AThe Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Sunday, January 01, 1961 - Page 46
Fischer Leads, 5-1 In U.S. Title Chess
Bobby Fischer, 17-year-old Brooklynite who has won the United States chess championship for the last three years, is leading the current tournament with a score of 5-1, according to a report from the New York Times.
Fischer has moved along smoothly without the loss of a game, defeating Raymond Weinstein, William Lombardy, Hans Berliner and Herbert Seidman and drawing against Charles Kalme and former U.S. champion Samuel Reshevsky.
For five rounds Arthur Bisguier kept pace with the champion, tying at 4-1. In the sixth round Bisguier played speculatively with the black pieces against Berliner, castling on the queen side. In the early play Bisguier won a pawn, but Berliner's open lines and strongly placed pieces soon forced the win.
In the same round Fischer faced Seidman, who countered the Ruy Lopez with the dangerous Marshall Defense. Fischer sacrificed the exchange to lead into an ending in which he had a passed pawn which forced the issue.
Bisguier and Lombardy are tied for second place with 4-2 scores. In fourth place, with 3½-2½, is James Sherwin, who has drawn five games and defeated Paul Benko. The latter game marked the only dispute in the tournament to date.
Benko claimed the game and refused to continue on the basis that Sherwin had disturbed him. The fact that Benko was hopelessly lost at the time undoubtedly contributed to his disturbance. At any rate the referee, Frank Brady, ruled against him.
Reshevsky, who has adjourned games against Seidman and Robert Byrne, will move up in the standings should he add these to his winning column. Byrne, who took second prize in last year's event, lost his first four games in succession. He is expected to score in an adjourned game with Charles Kalme.
Following are the standings of the players after six rounds, and games from the tournament:
The Courier-Journal Louisville, Kentucky Sunday, January 01, 1961 - Page 16
Fischer Seems Certain Of Retaining U.S. Title
The American chess prodigy, 17-year-old Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn, seems certain of holding on to his title for at least another year as the Lessing J. Rosenwald Tournament for the United States Championship nears a close in New York.
Fischer all but clinched first place in his all-important game Friday with Anthony F. Saidy. I have learned through the New York Times News Service that Saidy held an early advantage but weaknened in the late stages.
In the endgame, Fischer outplayed his opponent in a very close ending and scored the game in 59 moves. With the victory, Fischer, leading with 7½ to 1½, was comfortably ahead of his closest competitor, Arthur B. Bisguier.
This article also appears in,
- The Corpus Christi Caller-Times Corpus Christi, Texas Tuesday, January 03, 1961 - Page 29 “17-Year-Old Boy Wins Chess Title”
- St. Louis Post-Dispatch St. Louis, Missouri Tuesday, January 03, 1961 - Page 13 “Bobby Fischer Wins 4th Chess Crown In Row”
- The Des Moines Register Des Moines, Iowa Tuesday, January 03, 1961 - Page 8 “Bobby Fischer Wins Fourth Chess Title”
- The Warren County Observer Warren, Pennsylvania Tuesday, January 03, 1961 - Page 21 “Bobby Fischer Wins Fourth Chess Title”
- Tampa Bay Times St. Petersburg, Florida Monday, January 09, 1961 - Page 31 “Fischer Wins Fourth U.S. Chess Crown”
New York Times, New York, New York, Tuesday, January 03, 1961 - Page 38
Fischer Retains U.S. Chess Title
4th Straight Victory Clinched by Draw Against Benko
Bobby Fischer, the 17-year-old international grandmaster, last night won his fourth straight United States chess championship at the Hotel Empire.
The Brooklyn boy, considered the finest American chess player since Paul Morphy, clinched the title by drawing with Pal Benko, the Hungarian grandmaster. The tournament, which began on Dec. 18, will end tomorrow.
Morphy, of New Orleans reigned in the Eighteen Fifties.
Fischer's record in the tournament is six victories and four draws for 8 points. His closest rivals are Arthur Bisguier of New York, Samuel Reshevsky, another international grandmaster, and William Lombardy.
Going into the match, Fischer needed only half a point to clinch the crown. After fifteen moves, he offered Benko a draw and Benko accepted.
Following the Fischer-Benko match, Reshevsky and Bisguier drew after twenty-seven moves. Both were so tactically alert and determined that neither could make progress. Fischer scored many successes last summer when he played first board on the American team in an international competition in Leipzig, East Germany. His finest effort was a draw with Mikhail Tal, the world champion from the Soviet Union.
The Fischer-Benko match was unexciting. Benko played a conservative variation of the Sicilian defense against Fischer's king pawn opening.
Fischer's style is enterprising, romantic. Like Tal, he shows a preference for sacrificing material in order to attain a dynamic set-up. His brilliant talent annoys and conquers his older, more experienced opponents.
Playing dangerously, he nevertheless seldom loses. In this competition he did not lose a game.
New York Times, New York, New York, Wednesday, January 04, 1961 - Page 39
Key Draw Recorded
Match With Benko Clinched Chess Title for Fischer
The score of the tenth-round match in which Bobby Fischer clinched the United States chess championship at the Hotel Empire on Monday night was released yesterday. The 17-year-old Brooklyn grandmaster offered a draw to Pal Benko, which Benko accepted, thereby giving the title to Fischer for the fourth straight time.
In another tenth-round match Samuel Reshevsky was held to a draw by Arthur Bisguier. The two were among Fischer's closest rivals in the tournament.
The scores:
New York Times, New York, New York, Thursday, January 05, 1961 - Page 38
Lombardy Takes Second In Chess
Beats Kalme in Final Round —Weinstein Sets Back Reshevsky for Third
William Lombardy finished in second place and Raymond Weinstein in third last night as the United States chess championship ended at the Empire Hotel.
Lombardy defeated Charles Kalme and Weinstein beat Samuel Reshevsky. Reshevsky overstepped the time limit and ended the long game.
Bobby Fischer, who had already clinched the championship, defeated Arthur Bisguier. Bisguier adopted a King's Indian defense and was forced to resign.
Tony Saidy beat Robert Byrne after mounting an attack against the black king.
Pal Benko defeated Herbert Seidman on the white side of a King's Indian defense. Hans Berliner in a fairly even middle-game position, blundered and lost to James Sherwin.
The international chess organization (F.I.D.E.) notified the tournament officials that the second and third place finishers, as well as the winner, would be eligible to compete for the world championship.
The Courier-Journal Louisville, Kentucky Sunday, January 08, 1961 - Page 36
Fischer Tops Field In New York
It's That Boy Again! Last week Bobby Fischer, the 17-year-old international grandmaster, won his fourth straight United States chess championship in New York. Fischer, considered by many as the greatest American players since Paul Morphy in the 1850's, clinched the title by drawing Pal Benko, the Hungarian grandmaster. Going into the match, Fischer needed only half a point to clinch the crown. After 15 moves he offered a draw and Benko accepted.
New York Times, New York, New York, Sunday, January 08, 1961 - Page 249
Fischer's Triumph Detailed
Bobby Fischer's victory over Arthur B. Bisguier in the final round of the United States championship tournament at the Empire Hotel and Raymond Weinstein's triumph over Samuel Reshevsky follow:
Monroe Morning World Monroe, Louisiana Saturday, January 14, 1961 - Page 4
Reaching For Stars
People who go through life discouraged because they are not the best in the world may owe their disappointment to those who say anyone can be president if he tries hard enough or that he can be a champion at anything if he is determined enough. Most people can't do those things but they can be good enough to live satisfactory lives. It's all right to hitch your wagon to a star as long as you can keep your feet on the ground at the same time.
A dramatic illustration of the fact that champions have to be born as well as made is found in the person of Bobby Fischer, 17-year-old international chess grand master, who won his fourth United States chess championship in New York recently. The Brooklyn boy is considered the finest American chess player since Paul Morphy in 1850.
When he was scarcely 14 years old, Fischer began pushing the veteran international grand masters around. Some of them had devoted 30 years or more to intensive chess study and play. All of them were natural masters to some extent and had reached the top both through natural ability and constant study. Yet a 14-year-old boy who had been playing only two or three years was able to beat them.
At the time he started beating the grand masters, Fischer played barefooted. He wrapped his feet and legs around the chair legs and bit his nails until he drove his opponents to distraction but they were more worried about his playing ability than his antics. Now he looks and acts a little more like the others when he plays but he still beats them.
This doesn't mean that anyone should not try for the top. It does mean that everyone should try for his own personal full measure and that if he can't beat the rest of the world he should accept his abilities as they are, make the best of them and live a successful life.
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Sunday, January 15, 1961 - Page 60
Fischer Easy Winner In Fourth Title Tourney
Bobby Fischer, boy wizard of the chess world, was in top form in his fourth straight victory in the Lessing J. Rosenwald Tournament for the U.S. chess championship. He finished two full points ahead of the field, winning seven games and drawing four for a final score of 9-2.
In the last round Fischer, already sure of the title, defeated former champion Arthur Bisguier, dropping the latter from second place to a tie for fourth. The runner-up position was won by William Lombardy, former world junior champion, with a tally of 7-4.
In third place was Raymond Weinstein, former U.S. junior champion, who moved up with a fine victory in the final round against Samuel Reshevsky, for many years the leading American master.
For Reshevsky this was a most disappointing tournament. He won but two games, lost one and drew eight to finish in a tie for fourth, the lowest position of his long career in American championship events.
The three top prize winners, Fischer, Lombardy and Weinstein, have been designated by the U.S. Chess Federation as participants in the interzonal tournament to be held later this year. This is one of the steps leading to a match with world champion Mikhail Tal of the Soviet Union.
A full score table of the tournament appears below. Following are games from the event:
Orlando Evening Star Orlando, Florida Thursday, January 19, 1961 - Page 9
The United States Championship just completed was won by 17-year-old Bobby Fischer with a score of 9-2. William Lombardi was second in the twelve man round-robin event with 7-4.
Raymond Weinstein was third with 6½-4½.
Included in the field were Grand masters Reshevsky and Benko and United States Open Champion Byrne. Fischer seems to be improving with every tournament and now offers a serious challenge for the World Championship.
The Courier-Journal, Louisville, Kentucky, Thursday, January 19, 1961 - Page 30
Old Man's Game?
“Not Chess!—Bobby Fischer, the American chess champion for the fourth straight year, is a shaggy-browed veteran of 18. He has held the title since he was 14…Winner of second place in the national tournament was a 23-year-old named Bill Lombardy…And third was Ray Weinstein, a 19-year-old college junior.
The four-time champion quit high school in his sophomore year when 15…He is now hopes for a college degree but so far has declined to return to high school to obtain the necessary credits.”
This article also appears in,
- Anderson Herald Anderson, Indiana Friday, January 20, 1961 - Page 24 “Changing His Luck”
- The Honolulu Advertiser Honolulu, Hawaii Sunday, February 12, 1961 - Page 3 “Changing His Luck: Bobby Fischer and Tony Kastner”
The Pensacola News Pensacola, Florida Friday, January 20, 1961 - Page 7
Changing His Luck
Bobby Fischer, 17-year-old Brooklyn youth who recently defended his U.S. chess championship, has become a skiing enthusiast. At the Country Club in Grossinger, N.Y., Bobby (left) is shown getting some pointers from skimeister Tony Kastner.
The Indianapolis News Indianapolis, Indiana Saturday, January 21, 1961 - Page 18
“BOBBY FISCHER, four times American chess champ, who will be 18 in March, says chess is just a game, not a science. He is destined to be a world champion according to chess experts. Recently Bobby put on exhibition in the New York city prison and played the 20 best in the prison simultaneously…”
The Guardian London, Greater London, England Thursday, January 26, 1961 - Page 5
Fischer Wins Again
Seventeen-year-old Bobby Fischer has won the United States championship for the fourth successive year, and has now played 44 games in this tournament without a single defeat. Bobby, with his single-minded dedication to chess (in Leipzig he'd never heard of Goethe) is the prototype of the fictional chessmaster but a rarity among real life ones. What makes him tick, to judge by the current Network Three broadcasts in which he is playing Clarke and Penrose in consultation, is his quick and detailed sight of the board combined with self-confidence in his own style and a ferocious will to win.
While Bobby has long been established as the top American player, this year's tournament was the first in which the younger generation really broke through. Lombardy, who was second, and Weinstein, third, are both in their early twenties and eclipsed the veteran Reshevsky, who could only finish equal fourth and failed to qualify for the interzonal tournament.
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Sunday, January 29, 1961 - Page 24
Grandmasters Will Give Exhibitions
A first in Los Angeles chess history was recorded last weekend when four American grandmasters met here, more by accident than design. Champion Bobby Fischer flew in from New York for a short business visit, Samuel Reshevsky was on an exhibition tour and Larry Evans, who came for a look, may stay on. Your editor is the old-timer, with over 11 years' residence to date.
Fischer and Reshevsky discussed the prospects for a match, which has been in the talking stage for some time. Should a proper purse be forthcoming, they may meet this spring in New York.
A flurry of interest in exhibition chess has been stirred by the presence of all this talent. Fischer, who at 17 has already won the U.S. Chess Championship four times, will play simultaneously in the Boulevard Room of the Ambassador Hotel at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Players will be charged $3.50 and spectators $1.50.
The Tennessean Nashville, Tennessee Sunday, January 29, 1961 - Page 14
“While Jerry Sullivan was recognized as state champion in the statewide matches held here last September, the sweepstakes winner was a young teenager, Robert Jacobs, of Louisville, Ky., recognized Louisville city champion, Kentucky state champion, and a ranking contender in Indiana and Missouri organized play.
Tennessee state organization rules, however, do not recognize a non-resident as state champion.
Don Duplantier, an engineer and former professor at Vanderbilt University, holds the highest national rating of any member of the Nashville club.
Proof that the game is not a preserve of the aged is the fact that the current national champion is 17-year-old Bobby Fischer, of Brooklyn, N.Y. who recently successfully defended his title for the third successive year, having won it originally at the age of 14.
Runners-up to Fischer in the national championships were William Lombardy, 23, and Raymond Weinstein, 19”
The Guardian London, Greater London, England Thursday, February 02, 1961 - Page 4
Fischer's opportunism
Part of Bobby Fischer's success is due to the persistence with which he struggles for the initiative during the entire game. His strategic plans are always well barbed with tactical asides, so that his opponents never have a breathing space; while in American tournaments he has the aura of invincibility which comes from four successive championship wins without loss of a game. These themes can be seen in the following game from the 1961 championship, in which Black is first posed with a succession of problems and then, when he receives an unexpected chance to recover, is overwhelmed by his own good fortune and falls into a simple trap.
The Gazette Montreal, Quebec, Canada Saturday, February 04, 1961 - Page 29
Chess On The Arctic Rim
On his way to the Chess Olympics at Leipzig, American champion Bobby Fischer stopped off at Reykjavik, Iceland. A small tourney was arranged with four of the leading local experts which Fischer won 3½-½ pts., ahead of Ingi Johannsson, 2½-1½, Fridrik Olafsson, 2-2, A. Gudmundsson 1-3 each and F. Thorbergsson, 1-3.
Johannsson also came out ahead of international grandmaster Olafsson in another tourney arranged only for Icelanders, so that an important new star may be emerging. Here is a sample of his play from the first-mentioned tourney.
A. Gudmundsson (Iceland) vs. R.J. Fischer (U.S.A.), Reykjavik, Iceland, 1960
The Ottawa Journal Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Saturday, February 04, 1961 - Page 45
Warm-Up In Iceland
Robert Fischer, the 17-year-old genius who has dominated American chess for the last four years, stopped off at Reykjavik, Iceland, on his way to head the USA team in the Olympics at Leipzig. A small tourney was at once arranged with leading Icelandic masters, with Fischer winning.
Bobby always likes to set the pace, if possible even at the cost of some small sacrifice…
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Sunday, February 05, 1961 - Page 43
Weinberger Wins Westchester Open
Tibor Weinberger of Glendale, winning a thrilling last-round game against former U.S. champion Larry Evans, captured the first place trophy at the open tournament of the Westchester Chess Fiesta.
The game was identical for the first 12 moves with one in which Bobby Fischer defeated Dr. Euwe of Holland in the Leipzig Chess Olympics. Weinberger found an improvement for the black pieces.
With both kings prevented from castling, it was a matter of who could develop faster. Weinberger's rooks took control, forcing the win of two pawns and leading to a clear win in the ending.
—
Fischer Exhibition
U.S. chess champion Bobby Fischer, extending his visit to Los Angeles, will play simultaneously in the Hollywood Room of the Hotel Knickerbocker, starting 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. The charge for players will be $3.50 and for spectators $1.50. Players are requested to bring their own sets.
In a similar exhibition at the Ambassador Hotel last Wednesday Fischer faced 50 opponents and an equal number had to be turned down. The youthful champions won 40 games, lost three to Antonio Loera of Los Angeles, D.C. McKenna of Claremont and Robert W. Moore of Red Bluff.
Draws were recorded by Robert Cooper, Herbert Goldhamer, Kenneth Hense, Robert Katz, Tauno Saila, Wasily Skriabin and Kurt Smith. Harry Borochow was the referee.
This article also appears in,
- The Ottawa Journal Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Thursday, March 30, 1961 - Page 6 “Tal vs. Botvinnik: Chess Masters Meet”
The Guardian London, Greater London, England Friday, March 17, 1961 - Page 8
Master Meets Master
If the world champion does have something of the air of the genius liable to burn himself out, at the present time his chess stamina is practically inexhaustible. After the final round at Leipzig, in which he lost to Penrose, Tal went to the American players' rooms in the hotel and offered to play five-minute games with Fischer. The world champion had been celebrating the Russian team's victory with wine, and this made his play fuller than ever of daring attacks and speculative sacrifices of material. He was so light-hearted that Fischer, who was usually beaten by Tal during their Leipzig blitz sessions, defeated him in most of the games.
About five in the morning, the Americans were exhausted and wanted to sleep. Tal, however, was still full of energy and insisted on playing for a while longer. By this time, too, the effect of the win had worn off and it was Fischer's turn to lose several games in succession. Hardly had Tal stopped playing with Fischer than he returned to the tournament room to take part in a great five-minute contest open to all the competitors in the team event. Some spectators considered that he was not in his best form: but nevertheless he reached the final and won it.
Tal's year as world champion has clearly increased his general confidence and maturity. He has taken on new responsibilities, as a father, as editor of the Latvian chess magazine, and as a deputy in the Riga Soviet. At Leipzig I asked this youngest champion in the history of the game what he would do if he successfully defended his title both against Botvinnik and against the next challenger in 1963. He had considered, he replied, returning to his research work on an obscure Russian novelist. (He was a brilliant student and was given a special dispensation to enter Riga University at 15, a year younger than the customary minimum.) But he was sure that some new young and powerful challenger would appear in the meantime. In an age when chess prodigies are becoming younger, this is an apposite comment: for even 17-year-old Bobby Fischer, who has just retained the United States championship for the fourth year running is a graybeard compared with a child called Ernest Kim. Kim has already beaten many of the best players of his native town of Tashkent in Central Asia at the ripe old age of 6.
At 21, Tal was already in receipt of a State pension for life of around £3 a week. This was a reward for winning the grandmaster title which he earned after his first success in the Soviet championship. Incidentally, the rewards for the highest success in chess are, as you might think, chickenfeed by the standards of that other contest in Miami. The prizes for the world championship eliminating contests are fixed by the International Chess Federation at a level well below those of other big international tournaments; resentment by masters and grandmasters at what they consider exploitation of the fact that they are virtually obliged to enter the prestige world title contests led, in Leipzig, to the formation of an “International Association of Chessmasters.”.
It might happen that one day we shall hear talk of a chessmasters' strike. If so, it won't be the first time, for in the darkest days of the Russian Revolution, the participants in the 1919 Leningrad championship successfully threatened to stop their tournament unless their butter ration was doubled.
If he retains his title, Tal will earn about £2,000 directly, but much more indirectly. It is normal for international chess tournament organizers to give appearance money to leading masters, and in the Soviet Union simultaneous exhibitions and technical articles for chess magazines are highly rewarding.
Tal's obvious genius for chess is matched by his love for the game. In spite of his other interests, he is probably, along with his American rival Bobby Fischer, the most fanatical chess enthusiast in the world. When he was preparing for the series of eliminating tournaments which made him the official challenger to Botvinnik, he and his trainer would often study around one hundred master games a day. Now he does not train so strenuously. But on the day he arrived in Leipzig I was in the hotel barber's waiting for a haircut when Tal came in, bringing with him the bulletins containing all the games played so far in the tournament. As the scissors and razor went to work on his hair, the champion's eyes ranged along column after column of chess moves—he was playing through every game in the tournament blindfold.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch St. Louis, Missouri Sunday, March 26, 1961 - Page 93
Taking the Long, Long Trail to Peace
Eighteen Determined Pacifists Here En Route From San Francisco; Some Hope to Reach Moscow
“Youngest of the Peace Walkers is Allan Hoffman, 19, a New York artist. The group includes 10 men and eight women. One of the women is Mrs. Regina Fischer, mother of United States Chess Champion, Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn. Mrs. Fischer took advantage of the groups brief stopover in St. Louis to seek treatment for an abscessed tooth.”
