle in Hungary.
he would hire secretaries to play chess played correspondence chess while in ics for his work in quantum electro-
Henry Kissinger (1923- ). He shared with him and keep him company. He Pablo Neruda (1904-1973). He won his 80s. He co-wrote a book called dynamics (QED). He often played John Vane (1927-2004). He won the
the 1973 Nobel Peace Prize with would pay them a month to learn the the 1971 Nobel Prize in Literature. He The Art and Science of Chess. He and chess with mathematician Morton 1982 Nobel Prize in Medicine for his
Le Duc Tho. He served as National game, then paid them as his secretary once said, “To me [chess] is poetry, fellow Nobel Prize winner Sir John Hamermesh while n college. work on aspirin. He played chess at
Security Advisor and Secretary of to play chess. His secretaries included the poetry of fight, intelligence and Cornforth used to play chess together. his home near London or when visit-
State in the Richard Nixon administra- San Francisco writer Barnaby Conrad will.” George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950). ing New York City.
tion. Kissinger called Bobby Fischer and John Hershey. Other friends that Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919). He He won the 1925 Nobel Prize in Lit-
several times during the 1972 World visited Sinclair Lewis to play chess in- Douglass North (1920- ). He was the won the 1906 Peace Prize. He was erature. Although he played chess, he Julius Wagner-Jauregg (1857-1940).
Chess Championship cluded Bennett Cerf, Carl Van Doren, co-recipient, with Robert Fogel, of the the 26th U.S. President from 1901 to wrote that “Chess is a foolish expedi- He won the 1927 Nobel Prize in Medi-
match to encourage and John Gunther. 1993 Nobel Prize in Economics. At 1909. He once played a game against ent for making idle people believe they cine for his work on his treatment of
Fischer to play on and his first job at the University of Wash- the automaton Ajeeb, are doing something very clever when mental diseases. He was addicted to
defeat Spassky. After Nelson Mandela (1918- ). ington, he played chess every day for and lost. He played they are only wasting their time.” chess in his early years while living in
calling Fischer, he said, He shared the 1993 Nobel three years with Don Gordon, who chess during his hunt- Vienna.
“this is the worst player Peace Prize with F.W. de taught him economic theory. ing trips. In 1906, William Shockley (1910-1989). He
in the world calling the Klerk. He played chess he invited the chess shared the 1956 Nobel Prize in Physics Alfred Werner (1866-1919). He won
best player in the world.” while in prison and it be- Barack Obama (1961- ). He won the players that played at with John Bardeen and Walter Brattain the 1913 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for
came his favorite game. 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. He is a chess Cambridge Springs to for the invention of the transistor. proposing the octahedral configuration
Robert Koch (1843-1910). He won player, learning the game as a child. the White House. He kept a chess set of transition metal complexes. His
the 1905 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Gabriel Garcia Marquez (1927- ). at the White House. Henryk Sienkiewicz (1846-1916). recreations were billiards, chess, and a
Medicine for his tuberculosis findings. He won the 1982 Nobel Prize in Liter- Heike Onnes (1853-1926). He won He won the 1905 Nobel Prize in Liter- Swiss card game.
He is considered one of the founders ature and is the author of One Hundred the 1913 Nobel Prize in Physics for his Bertrand Russell (1872-1970). He ature. He wrote about chess in several
of microbiology. He was an enthusias- Years of Solitude. He mentioned chess work on the properties of matter at low won the 1950 Nobel Prize in Litera- of his works, such as The Knights of George Hoyt Whipple (1878-1976).
tic chess player and followed the chess in several of his works, such as Love temperatures and to the production of ture. He played chess with his fam- the Cross and With Fire and Sword. He shared the 1934 Nobel Prize in
world through chess periodicals and in the Time of Cholera where the doc- liquid helium. ily and said he lost friends to one of Physiology or Medicine with George
books. He was chess champion of his tor’s chess partner commits suicide. three addictions: alcohol or religion or Herbert A. Simon (1916-2001). He Minot and William Murphy for their
high school in Germany. Boris Pasternak (1890-1960). He chess. won the 1978 Nobel Prize in Econom- discoveries concerning liver therapy in
Albert Michelson (1852-1931). He won the 1958 Nobel Prize in Lit- ics. He was an American psychologist cases of anemia.
