Tel Aviv Chess Olympics

Back to 1964 News Articles

The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Sunday, August 16, 1964 - Page 87

Tel Aviv Chess Olympics
The major international chess event of the year will be the Chess Olympics, to be held in Tel Aviv, Israel, from Nov. 2 to 23. Teams from at least 40 countries are expected to participate.
Every effort is being made to have the United States represented by the strongest team possible. Your editor, who on a number of previous occasions has been captain of the American team, will again hold that position.
The first board clearly belongs to U.S. champion Bobby Fischer, who, although barely 21 years old, has long been in the forefront of the world grandmasters. His feat of winning the last American championship with a score of 11-0 was a phenomenal achievement.
Another virtual certainty for a place on the team is former U.S. champion Samuel Reshevsky. In the recent Interzonal Tournament Reshevsky just failed to qualify for next year's candidates' Tournament, after making a fine showing.
Others being considered are Pal Benko, Arthur B. Bisguier, Robert Byrne, Larry Evans, William Lombardy and Dr. Anthony F. Saidy. The team will consist of six players, of whom will compete in each match against another country.
We are in hopes this time of breaking the streak of the Russian chess stars, who have won the Chess Olympics six times in succession, every two years from 1952 through 1962.
Before the war the American team gained four successive victories from 1931 to 1937. Our best record since was second place in 1960.

Olympic Chess Tour
A chess tour is being organized for devotees who wish to accompany our team to Israel and also visit some of the great chess centers of Europe.
Members of the tour will have a unique opportunity to meet practically all the world grandmasters they have heard and read about, to see them in action, and to play with some of them in simultaneous exhibitions or casual games.
Your editor, who will be leading the tour, will arrange for masters to discuss some of the outstanding games, new openings or anything else of interest that may come up during the Olympics.
After witnessing the final rounds in Israel, we will visit Rome, Zurich, Paris and London. In each city a number of chess events are being arranged, in addition to the sight-seeing rounds.
There will be lectures, exhibitions, matches between members of our group and the local masters and experts. We will the leading chess clubs and get an idea of the great popularity of chess in Europe.
The tour will be on a round-trip basis from New York. Anyone interested can obtain a brochure with full details by writing to Chess Editor, Los Angeles Times.

Divinsky's Chess Charivari

Back to 1964 News Articles

The Province Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Saturday, January 18, 1964 - Page 66

Divinsky's Chess Charivari
By Dr. N. Divinsky

Bobby Fischer has won the U.S. chess championship for the sixth time. He did it the hard way - he won every game he played!
Eleven straight victories over the cream of American chess is an incredible achievement. Veteran grandmasters like Benko, Bisguier and Reshevsky, young chess giants like Evans, Robert Byrne, Donald Byrne, all went down to defeat.
Fischer, who will be 21 this year, stands in a class by himself. At this point it seems that world champion Tigran Petrosian of Russia is not the best player in the world, and in our opinion the only player who is in Fischer's class is ex-world-champion Mischa Tal of Latvia.
Fischer will probably participate in the inter-zonal tournament this year and will certainly qualify for the challengers' tournament in 1965. If Tal's health is good he may be the only one to prove a serious competitor.
Dr. Barrie Richmond of Winnipeg, now studying in Chicago, visited New York and sent us Fischer's sensational third-round game against Robert Byrne. He included some “live” comment and we are pleased to pass these on to our readers.

White: R. Byrne
Black: B. Fischer
Neo: Gruenfeld defense
1. P-Q4 N-KB3
2. P-QB4 P-KN3
3. P-KN3 P-B3
4. B-N2 P-Q4
5. PxP PxP
6. N-QB3 B-N2
Byrne commented at this point that be had expected this variation. He had read Fischer's recent article in Chess Life and agreed that the symmetric development
7. N-B3, O-O;
8. O-O, N-B3 does not give white any advantage. With this in mind Byrne said be had studied the “Botvinnik” variation of 7. N-R3 (Fifth game of the Botvinnik-Bronstein world championship match; 1951) where white obtained a strong grip on the center with a later N-B4. However in one of the Botvinnik-Bronstein games black retaliated with 7. N-R3, BxN and after 8. BxB black can play P-K3, and the white king bishop is misplaced. Therefore Byrne played:
7. P-K3 O-O
8. KN-K2 N-B3
9. O-O P-QN3
10. P-QN3 B-QR3
11. B-QR3 R-K1
This was a mysterious rook move for Byrne who expected 11…QR-B1 instead. He had played a similar game two weeks previously and the action had occurred on the QB-file.
12. Q-Q2 P-K4!
13. PxP NxP
14. KR-Q1
The black QP, attacked four times and defended only twice, is a dead duck, and besides, white's pieces are well developed. Surely white stands better. (It seems that 14. QR-Q1 would have been much better.)
14… N-Q6!
This caused Byrne to think for half an hour, for he could not see what Fischer could do after
15. Q-B2
See Diagram.
Position after 15…Q-B2