Fort Lauderdale News Fort Lauderdale, Florida Sunday, April 02, 1961 - Page 32
Let's Play Chess
“We believe that Botvinnik will win back the crown and hold it until Bobby Fischer takes it away from him.”
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Sunday, April 16, 1961 - Page 81
Botvinnik Widens Lead In Title Match
“The four winners earned the right to represent Russia in the Interzonal Tournament later this year. Here they will meet Bobby Fischer, William Lombardy and Raymond Weinstein of the United States, and winners of other zonal tournaments throughout the world.”
This article also appears in,
- The Progress-Index Petersburg, Virginia Tuesday, May 02, 1961 - Page 8 “Woman Chess Champion Still Seeks Her Knight”
- The Index-Journal Greenwood, South Carolina Monday, May 08, 1961 - Page 2 “Chess Champion Hasn't Met Her Match”
- Greeley Daily Tribune Greeley, Colorado Monday, May 08, 1961 - Page 16 “Lisa's Romance Is Still Bright”
- Hattiesburg American Hattiesburg, Mississippi Wednesday, May 10, 1961 - Page 24 “Chess champ Lisa Lane hasn't met her match”
- Rocky Mount Telegram Rocky Mount, North Carolina Sunday, May 14, 1961 - Page 21 “Lisa Hasn't Met Her Match”
- The Ogden Standard-Examiner Ogden, Utah Thursday, May 18, 1961 - Page 33 “Champ's 'Knight' Leads A Checkered Existence”
- The Courier-News Bridgewater, New Jersey Friday, May 19, 1961 - Page 26 “Lisa Hasn't Met Her Match-Yet!”
- Casper Star-Tribune Casper, Wyoming Wednesday, May 24, 1961 - Page 11 “Lisa Hasn't Met Her Match”
- The Racine Journal-Times Sunday Bulletin Racine, Wisconsin Sunday, May 28, 1961 - Page 25 “White Knight Is Winner for Lisa Lane”
- The Chillicothe Constitution-Tribune Chillicothe, Missouri Thursday, June 01, 1961 - Page 15 “Lisa Hasn't Met Her Match”
- The Pensacola News Pensacola, Florida Thursday, June 22, 1961 - Page 10 “Concentration Asset to Woman Chess Champion”
- The Dispatch Moline, Illinois Thursday, August 03, 1961 - Page 12, (2) “Glamour and Brains Are Both Lisa Lane's”
- The San Bernardino County Sun San Bernardino, California Sunday, August 13, 1961 - Page 29 “Lisa Lane's Shining Knight Marches Across Chessboard”
- Kingsport Times-News Kingsport, Tennessee Sunday, October 01, 1961 - Page 51 “Women's Chess Champion Hasn't Met Match Yet”
The Evening Sun Hanover, Pennsylvania Thursday, May 11, 1961 - Page 34
Lisa Lane Hasn't Met Her Match
New York (AP) — Every college girl dreams of meeting a white knight. Lisa Lane did.
Now, four years later, Lisa's romance is still as bright as that white knight moving across her chessboard.
Lisa is U.S. Women's Chess Champion, an animated 23-year-old brunette in 3-inch heels and a size 8 dress who can play chess, study chess, talk chess and still have plenty of energy left to checkmate popular misconceptions about the game and the people who play it.
For one thing, Lisa says, all chess players aren't elderly. The U.S. Men's Champion, Bobby Fischer, is younger than Lisa.
They aren't all anti-social —
“I have a social life. I have my chess friends — we have 30-30 parties (30 moves in 30 minutes) and non-chess friends — we go to movies and plays.”
They aren't all patient —
“If I go anywhere and have to wait in line, I can't stand it.”
Or all brilliant —
“I'm not a genius. What chess really takes is a logical mind.”
But, says Lisa, it is true that most chess players are men: “I a man knows how to play chess he'll usually teach it to his son. It's not likely that he's going to teach a daughter.” But she sees no reason why chess should remain a man's game.
More Man Power
“Chess should be interesting to women because it's one sport in which women can compete with men without a handicap such as a physical sport gives you. It's mental, so you compete on the same level.
“And playing chess is a good way to meet men. Look at the ratio — at the last U.S. Open there were 180 men and 12 women.”
Lisa first saw a chess game in 1957 while a freshman match major at Temple University in her home town, Philadelphia. She'd gone to a coffee house on a date and the boy sat down at a chessboard.
“I couldn't figure out what was going on and it intrigued me.” Lisa remembers. “He taught me the moves and within a month I could beat him.”
That fall, Lisa asked Attilio Di Camillo, a chess master, to teach her.
Not long after, he told her that if she really wanted to study she could be the next U.S. Women's Champion.
The Next Move
Right away Lisa started playing in tournaments.
In March she became Philadelphia women's champion. In August she did so well in the U.S. Open that the U.S. Chess Federation rated her an expert (next highest to master). And in 1959 she became queen of the nation's chessboards by winning the U.S. Women's Championship Tournament.
Lisa and Mrs. Gisella Gresser, who came in second, also won the right to play in the International Chess Federation's Challengers Tournament for women in Yugoslavia this fall. The winner there will challenge the women's world champ, Elizabeth Bykova of Russia, to a 13-game match.
Foreign Rivals
Lisa is already getting butterflies about the Challengers. “I know I'm the best women player in the U.S. but I have no idea how I'll stack up in international competition.”
The U.S. Chess Federation would like to arrange a match between Lisa and Yugoslavia's red-headed champ, Milunka Lazarevich, before the Challengers Tournament, but hasn't been able to raise the necessary money.
Finances are a problem for Lisa, too, since she doesn't want to take time away from her chess books right now to get a job. (Lisa moved here in February to be near more good chess players, but finds she spends most of her time studying.)
She Looks Ahead
She has received a $1,000 grant from the People-to-People Sports Foundation, works as a part-time editor for Chess Life Magazine and gives exhibitions for clubs and schools, where she plays 15 to 20 people at once, running from board to board.
“One of my best assets is my power of concentration,” Lisa says. “What you really need to be a good chess player is to be able to visualize what will occur after you make moves. You should consider three or four or five moves ahead and keep all the little pictures of the various positions in your mind.”
In a contest where Lisa is usually pitted against a man, how does she feel about losing?
“If I lose I really feel crushed, no matter who I'm playing. I am a poor loser. At first I can't even look at my opponent.”
And winning?
“When I beat a man, I don't know what to say to him. It must be very humiliating. I feel sorry for him.
“But I never feel this way during a game.”
Press and Sun-Bulletin Binghamton, New York Wednesday, May 17, 1961 - Page 49
Cawley Gets News From Harmonica-Chess Player
“Then, Bobby Fischer the U.S. champion for the last 4 years, was in town and put on two exhibitions where he played several opponents simultaneously.
“I played against him both times, paying $3.50 each time for the privilege. In the 1st game, I played badly—losing in 26 moves. In the 2nd game, however, I actually had a winning position against him until I blundered on my 28th move. I resigned after 33 moves. He did very well, winning 41, losing 3 and drawing 6 the first time. He won 35, drew 2 and lost 1 the second time.
“He's only 17 years old. So long. Jo-Jo (‘Madcaps’)
The Gazette Montreal, Quebec, Canada Saturday, May 27, 1961 - Page 19
Morphy Movie Biography
“Chess Life” reports that Frances Parkinson Keyes' novel “The Chess Players” is under negotiation as a possible motion picture. Dealing with the life and love of Paul Morphy, there is speculation that Bobby Fischer, USA champion, may play the role of Morphy in the movie.
From USA Closed Championship, 1960-61:
New York Times, New York, New York, Sunday, May 14, 1961 - Page 271
Bobby Fischer Hailed
Botvinnik Cites U.S. Player as Chess Title Prospect
Moscow, May 13 (AP) — Mikhail Botvinnik, who yesterday regained the world chess title, said today that Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn and a Yugoslav were the only two non-Soviet prospects for the elimination tourney that will decide the challenger two years hence.
He made that observation during a news conference in which he criticized the international federation for banning challenge matches such as the one in which he regained the crown from Mikhail Tal. Tal defeated Botvinnik for the title a year ago.
The new champion identified the Yugoslav player as Svetozar Gligoric.
The Guardian London, Greater London, England Thursday, June 01, 1961 - Page 6
The Marshall Attack
The Ruy Lopez has proved to be one of the most consistent ways of maintaining the advantage of the first move, and it is little wonder that many frustrated gambit players have been ready to chance their arms with one of the risky variations whereby Black aims to seize the initiative.
The Marshall is the best known of these counter-attacks, and it reaps a steady annual haul of victims in club and county chess. However, it rarely catches grandmasters, most of whom regard it as unsound. This week's game, taken from the 1961 United States championship, shows a typical failed Marshall.
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Sunday, June 04, 1961 - Page 56
Fischer vs. Reshevsky
The match between U.S. chess champion Bobby Fischer and his chief rival Samuel Reshevsky is virtually assured, with agreement on the basic playing conditions, and most of the match fund underwritten by sponsors in New York and Los Angeles.
It is planned that the first four games will be played in New York, the next eight at the Herman Steiner Chess Club here, and the remaining four in New York. Since the winner will require the majority of the 16 games, or 8½ points, the match may well be decided in Los Angeles.
The American Chess Foundation is sponsoring the match, and will be the custodian for all contributions to the match fund. Anyone wishing to subscribe should make his check payable to the foundation and send it to Chess Editor, Los Angeles Times.
Sunday Gazette-Mail Charleston, West Virginia Sunday, June 11, 1961 - Page 66
“On the national scene, efforts are being made to arrange a 16-game match between U.S. champion Bobby Fischer and the veteran grandmaster, Samuel Reshevsky. Eight of the games would be contested in New York and the rest at Los Angeles.”
The Gazette Montreal, Quebec, Canada Saturday, June 17, 1961 - Page 19
Fischer-Reshevsky Match
A 16 game match is in prospect between veteran Samuel Reshevsky and 17 year old Bobby Fischer, who has in recent years taken over the USA title. The aim is to share the games and $7,000 expense between N.Y. and Los Angeles. The American Chess Foundation, N.Y. and the Herman Steiner Chess Club, L.A., are endeavoring to find the funds. Reshevsky, by the way, has never been beaten in any of the numerous matches that he has engaged in, so far.
The Guardian London, Greater London, England Thursday, June 22, 1961 - Page 6
“Meanwhile, an interesting match has been arranged for this summer between Bobby Fischer, who at 18 has already been American champion four years running, and the veteran grandmaster Reshevsky, unbeaten in match play.”
New York Times, New York, New York, Sunday, June 25, 1961 - Page 224
“Bobby Fischer, the United States champion, and Samuel Reshevsky, a former champion, are making preparations for their sixteen-game match, scheduled to begin at the Hotel Empire, Broadway and Sixty-third Street, on July 16. Eight games will be contested in New York and eight at the Steiner Chess Studio in Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Sunday, June 25, 1961 - Page 65
Fischer Vs. Reshevsky
The chess players who enjoy watching the masters in action will have a rare opportunity in the eight match games between U.S. Champion Bobby Fischer and former champion Samuel Reshevsky.
Tickets will be priced at $2 for the opening session in the grand ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Thursday evening, July 27. The rate will be $1.50 for each of the seven games to be held at the Herman Steiner Chess Club. A book of tickets for all the games will be $10.
Since the Steiner club is sponsoring the Los Angeles portion of the match, its members will be charged half the above rates, according to Mrs. Jaqueline Piatigorsky, president of the club.
All the participants in the recent all-city high school chess championship have been invited to attend the opening game.
The Bridgeport Post Bridgeport, Connecticut Friday, June 30, 1961 - Page 33
Intellectual Sport
“Camera Three” explores the history of chess and its irregular status as both an intellectual pursuit and a competitive sport in “The Curious Tension of Chess” Sunday morning at 11:30 o'clock over Channels 2 and 3.
Chess authority Miles Herbert traces the colorful history of the game and explains how it is played.
A highlight of the program is a “crash” chess game between Herbert and Bobby Fischer, United States champion.
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Sunday, July 02, 1961 - Page 30
Jose Ferrer Match M.C.
Jose Ferrer, stage and screen star who has added ability at chess to his many talents, will be the master of ceremonies at the opening game of the Los Angeles portion of the match between U.S. champion Bobby Fischer and chief rival Samuel Reshevsky.
The first session will be held in the grand ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Thursday evening, July 27. The Herman Steiner Chess Club will be the scene for seven additional match games.
A book of tickets for the match will be $10. The rate will be $2 for the first game and $1.50 for each of the other games. Members of the Steiner Club, which is sponsoring the match, will be charged half the above rates.
Advance subscriptions may be sent to Irving Rivise, treasurer, at 4050 W. Slauson, L.A. 43, Rivise will be the referee and will also comment on the games while in progress, assisted by other California masters.
Naugatuck Daily News, Naugatuck, Connecticut, Monday, July 03, 1961 - Page 6
Television In Review
“The fuse under CBS-TV's ‘Camera Three’ was primed for awesomely off-beat rocketry Sunday when it explored the history and lasting appeal of chess. Too bad the fuse didn't catch fire.
The talk was too hurried and a four-minute ‘crash’ game between champion Bobby Fischer and chess authority Miles Herbert was concealed by the glare of studio lights on the board. Herbert, in describing chess as ‘a game of murder, an outlet for the violent instincts of man,’ sounded like a press agent whooping it up for a new TV Western.”
This article also appears in,
- El Paso Times, El Paso, Texas Sunday, July 30, 1961 - Page 29 “Chats on Chess”
- Arizona Republic Phoenix, Arizona Sunday, January 07, 1962 - Page 26 “Sicilian Defense”
The Press Democrat Santa Rosa, California Sunday, July 09, 1961 - Page 44
Bobby Fischer on the White Side. Played in Simultaneous, Los Angeles, 1961. Robert More on Black Side, writes: “I am very happy with this game…” You have every right to be, Bob!
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Sunday, July 16, 1961 - Page 70
Fischer, Reshevsky Start Match Today
Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn, 18-year-old U.S. chess champion, and his chief rival Samuel Reshevsky of Spring Valley, N.Y., face each other today in the first game of their match at the Empire Hotel in New York.
Both players have been away from their usual chess haunts and have been seriously engaged in preparation for the event. Though the title is not at stake, each has considerable to gain in the way of world-wide recognition.
Fischer has won the U.S. championship for the last four years, with Reshevsky trailing each time. But in a major tournament in Buenos Aires last year, Reshevsky tied for first with Victor Korchnoi of Russia while Fischer wound up in the second division.
Reshevsky has never lost a set match, while facing such opponents as Al Horowitz, William Lombardy, Arthur Bisguier, Donald Byrne, Miguel Najdorf, Svetozar Gligoric, Pal Benko and your editor.
Chess Life quotes the opinions of some leading European grandmasters on the outcome of the match:
Tigran Petrosian, USSR—Reshevsky will win with a score of 9½-6½.
Paul Keres, Estonia—I think Reshevsky will win—9 to 7.
Svetozar Gligoric, Yugoslavia — Reshevsky will win.
Bent Larsen, Denmark—Reshevsky.
We understand that opinions in New York are about equally divided, with the older masters tending to favor Reshevsky. Your editor will go out on a limb with the prediction that Fischer will win two games through superior knowledge of the openings and will take the match by the margin of 9 to 7.
Three additional games are scheduled in New York, on Tuesday, Thursday and next Sunday. The players will then come to Los Angeles for an eight-game series, starting with a gala evening in the grand ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel on July 27.
The next game, on July 30, will be the first public event at the new quarters of the Herman Steiner Ches Club at 8801 Cashio, corner Robertson. The club, which is sponsoring the Los Angeles portion of the match, will open on Tuesday, July 25.
Additional games at the club are scheduled for Aug. 1, 3, 6, 8, 10 and 12. A book of tickets for all eight games, priced at $10, can be obtained from Irving Rivise, treasurer, 4050 W Slauson, L.A. 43. Members of the Steiner Club will pay $5.
The final four games of the match will be played in New York. However, the result may well be determined here, if either player should reach the required total of 8½ points. The full 16 games will be completed in any case.
Instructive Endgames
Both of the following games from the Moscow International Tournament open quietly. The main interest is in the endgames, which are quite instructive and well played.
Fort Lauderdale News Fort Lauderdale, Florida Sunday, July 16, 1961 - Page 25
Fischer-Reshevsky
The long-awaited match between Bobby Fischer and Sammy Reshevsky will start July 16 and will consist of 16 games. It seems that the majority of international experts are picking Reshevsky to win.
We'll admit that he has never lost a match and that he is one of the world's leading players; yet we feel that Fischer is potentially the greatest player of all time.
Our chips are on Bobby to win—and decisively!
Sunday Gazette-Mail Charleston, West Virginia Sunday, July 16, 1961 - Page 68
The 16-Game Match between U.S. champion Bobby Fischer and former titleholder Samuel Reshevsky gets under way today at the Empire Hotel in New York. There will be four games in New York, then the scene will shift to Los Angeles for eight games, with the final four contests again scheduled for New York.
Fischer should be favored to win as he has finished ahead of Reshevsky in the last three U.S. Championship tournaments. He is less than half of Reshevsky's age, too.
On the other hand, Reshevsky has never lost a match in encounters with such opponents as Kashdan, Horowitz, Lombardy, Bisguier, D. Byrne, Najdorf, Gligoric, and Benko. Such foreign chess stars as Tigran Petrosian, Paul Keres, Svetozar Gligoric and Bent Larsen all pick Reshevsky. However, we wonder if many American masters might pick Fischer.
New York Times, New York, New York, Monday, July 17, 1961 - Page 15
Reshevsky Meets Fischer In Chess
First Game of Match Here Adjourned on 43d Move
Samuel Reshevsky and Bobby Fischer began a sixteen-game chess match for the George P. Edgar Trophy yesterday at the Empire Hotel. Reshevsky is 49 years old, Fischer is 18.
The game was adjourned after forty-three moves. It will be resumed today at 6 P.M. at the Manhattan Chess Club.
At the rate of approximately three games a week, with five hour sessions and a time limit of forty moves in two and a half hours for each player, the match will last until Aug. 22. It is being held under the auspices of the American Chess Foundation.
Reshevsky won the toss and opened with 1 P-Q4. Fischer resorted to the King's Indian defense. Fischer was first to castle, at the fifth turn on the king's side of the board.
Play proceeded with fair speed until the twelfth move, when Reshevsky called a halt. He studied the position for twenty-five minutes and then decided upon the retreat of his king's knight to king square.
After twenty-nine moves, only queens and rooks remained on the board, aside from the pawns. Fischer exchanged queens on the thirtieth move. Although Reshevsky was still a pawn ahead, the pawn was isolated and blocked on the queen knight file. The outlook for a draw was excellent.
Chicago Tribune Chicago, Illinois Tuesday, July 18, 1961 - Page 35
Former Chess Champ Beats Bobby Fischer
New York, July 17 (UPI) — Samuel Reshevsky, former United States chess champion, today defeated Bobby Fischer, 18, present title holder, in the first game of their 16 game match for the George P. Edgar trophy.
New York Times, New York, New York, Tuesday, July 18, 1961 - Page 23
Reshevsky Beats Fischer In Chess
Ex-U.S. Champion Captures First of 16-Game Match
Samuel Reshevsky defeated Bobby Fischer last night at the Manhattan Chess Club in the first game of their sixteen-game match for the George P. Edgar Trophy.
The former United States champion won after sixty moves, Reshevsky, playing white, defeated the present national titleholder after play was resumed following a Sunday night adjournment. Thirty moves had been made Sunday when Fischer exchanged queens.
Reshevsky was a clear pawn ahead at the time of the adjournment, but some of the experts present, believed the 18-year-old Fischer could escape with a draw. Two passed pawns, racing down the board in opposite directions, highlighted the ending.
The second game is scheduled for this evening at the Empire Hotel, with two more slated here before the match moves to Los Angeles on July 27 for eight games. The remaining four will be played here starting on Aug. 15.
The Des Moines Register Des Moines, Iowa Tuesday, July 18, 1961 - Page 2
Chess
Samuel Reshevsky of Spring Valley, N.Y., won the first in a 16-game series of chess matches with U.S. champion Bobby Fischer, 18, of Brooklyn, N.Y. The first game between the former champ and Bobby lasted two nights. After four games in New York City, the pair will go to Los Angeles for the next eight games, returning to New York for the final four.