Tjalling Koopmans (1910-1985). In won the 1907 Nobel Prize in Physics erature. He wrote Dr. Zhivago. His Anwar Sadat (1918-1981). and made a study of chess players. In
1975 he was the joint winner, with for his work on the measurement of parents and other relatives were also He won the 1978 1957, he predicted a digital computer Carl Wieman (1951- ). He won the
Leonid Kantorovich, of the Nobel the speed of light. He listed chess, chess players. Nobel Peace Prize. would beat the world chess champion 2001 Nobel Prize in Physics for his
Prize in Economics. He was a chess bridge, billiards, and tennis as his in- He was the third by 1967. He developed a chess pro- work on the Bose-Einstein condensate.
enthusiast. terests outside of physics. He partici- Ivan Pavlov (1849-1936). He won President of Egypt, gram in the 1950s and co-invented the He was a strong chess player in his
pated in several chess tournaments in the 1904 Nobel Prize in Physiology or serving from 1970 alpha-beta algorithm in chess. younger years.
Hans Krebs (1900-1981). He won California. Medicine for his research pertaining to until his assassina-
the 1953 Nobel Prize in Physiology the digestive system. tion in 1981. Isaac Bashevis Singer (1904-1991). Woodrow Wilson
or Medicine for his identification of Robert Mundell (1932- ). He won He won the 1978 Nobel Prize in (1856-1924). He
metabolic cycles. He studied chess as the 1999 Nobel Prize in Economics. Max Planck (1858-1947). He won Andrei Sakharov (1921-1989). He Literature. He had a chess prodigy won the 1919 Nobel
a child, but did not become a strong He laid the groundwork for the intro- the 1918 Nobel Prize in Physics for won the 1975 Nobel Peace Prize. He character in his book Shadows of the Peace Prize. He was
player. duction of the euro. He sponsored his discovery of energy quanta. Max was an eminent Soviet nuclear physi- Hudson. the 28th President
a major chess tournament in China Planck played chess with Emanuel cist, dissident and human rights activ- of the United States
Richard Kuhn (1900-1967). He won (Pearl Spring in Nanjing), saying that Lasker. ist. He relaxed with chess, which he Frederick Soddy (1877-1956). He from 1913 to 1921.
the 1938 Nobel Prize for Chemistry the best way for Chinese cities to show learned from his parents. won the 1921 Nobel Prize in Chem- One of his chess sets is displayed at
for his work on carotenoids and vita- openness to the outside world is to Edward Prescott (1940- ). He won istry for his research in radioactive the Smithsonian.
mins. host world-class chess tournaments. the 2004 Nobel Prize in Economics. Abdus Salam (1926-1996). He decay and his formulation of the
For relaxation, he plays chess. He He learned chess from his father and shared the 1979 Nobel Prize in Phys- theory of isotopes. He was Captain of William Yeats (1865-1939). He won
Willis Eugene Lamb (1913-2008). made the first move of the 5th game of taught his son to play chess. ics with Sheldon Glashow and Steven the Oxford University Chess Club in the 1923 Nobel Prize in Literature. He
He won the 1955 Nobel Prize in the 2010 World Championship match Weinberg for their work in Electro- 1900 and participated in cable matches was an Irish poet.
