Bobby Fischer

Bobby Fischer is an American professional chess player, born on March 9, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players of all time. Fischer began his professional career in 1956 and became the youngest ever U.S. Chess Champion a year later. He is known for his precise and aggressive style of play. He has won numerous individual awards and holds multiple records, such as being the youngest grandmaster at his time.

Off the board, Fischer is also recognized for his controversial statements and reclusive lifestyle.

Early Career

• Child Prodigy: Fischer started playing chess at age 6 and quickly showed a prodigious talent for the game. He became the youngest ever U.S. Chess Champion at the age of 14 in 1957.

Grandmaster

• Youngest Grandmaster: Fischer became the youngest grandmaster in history at the time in 1958, at the age of 15.

World Chess Championship

• World Champion: In 1972, Fischer won the World Chess Championship against Boris Spassky of the USSR, ending a string of Soviet victories and becoming the first American World Chess Champion in modern times.

U.S. Chess Championships

• Victories: Fischer won the U.S. Chess Championship eight times between 1957 and 1966, setting a record that still stands today.

World Chess Championships

• World Champion: Fischer became the World Chess Champion in 1972 after defeating Boris Spassky in a highly publicized match during the Cold War.

• Style: Fischer was known for his aggressive and precise style of play. His deep understanding of the game, preparation, and ability to outmaneuver his opponents earned him a reputation as one of the greatest players of all time.

• Controversies: Fischer was known for his controversial statements and actions, including his criticism of the World Chess Federation (FIDE) and his reclusive lifestyle in his later years.

• Bobby Fischer is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his influence on the game of chess. His victory in the 1972 World Chess Championship brought worldwide attention to the game and inspired a new generation of players.

U.S. Chess Championships:

• Eight-time winner

World Chess Championship:

• Champion in 1972

Books

• Brady, F. (2011) Endgame: Bobby Fischer's Remarkable Rise and Fall - from America's Brightest Prodigy to the Edge of Madness. New York: Crown.
• Donaldson, J. and Tangborn, E. (1999) The Unknown Bobby Fischer. Seattle: International Chess Enterprises.

Websites

• World Chess Federation (FIDE): Information about Bobby Fischer’s international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.fide.com
• U.S. Chess Federation: Details about Fischer’s career at the U.S. Chess Championships. Available at: https://www.uschess.org

Articles

• The Guardian: Bobby Fischer’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/bobbyfischer

Documentaries

• Bobby Fischer Against the World (2011): Directed by Liz Garbus. This documentary provides a detailed look at Fischer’s life and career, featuring interviews with his family, friends, and colleagues.