New York Times, New York, New York, Wednesday, July 19, 1961 - Page 21
Fischer Turns Back Reshevsky In Chess
Bobby Fischer defeated Samuel Reshevsky in thirty-eight moves last night at the Manhattan Chess Club. Reshevsky had won the first game of their chess series in sixty games Monday night.
Reshevsky, on the black side, used the Sicilian defense. He followed the “dragon” variation, which Mikhail Botvinnik of the Soviet Union had adopted against Alexander Alekhine his predecessor as world champion.
Reshevsky, of Spring Valley, L.I., was the first to exchange minor pieces. But Fischer, 18 years old, of Brooklyn based his king-side attack upon the advance of pawns.
Reshevsky was a pawn ahead, but had lost the lines of retreat for the king. On the seventeenth move Fischer castled on the queen's side. Finally Reshevsky had to interpose his queen to a check from a rook, which led to his resignation.
The third game is scheduled 5 o'clock today in the Empire Hotel.
The Tampa Tribune Tampa, Florida Wednesday, July 19, 1961 - Page 28
Chess Match
New York, July 18 (AP)—The second match in the 16-game series for the George P. Edgar chess trophy will be played tonight with Bobby Fischer, 18-year-old national champion playing white. Samuel Reshevsky won the first game last night.
New York Times, New York, New York, Friday, July 21, 1961 - Page 20
Reshevsky Holds Fischer To Draw
Chess Rivals Remain Tied After 25-Move Match
Samuel Reshevsky and Bobby Fischer played to a draw after twenty-five moves last night at the Empire Hotel in the third game of their sixteen-game series. They thus remained even, 1½-1½.
Fischer, playing black, set up a Nimzowitsch defense that resulted in an exchange of a bishop for a knight on the fifth move. Fischer castled on his sixth move and Reshevsky on his tenth.
Reshevsky, on his fourteenth move, advanced P-KKt4, making room for his queen's rook to drive across the board. It also provided defense for his king.
Reshevsky presented a formidable center formation. When he played B-K3, all chances for a trap into which he might fall disappeared.
The score of the third game:
The Gazette Montreal, Quebec, Canada Saturday, July 22, 1961 - Page 29
The West and the World Championship
On the question of the chances for a player from the West winning the world championship, the former British champion, C.H.O'D. Alexander has given his views in the Long “Sunday Times”:
“Every match for the world championship since the War has been between Russians. Is there an inherent Slav genius for the game? I am sure the answer is ‘No’. The reasons are social and economic, not racial. Chess is great encouraged in the Soviet Union: good young players are coached by experts and strong players (many of them effectively professional) can give as much time as they need to the game. A master player has considerable social status as such — including the valuable privilege of being able to travel abroad. Further, the fact that little or no bridge is played in Russia tends to increase the amount of chess. All told there are about ten million registered club players in the USSR and many more casual players. As in all other fields, success breeds success—such numbers improve the general standard, throw up more great players, increase the prestige of the game and thus produces still greater numbers.
For a non-Russian to wrest the championship from the USSR he will have to be a man of quite outstanding genius for the game; and there is just one possibility—the American Bobby Fischer. Seventeen years old, Fischer has won the USA championship for the last four years and is already the strongest player in the world outside the USSR; he might do it. On the whole, I think (but I am usually wrong in forecasting) that he will fail: I believe that his inherent ability is little, if any, greater than that of the leading half dozen Soviet players and that their advantages in State aid and so much more of a chess climate surrounding them — will outweigh any small edge he may have in natural genius.””
Some of the points that Alexander makes can be accepted but he takes no notice of the mechanical set-up instituted by FIDE to find the challenger. This was considered ideal until practice showed that the Russians, through sheer weight of numbers and working together as a team, could almost assure that one of their group would gain the challenger's position. Reshevsky tried it and gave it up as a hopeless set-up. He then tried direct negotiation with the champion for a match, in the style of the ‘good old days’, but nobody, except Reshevsky, expected anything to come of that. The champion had the law on his side, laid down by FIDE. It is doubtful if even a genius of the order of Capablanca could break through this ‘iron curtain’ and unless the West can get a player that far speculation as to his chances in a set match for the title hasn't much value. Some modifications are being made and in the 1962 Challengers tourney not more than three of the eight entries can come from the same country. The West awaits the outcome.
As to Fischer, he is tougher than he looks, has tremendous ambition and capacity for work in his chosen field. As a grandmaster reaches his peak around 35 he has many years to improve and mature. The one serious deficiency that seems to bother his friends is his lack of a good general education. He left half way through high school and all the world champions for the last hundred years, with the exception of Steinitz, had a college education. And Steinitz largely made up for it through his own efforts. Fischer apparently has little interest in anything outside of chess.
From Zurich International 1959:
New York Times, New York, New York, Tuesday, July 25, 1961 - Page 23
Chess Game A Draw
Fischer, Reshevsky End 4th Contest After 43 Moves
The fourth game in the sixteen-game chess series between the United States champion Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn, and Samuel Reshevsky of Spring Valley, N.Y., ended in a draw last night.
The players each took forty-three moves before agreeing on the no-contest decision. Thus far, each has won one game, and there have been two draws.
Reshevsky is a former champion.
The match will move Thursday to Los Angeles, where the next eight games will be played.
New York Times, New York, New York, Wednesday, July 26, 1961 - Page 26
Reshevsky, Fischer Off To Coast Today
Samuel Reshevsky and Bobby Fischer will leave for Los Angeles today where they are scheduled to meet tomorrow in the fifth game of their sixteen-game chess match. Eight games will be played on the Coast before the grandmasters return here to complete the series for the George P. Edgar Trophy.
In the fourth game, completed late Monday night at the Hotel Empire after a full five-hour session, the rivals agreed to a draw. The game lasted for forty-two moves. Each player now has 2 points.
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Wednesday, July 26, 1961 - Page 23
Reshevsky, Fischer Tied 2-2 in Chess
New York—With the scores even at 1½ points each, Samuel Reshevsky and Bobby Fischer started play in the fourth game of their 16-game chess match for the George P. Edgar Trophy at the Hotel Empire here Monday night. The result was a draw in 42 moves, which required the entire five-hour session.
The outcome left the contestants on even terms with a 2-2 score.
The principals will go to Los Angeles, where the fifth game is scheduled for Thursday, play starting at 7:30 p.m. Seven more games will be played before the scene shifts back east. The program calls for four more games in New York after the eight have been decided in the West.
Sammy Reshevsky & Bobby Fischer, during their 1961 match (New York/Los Angeles). On the board is the final position from the 5th game (played 27th July), which features in ‘My 60 Memorable Games’; the photo appears staged however. (Photo and Source: Douglas Griffin @dgriffinchess.)
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Thursday, July 27, 1961 - Page 11
Chess Champions To Start Matches Today
Bobby Fischer, U.S. chess champion, will compete against Sam Reshevsky, former U.S. chess champion, in a series of matches to start today at 7:30 p.m. at the Beverley Hilton.
Actor Jose Ferrer will be master of ceremonies, with Irving Rivise as referee.
The games will receive the comment of Rivise and other California chess masters who will use a large chess wallboard to show moves as they are made by Fischer and Reshevsky.
Fischer is 18 years of age, and he has been U.S. chess champion for the past four years. Reshevsky has been a world renowned chess player since he was 7 years old.
Other games between Fischer and Reshevsky will be held at the Herman Steiner Chess Club, 8801 Cashio St., Los Angeles, beginning next Tuesday and running through Aug. 3, 6, 8, 10 and 12.
Oakland Tribune Oakland, California Thursday, July 27, 1961 - Page 5
Chess Titlist, 18, Meets Ex-Champ
Beverley Hills, July 26 —(UPI)—National chess champion Bobby Fischer will meet former United States titleholder Samuel Reshevsky tomorrow at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in the first of a series of special Southern California matches.
Fischer, 18, has won the U.S. chess crown for the past four years.
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Friday, July 28, 1961 - Page 23
Before Match Play—Sam Reshevsky, left, and actor Jose Ferrer play game of chess before opening a series of matches between Reshevsky and U.S. champion Bobby Fischer, standing, in the grand ballroom of the Beverly Hilton.
Times photo.
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Friday, July 28, 1961 - Page 23
Reshevsky and Fischer Open Chess Matches
U.S. chess champion Bobby Fischer and his top opponent, Sam Reshevsky, Thursday night opened the first of a series of eight matches to be held here.
Fischer and Reshevsky, vying for the George P. Edgar Trophy, played their first game before about 350 chess enthusiasts at the Beverly Hilton.
Four-Year-Champion
Fischer, 18, has been U.S. chess champion for the last four years, and Reshevsky, a former U.S. chess champion, has been a world renowned chess player for many years.
Actor Jose Ferrer was master of ceremonies and Irving Rivise was referee at the Thursday night match.
The following seven games will be held at the Herman Steiner Chess Club, 8801 Cashio St., on Aug. 1, 3, 6, 8, 10 and 12.
Fischer and Reshevsky started a series of 16 games for the trophy on July 16 in New York. They played four games, each winning one while two ended in draws.
Oakland Tribune Oakland, California Friday, July 28, 1961 - Page 26
Chess Match to Resume Monday
Beverly Hills, July 28—(AP)—A couple of chess players have something to think about between now and Monday.
Early this morning, after five hours of play, a game between U.S. chess champion Bobby Fischer and his top opponent, Samuel Reshevsky, was adjourned until Monday night.
Each had made 42 moves, and only a few key pieces had been lost on either side.
New York Times, New York, New York, Saturday, July 29, 1961 - Page 13
Fischer Assumes Chess Advantage
Reshevsky a Pawn Down as 42-Move Game Is Put Off
Special to The New York Times
Los Angeles, July 28—Bobby Fischer and Samuel Reshevsky adjourned the fifth contest of their sixteen-game chess series after forty-two moves last night in a queen's gambit declined.
Reshevsky had won the first game and Fischer the second. Two have been drawn.
It was Reshevsky's turn to play the white pieces last night and he outplayed his youthful rival in the opening stages. Tactical complications developed, however, and there was an exchange for two pawns.
Reshevsky returned the exchange, but erred in a rook ending. Fischer then gained the upper hand and at the end of the five-hour session was a pawn ahead in a rook-and-pawn ending.
Lansing State Journal Lansing, Michigan Saturday, July 29, 1961 - Page 2
It's (Yawn) Your Move Next, Bob
Beverly Hills, Cal., July 29 (AP)—A couple of chess players have something to think about between now and Monday.
Early this morning, after five hours of play, a game between U.S. chess champion Bobby Fischer and his top opponent, Samuel Reshevsky, was adjourned until Monday night.
Each had made 42 moves, and only a few key pieces had been lost on either side.
Some chess experts at the game—which attracted a crowd of 700—thought Fischer held the more favorable position.
But Reshevsky holds a slight psychological advantage. He opened and made the last move. It wasn't played. It was written on a slip of paper and sealed in an envelope, and won't be played until game time Monday.
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Sunday, July 30, 1961 - Page 39
Fischer Favored In Adjourned Game
U.S. chess champion Bobby Fischer and former champion Samuel Reshevsky played for a grueling five hours before a packed house without coming to a decision in the fifth game of their match Thursday evening at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
At the end of the session with 42 moves completed, Fischer had a rook and three passed pawns opposed to Reshevsky's rook and two passed pawns. Both players were advancing vigorously, but the expectation is that Fischer will gain the point when the game is completed Monday evening at the Herman Steiner Chess Club, 8801 Cashio St.
Reshevsky had the advantage in the early play, with a better development and king side threats. When Fischer tried a tactical combination Reshevsky saw a bit further and emerged with the exchange ahead.
Later, however, Reshevsky returned the exchange, expecting to advance his pawns on the queen side, which apparently could not be stopped. Fischer found enough resources to come back and outplayed his opponent in the last few moves.
In the opening ceremonies at the hotel, Jose Ferrer told of the early triumphs of the players, both brilliant child prodigies of the chess world. Fischer has been U.S. champion for the last four years and Reshevsky held the title for most of the previous period from 1936 on.
The third and fourth games of the match, played at the Hotel Empire in New York, both resulted in draws. Each had interesting possibilities which were not completely developed.
The sixth game will start at 1:30 p.m. today at the Steiner Club, which is sponsoring the Los Angeles portion of the match. Other games scheduled this week at the club will start at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Admission to each game is $1.50 for non-members and 75 cents for members.
Following are details of the games:
The Times-News Twin Falls, Idaho Monday, July 31, 1961 - Page 6
Chess Champs Play off Draw
Los Angeles, July 31 (UPI)—Chess champions Bobby Fischer and Sam Reshevsky played to a draw last night in the sixth game of their series for the George P. Edgar trophy.
The 16-match series continues tonight at the Herman Steiner chess club in West Los Angeles. Fischer and his older opponent will finish the fifth game, which was unfinished last Thursday at the Beverly Hilton hotel.
The score now is a win apiece and three draws. The series started in New York.
New York Times, New York, New York, Monday, July 31, 1961 - Page 25
Fischer, Reshevsky Draw
Los Angeles, July 30 (AP)—Bobby Fischer, 18-year-old United States chess champion, and Samuel Reshevsky played to a draw tonight in the sixth game of their sixteen-game series for the George P. Edgar Trophy. The series stands at a victory each and three draws, plus one adjournment. The first four games were played in New York. Each moved twenty-five times tonight before agreeing on a draw.
New York Times, New York, New York, Tuesday, August 01, 1961 - Page 34
Fischer Is Favored In Adjourned Game
Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn, holding a favorable position, is expected to win from Samuel Reshevsky of Spring Valley, N.Y., when the adjourned fifth game of their sixteen-game chess series is resumed in Los Angeles.
Fischer was a pawn ahead, three to two, in a rook-and-pawn ending. Fischer had three connected passed pawns clustered about his king, while Reshevsky had two on the other king.
The sixth game, played Sunday night, was recorded as a draw after twenty-five moves. The play varied at the tenth move and, after an exchange of minor pieces, Fischer offered a draw and Reshevsky accepted.
The seventh game is scheduled for tomorrow, with Reshevsky playing white.
The fifth-game score:
This article also appears in,
- Poughkeepsie Journal Poughkeepsie, New York Tuesday, August 01, 1961 - Page 18 “Bobby Fischer, 18 year old chess champion, wins a game”
The Minneapolis Star Minneapolis, Minnesota Tuesday, August 01, 1961 - Page 16
Youth Wins Game in Chess Series
Los Angeles, Calif.—(AP)—18-year-old Bobby Fischer Monday night won a chess game he and Samuel Reshevsky started last Thursday.
Fischer, United States chess champion, won when Reshevsky resigned after 57 moves. He and Reshevsky are playing a 16-game series for the George P. Edgar trophy. The first four were played in New York.
The score is two victories for Fischer, one for Reshevsky and three draws.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Tuesday, August 01, 1961 - Page 28
Chess Experts Play to Draw
Los Angeles, July 31 (AP)—Bobby Fischer, 18, U.S. chess champion, and ex-Champion Samuel Reshevsky played to a draw last night in the sixth game of their 16-game series for the George P. Edgar trophy.
The series stands at a victory each and three draws, plus one adjournment. The first four games were played in New York.
Each moved 25 times tonight before agreeing on a draw.
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Tuesday, August 01, 1961 - Page 25
Fischer Wins Game No. 5 in Chess Series
U.S. chess champion Bobby Fischer out-played ex-champion Sam Reshevsky in 57 moves Monday in the fifth game of a 16-game series for the George P. Edgar Trophy.
The fifth game, which opened the Los Angeles portion of the series last Thursday at the Beverly Hilton, was ended at the Herman Steiner Chess Club, 8801 Cashio St. The sixth game, which started after the fifth but ended before it, was played at the club Sunday. It ended in a draw after 25 moves.
The score now is two wins for Fischer, one for Reshevsky, and three draws.
The seventh game will be played at the club today at 6:30 p.m.
The first four games of the series were played in New York.
The Times-News Twin Falls, Idaho Tuesday, August 01, 1961 - Page 8
Boy Player Is Chess Leader
Los Angeles, Aug. 1 (UPI)—Bobby Fischer, 18, the boy wonder of chess, defeated 49-year-old Samuel Reshevsky last night in a match at the Herman Steiner Chess club.
The victory left the series at two games for Fischer, one for Reshevsky and three draws. The two masters play again tonight at the club and a near-capacity crowd is expected.
Last night's game was a continuance of one started last week in the Beverley Hilton hotel and adjourned at the 42nd move. Fischer won in 15 moves last night as about 80 fans watched.
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Wednesday, August 02, 1961 - Page 72
U.S. Champion Fischer Loses Chess Round
Samuel Reshevsky defeated U.S. chess champion Bobby Fischer in 28 moves Tuesday night to advance to a 2-2 tie after seven games in their 16-game, $6,000 series.
Three of the seven games have ended in draws.
Reshevsky, 49, former U.S. champion, held only a slight edge in the game when on the 28th move his 18-year-old opponent took a pawn. The move allowed Reshevsky an overwhelming advantage and Fischer resigned.
About 80 persons watched the American Chess Foundation-sponsored game at the Herman Steiner Chess Club, 8801 Cashio St. The next game in the series will be played at the club Thursday night, starting at 6:30.
The Journal News White Plains, New York Wednesday, August 02, 1961 - Page 1
Reshevsky Win Ties Chess Series
Los Angeles (AP)—U.S. chess champion Bobby Fischer was defeated by Samuel Reshevsky of Spring Valley, N.Y. yesterday to cause a tie in their 16-game, $6,000 series.
Fischer of Brooklyn, facing certain defeat after moving into a Reshevsky trap, resigned. Three of their seven games have ended in draws, and each has won two.
Poughkeepsie Journal Poughkeepsie, New York Wednesday, August 02, 1961 - Page 40
Champion Defeated In Chess Match
Los Angeles — (AP) — U.S. chess champion Bobby Fischer was defeated by Samuel Reshevsky yesterday to advance to tie in their 16-game $6,000 series.
Fischer is from Brooklyn and Reshevsky lives at Spring Valley.
The Times-News Twin Falls, Idaho Wednesday, August 02, 1961 - Page 6
Evened up
Los Angeles, Aug. 2 (UPI)—Samuel Reshevsky, 49, evened his chess series with 18-year-old Bobby Fischer last night by forcing his fellow New Yorker to resign on the 28th move at the Herman Steiner Chess club.
The series now stands at two wins apiece and three draws. The players are competing for the George P. Edgar trophy and a cash prize. The series started in New York.
The Minneapolis Star Minneapolis, Minnesota Wednesday, August 02, 1961 - Page 7
Chess King Loses
Los Angeles, Calif.—(AP)—United States chess champion Bobby Fischer was defeated by Samuel Reshevsky Tuesday to advance to tie in their 16-game, $6,000 series. Three of their seven games have ended in draws, and each has won two.
New York Times, New York, New York, Thursday, August 03, 1961 - Page 16
Reshevsky Beats Fischer In Chess
Grandmaster Wins Seventh Coast Game in 28 Moves
Samuel Reshevsky, an international grandmaster, caught up with Bobby Fischer, the 18-year-old United States champion, by winning the seventh game of their sixteen-game match in twenty-eight moves at the Herman Steiner Chess Club in Los Angeles Tuesday night.
It was Reshevsky's turn to have the white pieces and he again played the Queen's Gambit, which Fischer declined. Fischer went in for the attack and grabbed a rook and pawn, which led ultimately to his defeat.
Fischer overlooked the entry of Reshevsky's queen. The queen took a rook and scored the checkmate.
The score of the fifth game:
The Guardian London, Greater London, England Thursday, August 03, 1961 - Page 5
Chess Problem No. 638
Defensive errors
In chess the great majority of players find attack easier than defence; and even good defensive players are handicapped by the fact that an error on their part is usually more costly than any mistake by the attacker.
The psychological difficulties of defence are emphasized by the high success rate of positional and intuitive pawn sacrifices which may prove unclear or even unsound in the post-mortem examination, but which are often successful over the board.
This week's example is from the interesting match now in progress between Bobby Fischer, who at 18 has already been United States champion four years running, and Samuel Reshevsky, formerly the best American master and a player unbeaten in set matches. The stake—$7,000—is enough to make Botvinnik and Tal feel they were playing for mere pin-money.
Oakland Tribune Oakland, California Friday, August 04, 1961 - Page 6
Chess Masters Call Recess in Game
Los Angeles, Aug. 4—(UPI)—Chess masters Bobby Fischer, 18, and Samuel Reshevsky, 49, stopped their game after 41 moves and five hours last night. It will be continued Saturday morning at the Herman Steiner Chess Club.
The two are vying for the George P. Edgar Trophy.
New York Times, New York, New York, Saturday, August 05, 1961 - Page 12
Fischer, Reshevsky Adjourn 8th Game
The halfway mark in the sixteen-game match between Bobby Fischer and Samuel Reshevsky, at the Herman Steiner Chess Club in Los Angeles, was reached with the eighth game adjourned after forty moves Thursday night. The finish of the contest is scheduled for tonight. Each player has totaled 3½ points thus far.