White threatens to win N and B for a rook. If the black N retreats white wins the QP.
15. … NxP!
16. KxN N-N5ch
17. K-N1 NxP
18. Q-Q2
At this point Byrne expected
18 … NxR; and he felt that after
19. RxN he would win the black QP and have two knights for R and P. He certainly didn't feel he had the worst of it.
18. … NxB!
The entire combination is one of surprise, beauty and depth.
19. KxN P-Q5
20. NxP
The only move for it the N at B3 moves, P-Q6 wins. However, most of the analysts, including grandmaster Rossolimo, and Byrne, thought at this point that white stood better and that Fischer, in some mysterious way, had overextended himself.
20 … B-N2ch
See Diagram.
Position after 20…B-N2 ch.

White must now be very careful. If 21. N-B3, QxQch; 22. RxQ, KBxN and black will be the exchange and a pawn up.
If white plays the natural 21. K-N1 then he loses to 21 … BxNch!; 22. QxB, R-K8ch!; 23. K-B2 (if 23. RxR, QxQ), QxQch; 24. RxQ, RxR.
21. K-B1!
Byrne of course, saw all of this as far back as the 15th move.
21 … Q-Q2!
22. Q-KB2 Q-R6ch
23. Resigns.
When Byrne appeared in the open room everyone thought that Fischer had resigned because after 23. K-N1, black is a full piece down.
However after 23. K-N1, R-K8ch1; 24. RxR, BxN; 25. QxB, QN7 mate.
A masterpiece.

Entries in Interzonal

Back to 1964 News Articles

The Boston Globe Boston, Massachusetts Sunday, May 24, 1964 - Page 4

Entries in Interzonal
Robert Fischer, Arthur Bisguier, and Sam Reshevsky originally qualified for the upcoming interzonal tournament. Fischer does not plan to compete; Reshevsky may not go. That leaves Bisguier, but a couple of weeks ago Arthur engaged Pal Benko in an eight game match with the proviso that the winner was to take the spot in the interzonal. Bisguier lost, 4½-4½. Now where does that leave U.S.A.?
All the old principles are knocked about in this example of the hazards of simultaneous chess play. Russell S. Codman, Boston, played black against Bobby Fischer in this odd French Defense (by transposition). Fischer failed to keep a string tied to his rook …

Benko Vs. Bisguier

Back to 1964 News Articles

The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Sunday, May 10, 1964 - Page 88

Benko Vs. Bisguier
An interesting match is taking place in New York between former U.S. champion Arthur B. Bisguier and former open champion Pal Benko.
At stake is a purse of $1,500 and also a place in the coming Interzonal Tournament. Bisguier is one of three who originally earned the right to participate in the Interzonal. The others are current U.S. champion Bobby Fischer and another former titleholder, Samuel Reshevsky.
With Fischer turning down the opportunity, Larry Evans was next in line, and is ready to go. So is Reshevsky, and so apparently is Bisguier.
That was the situation until friends of Benko moved to get him into the competition. He had gotten up to the Candidates' Tournament in the last cycle of world championship play, and was anxious to try again.
The match, which is for the best score in 10 games, has been sanctioned by the U.S Chess Federation. The winner will receive $1,000 and the loser $500.
At this writing Benko is leading by three games to one.
The games follow:

Chess Champ Withdraws

Back to 1964 News Articles

Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, the Evening News, Wilkes-Barre Record Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Wednesday, May 20, 1964 - Page 42

Chess Champ Withdraws
Amsterdam, May 20 — (AP) — Bobby Fischer, the U.S. champion, was missing today as 24 chess strategists began a seven-week interzone series in the world championship eliminations.
Fischer, a 21-year-old New Yorker, considered one of the few non-Russians capable of unseating Soviet world champion Tigran Petrosyan, withdrew for private reasons.
Samuel Reshevsky and Paul Benkoe of New York, and Larry Evans of Las Vegas, Nev., are among the entrants from 14 nations. Russia has five representatives, including two former world champions.

