Robert James Fischer

The question “Who is/was the best chess player of all time?” will probably never find a satisfiable answer. Every chess player has different preferences, style, convictions, etc. Thus, it’s natural that mixed opinions about the illusive best chess player of all time exist. What defines best, anyway? Is it merely a synonym for “strongest”? Did they play the computer-preferred move as many times as anyone else? Is the best player of all time defied by their established dominance over their contemporaries?

I have my views, as well. And I am here to share my opinions on this topic today.

As you may have deduced by reading the title of the article, my favourite player of all time is none other than Bobby Fischer. I would now like to back my claim up with some of his best games. I will also provide some biography, so that you can grasp an understanding of Fischer’s development and character. For a broader understanding of Fischer’s biography, I highly recommend that you watch this video by Lucas Anderson and FM Warren Harper:

March 9th, 1943

Bobby Fischer was born in Chicago, but moved to New York at the age of 6. It was also in New York where he learnt about the art of chess, when his older sister gifted him his first chessboard.

…Work in Progress…

October 17th, 1956

Let us then begin with his most famous game. It was dubbed the “game of the century”, as Fischer beat IM Donald Byrne, one of America’s best players at the time. He would later also beat his brother, GM Robert Byrne, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

(NOTE: Fischer has the black pieces.)

[Date "1956.10.17"] [White "Byrne, Donald"] [Black "Fischer, Robert James"] [Result "0-1"] 1. Nf3 Nf6 2. c4 g6{Fischer would always stick to the openings he liked best, with little variation. The KID and Fischer truly wear an inseparable pair.}3. Nc3 Bg7 4. d4 O-O 5. Bf4{If White had wanted to get into a King’s Indian, he ought to have played 5. e4}d5{The Grünfeld would also later be used by Fischer to combat Botvinnik in 1962.}6. Qb3 {This may seem like an unorthodox move, but the idea is in fact quite sophisticated. White wants Black to capture on c4, after which White will recapture with the Queen, and put her somewhere on the QS. It’s the exact same idea as in the Russian System of the Grünfeld Defence (also championed by Botvinnik!)}dxc4 7. Qxc4 c6 (7...Na6) {is the preferred move according to modern theory, with the idea of playing c7-c5 quickly. However, the move played in the game is also perfectly fine, albeit a bit passive.}8. e4 {White established a perfect centre – but how long can he maintain it? I’ve grown to dislike these types of positions for White, as the centre’s only purpose at this point is serving a target for Black’s pieces. Fischer illustrates this beautifully.}Nbd7 9. Rd1 Nb6 10. Qc5 {This may seem artificial, but it’s actually not an uncommon idea in this system to put the Queen on c5.} Bg4 11. Bg5 {Byrne’s first and last mistake. Better was 11. Be2.} Na4 {[#] !!} 12. Qa3{On (12. Nxa4 Nxe4 13. Qxe7 Qa5+) wins material. As you can see, White’s centre proves to be a liability.} Nxc3 13. bxc3 Nxe4 {Let’s not forget that White is still two moves away from castling. Unfortunately for White, he simply hasn’t the time.} 14. Bxe7{Opening up the file to White’s King doesn’t help. On the other hand, it’s too late to suggest improvements.} Qb6 15. Bc4 Nxc3 16. Bc5 (15. Qxc3 Rae8) {would lead to a hopeless position for White.} Rfe8+ 17. Kf1 Be6 {[#] !! One of the most famous moves to be played in chess history!}18. Bxb6 (18. Bxe6 {leads to mate with } Qb5+ 19. Kg1 Ne2+ 20. Kf1 Ng3+ 21. Kg1 Qf1+ 22. Rxf1 Ne2#) Bxc4+ {The rare Windmill Tactic! Black now takes as much material as he can take.} 19. Kg1 Ne2+ 20. Kf1 Nxd4+ 21. Kg1 Ne2+ 22. Kf1 Nc3+ 23. Kg1 axb6 24. Qb4 {Black obviously has plenty of compensation for the Queen.} Ra4 25. Qxb6 Nxd1 26. h3 {D. Byrne is being a gentleman here. While most people would resign in this position with White, he lets Fischer finish his masterpiece and plays it out to checkmate.} Rxa2 27. Kh2 Nxf2 28. Re1 Rxe1 29. Qd8+ Bf8 30. Nxe1 Bd5 31. Nf3 Ne4 32. Qb8 b5 33. h4 h5 34. Ne5 Kg7 35. Kg1 Bc5+ 36. Kf1 Ng3+ 37. Ke1 Bb4+ 38. Kd1 Bb3+ 39. Kc1 Ne2+ 40. Kb1 Nc3+ 41. Kc1 Rc2# {[#] I always thought 41…Ba3# looks better, but I won’t judge Fischer for it.} 0-1 You must activate JavaScript to enhance chess game visualization.