Fischer, who had white in a Sicilian defense, held an advantage in the opening and emerged with two bishops and a rook that had reached the seventh rank. Reshevsky brought about an exchange of pieces and pawns on the queen's side of the board.
At the end, Fischer had a rook, bishop and two pawns against a rook, knight and one pawn. However, a draw appeared imminent.
The ninth game is scheduled for tomorrow in Los Angeles.
The seventh-game score:
The Gazette Montreal, Quebec, Canada Saturday, August 05, 1961 - Page 11
Reshevsky, 2, Fischer, 2
“After four games in their 16-game match at New York, Samuel Reshevsky and Robert Fischer are all even, having won a game apiece with the other two drawn. They now fly to Los Angeles where the next eight games will be played, following which they will return to N.Y. for the final four. Here is the fourth game, a draw, but a fighting one.
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Sunday, August 06, 1961 - Page 22
Fischer, Reshevsky Closely Matched
U.S. chess champion Bobby Fischer evidently has a worthy foe in former champion Samuel Reshevsky in their current 16-game match. They were tied up after seven games with two wins apiece and three draws.
The fifth game went to Fischer, as had been anticipated after the first session, giving him a one-game lead. This Fischer maintained when the sixth game ended in an early draw. The opening was identical to the fourth game. There was some rather aimless maneuvering, with no advantage to either side.
The seventh game was only three moves longer, but had a much more dramatic ending. Reshevsky gained a little advantage in the early play. Fischer advanced his king rook pawn, which turned out to be weak.
When Reshevsky built up an attack against the pawn, Fischer planned a counter on the other wing. But an unfortunate rook move allowed Reshevsky's queen to penetrate with a multitude of threats after Fischer made the long-range capture. The one move was all-sufficient, and Fischer capitulated at once.
The match will continue at 1:30 p.m. today at the Herman Steiner Chess Club, 8801 Cashio St. Games will also be played at the club Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. and next Sunday at 11:30 a.m. The early start is to allow the players to complete their Los Angeles schedule that day.
Thursday the scene will shift to the grand ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel, with the starting time 7 p.m. Jose Ferrer will again be master of ceremonies, the role he played in the opening game of the series.
After Sunday's game the players will return to New York where the last four games of the match are scheduled at the Empire Hotel.
Following are the game scores:
Sunday Gazette-Mail Charleston, West Virginia Sunday, August 06, 1961 - Page 34
“After the completion of the fifth and sixth games of the match between Bobby Fischer, U.S. champion, and Samuel Reshevsky, veteran grandmaster, Fischer led by 3 to 2. The fifth game was adjourned with Fischer having a pawn advantage in a rook and pawn ending which he finally won. Games 5 through 12 are scheduled for Los Angeles, with the final four contests to be played off in New York City.”
Fort Lauderdale News Fort Lauderdale, Florida Sunday, August 06, 1961 - Page 82
“At the end of the sixth round of the Fischer-Reshevsky match, 18-year-old Bobby Fischer is leading by 3½-2½. He won the fifth game and the sixth was a draw. The match will consist of 16 games.
Here is the score of the sixth game:
New York Times, New York, New York, Monday, August 07, 1961 - Page 28
Chess Adjourned Again
Fischer, Reshevsky Will Try to Finish 8th Game Tonight
Bobby Fischer and Samuel Reshevsky will try again tonight to complete the eighth game of their sixteen-game match, at the Herman Steiner Chess Club in Los Angeles. The contest was adjourned Saturday for the second time, after seventy-three moves.
Another draw was indicated, which would leave the pair tied, 3½-3½.
On the forty-fifth move, Fischer missed what seemed to be a winning chance when he exchanged a rook. This led to an ending of knight against bishop, which, normally ought to end in a draw. However, Fischer and Reshevsky decided to have still another session before abandoning play.
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Monday, August 07, 1961 - Page 79
Chess Titans Adjourn 9th Contest Here
The ninth chess game in the 16-game series for the George P. Edgar Trophy and $6,000 adjourned Sunday after five hours of play with former U.S. chess champion Samuel Reshevsky having the advantage over champion Bobby Fischer.
The game, played at the Steiner Chess Club, 8801 Cashio St., will be resumed at 7:30 p.m. today.
The eighth game, played for five hours Thursday and four hours Saturday, will be continued at 1:30 p.m. today at the club. That game is expected to be a draw.
The 10th game will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the club. The 11th game will be played at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Grand Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton with actor Jose Ferrer as master of ceremonies.
The 12th and final game of the series here will be played at 11 a.m. on Sunday at the club. The chess master will then return to New York to play the final four games of the 16-game series.
The score thus far is 3½ wins for each and two unfinished games.
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Tuesday, August 08, 1961 - Page 40
Two Games in Chess Series End in Draws
The eighth and ninth games of a 16-game championship chess series between the nation's two top players ended in draws Monday night.
The closely contested tournament, being staged at the Herman Steiner Chess Club, 8801 Cashio St., will be resumed today at 6:30 p.m. as U.S. champion Bobby Fischer, 18, faces former national champion Sam Reshevsky, 49, in the 10th game.
The eighth game, started last Thursday, had been adjourned until Saturday, when both men played four hours without finishing the contest. Monday night's continuation of the game lasted only 40 min.
The ninth game started Sunday and ended Monday night after 52 moves.
The score now is two wins each for Fischer and Reshevsky and five draws.
The last Los Angeles game will be played here Sunday at the chess club, after which the tournament will return to New York for the final four games in the series for a $6,000 grand prize.
This article also appears in,
- The Times-News Twin Falls, Idaho Tuesday, August 08, 1961 - Page 11 “Chess Players Play 2 Draws”
Oakland Tribune Oakland, California Tuesday, August 08, 1961 - Page 4
Chess Matches End in Draws
Los Angeles, Aug. 8 —(UPI)—Bobby Fischer, 18, and Samuel Reshevsky, 49, both of New York, completed two previously adjourned chess matches yesterday and last night, both ending in draws.
The series for the George P. Edgar Trophy now stands at two victories apiece and five draws. The next game is tonight at the Herman Steiner Chess Club and the 11th game will be played at the Beverly Hilton Hotel tomorrow night.
The final matches in the series will be played in New York, where the first games were held.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch St. Louis, Missouri Tuesday, August 08, 1961 - Page 16
2 Draws In Chess Match
Los Angeles, Aug. 8 (AP)—Champion Bobby Fischer and challenger Samuel Reshevsky played two more draws yesterday in their 16-game chess series.
The eighth and ninth games, adjourned over the weekend, each concluded with no decision. It brought the score to two victories each and five draws. The tenth game is tonight.
This article also appears in,
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Wednesday, August 09, 1961 - Page 31
Reshevsky, Fischer in Chess Draw
Bobby Fischer, U.S. chess champion, and Samuel Reshevsky, former champion, played to a draw Tuesday night in the 10th game of their 16-game series for a $6,000 prize.
Fischer, 18, and his 47-year-old opponent remained tied at two wins each and six draws.
They played 40 moves Tuesday night before the game was called at the Herman Chess Club, 8801 Cashio St.
Their next game will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Beverly Hilton Hotel with actor Jose Ferrer acting as master of ceremonies.
New York Times, New York, New York, Wednesday, August 09, 1961 - Page 41
Fischer, Reshevsky Still Tied In Chess
Bobby Fischer and Samuel Reshevsky remained tied at 4½—4½ last night in Los Angeles as play got under way in their sixteen-game match at the Herman Steiner Chess Club.
The eighth and ninth games, both of which had been adjourned earlier, were played to draws Monday night.
The eighth game went to eighty moves before the United States champion and Reshevsky agreed to split the point.
Reshevsky was a pawn ahead in the ninth game but, with bishops controlling diagonals of opposite colors, was unable to capitalize on the advantage. The draw was agreed upon after fifty-two moves.
Five games have been drawn so far. Reshevsky won the first and seventh games and Fischer triumphed in the second and fifth.
Pasadena Independent Pasadena, California Wednesday, August 09, 1961 - Page 28
Championship Chess Series Deadlocked
Los Angeles—(CNS)—The eighth and ninth games in the 16-game chess championship series between 18-year-old Bobby Fischer and 49-year-old Samuel Reshevsky ended in draws Monday.
Game eight was called of after the 79th move and game nine after the 52nd move. Both games were played at the Herman Steiner Chess Club.
The two are playing for the George P. Edgar Trophy and the $6,000 prize money that goes with it. The first four and the last four games of the series are played in New York City.
The two players are now tied with 4½ games apiece.
The tenth game was to be played yesterday at the chess club. Game will be at the Beverly Hilton Hotel tomorrow and the last Los Angeles game will be Sunday at the chess club.
Oakland Tribune Oakland, California Wednesday, August 09, 1961 - Page 3
U.S. Chess Stars Tied in 10th Game
Los Angeles, Aug. 9—(AP)—U.S. chess champion Bobby Fischer, 18 and former champ Samuel Reshevsky, 47, tied last night in the 10th game of their 16-game series.
New York Times, New York, New York, Thursday, August 10, 1961 - Page 21
Reshevsky Stays Tied With Fischer
Chess Rivals Draw in 10th Game After 40 Moves
The sixth draw in the sixteen-game match between Samuel Reshevsky and Bobby Fischer was recorded at the Herman Steiner Chess Club in Los Angeles Tuesday night. The series thus remained tied, 5—5.
Fischer had the white pieces in the tenth game and employed a Sicilian defense. Queens were exchanged at the nineteenth move. It turned into a rook-and-pawn ending, with Reshevsky yielding pawn to obtain a better range for his king.
Reshevsky later recovered the pawn, and each had a rook and two passed pawns when they agreed to halve the point after forty moves.
—
The score of the eighth game, another Sicilian defense, shows that though Fischer was a pawn ahead in a rook-and-pawn ending, he was unable to take advantage.
He had a chance on the forty-fifth move. Instead of 45 B-K4, he should have continued with 45 R-B7ch, R-B2; 46 RxRch, KxR; 47 B-Kt5. With the knight stalemated, the extra pawn moves right on to queen.
The score of the eighth game:
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Thursday, August 10, 1961 - Page 45
Chess Experts to Clash Tonight
The nation's chess champion and his predecessor will play their 11th match in a national series at 7 p.m. today in the grand ballroom of the Beverly Hilton, with actor Jose Ferrer as master of ceremonies.
Bobby Fischer, champion, and Samuel Reshevsky are tied in the series, which will include a game Sunday before it is continued in New York City.
New York Times, New York, New York, Friday, August 11, 1961 - Page 16
Passed Pawn Failed To Win For Fischer
In the ninth of the sixteen-game chess match between Samuel Reshevsky and Bobby Fischer at the Herman Steiner Chess Club in Los Angeles, Reshevsky had the white pieces.
An ending was reached with each player having a bishop and two pawns.
Although Fischer came through with a passed pawn on the king's rook file, it proved of no avail because the bishops remaining on the board controlled squares of opposite colors. This prevented any progress and the players agreed to a draw after fifty-two moves.
Oakland Tribune Oakland, California Saturday, August 12, 1961 - Page 2
2 Chess Champions Can't Win for Tying
Los Angeles, Aug. 12—(AP)—National chess champion Bobby Fischer and former titleholder Samuel Reshevsky drew yesterday for the seventh time in their 16-game competition. Each has won twice.
Their 12th match is scheduled tomorrow. The players then return to New York for four final games.
New York Times, New York, New York, Saturday, August 12, 1961 - Page 13
Chess Adjourned After 40 Moves
Fischer Holds Edge Over Reshevsky in 11th Game
With the score tied at 5—5, Bobby Fischer and Samuel Reshevsky adjourned the eleventh game of their sixteen-game series at the Herman Steiner Chess Club in Los Angeles Thursday night after forty moves.
Fischer appeared to have the better of it and seemed likely to win upon resumption. He had two rooks and three pawns against a rook, bishop and four pawns.
The initiative was taken early by the 18-year-old United States champion, who played black in a King's Indian defense. Fischer won two exchanges ingeniously in a combination involving the sacrifice of a queen, followed by a fork by a knight.
The twelfth game is scheduled for Sunday night in Los Angeles. The last four will be played in New York.
—
The tenth game, another Sicilian defense, with Fischer conducting the white pieces, was expertly handled by both until a rook-and-pawn ending was reached. Fischer had the advantage of two connected passed pawns on the king's side of the board.
However, Reshevsky had ample defensive means, of which he made the most. On the other hand, the white king was exposed to constant checks by the black rook that prepared the way for the advance of two isolated black pawns.
The score of the tenth game:
New York Times, New York, New York, Sunday, August 13, 1961 - Page 195
Fischer, Reshevsky Draw In 11th Game
Bobby Fischer and Samuel Reshevsky drew the eleventh game of their sixteen-game chess series at the Herman Steiner Chess Club in Los Angeles Friday night.
They had adjourned after forty moves. Upon resumption Fischer did not make the most of a favorable position and ended with two rooks and a pawn against a rook, bishop and pawn.
The opponents agreed to split the point after fifty-seven moves of a King's Indian defense. it was the seventh draw in the series as the score remained tied, 5½—5½.
The twelfth game will be contested tonight in Los Angeles. The series will then resume in New York Tuesday evening at the Hotel Empire at 5.
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Sunday, August 13, 1961 - Page 42
Fischer Misses Chances In Match
With four successive drawn games for their week's work, U.S. chess champion Bobby Fischer and former champion Samuel Reshevsky remained tied up with two wins each and seven draws.
The 12th match game, the final one of their Los Angeles series, will start at 11 a.m. today at the Herman Steiner Chess Club, 8801 Cashio St., corner Robertson. The players are leaving for New York tonight, with four additional games scheduled at the Hotel Empire.
The most disappointing game for Fischer was the 11th, in which he had a clearly winning advantage after five hours of play at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Playing aggressively in the opening, Fischer built up attacking prospects.
When Reshevsky tried to exchange queens, Fischer found a neat maneuver forcing the win of the exchange after a temporary queen sacrifice. All seemed in order at the 40 move adjournment.
On resuming the game Friday afternoon at the Steiner Club, Fischer weakened. Several inferior moves allowed Reshevsky to trade off all but one pawn, and the resulting endgame could no longer be won.
Fischer also missed a winning opportunity in the eighth game in which he emerged a pawn ahead after a series of exchanges. At his 45th move he should have played R-B7ch, forcing an exchange of rooks, then by B-N5 he could have stalemated Reshevsky's knight.
In the ninth game, after a very evenly contested opening, Reshevsky won a pawn just before adjournment. Opposite colored bishops remained on the board, however, leading to a drawn position. The 10th game was also hardfought, with no advantage to either player.
Following are details of the games:
U.S. Open Tourney in S.F.
With Fischer and Reshevsky leaving for New York today, California chess players can turn their attention for the next two weeks to the United States Open Championship, starting 7 p.m. Monday at the Sheraton-Palace Hotel in San Francisco.
Last-minute entries will be accepted until 1 p.m. Monday. The entrance fee is $20, plus membership in the U.S. Chess Federation, which is $5 per year. Players having chess clocks are urged to bring them.
At least 20 prizes will be awarded, with the top ones guaranteed at $1,000, $500 and $300. The leading woman player will receive $250 as well as the title of U.S. Women's Open Champion.
This article also appears in,
- Arizona Daily Star Tucson, Arizona Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 6 “Chess Champ Fischer Fails To Show Up”
- Albuquerque Journal Albuquerque, New Mexico Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 1 “Youthful Chess Champ Forfeits His 12th Game”
- The Times Shreveport, Louisiana Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 8 “U.S. Chess Champ Fails to Show Up”
- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 9 “Chess Champ Fails to Play”
- Democrat and Chronicle Rochester, New York Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 9 “U.S. Chess Champion Skips 12th Match”
- The Kansas City Times Kansas City, Missouri Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 2 “Chess Forfeit Costs Fischer”
- Arizona Republic Phoenix, Arizona Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 5 “U.S. Chess Champ Defaults”
- Arizona Republic Phoenix, Arizona Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 25 “U.S. Chess Champ Defaults”
- Arizona Republic Phoenix, Arizona Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 15 “U.S. Chess Champ Defaults”
- The Des Moines Register Des Moines, Iowa Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 2 “No Show”
- Florence Morning News Florence, South Carolina Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 2 “U.S. Chess King Forfeits Match”
- The Morning Herald Uniontown, Pennsylvania Tuesday, August 15, 1961 - Page 7 “Chess Champ and Challenger”
The San Bernardino County Sun San Bernardino, California Sunday, August 13, 1961 - Page 64
Fischer Fails to Show Up, Rocks Chess Circles
Los Angeles (AP)—Sixteen(sic)-year-old Bobby Fischer, defending U.S. chess champion, failed to show up for the 12th game in his match with challenger Samuel Reshevsky yesterday.
The referee called it a forfeit victory for Reshevsky and set off a storm that could rock chess circles for weeks.
Referee Irving Rivise gave this account:
A week ago the game was rescheduled from Saturday evening to 11 a.m. Sunday. Fischer protested. Officials warned him to appear or lose. When Fischer didn't show up, Rivise declared the forfeit.
“I never expected this,” said Reshevsky. And he left.
Fischer was not available for comment.
Rivise said the change was ordered because Reshevsky would not play on Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath. The referee added:
“I think Fischer felt this was done to accommodate Reshevsky and wouldn't have anything to do with it. We haven't been unreasonable—he has.”
Another official said, “he's a late riser—he doesn't like to play early.”
The match moves to New York this week for its final four games. Reshevsky leads in victories, 3-2.
There have been 7 draws.
Fort Lauderdale News Fort Lauderdale, Florida Sunday, August 13, 1961 - Page 64
“At the end of the ninth game in the 16-round classic between Bobby Fischer and Sam Reshevsky, the score is tied at 4½-4½. It's a whale of a battle!
Reshevsky won the first and seventh games and Fischer took the second and fifth. The other five were hard-fought draws.
New York Times, New York, New York, Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 20
Fischer Cites Hour, Misses Chess Game
Bobby Fischer, the (sic) 16-year-old United States chess champion, failed to appear yesterday for the twelfth game of his sixteen-game match with Samuel Reshevsky at the Herman Steiner Chess Club in Los Angeles.
Fischer was quoted as saying that he had forfeited the game because he “was unable to arise so early in the morning” and do himself justice at the chess board.
The game was originally scheduled for Saturday evening, but was moved to 11 A.M. (Los Angeles time) at Reshevsky's request.
Fischer protested the move, but officials warned him to appear or lost. When he failed to appear, Irving Rivise, the referee, declared Reshevsky the victor by forfeit.
Rivise said the game was switched because Reshevsky did not want to play on Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath.
“I think Fischer felt this was done,” Rivise said, “to accommodate Reshevsky and he didn't want anything to do with it. We haven't been unreasonable. He has.”
The final four games will be played in New York, beginning tomorrow at the Hotel Empire on Broadway at Sixty-third Street, starting at 6:30 P.M.
Reshevsky is now leading in the series, 6½—5½.
This article also appears in,
- The Jackson Sun Jackson, Tennessee Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 9 “Chess Game Has Ended in Rhubarb”
- The Oshkosh Northwestern Oshkosh, Wisconsin Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 15 “Chess Champ Will Not Move”
- Herald and News Klamath Falls, Oregon Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 12 “Forfeit Irks Chess Champ”
- The Daily Reporter Greenfield, Indiana Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 6 “U.S. Chess Champion Claims He's Rooked”
- The Winona Daily News Winona, Minnesota Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 2 “Chess Champ Won't Play In Mornings”
- Vidette-Messenger of Porter County Valparaiso, Indiana Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 9 “Chess Aces Have Some Difficulties”
- Manitowoc Herald-Times Manitowoc, Wisconsin Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 16 “Chess Champ Likes Sleep”
- Hattiesburg American Hattiesburg, Mississippi Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 12 “Chess champ plays only on his own terms”
- The Lawton Constitution Lawton, Oklahoma Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 5 “Chess Champ Is 'Rooked'”
- Alton Evening Telegraph Alton, Illinois Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 13 “Champ Chess Player Irked”
- Port Angeles Evening News Port Angeles, Washington Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 3 “Chess champ is unhappy”
- The Evening Standard Uniontown, Pennsylvania Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 16 “Chess Champ Is Bitter”
- Great Bend Tribune Great Bend, Kansas Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 7 “Chess Champion Fails To Show”
- The Santa Fe New Mexican Santa Fe, New Mexico Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 15 “Chess Star ‘Rooked’”
- The Iola Register Iola, Kansas Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 9 “U.S. Chess Champion, 16, Declines Morning Match With a Challenger”
- Miami Daily News-Record Miami, Oklahoma Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 5 “Chess King Says Forfeit No Good After Coast Balk”
- The Gettysburg Times Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 4 “Chess Champs Have Battle”
- Lebanon Daily News Lebanon, Pennsylvania Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 13 “U.S. Chess Champ Claims He Was Rooked”
- The Salina Journal Salina, Kansas Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 9 “Whose Move Is It Now In This Chess Dispute?”