Interzonal Tournament Roll

Back to 1964 News Articles

Daily Press Newport News, Virginia Sunday, June 14, 1964 - Page 82

Interzonal Tournament Roll
“…Representing the United States are Pal Benko, Samuel Reshevsky and Larry Evans, who qualified to take the place of Bobby Fischer. Why Fischer was unable to participate is puzzling, unless the 20-year-old wizard was still bitter about the alleged bloc spirit of Russian contenders at previous contests. It is hard to believe that Fischer considers his current “simultaneous” tour more worthwhile. His absence is doubtless a disappointment to American chess fans who regard him as this country's best hope to win the title.”

Fischer Refuses Participation in Interzonal Tourney

Back to 1964 News Articles

The Gazette Montreal, Quebec, Quebec, Canada Saturday, June 06, 1964 - Page 46

Fischer Refuses Participation in Interzonal Tourney
“Bobby Fischer, the American champion, has been replaced by Larry Evans in the line-up. Fischer charges the large Russian contingent (six in this tourney) can fix their games so that one or the other will emerge winners and has refused to take part. Pal Benko replaces Arthur Bisguier, having defeated him 4½-1½ in a private match this spring.”

Robert Fischer vs. Pal Benko Robatsch Defense

Back to 1964 News Articles

The Courier-Journal Louisville, Kentucky Sunday, March 08, 1964 - Page 40

“This is one of the 11 straight victories racked up by grandmaster Robert J. Fischer in winning the 1963-64 United States championship at New York. His sweeping triumph was unprecedented in the annals of modern chess tournaments.”

Chessworld Review

Back to 1964 News Articles

The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Sunday, March 22, 1964 - Page 84

CHESSWORLD
The first issue of Chessworld, new magazine edited by Frank Brady, contains 80 pages beautifully printed on fine paper with colorful pictures and drawings.
The material is of general interest, and anyone with a smattering of chess knowledge will find much to enjoy. On the other hand, the player who wishes to improve his game and is looking for technical information will not find it here.
The main article is on the life of Paul Morphy, written by David Lawson. It is a good factual account of the New Orleans lad who was perhaps the greatest chess genius of all time, though his active career was all too short.
Grandmaster Alexander Kotov of the Soviet Union writes “Why the Russians,” giving some insight into the status of chess in Russia, and the reasons for the sustained success of their players. Pal Benko, who is an expert on the subject, discusses the perils of time pressure in tournament chess. This is a form of addiction that has its amusing aspects, though not to the players concerned. The most controversial item in the issue is by U.S. champion Bobby Fischer, who lists the 10 greatest masters in history.
To Be Continued.

Kashdan to Captain Chess Olympic Team and Fischer to Visit Los Angeles

Back to 1964 News Articles

The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Sunday, February 16, 1964 - Page 78

Kashdan to Captain Chess Olympic Team and Fischer to Visit Los Angeles
“There will be no problem on the first board if U.S. champion Bobby Fischer accepts the position. He has excellent prospects against anyone in the world, at least if he maintains the form which resulted in his 11-0 victory in the recent U.S. title tournament.
Others who are likely to make the team are former champions Samuel Reshevsky, Larry Evans and Arthur B. Bisguier, Pal Benko, William Lombardy, and Dr. Anthony F. Saidy are also good prospects, as well as former team members Donald Byrne, Robert Byrne and Raymond Weinstein.
As to financing, which has been a sad stumbling block in the past, we have high hopes in the dynamic ideas of Maj. Ed Edmondson of Sacramento, president of the USCF, and the support of the other officers and directors of the federation.
We must make every effort this year to break the streak of the USSR, which has won the Chess Olympics six times in succession, every two years from 1952 through 1962.
The best result of the U.S. team in that stretch was second place in 1960, when your editor was team captain. We had better days before the war, gaining four successive victories from 1931 to 1937.