Physics for his discoveries concern- between Anand and Topalov, held in Isidor Rabi (1898-1988). He won the Weak Theory. He discovered chess in between Oxford and American univer-
ing the fine structure of the hydrogen Sofia, Bulgaria. 1944 Nobel Prize in Physics for his college and spent many hours playing sities. Milan Vukcevich (1937-2003). Inter-
spectrum. He played in a few chess discovery of nuclear magnetic reso- chess before being reprimanded by his national Master and Grandmaster in
tournaments in California. Ferid Murad (1936- ). He was a co- nance. father for wasting valuable study time. John Steinbeck (1902-1968). He Chess Problem Composition, was con-
winner, with Robert Furchgott and won the 1962 Nobel Prize in Litera- sidered for a Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
Paul Lauterbur (1929-2007). He Louis Ignarro, of the 1998 Nobel Prize Charles Robert Richet (1850-1935). Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-1980). He ture. He wrote The Grapes of Wrath He was Chief Scientist at General
shared the 2003 Nobel Prize in Physi- in Physiology or Medicine for their He won the 1913 Nobel Prize in Phys- won the 1964 Nobel Prize in Litera- and Of Mice and Men. Electric and professor of metallurgy.
ology or Medicine with Peter Man- work on the cardiovascular system. iology or Medicine for understanding ture. He was probably a weak chess
sfield. Lauterbur made the develop- He played chess in his younger days. allergic reactions. player. Sartre used chess as an analo- John William Strutt (1842-1919), 3rd
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White Knight Review September-October 2010 White Knight Review September-October- 2010
CHESS GENIUS – Lang Software Limited - $9.99
CHESS!
Another expensive but goodie with 33 playing levels, chess clocks, opening names, PGN format for saving and
importing, hints and move options. It is simple but powerful.
HIARCS CHESS– Applied Computer Concepts - $9.99 Chess Box App- Telexiom -$1.99
This is one of the most expensive chess apps out there but also one of the strongest. It is a world champion This is a new chess app that consists of 3 programs. It has a chess timer with a classic chess clock with 3
program which actually won Grandmaster tournaments. But as powerful as it is, it equally has programmed modes. It has a Position program that allows you to create and save chess moves and send it to someone
weaker games for the beginner and has built in coach watching to help develop their games. via sms or e-mail. You can also save a screenshot and upload the image to Facebook or Twitter. It also has a
program called Notation allowing you to quickly notate your game and save to clipboard or device. You can
FRITZ CHESS- Gammick Entertainment - $4.99 even send to your friends or upload to Facebook or Twitter.
One of the most familiar computer chess programs has now released an iphone version. It has one of the
strongest chess engines as well as a great visual interface. Beginners have a help interface and stronger players
have features like notation option, review mode, openings book, game analysis, 11 ELO playing levels and There are many other chess apps including Cyber Chess, Deep Green, Chess Free,
many more great features. Chess online, chess Pro, 3D Chess Classics and dozens more. There are also many
Chess puzzle apps, chess opening apps, chess clock app as well as may chess e-books
SHREDDER CHESS – Eiko Bleicher, Skizzix.com - $7.99 you can down load to your iphone. Do the research and find out what is best for
This is one of the top rated chess apps on the iStore and probably one of the most popular. It is often favored you. These are all just tools to help improve your game. Learn and enjoy!
by grandmasters for analyzing games giving you move options while showing success percentages. It has
chess puzzles as well and is very fast with multiple ELO level options.
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White Knight Review September-October 2010 White Knight Review September-October- 2010
France – The French Championships took place in Belfort, Russia – The 39th chess Olympiad will be held in Khantiy
“When you don’t know what to do, wait for you opponent to get an idea; it is France from August 9 through August 21, 2010. The men’s Mansiysk, Russia from September 19, 2010 through
sure to be bad.” - Siegbert Tarrasch (1862-1934) championship was won by Laurent Fressinet. The women’s October 4th, 2010. It will be the biggest chess Olympiad
championship was won by Almira Skripchenko. Fressinet ever, with 1,376 players from 158 countries.
“Tactics is knowing what to do when there is something to do; strategey and Skripchenko are married to each other, so this gave
is knowing what to do when there is nothing to do.” - Savielly Tartakower the event an unusual husband and wife win. Shanghai – GM Alexei Shirov won the Shanghai Masters to
(1887-1956) qualify for the Grand Slam final in Bilbao, Spain.