- Wausau Daily Herald Wausau, Wisconsin Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 17 “Chess Champ Doesn't Show”
- The Evening Sun Hanover, Pennsylvania Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 11 “Chess Champion Forfeits Match”
- The Hays Daily News Hays, Kansas Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 8 “Teen-Age Chess Champ Says He's Been Rooked”
- The Daily Tribune Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 6 “Forfeits Chess Contest, Won't Play in Morning”
- The Daily Tribune Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 6 “Forfeits Chess Contest, Won't Play in Morning”
- Nanaimo Daily News Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 11 “Chess Player Has Referee Problems Too”
- The Daily Republic Mitchell, South Dakota Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 13 “Chess Champion Thinks He's Been 'Rooked'”
- The Circleville Herald Circleville, Ohio Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 7 “Rhubarb Fouls Up Chess Tournament”
- Journal Gazette Mattoon, Illinois Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 9 “Chess Champion Thinks That He Has Been Rooked”
- The Advocate-Messenger Danville, Kentucky Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 5 “Chess Champ Says He's Been Rooked”
- Idaho State Journal Pocatello, Idaho Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 6 “One Rooked, One Moves In Stalemate”
- The Evening Standard Uniontown, Pennsylvania Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 27 “Chess Champ Is Bitter”
- Northwest Arkansas Times Fayetteville, Arkansas Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 3 “Chess Contenders Find A Real-Life Checkmate”
- The Santa Fe New Mexican Santa Fe, New Mexico Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 12 “Chess Star 'Rooked'”
- The Times-News Twin Falls, Idaho Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 6 “Chess Champ Says Forfeit Is Not Legal”
- The Ottawa Herald Ottawa, Kansas Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 2 “Whose Move Is It?”
- Muncie Evening Press Muncie, Indiana Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 13 “Champ Declines Play in Morning, Match Forfeit”
The Miami News Miami, Florida Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 18
Chess Champion Throws Tantrum
Los Angeles (AP) — U.S. chess champion Bobby Fischer thinks he's been rooked.
The 16-year-old refused to show up yesterday at 11 a.m. for a match against challenger Samuel Reshevsky. He said he wasn't used to play in the morning.
The referee called it a forfeit. But Fischer says forfeits aren't allowed.
No one is sure whose move is next.
The problem began 10 days ago when local officials rescheduled the 12th game of a 16-game series from Saturday to Sunday. Reshevsky will not play on the Jewish sabbath.
Says Fischer: “I'm not used to playing at 11 — it's ridiculous. Why should I accommodate him? Maybe he hoped I'd be tired and he'd get a draw.”
Despite repeated calls and warnings, Fischer refused to leave his Hollywood hotel.
“So when he didn't come by noon,” said referee Irving Rivise, “I called it a forfeit.”.
“I never expected this one,” said Reshevsky. He promptly checked out of his hotel and took his one point lead to New York, where the series continues this week.
But Fischer said he won't accept the forfeit.
“We agreed before the match there could be no forfeits. It's just a little joke they're trying to play on me.” he declared. “We just have to play this off in New York.”
If the forfeit is upheld by New York officials, Fischer said he won't finish the match.
The teenager said those in charge during the eight games here are “pro-Reshevsky,” and:
“They've been making the adjourned games at screwy hours so I'll be tired.”
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 73
Chess Champ Forfeits by Failing to Appear
U.S. chess champion Bobby Fischer forfeited his 12th match game with former champion Samuel Reshevsky when he failed to appear on time Sunday.
The match, set for the Herman Steiner Chess Club, 8801 Cashio St., at 11 a.m. was declared forfeited after the supervising committee waited an hour for Fischer to show up.
A spokesman for the committee said Fischer had protested the starting time was “too early” and that he wanted the match to begin at the time originally scheduled, 1:30 p.m.
The time had been advanced, it was explained, to permit the referee and the committee to be on hand for a championship tournament scheduled to open in San Francisco today.
Fischer and Reshevsky were engaged in a 16-game match and had completed 11 up until Sunday's forfeiture. The final four games were to have been played in New York. The two contestants had been tied in the number of victories.
This article also appears in,
- The Corpus Christi Caller-Times Corpus Christi, Texas Tuesday, August 15, 1961 - Page 3 “Chess Champ and Challenger”
- The Times Shreveport, Louisiana Tuesday, August 15, 1961 - Page 5 “Bobby Fischer failed to show up”
- Idaho State Journal Pocatello, Idaho Friday, August 18, 1961 - Page 32 “Chess Champ Reneges”
- Idaho State Journal Pocatello, Idaho Friday, August 18, 1961 - Page 20 “Chess Champ Reneges”
The Journal Times Racine, Wisconsin Tuesday, August 15, 1961 - Page 13
Champ and Challenger—Bobby Fischer, 16-year-old U.S.chess champion (center) failed to show up for the 12th game of his match with challenger Samuel Reshevsky, left, saying that 11 a.m. is too early to play chess. Reshevsky, shown playing a game with actor Jose Ferrer last week, was awarded forfeit win.
New York Times, New York, New York, Tuesday, August 15, 1961 - Page 36
Reshevsky Earns Draw
Threat of Perpetual Check Ends 11th Game in Chess
The summary of the adjourned eleventh game of the sixteen-game chess match between Bobby Fischer and Samuel Reshevsky at the Herman Steiner Chess Club in Los Angeles was received here yesterday. The game, played Friday night, resulted in a draw after fifty-seven moves.
Although he was the exchange behind, Reshevsky was able to bring about a position in which he could have perpetual check were Fischer to pursue his attack on the white king.
New York Times, New York, New York, Tuesday, August 15, 1961 - Page 36
Fischer Threatens to Quit His Series
He Says He'll Walk Out if Forfeit in Chess Is Upheld
Los Angeles, Aug. 14 (AP)—Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn, the 18-year-old United States chess champion, thinks he has been rooked.
He refused to show up at 11 A.M. yesterday for the twelfth game of a series of sixteen against Samuel Reshevsky of Spring Valley, N.Y. Fischer said he wasn't accustomed to playing in the morning.
The referee called it a forfeit and Reshevsky took the lead in the series, 6½ to 5½. Fischer said forfeits weren't allowed in the series. And if New York officials uphold the forfeit, he said, he won't finish the series.
No one is sure whose move is next.
The problem began ten days ago when local officials rescheduled the twelfth game from Saturday to Sunday. Reshevsky will not play on the Jewish Sabbath.
“I'm not used to playing at 11 — it's ridiculous,” Fischer said. “Why should I accommodate him? Maybe he hoped I'd be tired and he'd get a draw.”
Despite repeated calls and warnings, Fischer refused to leave his Hollywood hotel.
“So when he didn't come by noon,” said Referee Irving Rivise, “I called it a forfeit.”
“I never expected this one,” said Reshevsky. He promptly checked out of his hotel and left for New York, where the series is scheduled to resume tomorrow night.
But Fischer said he wouldn't accept the forfeit. He said:
“We agreed before the match there could be no forfeits. It's just a little joke they're trying to play on me. We just have to play this off in New York.”
Fischer said the officials for the eight games here were “Pro-Reshevsky.”
“They've been making the adjourned games at screwy hours so I'll be tired,” he said.
The temperamental Fischer, who became United States champion at 14, has had previous run-ins with chess officials.
At 15, he threatened to quit a tournament in Chile when he discovered the prize money was $1,000 instead of $2,000. The next year, he protested the way the pairings were drawn in the United States championships but went on to defend his title.
As for the referee here, Fischer said:
“He just thinks I'm a kid or something.”
The San Bernardino County Sun San Bernardino, California Wednesday, August 16, 1961 - Page 9
Reeks of negative-spin tabloid reporting. Not wasting effort transcribing fabrications and falsehoods.
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Wednesday, August 16, 1961 - Page 83
More tabloid muck with little or no value. How odd he completely failed to mention organizers advanced game time to 11 a.m. to accommodate the referee's attendance at a tournament in San Francisco.
New York Times, New York, New York, Wednesday, August 16, 1961 - Page 25
Absence Of Fischer Puts Off Chess Game
The thirteenth game of the sixteen-game chess series between Samuel Reshevsky and Bobby Fischer was postponed last night until tomorrow evening. The match is scheduled for the Hotel Empire.
Fischer, the United States champion, telephoned Morris J. Kasper, the treasurer of the American Chess Federation, and said he would not arrive until tomorrow. Fischer was in Los Angeles, where part of the series had been played.
Fischer forfeited the twelfth game when he had objected to a rescheduling by the officials. They had shifted the game from Saturday night to Sunday morning at the request of Reshevsky.
Fischer said that if the New York officials upheld the Los Angeles decision on the forfeit he would not continue.
Reshevsky leads the series, 6½-5½. Reshevsky's total includes the point credited for the forfeit.
New York Times, New York, New York, Thursday, August 17, 1961 - Page 22
Fischer Facing Damage Suit If He Fails to Resume Chess
18-Year-Old U.S. Champion Is Warned by Foundation to Play Here Today and Continue Series With Reshevsky
By Deane McGowen
Bobby Fischer, the 18-year-old chess champion of the United States, faces a suit for damages if he fails to continue his sixteen-game series with Samuel Reshevsky, the American Chess Foundation warned yesterday.
Last night there was doubt whether Fischer would resume the competition, as scheduled, at 5 P.M. today at the Empire Hotel, Sixty-third Street and Broadway.
The series is for a purse of about $8,000, with the victor getting 65 per cent and the loser 35.
The 49-year-old Reshevsky, a grandmaster, leads Fischer, 6½-5½, for the George P. Edgar Trophy. The series began in New York on July 16, then shifted to Los Angeles after four games.
Fischer, also a grandmaster, forfeited the twelfth game last Sunday morning in Los Angeles, then failed to appear to resume the match in the Empire Hotel last Tuesday night.
Yesterday Walter J. Fried, the president of the chess foundation, sent the following telegram to Fischer at his Brooklyn home:
“We expect your attendance Thursday afternoon, Aug. 17, 5 P.M., at the Empire Hotel to proceed with the thirteenth game of the Fischer-Reshevsky match as well as subsequent games as scheduled.
“Your challenge of twelfth game forfeiture is being reserved by undersigned whose decision will be made before conclusion of match and is to be binding as per your agreement.
“Your failure to appear and participate in balance of scheduled games will subject you to loss of match and to damage suit for noncompliance with terms of contract.”
The twelfth game was declared forfeited by Irving Rivise, the Los Angeles referee, when Fischer failed to appear for the scheduled 11 A.M. start. Fischer said the game should have been played the preceding evening.
The situation arose ten days ago when officials re-scheduled the twelfth game from Saturday to Sunday. Reshevsky, an orthodox Jew, does not play on the Jewish Sabbath.
“I'm not used to playing at 11—it's ridiculous,” Fischer protested. “Why should I accommodate him? Maybe he hoped I'd be tired and he'd get a draw.”
When Fischer arrived here on Tuesday, he called Morris J. Kasper, the treasurer of the A.C.F., and said he would not resume the match unless the forfeit was disallowed by the New York officials.
Reshevsky, at his home in Spring Valley, N.Y. said:
“The agreement to play last Sunday morning was understood by both of us and it was made before our series began in Los Angeles. I did not request the shift from Saturday night to Sunday morning, as stated in yesterday's Times. The committee did it according to the prior agreement.
“I abide by the rules of the committee. I am willing to continue the series.”
Fischer's comment on the Fried telegram follows:
“All right, I'll take it into court, too. I'm willing to begin play again with the twelfth game, but I won't resume the match at the thirteenth.
“They're just trying to trap me into continuing the match. They've had all the facts for four days. They could have reached a decision by now on the forfeit.”
This article also appears in,
- Chicago Tribune Chicago, Illinois Thursday, August 17, 1961 - Page 71 “Ultimatum Hits Chess Champion, 18”
- The Kansas City Times Kansas City, Missouri Thursday, August 17, 1961 - Page 2 “Chess Champion Draws Warning”
The Morning News Wilmington, Delaware Thursday, August 17, 1961 - Page 5
Young Chess King Rebuked
New York (AP)—The American Chess Foundation yesterday warned youthful champion Bobby Fischer to show up for his next scheduled game with Samuel Reshevsky or lose the championship.
Walter J. Fried, president of the foundation, also warned the 18-year-old Fischer that unless he completes the match for the George P. Edgar Trophy he may be faced with a damage suit for not complying with his contract.
The Brooklyn youth, who has won four straight national championships, failed to show up for a game with Reshevsky in Los Angeles Sunday.
The game had been rescheduled from Saturday night to Sunday morning at the request of Reshevsky, an orthodox Jew, but Fischer said 11 a.m.. was too early for him. The match was forfeited to Reshevsky.
Oakland Tribune Oakland, California Friday, August 18, 1961 - Page 8
Young Chess Champ Forfeits Series
New York, Aug. 18—(AP)—Bobby Fischer, 19-year-old chess champion of the United States, has forfeited the 13th game and his 16-match series against Samuel Reshevsky, 49.
Young Fischer had been scheduled to resume the series with Reshevsky, but he failed to appear yesterday.
The series between the two grand masters for a purse of about $8,000 began in New York July 16, then shifted to Los Angeles after four games. The winner was to receive 65 per cent, the loser 35.
After 11 games, the players were tied with 5½ points each. Fischer then was adjudged to have forfeited the 12th game in Los Angeles when he refused to play. He said the game had been rescheduled without his consent and contended the forfeiture was illegal.
This article also appears in,
- The Des Moines Register Des Moines, Iowa Friday, August 18, 1961 - Page 2 “Forfeit”
- The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Friday, August 18, 1961 - Page 7 “Chess Match Forfeited by Fischer”
- Chicago Tribune Chicago, Illinois Saturday, August 19, 1961 - Page 50 “Forfeit”
New York Times, New York, New York, Friday, August 18, 1961 - Page 27
Absent Fischer Loses Chess
He Fails to Appear, Forfeiting Series to Reshevsky
By Deane McGowen
Bobby Fischer, the 18-year-old United States chess champion, failed to show up yesterday for the thirteenth game of his series with Samuel Reshevsky. The move not only cost the young Brooklynite the forfeiture of the game but also the sixteen-match series.
Fischer had been scheduled to resume the series with the 49-year-old Reshevsky at the Empire Hotel, Broadway and Sixty-third Street. Al Horowitz, the publisher of Chess Review and the referee, started the clock promptly at 5:15 P.M. Under the rules, Fischer had one hour to appear. He did not.
At the expiration of the time limit, Horowitz announced to the thirty-odd spectators present, “The thirteenth game is a forfeit in abeyance, pending a review by the arbiter.”
The arbiter, Walter J. Fried, president of the sponsoring American Chess Foundation, then conferred with Horowitz and Sidney Wallach, a director of the foundation.
Series Begun July 16
Fried, who had entered the ballroom of the hotel at 6 P.M., then said, “We are going to remove the forfeiture by abeyance right now and declare Reshevsky the winner of the series.”
The series between the two grandmasters, for a purse of about $8,000, began in New York only July 16, then shifted to Los Angeles after four games. The winner was to receive 65 per cent, the loser 35.
After eleven games the players were tied with 5½ points each. Fischer then was adjudged to have forfeited the twelfth game in Los Angeles when he refused to play last Sunday at 11 A.M.
Fischer contended that the game originally had been scheduled for 8:30 the preceding evening, then shifted to 9:30 P.M., then to 1 P.M. Sunday and then advanced to 11. Fischer balked. The forfeit gave Reshevsky the lead, 6½ to 5½.
Fischer also was directed to return to New York to resume the series on Tuesday at the Empire Hotel. He did not appear at that time and subsequently was warned to do so yesterday or face action by the foundation.
After yesterday's forfeit, Fried said:
“Fischer held a pistol at our heads by threatening not to play. First, he said he would not perform until the forfeiture in Los Angeles had been removed.
“We urged him to play, pending a decision on the forfeiture after we had heard all the available information from the Los Angeles referee, Irving Rivise, and officials connected with the games there.
“But Fischer would not consent to play under that arrangement. Then he told us he would not play unless this game was to be the twelfth, not the thirteenth.”
Fischer sent a telegram yesterday to Fried. Received about 4:15 P.M., it read:
“I protest your requirement that I proceed with the thirteenth game prior to a decision on the illegal forfeiture of the twelfth game.
“The rescheduling of the twelfth game was without my consent and the breach of contract therefore was not mine.
“I request that the match continue with the twelfth game, failure of which will cause me to institute action for damages for breach of contract.”
After Fried pronounced Reshevsky the victor, he sent the following telegram to Fischer at his Brooklyn home:
“By reason of your successive failure to appear at scheduled games and your flagrant disregard of your written commitments, I have today declared Samuel Reshevsky the winner of the match.”
Fried said he believed the foundation had given Fischer every chance to continue the match. Asked whether the sponsor would take legal action, he said he did not think that would be necessary.
Reshevsky, the 5-foot 2-inch former United States champion and once a boy prodigy himself, commented:
“It's unfortunate it had to happen this way, but it couldn't be helped.”
Asked whether he was ready to meet his young rival again, he replied: “I have not given that any thought. I cannot say now. There has not been any discussion of a future match.”
One spectator, Bill Lombardy, a 23-year-old Morris High graduate now studying for the priesthood at St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers, expressed dissent with the official action. Lombardy is ranked second in the United States behind Fischer and was a member of the United States student team that finished second to the Soviet Union in a tournament at Helsinki, Finland, last month.
“I think there should have been a little more leeway,” Lombardy said. “It appeared that the officials threatened him [Fischer]. I know Bobby well enough to know he would not consent to play any game at 11 o'clock in the morning.”
Victory Called ‘Hollow’
He continued:
“Reshevsky did not have to accept this forfeit and victory. I feel it is a hollow victory for him.
“When only two men are involved in a match, it seems that the officials could schedule the games at a time suitable for both players. In a tournament it's different. People must appear at the scheduled time, otherwise the whole tournament schedule is thrown off stride. Then forfeits are necessary and just.
“This is a regrettable situation. Bobby should at least shown up to explain his feelings in person even if he chose not to play.”
Mrs. Betty Deitchman, director of the Manhattan Chess Club who was in the group at the Empire Hotel, pointed out that the schedule of games seemed to bear out Fischer's contention.
The schedule, as posted on the Manhattan Club board, listed the twelfth game for last Saturday night at 8:30. Reshevsky, an orthodox Jew, does not compete on the Jewish Sabbath, which does not end until dark. The officials therefore began shifting the playing times, according to Fischer.
The Guardian London, Greater London, England Friday, August 18, 1961 - Page 16
Fischer fails to attend and loses game by forfeit
By Leonard Barden, our Chess Correspondent
The match between Bobby Fischer, the 18-year-old United States champion, and Samuel Reshevsky, his greatest rival, has flared up in controversy. With the score at 5½ points each. Reshevsky asked that the twelfth game should be changed from Saturday evening to the next morning. Fischer protested, but officials warned him to appear or lose. When he failed to arrive, the referee declared Reshevsky the winner by forfeit.
According to the “New York Times” Fischer said he had forfeited the game because he was “unable to arrive so early in the morning” and do himself justice at the chess board.
The referee, I. Rivise, said the game was switched because Reshevsky did not want to play on Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath. “I think Fischer felt this was done,” Rivise added, “to accommodate Reshevsky and he didn't want to have anything to do with it. We haven't been unreasonable. He has.”
The organizers appear to have been at fault in not preparing a playing schedule which would avoid a game on the Jewish Sabbath. Reshevsky's religious orthodoxy is well known; at Munich in 1958 he wanted to postpone his game with Botvinnik until after the Sabbath and the captain of the United States team had to play a substitute.
New York Times, New York, New York, Saturday, August 19, 1961 - Page 15
Sponsor to Decide Fischer Chess Fee In Light of Forfeit
Morris J. Kasper, treasurer of the American Chess Federation, said yesterday officials of that organization would meet next week to decide upon the final compensation to be paid to Bobby Fischer.
Fischer, the 18-year-old United States chess champion, failed to appear for the scheduled thirteenth game of his sixteen-match series against Samuel Reshevsky at the Empire Hotel. The game, scheduled to start at 5 P.M. last Thursday, was forfeited to Reshevsky an hour later with Fischer still absent.
Walter J. Fried, president of the sponsoring foundation, then declared the 49-year-old former United States champion the winner of the series.
The competitors had been playing for a purse of about $8,000. The winner was to receive 65 per cent, the loser 35.
Reshevsky and Fischer received $1,000 each when the series for the George P. Edgar Trophy began in New York on July 16. When after four games the series was shifted to Los Angeles for eight games, each received an additional $500 for expenses.
A controversy arose on the West Coast. Fischer forfeited the twelfth game when he refused to play at 11 A.M. last Sunday. He contended the game originally was scheduled for the preceding evening.