Fischer to Visit L.A.
Bobby Fischer is on a cross-country exhibition tour, and is planning to visit Los Angeles in mid-April. He will be in action on at least two public occasions.
The Club Del Mar, 1910 Ocean Front, Santa Monica, has arranged for a lecture and simultaneous exhibition by Fischer for Sunday, April 19, to start at 2 p.m.
The brilliant young grandmaster will play 50 boards, with a charge of $1 for each participant. Admission is free for spectators. The Club Del Mar is absorbing most of the cost of the event, which accounts for the unusually low fee.
Anyone wishing to play should write to the club, which will select the 50 participants, or call Alexander Bisno at EX. 9-9201.
Fischer will also play simultaneously on Sunday, April 12, with the Herman Steiner Chess Club as sponsor. The details will be announced later.
Following is Fischer's final game with Dr. Anthony Saidy in the recent U.S. Championship Tournament. Fischer had already clinched the title, with the phenomenal score of 10-0.
The game was even throughout the first session, drifting into what seemed a clearly drawn ending. Practically everyone else would have been content, but not Bobby.
When Saidy moved 41 K-Q3, Fischer found a way to break through on the king side. A clever knight maneuver netted a pawn plus for the champion, and the game was his, along with the perfect score.

Chess: An International Quartet

Back to 1964 News Articles

New York Times, New York, New York, Monday, February 09, 1964 - Page 365

Chess: An International Quartet
By Al Horowitz
Chess circles the globe. Its many devotees, living in diverse lands under different political systems, attest to the universality of the game. Underlining its international character, and also displaying the variety of techniques brought into play at important chess events, is this quartet of recent triumphs staged in New York, Reykjavik, Leningrad and London.
When Bobby Fischer defeated Dr. Anthony Saidy in the 11th and final round of the United States Championship in New York last month, he established a modern tournament record—11 straight wins. He thus joined the select trio of former world champions who had swept the boards in previous tournaments.
The first was Wilhelm Steinitz, who won 16 straight in a double round-robin in Vienna in 1873; among his opponents was the immortal Adolph Anderssen. The next was Dr. Emanuel Lasker, who won 13 straight in New York in 1893; the field included the famous American star, Harry Nelson Pillsbury. Twenty years later, Jose Raoul Capablanca duplicated Lasker's feat in New York, with a score of 13—0.
Although his victory in the recent tournament already was assured, Fischer was determined to win from Saidy for the sake of the record. From Saidy's point of view, the stakes also were high. A victory would have tied him for second place with Larry Evans, and a draw would have tied him for third with Pal Benko.

Knight Against Bishop
The game took a singular course. Pieces were exchanged regularly, and after 23 BxR all that remained were pawns and a knight versus a bishop. The pawns were so fixed, however, that the knight was the more active unit, and the question was whether Fischer could capitalize the minute advantage. Certainly, he could not lose.
Saidy was in a delicate position, for the onus of finding the best defensive maneuvers fell upon him.
Up to adjournment time, after Fischer's 43 … N-R3, with Saidy to make his sealed move, Fischer had made no progress. The judgment of the masters at this moment was that the draw was foreshadowed.
Here fate intervened. Had he moved impulsively, Saidy would have made the correct sealed move. Instead, he thought for 40 minutes and sealed a blunder. 44 B-K1 was out of order. 44 K-K2 would have held the game, as Fischer admitted during the post-mortem.
As the game went, 51…N-R5 was decisive. If 52 BxN, KxB; 53 K-K2, K-N6; 54 K-B1, P-B6 wins.