Iceland – DNA testing was done on tissue samples from
“The winner of a game is the one who has made the next to last blunder.” - Bobby Fischer’s grave in the Laugardaelir cemetery in Siberia – The 63rd Russian Championship Higher League
Savielly Tartakower (1887-1956) Icleand. The DNA tests came back negative, proving that was held in Irkutsk, Siberia and won by Grandmaster
he did not father a 9-year-old daughter named Jinky Young. Ian Nepomniachtchi, scoring 7 out of 10. There were
Jinky’s mother, Marilyn Young, claimed that Fischer was 48 Grandmasters in the event. The final Russian
the father of her daughter, and could inherit $2 million championship will be played in December.
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White Knight Review September-October 2010 White Knight Review September-October- 2010
Annotated Game
g6 17.Qe4, threatening 18.Qxa8 and
18.Qxe6+
15.Rag1
33.Kg5
33.e5? Qxd4+
33...Kxh7
Ask Bill games are not even reaching the endgame. Perhaps you are
losing to combinations and tactics because you were not
defending before attacking. You may be playing too risky
In January 1961, Lev Polugaevsky or 15.gxf5 exf5 16.Kd1 33...Be7+ 34.Kg6; 33...Qb5+ 34.Kh6 Bill Wall and missing you opponent’s attack that may be winning a
swindled Boris Spassky in the 28th 15...fxg4 16.Rxg4 34.Kh5? pawn or a piece. You need to defend before you can attack.
USSR championship. or 16.Ng5 Bxg5 17.hxg5 Rf5 18.Rxg4 34.Kf6! Qxd4+ (34...Kg8 35.Qxe6+ Kh7 You should have two opening ideas as White and two
Spassky overlooked a check of his 16...Nf6 17.Rg5 36.g8=Q+ wins) 35.Kf7 Qf6+ 36.Kxf6 Be7+ ASK BILL: bill_wall@bellsouth.net opening ideas as Black, then stick with these openings unless
king and missed a forced win in time of 17.Rg2 Nh5 18.Ng5 Bxg5 (18...Nxf4+?? 37.Kf7 Rf8+ 38.gxf8+ Bxf8 39.Qg6+ Kh8 you feel the need to try another opening if you are not too
pressure. Polugaevsky 19.exf4 Bxg5 20.hxg5 g6 21.Qe4 Qd7 40.Qg8 mate successful on the openings you play now. Look at some
found the winning combination in the 22.Rgh2 Rae8 23.Qxg6+! hxg6 24.Rh8+ 34.Qxe6? Qxd4 From Nikita White. I am 12 and was wondering how do opening books or online opening databases and restrict your
rook-pawn endgame for victory. Kg7 25.R1h7 mate) 34...Qb5+! you get better at chess and what helpful sites do you know. openings to something you feel comfortable playing. Maybe
19.hxg5 g6 20.Rxh5 gxh5 21.g6 Qf6 and White overlooked this check in time you are playing too fast. Don’t be playing blitz or 5-minute
Boris Spassky - Lev Polugaevsky, Black should hold pressure, which lets Black into the game Nikita, the best way to get better at chess is to play more games. Slow down to 15 minutes or more for your games.