With Reshevsky leading, 6½ to 5½, as a result of the twelfth-game forfeit, Fischer failed to return to New York last Tuesday in time to resume the series at 5 P.M.
Although threatened with a suit for damages if he did not appear for the thirteenth match when it was rescheduled for Thursday, the champion did not show up.
Yesterday, Fischer said he had been notified of the foundation's action declaring Reshevsky the victor. “Yeah, I'm going to sue them,” he said. “If they go to court they won't have a chance.”
Fischer contends the forfeiture in Los Angeles was illegal and a violation of the agreed-upon schedule of games. He asserts the Los Angeles officials switched the times of the twelfth game three times.
This article also appears in,
- The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Saturday, August 19, 1961 - Page 8 “Chess Group May Withhold Prize”
Chess Champ May Lose His Prize Share
New York, Aug. 18 (UPI)—Officials of the American Chess Foundation said today they may withhold a share of $4,000 in prize money from 18-year-old chess master Bobby Fischer because he failed to finish his 16-game match with former U.S. champion Samuel Reshevsky.
The Fischer-Reshevsky match for the George P. Edgar trophy was declared forfeited to Reshevsky last night, when Fischer failed to show up for the scheduled game.
It was the third game that the former child prodigy, who now is U.S. chess champion, had boycotted since a dispute arose over scheduling in Los Angeles last week.
Morris J. Kasper, treasurer of the American Chess Foundation, said both chess champions already had received $1,000 plus $500 in expenses. Under the original agreement they were to share an additional purse from admissions receipts.
But Kasper said officials of the foundation “want to consider” whether Fischer lost his claim on his share by not completing the match. Kasper said a meeting on the question probably would be held next week.
The match was tied at 5½-5½ when play ended.
The San Bernardino County Sun San Bernardino, California Saturday, August 19, 1961 - Page 14
Chess Champ Gives Up, Forfeits $8,000 Match
New York (UPI)—Former U.S. chess champion Samuel Reshevsky was declared winner of the $8,000 American Chess Foundation series Thursday night after 18-year-old Bobby Fischer failed to show up for the 13th game.
Fischer, present U.S. chess champion, was declared to have forfeited the game and the entire 16-match series after he kept Reshevsky waiting for an hour. A telegram from Fischer indicated he would not play the 13th game because the foundation had made no decision on the “illegal” forfeiture of the 12th game.
New York Times, New York, New York, Sunday, August 20, 1961 - Page 217
Chess Congress To Start Sept. 2
20 Stars to Pay Tribute to Bled Tourney of 1931
The thirtieth anniversary of the Bled tournament, won by the late Dr. Alexander Alekhine, will be memorialized by an international chess masters congress Sept.2 to Oct. 4 at the Casino in Bled, Yugoslavia. Twenty will compete.
Three rounds will be played, with adjourned games scheduled for the following day.
Invitations have been sent to Mikhail Botvinnik, Mikhail Tal, Paul Keres, Vassily Smyslov and Tigran Petrosian of the Soviet Union and Svetozar Gligoric, Alexander Matanovic, Boris Ivkov, Dr. Petar Trifunovic, Andrea Fuderer and Mario Bertok of Yugoslavia.
Also, Bobby Fischer and Samuel Reshevsky of the United States, Oscar Panno of Argentina, Ludek Pachman of Czechoslovakia, Bent Larsen of Denmark, Laszlo Szabo of Hungary, Fridrik Olafsson of Iceland, J.H. Donner of the Netherlands and Wolfgang Unzicker of West Germany.
Sunday Gazette-Mail Charleston, West Virginia Sunday, August 20, 1961 - Page 70
The United States Open got under way in San Francisco last Monday with more than 200 entrants, including last year's winner, Donald Byrne. Lisa Lane, U.S. women's champion, is also competing.
After eleven more or less quiet rounds (apart from the actual play), the Reshevsky-Fischer 16-game match erupted into a real hassle in game 12. The game time was moved up from Saturday to Sunday morning. However, Fischer did not turn up at all on Sunday and the game was forfeited to his opponent. Fischer claimed that there were to be no forfeits in the match and declared he would not continue if the forfeit stands. So far as this writer can see, young Bobby Fischer does not cut a very creditable figure in all this. Through the first eleven games, the match was tied at 5½ to 5½.
Regardless of who is right or wrong in the dispute, the American chess public—especially that portion which is footing the bill—has the right to expect that this match will be played to completion.
The Courier-Journal Louisville, Kentucky Sunday, August 20, 1961 - Page 36
Fischer Fails To Show, Forfeits To Reshevsky
One of the most bizarre endings to a chess match in the memory of man occurred Thursday when Bobby Fischer, 19-year-old champion of the United States, forfeited the thirteenth game and his 16-game match series against Samuel Reshevsky, 49, of New York. Fischer and Reshevsky are America's only grandmasters.
Fischer had been scheduled to resume the series with Reshevsky in New York but failed to appear.
Al Horowitz, publisher of Chess Review and the referee, declared the game a forfeit in abeyance, pending a review by the arbitrator.
The arbitrator, Walter J. Fried, said:
“We are going to review the forefeiture by abeyance right now and declare Reshevsky the winner of the series.”
The series between the two grandmasters for a purse of about $8,000 began in New York July 16, then shifted to Los Angeles after four games. The winner was to receive 65 per cent, the loser 35.
After 11 games, the players were tied with 5½ points each. Fischer then was adjudged to have forfeited the 12th game in Los Angeles when he refused to play.
He contended the game had been rescheduled without his consent, that the forfeiture was illegal, and refused to go ahead with the series.
Fort Lauderdale News Fort Lauderdale, Florida Sunday, August 20, 1961 - Page 48
“It looks as though the Fischer-Reshevsky match may not be finished. The players were tied 5½-5½ at the end of the eleventh round.
Officials switched the time of the twelfth round from Saturday night to Sunday morning at the request of Reshevsky. Fischer objected saying he “was unable to arise so early and do himself justice at the chessboard.” The officials told him to appear or forfeit; so Bobby forfeited. He said he will not continue the match unless the decision is reversed.”
The Boston Globe Boston, Massachusetts Sunday, August 20, 1961 - Page 27
Chess Notebook by Lyman Burgess
“United States women's chess champion, Lisa Lane, was given the cover portrait, feature-article treatment by Sports Illustrated, Aug. 7. She is the third chess star to be recognized as newsworthy, the others: Sam Reshevsky and Bobby Fischer.
The latter two are still all tied up as the three-quarter mark in their long match comes up.
Pity the poor world champion, but all the chess columns win he must, to be champion, but all the chess columnists reproduce are his losses. Here is Botvinnik's only loss in the European Cup tournament at Oberhaugen, Ger.”
Courier-Post Camden, New Jersey Wednesday, August 23, 1961 - Page 4
Reshevsky-Fischer Match Ends in Fiasco
What started out as the most interesting chess match to be held in the United States in many years has ended in a sorry fiasco.
The match was between America's two foremost grandmasters—Samuel Reshevsky, 49, long recognized as champion of the Western world and never defeated in a match, and 18-year-old Bobby Fischer, four-time consecutive U.S. champion.
The match was scheduled for 16 games for a purse of about $8,000, the winner getting 65 per cent and the lost 35. The first four games were played in New York starting July 16. The players then moved to Los Angeles for the next eight. The final four were scheduled for New York.
For 11 games the match was everything expected—hard fought and thrilling. At that point the two players were tied with 5½ points each. Each player had won two games, and the others were drawn.
Inexplicably, the 12th game, last to be played in Los Angeles, was scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 12. The entire chess world knows that Reshevsky, a devout Orthodox Jew, refuses to play on the Jewish Sabbath and always has. But apparently the sponsoring American Chess Foundation overlooked this fact or for some mysterious reason chose to ignore it, until Reshevsky asked that the game be rescheduled.
Reshevsky says that he and Fischer, before going to Los Angeles, had an agreement to play the 12th game on Sunday instead of Saturday. But somehow there was a mixup as to the time on Sunday and Fischer refused to play at 11 a.m., the hour to which the game was finally shifted. Fischer now says the game could have been played the previous evening, after the conclusion of the Jewish Sabbath.
The upshot was that the officials forfeited the 12th game to Reshevsky. Fischer then refused to appear for the 13th game, when competition was resumed in New York, and the sponsors forfeited the match to his opponent. They also are threatening Bobby with a damage suit for non-compliance with the terms of his contract.
American chess thus receives another black eye, which can hardly be blamed on either Fischer or Reshevsky under the circumstances. It is a major tragedy that the American Chess Foundation, which has done so much for the game, should seem to have handled the situation so ineptly.
The Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle Milwaukee, Wisconsin Friday, August 25, 1961 - Page 2
Sports World by Harold U. Ribalow
Reshevsky-Fischer
Sammy Reshevsky, the Jewish chess prodigy of an earlier era, is now matched with Bobby Fischer, the equally brilliant prodigy of contemporary times. It promises to be an outstanding chess event of the year.
At this writing, the two men, both at the top of their form, are tied. The first game was won by Reshevsky in 60 moves and Fischer turned around and whipped Sammy in the second game in 38 moves. They have been on equal terms ever since. It is a sixteen game match and by the end of the month we shall know which of the two masters will prove to be the better player.
So far, Fischer is playing a bit more daringly and it is likely that stamina will tell the entire story. Reshevsky is a great believer in match play and hitherto the two men have been even when they have faced each other in tournaments. This is the first time they are involved in a protracted series and it will be interesting to see how they make out.
The Ottawa Journal Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Saturday, August 26, 1961 - Page 48
Match Fiasco
Samuel Reshevsky was declared victor in his match with Bobby Fischer at New York when the latter refused to continue play after being over-ruled in his protest on the hour selected for the start of the 12th game. The game was rescheduled from Saturday to Sunday 11 a.m. in deference to Reshevsky's strict orthodox adherence to the tenets of the Jewish Sabbath. The players were tied 5½ points each in the 16-game match. The committee asking him to go on with the 13th game while final decision on his appeal re the 12th game was reserved. This he rejected. Court action for breach of contract is threatened by both sides.
The seventh game:
* Correction: Rescheduled to 1:30 P.M. Sunday to accommodate the Sabbath. Then changed by organizers to 11 A.M. to personally accommodate their own early departure to the San Francisco U.S. Open. Illegal.
Fort Lauderdale News Fort Lauderdale, Florida Sunday, August 27, 1961 - Page 39
Fischer Forfeits
Bobby Fischer, 16-year-old United States Chess Champion, refused to continue the 16-game match against Sam Reshevsky and was declared the loser by forfeit. He protested the rescheduling of the twelfth game from Saturday night to Sunday morning against his wishes and the resultant forfeiture of that game.
Fischer wrote the officials:
“The rescheduling of the twelfth game was without my consent and the breach of contract therefore was not mine.”
Bill Lombardy, well liked American grandmaster, sided with Fischer. “I think there should have been a little more leeway,” he said. “It appeared that the officials threatened Fischer. I know Bobby well enough to know he would not consent to play any game at 11 o'clock in the morning.”
This article also appears in,
- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Sunday, August 27, 1961 - Page 79 “Bobby Fischer”
- Fort Lauderdale News Fort Lauderdale, Florida Sunday, August 27, 1961 - Page 94 “Bobby Fischer”
El Paso Times El Paso, Texas Sunday, August 27, 1961 - Page 64
Those Special Children
Bobby Fischer, Chicago-born and Brooklyn-raised, was an eccentric child prodigy bored with school; now is a normal boy of 18. As a baby he was interested in solving Chinese puzzles until an older sister taught him chess. At 14, he became U.S. Chess Champion, has been called “the greatest natural player the game has ever known.”
The Boston Globe Boston, Massachusetts Sunday, August 27, 1961 - Page 25
“The much-heralded Reshevsky-Fischer match ended unexpectedly after the 11th game with the scored tied, 5½-5½ (2 wins each and 7 draws). The 12th game had been reschedule (reports conflict as to why the time change) for Sunday morning (Aug 13) at 11. Fischer protested he did not want to play that early in the morning and suggested it was a plot to give Reshevsky an advantage. Reshevsky later said the game had been rescheduled 10 days before and so he failed to see why Fischer waited until almost game time before lodging a protest. Irving Rivise, referee, pleaded with Fischer to come to the game room. Fischer refused and Rivise forfeited the game to Reshevsky. The match was scheduled to be resumed in New York. But after asking one postponement Fischer refused to continue unless the forfeit was annulled. Officials asked Bobby to continue while they investigated. Fischer rejected this and declared he would resume the match only if the next game were to be the 12th. Reshevsky was then declared winner of the match. The chess foundation is still mulling whether to pay Fischer the loser's end of the purse. Now Fischer threatens to sue the foundation. Fischer is 18 years old.
Here is Reshevsky's second win (the seventh game).”
The Courier-Journal Louisville, Kentucky Sunday, August 27, 1961 - Page 38
“It is now pretty generally recognized that America's top chess players are among the best in the world, and the best in the world, of course, includes the Russians, who have dominated the royal game longer than most of us can remember.
Indeed, Grandmaster Samuel Reshevsky of New York holds a memorable victory over World Champion Mikhail Botvinnik of Russia, and has never been defeated in match play.
And this country's other grandmaster and reigning champion, Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn, is expected by many observers to win the world title, possibly within this decade.
But how good are America's women experts?
The answer will be found this fall when a United States team, headed by 22-year-old American champion Lisa Lane, plays in the Women's Chess Olympics in The Netherlands.
After the Olympics, Miss Lane will go to the mountain resort of Vrnjacka Banya in Yugoslavia, where the world's finest women players will hold an international tournament.
The winner will go to Moscow for a month-long battle with Elizaveta Bykova, present women's world champion.
The glamorous Lisa has been playing chess only a little more than four years, and her rise through the ranks, therefore, was meteoric.
Courier-Post Camden, New Jersey Wednesday, August 30, 1961 - Page 16
“The New Jersey Open Championship will be held over a four day period this weekend, starting Friday night, at Washington House, Upper Somerset st., Watchung. … Bobby Fischer took it in 1957.
—
Following is the score of the 10th game of the late lamented match between Samuel Reshevsky and Bobby Fischer, which ended so unfortunately for American chess in forfeiture of the match to Reshevsky after only 11 games of the scheduled 16 had been played:
The Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle Milwaukee, Wisconsin Friday, September 01, 1961 - Page 2
The Bobby Fischer Explosion
Chess, some people believe, is a quiet, reflective game. It is a game, they persist in thinking, that lacks action and drama. They are wrong, of course, and now even the casual sports fan knows it because Bobby Fischer exploded in his match with Sammy Reshevsky, and the noise went all across the country and the world.
By this time, many readers know what happened. But the events are worth recapitulating. Reshevsky and Fischer were tied at 5½ points each in a 16-game match. The stakes were $8,000, with the winner to get 65 per cent of the money and the loser the rest. Both men had won twice, with the rest of the games drawn. There wasn't much to choose between the 18-year-old grand master and the older man (49) who had been a prodigy and was anxious to regain his claim to the No. 1 spot in American chess.
Reshevsky is an orthodox Jew and he doesn't play on the Sabbath. Nevertheless, the officials who arranged the details of the match (which was played in New York and Los Angeles), set one of the games (the 12th, for a Saturday night at 8:30 p.m. But ten days earlier, that game had been re-scheduled for the following Sunday morning at 11 a.m.
[TRANSCRIPTION CORRECTION: Game time was rescheduled to accommodate the Sabbath at 1:30 P.M. Sunday afternoon which Fischer originally agreed to. Then, without adequate explanation Referee Irving Rivise and organizers pushed start time up to 11 A.M. Sunday morning to accommodate their own personal trip to San Francisco U.S. Open.]
Fischer balked, said he didn't want to play — he wasn't at his best, he claimed — so early in the morning. The officials forfeited the game to Reshevsky, ordered Fischer to play the 13th game and when he refused, they gave the match to Reshevsky.
Too Early To Play
Fischer had said he didn't want to play at 11 a.m. “Why should I accommodate him? Maybe he hoped I'd be tired and he'd get a draw.” He added, “We agreed before the match that there could be no forfeits. They've been making the adjourned games at screwy hours so I'll be tired.” His remark about the referee was “He just thinks I'm a kid or something.”
Fischer was willing to play the 13th game in New York, but only if it was considered the 12th. Meanwhile, he suddenly was a full point behind because of the forfeit. When the officials threatened to go to court over the matter, Reshevsky said, “I abide by the rules of the committee. I am willing to continue the series.” Fischer said, “All right, I'll take it into court, too. I'm willing to begin play against with the 12th game, but I won't resume the match at the 13th. They're just trying to trap me into continuing the match.”
When Fischer didn't show up for the 13th game, the officials of the sponsoring American Chess Foundation, gave the match to Reshevsky. Reshevsky said, “It's unfortunate it had to happen this way, but it couldn't be helped.” But another player, the No. 2 man in the country, William Lombardy perhaps spoke for many fans when he said, “Reshevsky did not have to accept this forfeit and victory. I feel it is a hollow victory for him. When only two men are involved in a match, it seems that the officials could schedule the games at a time suitable for both players.”
Unhappy Turn of Events
It is an unhappy turn of events, and there is evidence that the officials did not give Fischer any the best of it.
Apparently, the shifting was done without Fischer's approval, and there was no reason why, as Lombardy stated, agreement could not have been reached with both men involved. The schedule, as posted on the board of the Manhattan Chess Club in New York did reveal that a game was set for Saturday evening. The shifts followed with the result that Fischer was asked to play at an hour when he did not feel fresh. Surely it didn't have to bog down this way. There was no issue raised by Fischer on the Sabbath issue; mainly he complained he was being pushed about. As he is the American champion, he was entitled to consideration, even if he is 18 to Reshevsky's 49.
Chicago Tribune Chicago, Illinois Sunday, September 03, 1961 - Page 21
Chess Regains Foothold Here
Verber Stepping in Famed Path of Fischer
By Tom Fitzpatrick
Dick Verber has been playing chess on a serious level only two years but already the 17 year old St. Ignatius High school senior has scored enough points in tournaments sanctioned by the United States Chess association to earn the rating of master.
Regarded as one of the more promising players in the Chicago area, Dick is a husky 6 footer who looks more like a football candidate than a young man dedicated to the development of a skill of an essentially intellectual nature.
Yet in recent months Dick has won the Junior championship tournaments for the states of Wisconsin and Ohio as well as the speed championship of Chicago. Junior tournaments are restricted to entrants 18 and under but speed events are open to all comers.
Tutored by Leef
Credited with responsibility for Dick's rapid development is Harold Leef, a professional chess instructor for 30 years. Leef serves as tutor for members of the Chicago Chess and Checker club, 64 E. Van Buren st., where Dick plays almost every day.
Leef, who has seen most of the great masters perform, believes his current pupil has a bright future.
“Given the proper length of time to develop,” says Leef, “Dick will become a very strong player. This is an intelligent young man who possesses great imagination. He reacts well to the extreme pressure of tournament competition and perhaps, just as importantly, he is able to accept defeat and even derive valuable lessons from it.”
Leef's assessment is shared by Larry Radin, the club's public relations director. Radin, himself an excellent chess player, believes the story of Dick's development is symptomatic of a general rebirth of interest in chess among the young people of Chicago.
Fischer Helped Cause
Principal cause of the renaissance, says Radin, is the prominent position held in world chess by Chicago born Bobby Fischer, who won the first of his four United States men's championships four years ago at the age of 14.
The Chess club, founded in 1870, has 160 members. This represents an increase of 30 percent over the last four years. During the 1930's when Chicago was a center of chess activity, the club had as many as 350 members.
There are 20 other clubs in the city which operate under the auspices of the Chicago Park District system, according to Tom Hackett, physical activities supervisor. He estimates that each club has about 35 members. Each year more than 1,000 persons enter the city-wide chess tournaments sponsored by the Park District.
But the Chess club is the only organization which maintains its own permanent meeting place and whose doors are open 24 hours every day. It is this which gives it a pre-eminent position in chess circles and which attracts aspiring players such as young Verber to become members.
Many Study Books
Most serious chess players study the literature of the game in the books of great masters, notably Jose Capablanca and Paul Morphy. This has not been the case with Dick.
“Some one told me that a good chess player learns by instinct and experience what the best moves are. You must, of course, study the great games of the past but they won't do you any good unless you can apply the necessary tactics when the situations develop in your own games.”
Dick is reluctant to make any claims about his skill that he can't back up on the chess board. It is only on the subject of women and chess that he is ready to make a flat statement.
Game Not for Women
“Women,” he says, “are just not cut out to be good chess players. There is something about the way they think that prevents them from becoming really adept to it.”
This is an opinion which Dick had a chance to confirm recently when he was matched against Lisa Lane, reigning United States Women's champion, during a tournament in Milwaukee. Dick defeated her handily.