Fischer Tops Field Here By 3½ Points

Back to 1964 News Articles

New York Times, New York, New York, Monday, January 06, 1964 - Page 44

Fischer Tops Field Here By 3½ Points
The United States chess champion, Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn, topped his nearest rival by 3½ points after completion of all adjourned games in the 12-man championship round-robin over the weekend here.
Fischer won 11 straight games.
The rest of the field finished in the following order: second, Larry Evans, New York, 7½—3½; third, Pal Benko, New York, 7—4; fourth and fifth, Dr. Anthony Saidy, Puerto Rico, and Sammy Reshevsky, Spring Valley, each 6½—4½; sixth, Robert Byrne, Indianapolis, 5½—5½; seventh, Raymond Weinstein, Brooklyn, 5—6: eight, Arthur Bisguier, New York, 4½—6½; ninth and 10th William Addison, Los Angeles, and Edmar Mednis, New York, each 3½—7½; 11th, Robert Steinmeyer, New York, 3—8; 12th, Donald Byrne, State College, Pa., 2½—8½.
Three 10th-round games were completed at the Henry Hudson Hotel. Robert Byrne resigned to Weinstein without resumption of play, while Benko defeated Mednis when he reduced the position to a pawn ending with a pawn ahead. Reshevsky won from Steinmeyer when the latter could no longer stave off a decisive penetration.
Fischer won $2,000 and Evans $1,250 out of a total of $6,000, shared proportionately by the players.

Fischer Conquers Field In Tourney: He Is First in 70 Years to Match Chess Record

Back to 1964 News Articles

New York Times, New York, New York, Saturday, January 04, 1964 - Page 20

Fischer Conquers Field In Tourney: He Is First in 70 Years to Match Chess Record
Bobby Fischer won his 11th straight game in the final round of the United States Chess Championship last night, giving him a perfect score, the first in a major tournament in the United States in 70 years.
Fischer defeated Dr. Anthony Saidy of Puerto Rico in 56 moves. The game had been started Thursday night and adjourned. Saidy, the last man who could have blocked Fischer's perfect score, had pondered his final, sealed, move before the adjournment for 40 minutes.
When the move was unsealed last night, however, it became apparent that it was the wrong one. Fischer himself sat down with Saidy after he had won the game to show Saidy that if he had made a different move he could have held Fischer to a draw.
Only a handful of spectators was on hand when Fischer won the final game, in contrast to the hundreds who had followed his play in previous games.
Fischer won $2,000 for placing first; Larry Evans won $1,000 for placing second.
At the age of 20 he has now won the United States championship for the sixth time, breaking a deadlock with Sammy Reshevsky, who has won it five times. Fischer first won the title when he was 14.
Not since 1893 when Dr. Emanuel Lasker won 13 games in a row has a player in a major United States championship won all his games. The following year Lasker went on to win the world championship.
Two games were completed in the final round at the Henry Hudson Hotel on Thursday night. Arthur Bisguier of New York defeated William Addison of Los Angeles in 38 moves of a Sicilian in Reverse. Larry Evans of New York won from Donald Byrne of State College, Pa., in 47 moves of a Gruenfeld Defense.
Four games were adjourned. Robert Steinmeyer of New York and Sammy Reshevsky of Spring Valley played 41 moves of a Neo Gruenfeld Defense, with Reshevsky having the better position. Raymond Weinstein of Brooklyn had five pawns for a piece in a King's Indian Defense with Robert Byrne of Indianapolis. Weinstein was favored to win. Pal Benko and Edmar Mednis, both of New York, were in a difficult position, reached by a Catalan Opening.

Fischer Keeps Title At Chess Tourney

Back to 1964 News Articles

New York Times, New York, New York, Wednesday, January 01, 1964 - Page 22

Fischer Keeps Title At Chess Tourney
Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn, the 20-year-old United States chess champion, has retained his title.
Donald Byrne of State College, Pa., resigned his ninth-round adjourned game with Fischer Monday night without further play, giving Fischer a score of 9-0. No one else in the 12-man field has a mathematical chance of equalizing Fischer's score.
In the 10th and penultimate round of the tournament, being played at the Henry Hudson hotel, Fischer defeated Pal Benko of New York. On the white side of a Pirc Defense, he executed an irrefutable mating attack sparked by the offer of a rook. Benko resigned on his 21st turn.
Other tenth-round results follow: Robert Byrne of Indianapolis, on the white side of a Gruenfeld Defense, defeated Robert Steinmeyer of New York after 39 moves. Dr. Anthony Saidy of Puerto Rico, as black in a King's Fianchetto, defeated Donald Byrne after 39 moves.
A draw was recorded in the Queen's Gambit Declined between Sammy Reshevsky of Spring Valley, N.Y., and Arthur Bisguier of New York.
Two games were adjourned: William Addison of Los Angeles vs. Larry Evans of New York, in an even position, and Edmar Mednis of New York vs. Raymond Weinstein of Brooklyn, in a position favorable to Mednis.
—
The 11th and final round will be played tomorrow at 7 P.M. The pairings follow: Saidy vs. Fischer; Evans vs. D. Byrne; Bisguier vs. Addison; Steinmeyer vs. Reshevsky; Weinstein vs. R. Byrne; Benko vs. Mednis. The first named player has the white pieces.