Moscow (28th USSR Championship) 17...Qd7 35.Kh4 often. You need to see all kinds of chess patterns on what Don’t give up on tactics and tactics trainer programs. They
1961 if 17...Qe8, then 18.h5 Rd8 19.h6 g6 35.e5 Qe8+ 36.Kh4 Be7+ works and what doesn’t. This is part of the pattern are good for chess pattern recognition. Match the tactics you
20.Nh4 Kh8 21.Rxg6 e5 22.Rg7 exf4 35..Be7+ 36.Kh3 recognition that all strong chess players have. They know with the openings you play. Experiment with gambits
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 23.Nf3 and 24.Ng5 wins for White 36.Kg3? Qg5 37.f4 Qxg4+ 38.Kxg4 Kxg7 recognize familiar positions and know what to do. One good and see how your game goes when you have quick
the Queen’s Indian Defense 18.h5 wins for Black idea is to study chess traps and miniatures. These are games development at the expense of a pawn. Normal development
4.Nc3 Threatening 19.h6. 18.Rhg1 Rf7 19.h5 36...Qg5+! that are won in 25 moves or less. These short games give you moves should be your best plan for now. Control the center
More common in the Queen’s Indian Kh8 20.h6 g6 21.Rxg6 hxg6 22.Qxg6 Raf8 36...Kg8 37.Qxe6+ wins for White; 36... an idea of how to play (or mis-play) the opening, and they and castle early. Learn from your mistakes and losses and go
Defense is 4.g3. 23.Ng5 Qe8 should hold for Black Rg8 37.Qg6+ wins for White; 36...Bg5 are good to show you tactical possibilities and combinations over the games you lose with a stronger player or a chess
4...Bb7 18...Ne8 19.Rg2 b5 20.c5 37.Qh5+ wins for White that could occur in future games. It is also a good idea to program. Find that critical position that decides the game.
4...Bb4 would transpose into a Nimzo- 20.cxb5 Rb8 21.a4 a6 37.Qxg5 find someone stronger than you, or you a chess engine or
Indian Defense 20...dxc5 21.h6 Rf5 37.Qxe6?? Qh4 mate computer, to go over your games and see where you or your From Jorge Rivera-Herrens. I have been studying your
5.Bg5 21...g6? 22.Rxg6+! hxg6 23.Qxg6+ Kh8 Bxg5 38.Rxg5 Rd8 39.f4 opponent went wrong. Study your losses first and try to 700 Opening Traps. I happened to see the Vienna Opening
Also common is 5.a3 24.Ne5 Qd5 25.Rg1 should win for White 39.Kg3 Kg8 40.Rc5 Rxd4 avoid the same mistake. You can download a collection of and have been studying that opening because it can lead to
5...Be7 21...c5? 22.Qxh7+! Kxh7 23.hxg7+ Kg8 39.d5 exd5 40.g8=Q+ Rxg8 41.Rxd5 games from strong players and see how they play. Helpful many great traps. I hope I can use this opening against other
or 5...h6 6.Bh4 Bb4 or 6...g5. Another 24.Rh8+ Kf7 25.Ne5+ Kf6 26.Rxf8+ Bxf8 39...Kg8 sites would include sites where you can play chess and also opponents, or counter it if it is played against me. What is
common reply is 5...Bb4, played by 27.gxf8=Q+ Qf7 28.Qxf7 mate 39...Rxd4?? 40.g8=Q+ wins for White get good advice on chess. One of my favorites sites is www. your opinion on the Vienna Opening?
Alekhine and Euwe. 22.Be5 40.Rc5 chess.com where you can play chess at any time, control and
6.e3 threatening 23.Bxg7 40.d5 exd5 41.exd5 Rd7 42.Re5 Rxg7 read chess forums, blogs and articles. You can also play chess Jorge, the Vienna Opening (1.e4 e5 2.Nc3) has been
Other moves are 6.Qc2, 6.Bxf6, 6.g3, and 22...c4 wins for Black for free at the Free Internet Chess Server (FICS) at www. around for a long time. It is less common that other
6.Bf4 22...Rd8 23.hxg7 Rxd4 41.Rxc7 Rxe4 42.Kg4 freechess.org. openings, such as 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3. That could be an advantage,
6...Ne4 23.Qe4 42.Kg3 Re2 and 43...Rxa2 should win for since your opponents may not be ready for the Vienna, or
Popularized by Capablanca. The most threatening 24.Qxa8 Black From Specter. How do you analyze a game of chess that studied it more than other openings. It is sometimes good to