Miss Lane, who is not used to being treated in so cavalier a fashion by unknowns in the game, nearly quit the tournament in a huff as a consequence.
There were those who were surprised a youngster from Chicago could score a decisive victory over a national champion but Dick wasn't one of them.
“It was like I said right from the start,” says Dick with a broad grin, “women just aren't cut out to be good chess players.”
New York Times, New York, New York, Tuesday, September 05, 1961 - Page 44
Fischer Beats Tal in Chess
Bled, Yugoslavia, Sept. 4 (AP)—Bobby Fischer, the United States chess grand master, defeated the former world champion, Mikhail Tal of the Soviet Union today in forty-seven moves in the second round of an international chess tournament. It was the first time the young Brooklyn player had beaten Tal. The Russian had defeated Fischer four times.
This article also appears in,
- Tampa Bay Times St. Petersburg, Florida Tuesday, September 05, 1961 - Page 9 “Fischer Beats Tal In Chess Tournament”
- The Post-Standard Syracuse, New York Tuesday, September 05, 1961 - Page 12 “Bobby Fischer Beats Russian Chess Star”
- The Times Shreveport, Louisiana Tuesday, September 05, 1961 - Page 18 “Fischer Defeats Red Chess Ace”
- The Philadelphia Inquirer Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Tuesday, September 05, 1961 - Page 3 “Fischer Defeats Red Chess Ace”
- The Tennessean Nashville, Tennessee Tuesday, September 05, 1961 - Page 25 “Fischer Beats Soviet Ace”
- The Times Record Troy, New York Tuesday, September 05, 1961 - Page 19 “Chess Master Beats Russian”
- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Tuesday, September 05, 1961 - Page 22 “Yank Beats Russian”
- The Pensacola News Pensacola, Florida Tuesday, September 05, 1961 - Page 9 “U.S. Chess Master Defeats Russian”
- News-Press Fort Myers, Florida Tuesday, September 05, 1961 - Page 7 “Russian Beaten”
- Asbury Park Press Asbury Park, New Jersey Tuesday, September 05, 1961 - Page 28 “Fischer Defeats Tal In Chess in 47 Moves”
- Chicago Tribune Chicago, Illinois Tuesday, September 05, 1961 - Page 55 “Bobby Fischer Turns Back Tal in 47 Moves”
The Kansas City Times Kansas City, Missouri Tuesday, September 05, 1961 - Page 25
American Defeats Tal
Russian Chess Champion Is Conquered by Bobby Fischer
Bled, Yugoslavia, Sept. 4. (AP)—Bobby Fischer, U.S. chess grand master, defeated Mikhail Tal of Russia, former world champion, today in 47 moves in the second round of an international chess tournament.
It was the first time the young American from Brooklyn had succeeded in beating Tal. The Russian has defeated Fischer four times.
New York Times, New York, New York, Friday, September 08, 1961 - Page 41
Bisguier, U.S., Tied For Lead In Chess
Sets Pace With Geller and Trifunovic in Yugoslavia
Arthur B. Bisguier of New York, a former United States titleholder; Ewfim Geller, Soviet Union, and Dr. Petar Trifunovic, the champion for the lead at 2½—½ after three rounds of the chess tournament at Bled, according to a report from Yugoslavia yesterday. Each has won two games and drawn one.
Bobby Fischer, the 18-year old United States champion; Mikhail Tal, a former world champion; Klaus Darga, West Germany and Tigran Petrosian, the Soviet champion, are next in the standing at 2—1.
Fischer was held to a draw in the first round by Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia, but gained a decisive victory in the second round over Tal. In a smashing attack, the American won two rooks and three pawns for a queen and went on to score in forty-seven moves.
Darga held Fischer to a draw in the third round after thirty-eight moves of a King's Indian defense.
Bisguier and Dr. Trifunovic played to a draw after twenty-five moves of a Ruy Lopez in the opening round. The New Yorker beat Mijo Udovic of Yugoslavia in thirty-one moves of a Catalan opening in the second round. Bisguier added another point when he played brilliantly to defeat Paul Keres of the Soviet Union in thirty-three moves.
New York Times, New York, New York, Sunday, September 10, 1961 - Page 6
Fischer Gains Tie For Lead In Chess
U.S. Player Beats Olafsson at Bled—Bisguier Draws
Bobby Fischer of New York yesterday moved into a three way tie for first place with Arthur B. Bisguier of New York and Ewfim Geller of the Soviet Union in the masters chess tournament at Bled, Yugoslavia.
Fischer, according to a report from Yugoslavia, beat Fridrik Olafsson of Iceland in the fourth round. He conducted the white pieces in a Sicilian defense set up by Olafsson. Fischer capitalized on a clever combination that netted the exchange and two rooks versus a queen.
Olafsson resigned after thirty-nine moves.
Bisguier met Tigran Petrosian, the Soviet champion, and had the black pieces in a semi-Tarrasch defense to the Queen's Gambit declined. They drew after twenty-one moves.
Geller split the point with Mikhail Tal of Latvia. Tal had the black pieces in a Nimzo-Indian defense and sacrificed a piece, but a perpetual check caused a draw in twenty-two moves.
Fischer, Bisguier and Geller at 3—1 in the standing.
Miguel Najdorf of Argentina defeated Mario Bertok of Yugoslavia in thirty-nine moves of a Sicilian defense. Dr. Petar Trifunovic of Yugoslavia adjourned a French defense with Lajos Portisch of Hungary after forty-one moves.
Paul Keres of Estonia beat J. Germek of Yugoslavia and drew in a first-round game with J. Parma of Yugoslavia.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Sunday, September 10, 1961 - Page 30
Disputed Coast Match Still In News
By T.M. Cherington
In the USCF Open Tourney at San Francisco, Pal Benko, a Grand-master, won with a score of 11-1. Zoltan Kovacs was second with 10-2 and third was divided between Arthur Bisguier and Robert Byrne. Mrs. Eva Aronson of Chicago is the new Womens USCF Open champion since she finished with a score of 7-2, highest of her sex.
The match Reshevsky vs. Fischer, which was awarded to Reshevsky after eleven games were evenly divided 5½-5½ because Robert Fischer refused to accept an adjournment from Saturday to 11 a.m. Sunday, is still very much in the chess news.
The time for resumption of play did not have Fischer's prior approval. William Lombardy, 23-year-old Grand-master presently enrolled at Saint Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers where he is studying for the priesthood, says that the officials threatened Fischer with loss of the game and further that it was well known that he objected to morning play.
Players are always under high nervous tension during important matches and officials usually take temperament into account. Four-time U.S. Champion, 18-year-old Grand-master Fischer complained that he is not given the consideration of more mature players. “They treat me like a kid,” said Fischer of the officials.
There is much in what he says for although he is still a very young man he is a seasoned tournament player, the finest in America and entitled to every consideration due an International Grand-master. Would referee Irving Revise have set a time for a postponed game without consulting a contestant if the player were Alekhine, Tarasch, Botvinnik or Lasker in their time? Obviously not.
This column has never under-rated Fischer and the record will prove to us he has never been “Bobby.” He is Robert Fischer, Grand-master of chess.
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Sunday, September 10, 1961 - Page 42
Fischer In Three-Way Tie For Chess Honors
New York—With a fourth-round victory over Fridrik Olafsson of Iceland in the International Chess Masters Tournament at Bled, Bobby Fischer of New York moved up into a three-way tie for first place, at 3-1, with Arthur B. Bisguier of New York and Ewfim Geller, Soviet Union, according to a report from Yugoslavia Saturday.
Fischer conducted the white pieces in a Sicilian defense set up by Olafsson. The youthful U.S. champion was able to capitalize on a clever combination which netted the exchange and two rooks versus a queen. Thirty-nine moves were recorded when the Icelander resigned.
The Courier-Journal Louisville, Kentucky Sunday, September 10, 1961 - Page 40
Fischer Beats Tal In International
By Merrill Dowden
Some time ago, this department when out on a limb with the prediction that one of these days the young American grandmaster, Bobby Fischer of New York, would bring the world championship to the United States.
Bobby still has a long way to go, its true, but he took a long step in the right direction Thursday with a decisive victory over former World Champion Mikhail Tal of Latvia.
The upset occurred in the second round of the International Chess Tournament being held at Bled. In a smashing attack, the United States champion won two Rooks plus three Pawns for a Queen and went on to crack a Sicilian Defense set up by Tal in 47 moves. However, Klaus Darga of West Germany held Fischer to a draw after 38 moves of a King's Indian Defense in the third round.
Arthur B. Bisguier of New York, a former United States title-holder; Ewfim Geller, Soviet Union, and Dr. Petar Trifunovic, champion of Yugoslavia, were tied at 2½-½ for the lead after three rounds of the tournament. Each has won two games and drawn one.
Fischer, Tal, Darga and Tigran Petrosian, Soviet champion, 2-1 each, are next in the standings.
New York Times, New York, New York, Monday, September 11, 1961 - Page 30
Fischer, Petrosian Tie For Chess Lead
Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn and Tigran Petrosian, the Soviet champion, tied for first place yesterday with scores of 3½-1½ in the international chess masters tournament at Bled, Yugoslavia.
Each has won two games and drawn three, according to a report received here.
Paired with J. Parma of Yugoslavia, Fischer drew after thirty-eight moves. Petrosian defeated J. Germek of Yugoslavia in thirty-nine moves.
Miguel Najdorf of Argentina and Dr. Petar Trifunovic, the Yugoslav champion, drew in eleven moves.
Arthur B. Bisguier of New York, a former national champion, resigned after forty moves against Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia.
Tampa Bay Times St. Petersburg, Florida Monday, September 11, 1961 - Page 36
Fischer Tied For 1st
New York—With a fourth-round victory over Fridrik Olafsson of Iceland in the International Chess Masters Tournament at Bled, Bobby Fischer of New York moved up into a three-way tie for first place, at 3-1; with Arthur B. Bisguier of New York and Ewfim Geller, Soviet Union, according to a report from Yugoslavia yesterday.
Fischer conducted the white pieces in a Sicilian defense set up by Olafsson. The youthful United States champion was able to capitalize on a clever combination which netted the exchange and two rooks versus a queen. Thirty-nine moves were recorded when the Icelander resigned.
Four Share Lead In Chess At Bled
Fischer, Among Leaders, Turns Back Geller
Bobby Fischer of New York is in a four-way tie for first place after six rounds of the chess masters tournament at Bled, Yugoslavia.
Fischer, Mikhail Tal of Latvia, Tigran Petrosian of the Soviet Union and Miguel Najdorf of Argentina have scores of 4½—1½ each, according to a report from Yugoslavia yesterday.
Fischer had the white pieces in a Ruy Lopez against Ewfim Geller of Soviet Union and won in twenty-two moves.
Tal won first from Mario Bertok of Yugoslavia on the black side of a Benoni Counter Gambit in twenty-one moves. Tal also defeated Alexander Matanovic, Yugoslavia, in an unfinished fifth-round match in forty-three moves.
Petrosian beat Ludek Pachman of Czechoslovakia in twenty moves. Najdorf halved the point with Mijo Udovic of Yugoslavia in thirty-six moves and beat Matanovic in a third-round game in forty-one moves.
Other sixth-round results:
Courier-Post Camden, New Jersey Tuesday, September 12, 1961 - Page 28
“Twenty of the world's leading players are engaged in an international chess masters' tournament at Bled, Yugoslavia. It began Sept. 2 and will continue to Oct. 4.
Bobby Fischer, our youthful four-time national champion, drew the first big headlines in the second round of play when he defeated Mikhail Tal, who lost the world's championship to his fellow citizen of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Botvinnik, only a few months ago.
Fischer's victory came after 47 moves and was the first he had ever scored over Tal. The Latvian had defeated Bobby in four previous encounters.
New York Times, New York, New York, Friday, September 15, 1961 - Page 43
Fischer Is Held To Draw In Chess
Seventh-Round Game With Darga Goes 18 Moves
Bobby Fischer of the United States, Mikhail Tal of Latvia and Miguel Najdorf of Argentina drew games in the seventh round of the international masters tournament at Bled, according to a report from Yugoslavia yesterday.
The upset of the round was the defeat of Tigran Petrosian of the Soviet Union by Lajos Portisch of Hungary.
Fischer, on the black side of a King's Indian defense, drew in eighteen moves with Klaus Darga of West Germany after some queen file exchanges.
Tal was pitted against Dr. Petar Trifunovic, Yugoslav champion. The Slav set up a Caro-Kann defense. After twenty-five moves of an evenly contested game, they agreed to halve the point.
Najdorf, paired with Paul Keres of Estonia, was content to draw a Queen's Indian defense in nineteen moves.
Arthur B. Bisguier of New York, a former national champion, drew an England opening with Bruno Parma of Yugoslavia, the new world junior champion, after twenty-four moves.
Another draw was recorded between Ewfim Geller, Soviet Union, and Alexander Matanovic, Yugoslavia, a Nimzo-Indian defense that lasted twenty-two moves.
New York Times, New York, New York, Saturday, September 16, 1961 - Page 14
Lead In Chess Goes To Petrosian, Keres
With Bobby Fischer, the United States champion, and Mikhail Tal of Latvia adjourning their eighth-round matches in the international chess masters tournament at Bled, Yugoslavia, yesterday, Tigran Petrosian of the Soviet Union and Paul Keres of Estonia are deadlocked for first place.
Petrosian and Keres have scores of 5½—2½ each, according to a report received here. Fischer and Tal are tied for second place at 5—2.
Petrosian was paired with Miguel Najdorf of Argentina in a King's Indian defense set up by the latter. The South American resigned after forty moves. The loss was his first, dropping him into a tie with Dr. Petar Trifunovic of Yugoslavia at 5—3.
Keres conducted the white pieces in a Ruy Lopez against Boris Ivkov of Yugoslavia. The Estonian won in thirty-three moves when Ivkov passed the time limit.
Fischer adopted the Ruy Lopez against Alexander Matanovic of Yugoslavia, the game being adjourned after forty-one moves. Tal adjourned a Benoni Counter Gambit with Mijo Udovic of Yugoslavia after forty moves. Bruno Parma of Yugoslavia defeated his countryman, J. Germek, in a Center Counter Gambit, in thirty-five moves.
Playing to draws were Dr. Trifunovic and Fridrik Olafsson of Iceland; Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia and Lajos Portisch of Hungary, and J.B. Donner of the Netherlands and Ludek Pachman of Czechoslovakia.
New York Times, New York, New York, Sunday, September 17, 1961 - Page 281
Fischer and Tal Take Chess Lead
Each Scores 1½ Points in Adjourned Games at Bled
Bobby Fischer, the United States champion, and Mikhail Tal of Latvia gained a tie for first place in the international chess masters tournament at Bled, Yugoslavia, according to a report received here yesterday. Each scored a victory and a draw in adjourned games for scores of 6½—2½.
Tal had had a stronger position when his eighth-round game with Mijo Udovic of Yugoslavia had been adjourned. Fifty-one moves were recorded when Udovic bowed to the former world champion.
In his ninth-round match with Paul Keres of Estonia, Tal used the Ruy Lopez. Keres yielded a piece, but a perpetual check resulted and the contestants split the point after sixteen moves.
Although a pawn down in his adjourned eighth-round game with Alexander Matanovic of Yugoslavia, Fischer succeeded in drawing a bishop-versus-knight ending that lasted fifty-eight moves.
Fischer then defeated Arthur B. Bisguier, a former national champion, in the ninth round. Bisguier conducted the white pieces in a Queen's Gambit declined, Tarrasch defense. He held out for forty-eight moves before resigning.
Tigran Petrosian, the Soviet champion, drew with Boris Ivkov of Yugoslavia in a Sicilian defense that went sixteen moves.
The Soviet grandmaster dropped to a tie for second place at 6—3 with Keres.
The only other winner in the ninth round was J. Germek of Yugoslavia. He defeated Klaus Darga of West Germany in forty-eight moves of a Nimzo-Indian defense.
The following played draws:
Lajos Portisch, Hungary, and J.H. Donner, the Netherlands; Miguel Najdorf, Argentina, and Svetozar Gligoric, Yugoslavia; Fridrik Olafsson, Iceland; Ewfim Geller, Soviet Union and Dr. Petar Trifunovic, Yugoslavia.
The games between Ludek Pachman of Czechoslovakia and Bruno Parma of Yugoslavia, and Alexander Matanovic and Mario Bertok, both of Yugoslavia, were adjourned.
Ivkov and Udovic, and Olafsson and Bertok drew adjourned seventh-round games. Geller beat Bertok and Darga drew with Bisguier in adjourned eight-round games.
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Sunday, September 17, 1961 - Page 39
Fischer Tied For Lead In Yugoslav Tourney
United States chess champion Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn is in a four-way tie for first place after six rounds of an international masters tournament in Bled, Yugoslavia, according to a report from the New York Times.
Tied with Fischer are former world champion Mikhail Tal of Latvia, Russian champion Tigran Petrosian and Miguel Najdorf of Argentina. All have scores of 4½-1½.
Unusually short, decisive games marked the sixth round. Fischer had the white pieces in a Ruy Lopez against Ewfim Geller of the Soviet Union. In a smashing attack the 18-year-old Fischer, youngest player in the event, forced the Russian to resign in 22 moves.
Tal won from Mario Bertok of Yugoslavia on the black side of a Benoni Counter Gambit. Bertok lost a piece and resigned after 21 moves. Petrosian, paired with Ludek Pachman of Czechoslovakia, sacrificed his queen to force mate in 20 moves.
Arthur Bisguier of New York, former U.S. champion, who is the second American in succession to drop to a 3-3 score. Against Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia, Bisguier had a winning position but missed his way. Facing J.H. Donner of the Netherlands Bisguier erred in a difficult end-game which lasted 78 moves.
Following is the standing after six completed rounds:
This article also appears in,
- Albuquerque Journal Albuquerque, New Mexico Sunday, September 17, 1961 - Page 75 “Can you tell me who is the current chess champion of the United States?”
- Arizona Daily Star Tucson, Arizona Sunday, September 17, 1961 - Page 54 “Can you tell me who is the current chess champion of the United States?”
- Detroit Free Press Detroit, Michigan Sunday, September 17, 1961 - Page 62 “Can you tell me who is the current chess champion of the United States?”
- Daily Press Newport News, Virginia Sunday, September 17, 1961 - Page 78 “Can you tell me who is the current chess champion of the United States?”
- Tampa Bay Times St. Petersburg, Florida Sunday, September 17, 1961 - Page 156 “Can you tell me who is the current chess champion of the United States?”
- Clarion-Ledger Jackson, Mississippi Sunday, September 17, 1961 - Page 66 “Can you tell me who is the current chess champion of the United States?”
- Dayton Daily News Dayton, Ohio Sunday, September 17, 1961 - Page 123 “Can you tell me who is the current chess champion of the United States?”
- The Boston Globe Boston, Massachusetts Sunday, September 17, 1961 - Page 239 “Can you tell me who is the current chess champion of the United States?”
- St. Louis Post-Dispatch St. Louis, Missouri Sunday, September 17, 1961 - Page 204 “Can you tell me who is the current chess champion of the United States?”
- Press and Sun-Bulletin Binghamton, New York Sunday, September 17, 1961 - Page 66 “Can you tell me who is the current chess champion of the United States?”
- Honolulu Star-Bulletin Honolulu, Hawaii Sunday, September 17, 1961 - Page 92 “Can you tell me who is the current chess champion of the United States?”
- Hartford Courant Hartford, Connecticut Sunday, September 17, 1961 - Page 145 “Can you tell me who is the current chess champion of the United States?”
- The Akron Beacon Journal Akron, Ohio Sunday, September 17, 1961 - Page 170 “Can you tell me who is the current chess champion of the United States?”
- Independent Star-News Pasadena, California Sunday, September 17, 1961 - Page 102 “Can you tell me who is the current chess champion of the United States?”
- Independent Press-Telegram Long Beach, California Sunday, September 17, 1961 - Page 102 “Can you tell me who is the current chess champion of the United States?”
- Oakland Tribune Oakland, California Sunday, September 17, 1961 - Page 78 “Can you tell me who is the current chess champion of the United States?”
The Morning Call Allentown, Pennsylvania Sunday, September 17, 1961 - Page 84
Q. Can you tell me who is the current chess champion of the United States?—E.W., Erie, Pa.
A. Eighteen-year-old Bobby Fischer.
New York Times, New York, New York, Monday, September 18, 1961 - Page 39
Fischer On Top in Chess
Bled, Yugoslavia, Sept. 17 (AP)—Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn held the lead tonight after the tenth round of an international chess tournament. He beat Bertok of Yugoslavia. Mikhail Tal of the Soviet Union and Tigran Petrosian of the Soviet Union drew, dropping Tal to second place. Fischer has 7½ points and Tal 7.