Chess: Some Odd Paths To Victory

Back to 1964 News Articles

New York Times, New York, New York, Sunday, January 12, 1964 - Page 376

Chess: Some Odd Paths To Victory
The quartet of games below run the gamut for off-beat punch. Sharp, exciting, above all, bizarre, they were played in the recently completed United States Chess Championship at the Henry Hudson Hotel.
Just before the 20-year-old Brooklynite, Bobby Fischer, sat down to play Pal Benko of New York in the tenth round, he had already clinched the title. The resignation by Donald Byrne of their 9th round game without resumption of play gave Fischer a score of 9—0, one that was mathematically beyond the reach of any other player in the 12-man field.
Most competitors in such a fortunate role might have taken it easy for the next two rounds. But relaxation is not Fischer's forte. Against Benko, he was remorseless. On the white side of a King's Fianchetto Defense, he started a king-side attack. After Benko's 18… PxB, Fischer came up with one of the most electrifying moves in the history of American chess.
His obvious move might have been 19 P-K5, threatening mate. But this would have been met by 19 … P-KB4, practically forcing the exchange of queens. Fischer blocked Black's king bishop pawn by playing 19 R-B6. Now, whether or not Benko captures the rook or leaves it alone, he is lost. For now White's unimpeachable threat is 20 P-K5, and it winds up in checkmate or gain of much material.
Black plays it out to the bitter end. But after 21 N-K2 he has no choice but to resign. His knight is attacked. If 21 … N-any; 22 Q-B5, etc. If 21 … BxR; 22 QxP, N-B4; 23 BxN, etc.

Fischer vs. Reshevsky

Back to 1964 News Articles

The Boston Globe Boston, Massachusetts Sunday, January 05, 1964 - Page 80

Fischer vs. Reshevsky
Bobby Fischer seems a shoo-in for his sixth national championship in as many attempts. Fischer first won the title in the 1957-'58 tournament. He sat out the 1961-'62 tournament but came back with a splash last year.
Now he started with a string of seven wins bowling over in the process such perennial rivals as Sam Reshevsky and Robert Byrne. At this stage Addison, last year's sensation, Bisguier, Don Byrne, Steinmeyer, and Mednis are out of it. Reshevsky, R. Byrne, and Weinstein are teetering on the brink. The only players with any chance at all seem to be Benko, Saidy, and Evans, and their prospects are not exactly bright.
Fischer's lawyer accompanied him to the Reshevsky game in the Henry Hudson Hotel. Reshevsky, a smoker and pacer of note, had been plying his hobbies in his usual manner. Fischer and his lawyer protested, claiming the caged lion bit past the thinking Fischer's chair constituted an annoyance and distraction.
According to the New York Times the protest Reshevsky smilingly stopped his walks just short of Fischer's chair.
Reshevsky was the dominant figure in American chess from 1936 to the advent of Fischer. For several years after Fischer first won the national championship, attempts were made to promote a match between the old champion and the new. Finally in 1960 the Piatigorsky foundation succeeded in bringing about a match. The match ended in a tie (5½-5½) and a dispute. Reshevsky was awarded the match, but nothing had been proven. However, there is little doubt as to which is the major figure now.
Fischer has feuded with many chess organizers and organizations and there was doubt whether he would compete this year. But Bobby is embarking on his first coast to coast tour early this year and so possibly concluded it is better to take the title with him — better gate appeal.
Fischer's career reminds me in many ways of the careers of Capablanca and Lasker. The two older masters set standards thought beyond the capacity of chess organizations of their day. They set their terms and their terms were met. In this way Lasker and Capablanca gradually lifted the chessmaster from the shadows of financial disaster. Fischer appears to be doing something similar today. He is necessary to the success of any tournament in this country, so he makes demands that appear excessive. This has all the earmarks of a temporary nuisance and a long term blessing.
In an interview with Assiac (Heinrich Fraenkel) in 1960 Bobby Fischer described the following game as his favorite. It was played during the 1959 Mar del Plata tournament and Fischer's opponent was Hector Rossetto, sometime Argentine champion.
Bobby's classical demonstration of centralization, doubled rooks on the 7th rank, and finally, zugzwang is heartwarming to Nimzovitch fans.