common alternative is 6...O-O 7.Bd3 23...Qd5 24.Qg4 42...e5 43.a3? you just played? Have you ever lost a game and not sure where surprise your opponent. The idea behind 2.Nc3 (instead of
7.Nxe4 or 24.Qxd5 exd5 25.hxg7 h5 43.Kf5 Rxf4+ 44.Kg6 Rg4+ 45.Kh6 e4 you went wrong? 2.Nf3) was to play a delayed King’s Gambit with 3.f4. But if
or 7.Bxe7 Qxe7 8.Nxe4 Bxe4. White can 24...c3 should draw you are not a gambit player, you can try 3.g3 and 4.Bg2 or
also try 7.Bf4 24...Qxf3+? 25.Qxf3 Rxf3 26.Kxf3 g5 43...Rxf4+ Specter, if I play in a tournament, I analyze my losses first 3.Bc4. In the 1940s, a player named Weaver Adams thought
7...Bxe4 8.Bf4 27.Bf4 or 43...bxa3 44.Kg5 exf4 45.Kf6 Re8 to see where I went wrong. Before computers, I would follow that the Vienna Game won by force, and wrote a book on it,
First played by Milan Vidmar at London 25.b3 46.Rxc3 a2 47.Rc1 Rd8 wins for Black all my opening books to see what had been played or what called White to Play and Win. Nowadays, most
1922. White can also play 8.Bxe7 Qxe7 25.bxc3 g6 and 26...Qxa2+ 44.Kg5 moves were recommended. That only helped the opening grandmasters think that the opening leads to equality with
9.Be2 as in 25...b4 44.Kh5 Rf7 part of my game. For the rest of the game, I would try to find best play for both sides. It does not seem to be an opening
Petrosian-Geller, Moscow 1961 25...Qxf3+ 44...a5 my losing move and recognize why that was a losing move. you want to play if you are trying to win. But at the
8...O-O 9.Bd3 26.Qxf3 or 44...bxa3 45.Kg6 Rg4+ Then I would try alternative moves to improve from my non-master level, the Vienna Opening is good and it does
A new move at the time. Vidmar continued Rxf3 27.Kxf3 45.axb4 axb4 losing position. If I had stronger chess players to go to, I have a lot of traps. The Vienna Game has great flexibility,
9.Nd2 Bb7 10.Bd3 and won in 31 moves g5 28.Bf4 46.Kg6 would show them my game and see what they would and you can choose between either tactical (usually 3.f4) or
(Vidmar-Wahltuch, London 1922). Kf7 29.Bxg5 threatening recommend as better moves. Now, with chess computers and positional lines, depending on your style of play. Among
Later, Polugaeavsky, as White, adopted and White 47.Rc8 mate engines, I can put my games through some of the strongest grandmasters that play the Vienna include Boris Spassky,
this move. shouldf hold Rg4+ programs, such as Fritz and Rybka, and it can tell me the Nigel Short, and Michael Adams.
9...Bb4+ 26.e4 47.Kf6?? evaluation of each position and recommend better moves Here are a few of my chess miniatures with the Vienna.
the alternative is 9...Bxd3 10.Qxd3 f5 26.Bxg7 The losing and play. I try to analyze my game with lots of notes and Bill Wall – Bill Hatfield, Guam 1974 1.e4 e5 2.Nc3 f5 3.
(Polugaevsky-Najdorf, Havana 1962) Qxf3+ or move. variations and keep it in a database. If I have a chance, I will Bc4 fxe4? 4.Qh5+ g6 5.Qxe5 Qe7 6.Qxh8 and Black resigns
10.Kf1 26...Qb5+ 47.Kh6! e4 go over my game with my opponent to see what he thought as he loses his rook.
If 10.Ke2, then 10...Bxf3+ 11.gxf3 (11.Kxf3 26...Qb5+ 48.Rc8+ Kf7 were good and bad moves. I have lost lots of games where I Bill Wall – Bob Lovegren, Dayton, Ohio 1980 1.e4 e5
f5 12.h4 Bd6) Bd6 12.Bxd6 cxd6 27.Ke3! 49.Rf8+ Ke6 am not sure where I went wrong. But chess computers 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Bc4 c5 4.Nf3 Nc6 5.Ng5 Na5? 6.Nxf7 Qc7 7.Nd5
27.Ke1? Black 26 ...Qb5+ 50.g8=Q+ Qc6 8.Bb5 Qxb5 9.Nc7 and Black resigns as he loses his
10...Bxd3+ always find better moves and variations that could have been
10...f5 11.Bxe4 fxe4 12.Ng5 Bd6= Pollak- Qd3 28.Bxg7 Bg5 wins for Black; 27.Kd1? Rxg8 played. I may not repeat the same moves in any game later, queen.