Bobby Fischer Perfect 11-0 Score in Sixth U.S.A. Championship Victory

Back to 1964 News Articles

The Boston Globe Boston, Massachusetts Sunday, January 12, 1964 - Page 45

Bobby Fischer seems to have made much of this talk academic, at least in this country. He has just won his sixth U.S. title. In accomplishing this feat he posted a perfect score, 11-0. New York Times noted it was the first time in 70 years a perfect score has been achieved in a major U.S. tournament. Dr. Emanuel Lasker, who later was to win the world title and hold it for 26 years, turned the trick in 1893.
It should be noted that William Lombardy, New York, also lined up a picket fence when he won the world junior title, but that was in another country.
Fischer's domination, according to witnesses, was complete. Not only did he win, game after game, but he won swiftly, convincingly. Steven Brandwein says only Reshevsky and Saidy gave the young maestro pause. In fact, Fischer, himself, pointed out a drawing line that Saidy missed on adjournment. But Robert Byrne bit the dust in 21 moves, and, below, Pal Benko was crushed in the same way.

Bobby Fischer, No Defeats, No Ties in Ten Games

Back to 1964 News Articles

Austin American-Statesman Austin, Texas Thursday, January 02, 1964 - Page 12

BOBBY FISCHER, a 20-year-old Brooklyn boy, has mathematically clinched his second straight national chess championship.
He will take a record of no defeats, no ties in the last 10 games into the final round of the national chess tournament Friday night in New York.
Other leaders are DR. ANTHONY SAIDY of Puerto Rico; PAL BENKO of New York; and former champion LARRY EVANS of New York.

Fischer Retains U.S. Championship

Back to 1964 News Articles

The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Sunday, January 05, 1964 - Page 89

Fischer Retains U.S. Championship
U.S. champion Bobby Fischer, playing the finest chess of his career, won nine games in succession to clinch first place in the current tournament for the title at the Henry Hudson Hotel in New York.
Though two rounds are still to be completed at this writing, none of his 11 rivals could equal Fischer's total. Among Fischer's victims in this sensational streak were former champions Arthur Bisguier, Larry Evans and Samuel Reshevsky.
In second place at this stage was Pal Benko, with a score of 5-3. He had won three games, drawn four and lost to Evans. Benko was scheduled to face Fischer in the semi-final round.
Evans was in third place with 4½-2½ and two games adjourned. He was defeated by Raymond Weinstein as well as by Fischer. Reshevsky was tied with Dr. Anthony Saidy, each with 4-3 scores.
California champion William G. Addison lost to Reshevsky and Fischer in successive rounds to drop down to 2½-4½. Addison finished tied for third in last year's tournament, but is clearly not in the same form this time.
Other tallies after nine rounds, with some games adjourned, were: Weinstein, 4-4; Robert Byrne, 3½-3½; Bisguier 3-5; Robert Steinmeyer, 3-6; Donald Byrne, 2-5, and Edmar Mednis, 1½-6½.
Following are results of play last week and games from the tournament.

Fischer Clinches U.S. Chess Title

Back to 1964 News Articles

The Tampa Times Tampa, Florida Thursday, January 02, 1964 - Page 7

Fischer Clinches U.S. Chess Title
New York (AP) — Bobby Fischer, 20-year-old defending champion from Brooklyn, has clinched the United States chess championship.
Fischer is undefeated and untied in 10 games, making it mathematically impossible for anyone to overtake him in tomorrow night's final round.
Other leaders are Dr. Anthony Saidy of Puerto Rico with a record of four sins and two losses and two draws. Pal Benko of New York with three wins, two losses and four draws, and Larry Evans of New York, a former champion, with four wins, two losses and one draw.

★