Neckar, Bad Pyrmont 1969 Qd3+ 28.Kc1 Qe2 wins for Black 51.Rxg8 Kd5 Black 46 ...Rg4 but I now have an idea of the position and how it should be
11.Qxd3 27...Rf7 28.hxg7 should draw played next time. I sometimes set up two chess boards, side And here is a well-known trap that many chess players
White now threatens 12.Ng5 and 13.Qxh7 threatening 29.Rxh7 Kxh7 30.Qh5+ Kg8 47...Kh7! by side. On one board, I play through the game actually have fallen into.
mate 31.Qh8 mate Now Black wins. 47...Rf4+ 48.Kg6 played. On the other board, I try variations or play through 1.e4 e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Qg4 Qf6 5.Nd5 Qxf2 6.Kd1
11...Be7 12.h4!? 28...Nf6 48.g8=Q+ games found in databases, to see how stronger players played Kf8 7.Nh3 Qd4 8.d3 Nf6 9.Qf3 Nxd5 10.c3 (trapping the
or 12.Rc1 d6 13.h4 Nd7 14.g4, winning 28...c2 29.Qxe6 Nd6 30.Qh3 48.Kxe5 Rxg7 49.Rc4 Rg1 50.Kf6 Rf1+ the game from the same opening. If I have a new opening queen) Ne3+ 11.Bxe3 and White wins.
in 23 moves (Korchnoi-Garcia, Bucharest 29.Bxf6 51.Kg5 Rb1 52.Rc7+ Kg8 53.Kg6 Kf8 wins move I want to try, I usually try it in informal or blitz games
1966) 29.Qh3 c2 30.Bxf6 c1=Q+ 31.Rxc1 Rxf6 for Black before I try it in a tournament game.
12...f5 32.e5 48...Kxg8 49.Kxe5
later, Olafsson improved upon this line Rxf6 49.Rv8+ Kh7 50.Kxe5 Rg1 51.Kf6 Rf1+ From Pawn Magician. Help! I am studying chess videos
with 12...Nc6 13.Rc1 f5 14.a3 Bf6, winning 30.Rxh7 52.Kg5 Rb1 wins for Black and doing tactics exercises on the computer and getting worse.
in 33 moves (Korchnoi-Olafsson, Iceland or 30.e5 Rf7 49...Rg1 50.Kf6 I went from 1637 to 1440. What is wrong?
2000). 31.Rxh7 50.Kd5 51.Ke4 Rb1 52.Kd3 Rxb3 wins for
Another ideas has been 12...d6 13.Ng5 30...Rxf3 Black Pawn Magician, maybe you are playing too much chess,
g6 14.Nf3 h5= Atalik-Roozman, Berkeley 31.Kxf3 50...Rf1+ 51.Ke5 Rb1 threatening 52... or playing chess at a faster time control than you should be
2005. 31.Qxf3? Rxb3 playing. You may be playing a poor opening, or running out
If 12...d5, the 13.Ng5 Bg5+ and White resigns 0-1 of ideas after the opening. I would really have to look at your
13.Ke2 32.Rxg5 games to see how and why you are losing. I would have to
White can also try 13.h5 Qxg5+ and If you would like Bill to Annotate your see what openings you play and find the critical points in
13...d6 14.g4!? Nd7 33...Kxh7 Game contact him at bill_wall@bellsouth. your game. You may be losing in the endgame. Lower-rated
If 14...fxg4? 15.Ng5 Bxg5 16.hxg5 31...Qd3+ players are usually weaker in the endgame. Perhaps your
32.Kf4 Bd6 Black 33 ...Kxh7 net
30 31