New York Times, New York, New York, Tuesday, September 19, 1961 - Page 44
Fischer Leader in Chess At Bled
U.S. Champion Tops Bertok — Tal, Keres, Runners-Up
The tie for first place in the international chess masters tournament at Bled was broken in the tenth round yesterday according to a report from Yugoslavia.
Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn, the 18-year-old United States champion, took the lead, alone with a score of 7½—2½. He beat Mario Bertok of Yugoslavia in forty-four moves. Mikhail Tal of Latvia fell half a point behind when he drew with Tigran Petrosian, the Soviet champion, in seventeen moves.
Tal, a former world champion, dropped to a tie for second with Paul Keres of Estonia, at 7-3. Petrosian, 6½—3½, is next.
Keres defeated Fridrik Olafsson of Iceland in forty-one moves. Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia won from Boris Ivkov of Yugoslavia in forty-two moves.
Playing to draws were Dr. Peter Trifunovic and Alexander Matanovic, both of Yugoslavia, and Klaus Darga of West Germany and Ludek Pachman of Czechoslovakia.
Adjourning games were Mijo Udovic of Yugoslavia and Ewfim Geller of the Soviet Union, J.H. Donner of the Netherlands and Miguel Najdorf of Argentina, Bruno Parma of Yugoslavia and Lajos Portisch of Hungary, and Arthur B. Bisguier of the United States and J. Germek of Yugoslavia.
In the resumption of adjourned ninth-round games, Pachman and Parma drew and Matanovic beat Bertok.
New York Times, New York, New York, Thursday, September 21, 1961 - Page 44
Petrosian Plays A Draw In Chess
Breaks a 3-Way Tie for 2d—Fischer Keeps Lead
Bled, Yugoslavia, Sept. 20 (AP)—Tigran Petrosian of the Soviet Union drew with a countryman, Ewfim Geller, today and broke a three-way tie for second place in the international grand masters chess tournament.
Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn, who adjourned his twelfth-round match with Petar Trifunovic of Yugoslavia, is first with a score of 8—3. Petrosian is 8—4. Paul Keres of Estonia and Mikhail Tal of Latvia share third with 7½-3½ totals.
Bobby Fischer retained the lead by playing a draw in the eleventh round, according to a report from Yugoslavia Wednesday. Petrosian won his eleventh-round game and moved into a tie for second with Keres and Tal.
Fischer, paired with J. Germek of Yugoslavia, conducted the black pieces and set up a King's Indian defense.
The United States champion from Brooklyn lost a pawn and his position began to deteriorate. Under time pressure, Germek erred and Fischer was able to split the point after thirty-eight moves. The American's score was 8—3 after the draw.
Petrosian won a pawn on the black side of a French defense against Fridrik Olafsson of Iceland. An unsound sacrifice of a rook forced the Icelander's resignation in thirty-three moves.
Keres and Geller made short work of a queen's gambit declined. The game last twenty-six moves and they agreed to halve the point.
Tal played Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia in a King's Indian defense. The Slav, with the black pieces, sacrificed a rook and forced a repetition of moves that resulted in a draw in thirty-seven moves. Gligoric, still undefeated, has a score of 6½—3½, with one game pending.
The other winner in the eleventh round was J.H. Donner of the Netherlands. He defeated Boris Ivkov of Yugoslavia in thirty-nine moves of a Caro-Kahn defense.
This article also appears in,
- Asbury Park Press Asbury Park, New Jersey Thursday, September 21, 1961 - Page 35 “Chess Tourney Tied”
- Nanaimo Daily News Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada Thursday, September 21, 1961 - Page 10 “Chess Play”
The Baltimore Sun Baltimore, Maryland Thursday, September 21, 1961 - Page 24
Fischer and Russian Deadlock In Chess
Bled, Yugoslavia, Sept. 20 (AP)—Tigran Petrosjan, of Russia, drew with countrymen Efrem Geller today and pulled into a tie with Bobby Fischer, of Brooklyn, for first place in an international chess tournament.
The half-point from the draw gave Petrosjan 8 points for twelve rounds of competition. Fischer, whose match with Petar Trifunovic, of Yugoslavia, was adjourned, has 8 points from eleven rounds.
New York Times, New York, New York, Friday, September 22, 1961 - Page 42
Fischer Has Edge In Twelfth Game
Adjourns With Trifunovic, in Winning Position
Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn, the leader in the international grand masters chess tournament at Bled, adjourned his twelfth-round game, according to a report from Yugoslavia yesterday.
The United States champion, undefeated and in first place with a score of 8—3, had the white forces in a Ruy Lopez against Dr. Petar Trifunovic of Yugoslavia. After five hours, Fischer was a pawn ahead and had a winning position.
Tigran Petrosian, the Soviet champion, second in the race with 8—4, was content to draw a king's Indian defense with Ewfim Geller, Soviet Union, in sixteen moves.
Mikhail Tal of Latvia and Paul Keres of Estonia, 7½—3½, bracketed for third place, adjourned their games.
Tal set up a king's Indian defense against J.H. Donner of the Netherlands. When play ceased after forty-one moves, the Latvian was the exchange ahead.
Keres, pitted against Alexander Matanovic of Yugoslavia, had a positional advantage in a Ruy Lopez, which was unfinished after forty-three moves.
Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia, in fourth place with 7—4, drew on the white side of a Gruenfeld defense with Fridrik Olafsson of Iceland in twenty-two moves.
New York Times, New York, New York, Saturday, September 23, 1961 - Page 14
Fischer Sets Back Trifunovic at Bled, Holds Chess Lead
Twelve adjourned games from the seventh, tenth, eleventh and twelfth rounds were played off yesterday in the international chess masters tournament at Bled, according to a report from Yugoslavia.
Bobby Fischer, the United States champion, undefeated after twelve rounds, retained his hold on first place with a score of 9—3. He defeated Dr. Petar Trifunovic, the Yugoslav champion, in their unfinished twelfth-round game.
When play was resumed, Fischer, with the white pieces in a Ruy Lopez, succeeded in out-maneuvering his rival by means of exemplary end-game technique in a rook-and-pawn ending lasting seventy-three moves.
A chief rival, Mikhail Tal of Latvia, improved his score by winning his adjourned match with J.H. Donner of the Netherlands in fifty-seven moves. This was a King's Indian defense. With a score of 8½—3½, the former world champion is half a point behind the leader.
Tied for third place at 8—4 are Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia, Paul Keres of Estonia and Tigran Petrosian, the Soviet champion. Gligoric gained a point at the expense of Ludek Pachman of Czechoslovakia in a game adjourned from the seventh round.
New York Times, New York, New York, Sunday, September 24, 1961 - Page 285
Fischer and Tal Tied in Chess
Belgrade, Yugoslavia, Sept. 23 (AP)—Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn drew his thirteenth-round game today and dropped into a first-place tie with Mikhail Tal of Latvia in the Bled chess tournament. Fischer was held to a draw by Ludvig Pachmann of Czechoslovakia. Tal defeated Bruno Parma of Yugoslavia and tied Fischer with 9½ points.
The Courier-Journal Louisville, Kentucky Sunday, September 24, 1961 - Page 46
Fischer Leads Field In Masters Tourney
By Merrill Dowden
Bobby Fischer, 18-year-old chess champion of the United States, was still undefeated after the twelfth round of play was completed Friday in the International Chess Masters Tournament at Bled, Yugoslavia.
The New York Times News Service reports that Fischer retained his hold on first place with a score of 9-3. (The points scored against him were for drawn games, each opponent in the draw halving the point.)
Fischer defeated Dr. Peter Trifunovic, Yugoslav champion. Playing White in a Ruy Lopez, Fisher succeeded in out-maneuvering the Slav by means of exemplary end-game technique in a Rook and Pawn ending lasting 73 moves.
A chief rival, Mikhail Tal of Latvia, improved his score by wining his adjourned match with J.H. Donner of The Netherlands, a King's Indian Defense, in 57 moves. With a tally of 8½-3½, the former world champion is half a point behind the leader.
Bracketed for third place, at 8-4, are Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia, Paul Keres of Estonia, and Tigran Petrosian, Soviet champion.
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Sunday, September 24, 1961 - Page 72
Fischer Beats Tal, Leads Bled Tourney
Bobby Fischer, 18-year-old United States chess champion, assumed sole possession of the lead at the half-way mark of the international masters tournament at Bled, Yugoslavia, according to a report from the New York Times.
After 10 rounds Fischer had five wins and as many draws for a score of 7½-2½. His outstanding success was the defeat of Mikhail Tal of Latvia, who recently lost his world championship title.
Tal played a backward variation of the Sicilian Defense, and Fischer quickly gained the initiative. After some sharp play Fischer won a passed pawn deep in Tal's territory. To support it Fischer gave up his queen, but gained more than equivalent in material.
It was Fischer's first victory over Tal, who scored four straight wins against him in the challenger's tournament in Yugoslavia two years ago.
Tal is tied for second place with Paul Keres of Estonia, each having a score of 7-3. Keres also suffered defeat at the hands of an American, former U.S. champion Arthur S. Bisguier of New York.
Svetozar Gligoric leads the Yugoslav contingent, being tied at 6½-3½ by Russian champion Tigran Petrosian. Gligoric is undefeated, whereas Petrosian succumbed to Lajos Portisch of Hungary.
Bisguier started well with three points in his first four games, including the win over Keres, but later lost three times to drop down to the second division with 4-5.
Following is the standing after 10 rounds, and games from the tournament.
The Boston Globe Boston, Massachusetts Sunday, September 24, 1961 - Page 61
“At this writing Bobby Fischer is among the leaders at Bled, while Arthur Bisguier, after his fine start, has dropped back into the pack.”
The Philadelphia Inquirer Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Sunday, September 24, 1961 - Page 3
Fischer Drops Into Tie With Red
Belgrade, Sept. 23 (AP)—Bobby Fischer, of Brooklyn, ended in a draw in his 13th round game Saturday and dropped into a tie for first with Russia's Mikhail Tal in the Bled chess tournament.
The boy wonder from the United States, who had held the undisputed lead, was held to a draw by Ludvig Pachmann, of Czechoslovakia. Tal defeated Bruno Parma, of Yugoslavia, and tied Fischer with 9½ points.
New York Times, New York, New York, Monday, September 25, 1961 - Page 43
Tal, Fischer Tied For Lead In Chess
Mikhail Tal of Latvia yesterday tied Bobby Fischer of the United States at 9½—3½ for the lead after thirteen rounds of the international chess masters tournament at Bled, according to a report from Yugoslavia.
Tal conducted the white pieces in a Sicilian defense set up by Bruno Parma of Yugoslavia. The Latvian won the exchange and Parma resigned in twenty-nine moves.
Fischer, paired with Ludek Pachman of Czechoslovakia, had the black side of a King's Indian defense. Fischer sacrificed a rook, but a counter sacrifice by the Czech resulted in a draw after twenty-seven moves.
In other matches, Boris Ivkov, Yugoslavia, beat Klaus Darga, West Germany, in forty-six moves and Fridrik Olafsson, Iceland, beat J.H. Donner, the Netherlands, in thirty moves. Lajos Portisch, Hungary, and J. Germek, Yugoslavia, tied in thirty-one moves. Dr. Petar Trifunovic, Yugoslavia, adjourned after forty-one moves.
New York Times, New York, New York, Tuesday, September 26, 1961 - Page 46
Tal Takes Lead In Chess At Bled
Draws in 14th Round and Goes Ahead of Fischer
Mikhail Tal of Latvia took the lead with a score of 10—4 in the fourteenth round of the international chess masters tournament at Bled, according to a report from Yugoslavia yesterday.
Tal broke a tie with Bobby Fischer, the United States champion, by drawing in twenty-three moves with Klaus Darga of West Germany while Fischer failed to finish with Mijo Udovic of Yugoslavia.
Fischer had the white pieces in a Piro defense to the Queen's Pawn opening. At the end of the five-hour session, they adjourned a rook-and-pawn ending. Forty moves had been recorded.
Paul Keres of Estonia, tied with Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia for third place with 8½-4½, was content to draw a Petroff defense in twenty-two moves with Dr. Petar Trifunovic, the Yugoslav champion.
Gligoric was the exchange ahead and had a winning position against Alexander Matanovic of Yugoslavia when adjournment was taken after forty-four moves of a Nimzo-Indian defense.
Arthur B. Bisguier of New York beat Boris Ivkov of Yugoslavia, who played the Sicilian defense but overstepped the time limit and resigned after forty moves.
This article also appears in,
- Asbury Park Press Asbury Park, New Jersey Tuesday, September 26, 1961 - Page 23 “Fischer, Tal Tied”
- The Baltimore Sun Baltimore, Maryland Tuesday, September 26, 1961 - Page 24 “Fischer Remains Tied”
Nanaimo Daily News Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada Tuesday, September 26, 1961 - Page 11
Chess Tourney Remains Tied
Belgrade (AP) — Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn and Russia's Mikhail Tal each adjourned their 15th-round games Monday night and remained tied for first place in the international grand masters' chess tournament.
Each has 10 points with one adjournment.
Fischer adjourned his match Monday night with Lajos Portis of Hungary and Tal with Arthur Bisguier of New York. Bisguier is tied for sixth place with eight points.
New York Times, New York, New York, Wednesday, September 27, 1961 - Page 47
Fischer and Tal Take Games And Lead International Chess
Belgrade, Sept. 26 (AP) — Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn and Mikhail Tal of Latvia won adjourned fifteenth-round games tonight and remained tied for first place in the international grand masters chess tournament.
The leaders had 11 points apiece. Fischer defeated Lajos Portisch of Hungary and Tal won from Arthur Bisguier of New York.
—
Bobby Fischer moved into a tie for the lead with Mikhail Tal by drawing a fourteenth-round game with Mijo Udovic of Yugoslavia without resuming play, according to a report from Yugoslavia Tuesday.
Tal, paired in the fifteenth round with Arthur B. Bisguier of New York, a former United States champion, had the white pieces in a Caro-Kann defense set up by Bisguier. Each had a rook, bishop and three pawns at the end of the five-hour session when an adjournment was taken after forty-one moves.
Fischer's unfinished game with Lajos Portisch of Hungary was adjourned after forty moves of a Queen's Gambit declined. The national champion from Brooklyn had the black forces and was two pawns ahead at the end of the session with good winning chances.
Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia and Paul Keres of Estonia were bracketed in third place with 9½—4½ after winning their games.
Gligoric, playing the black side of a King's Indian defense against Mario Bertok, Yugoslavia, triumphed in thirty-seven moves, while Keres gained the verdict over Udovic in a Catalan opening that lasted thirty-eight moves.
Tigran Petrosian, the Soviet champion, fifth in the standing, with 8½—4½, drew a Queen's Gambit in nineteen moves with Dr. Peter Trifunovic, Yugoslav champion.
Ewfim Geller, Soviet Union, was the other winner in yesterday's round. He defeated Bruno Parma, Yugoslavia, world junior champion, on the white side of a Sicilian defense after thirty-one moves.
A draw in sixteen moves of a Caro-Kann defense was played by Boris Ivkov and J. Germek, both of Yugoslavia.
The following games were adjourned:
Asbury Park Press Asbury Park, New Jersey Wednesday, September 27, 1961 - Page 34
Fischer, Tal Tie For Chess Lead
Belgrade (AP)—Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn, won the completion of an adjourned game with Lajos Portis of Hungary last night and held a share of first place in the International Grand Masters chess tournament.
Fischer, with 11 points after 15 rounds, is tied with Soviet grand master Mikhail Tal—former world champion. Tal won his adjourned match with Arthur Bisguier of New York. Bisguier is tied for eighth with 8 points.
Oakland Tribune Oakland, California Wednesday, September 27, 1961 - Page 7
Chess Winner
Belgrade, Sept. 27—(AP)—Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn, N.Y., won the completion of an adjourned game with Lajos Portis of Hungary last night and held a share of first place in the International Grand Masters Chess Tournament.
Tampa Bay Times St. Petersburg, Florida Wednesday, September 27, 1961 - Page 34
Fischer, Tal Tied
New York — Bobby Fischer, United States champion, and Mikhail Tal of Latvia are tied for first place with scores of 10-4 in the International Chess Masters tournament at Bled.
New York Times, New York, New York, Thursday, September 28, 1961 - Page 56
Fischer Winner In 48-Move Game
Tal Requires 61 to Defeat Bisguier in 15th Round
Eleven games that had been adjourned from the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth rounds of the international grand masters chess tournament were played off, according to a report from Yugoslavia yesterday.
The standing of the leaders was not affected by the results. Bobby Fischer, the United States champion, and Mikhail Tal of Latvia remained tied for first place at 11—4. Both won their unfinished fifteenth-round games.
Fischer scored a point at the expense of Lajos Portisch of Hungary in forty-eight moves. Tal defeated Arthur B. Bisguier, United States, after sixty-one moves.
Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia, half a point behind the leaders with 10½—4½, won his adjourned fourteenth-round game with Alexander Matanovic of Yugoslavia in sixty-six moves.
Adding 1½ points to his score, Tigran Petrosian, Soviet champion, tied Paul Keres of Estonia for fourth place. They have scores of 10—5. The Soviet grand master drew his unfinished thirteenth-round game with Matanovic without resuming play. Then he defeated Mario Bertok of Yugoslavia in sixty-two moves in their game adjourned from the fourteenth round.
Keres' thirteenth-round game with Mario Bertok of Yugoslavia resulted in a draw after forty-five moves.
Other results:
New York Times, New York, New York, Saturday, September 30, 1961 - Page 20
Fischer, Najdorf Play Chess Draw
American Drops to Third at Bled—Tal Takes Lead
Belgrade, Yugoslavia, Sept. 29 (AP)—Bobby Fischer of the United States and Miguel Najdorf of Argentina played to a draw tonight in the Bled chess tournament.
Earlier, Fischer had adjourned a sixteenth-round match with Paul Keres of Estonia.
Mikhail Tal of Latvia defeated J. Germek of Yugoslavia in thirty-two moves to take the lead with a 12-4 score. Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia is second with 12-5 and Fischer third with 11½-4½
Fischer conducted the white forces in a Caro-Kann defense set up by Keres. At the end of the session Fischer had a queen, bishop and three pawns against a queen, knight and three pawns. A passed queen's knight pawn gave Fischer and advantage when the players adjourned after forty moves.
A draw in a queen's gambit resulted between Gligoric and Dr. Petar Trifunovic of Yugoslavia. Seventeen moves were recorded.
Keres and Tigran Petrosian of the Sovet Union, each 10-5, are tied for fourth. Trifunovic, 9-7, advanced to sixth.
Another draw was registered between Bruno Parma and Alexander Matanovic, both of Yugoslavia, in a Ruy Lopez that lasted thirty moves.
The following games were adjourned:
Asbury Park Press Asbury Park, New Jersey Friday, September 29, 1961 - Page 30
Tal One Point Ahead of Fischer in Chess
Belgrade, (AP)—Mikhail Tal of the Soviet Union, former world champion, took over the lead last night in an international chess tournament with a total of 12 points.
Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn, N.Y., had 11 points. Fischer could tie Tal by winning a match adjourned last night with Paul Keres of Russia.
The Tennessean Nashville, Tennessee Friday, September 29, 1961 - Page 37
Tal Takes Chess Lead
Belgrade (AP)—Mikhail Tal of the Soviet Union, former world champion, took over the lead last night in the Bled International Chess Tournament with a total of 12 points. Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn, N.Y., had 11 points. Fischer could tie Tal by winning a match adjourned last night with Paul Keres of Russia.
The Gazette Montreal, Quebec, Canada Saturday, September 30, 1961 - Page 15
Fischer Ahead At Bled
Undefeated after 12 rounds of play in the strong international at Bled, Yugoslavia, Bobby Fischer, American champion, holds the lead with 9-3 points, ahead of ex-world champion, Mikhail Tal, USSR, 8½-3½ pts. Fischer was victor in their individual game given below.
Asbury Park Press Asbury Park, New Jersey Saturday, September 30, 1961 - Page 13
Fischer Still Is Threat in Chess
Belgrade (AP)—Bobby Fischer of the United States and Miguel Najdorf of Argentina played to a draw in last night's match in the Bled Chess Tournament.
Fischer, in third place with 11.5 points, still is considered the top threat to the leaders, Russian Mikhail Tal and Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia, each of whom has 12 points. Arthur Bisgayer of the United States lost in the 19th round yesterday to Efram Geller of Russia, and now has nine points.
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Sunday, October 01, 1961 - Page 60
Fischer, Tal Tied In Bled Tourney
United States chess champion Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn and former world champion Mikhail Tal of Latvia were tied for first place after 15 rounds of the international masters tournament at Bled, Yugoslavia, according to a report from the New York Times.
The leaders had 11 points apiece after hard earned wins in the 15th round. Fischer defeated Lajos Portisch of Hungary in 40 moves on the black side of a Queen's Gambit Declined.
Tal was paired with former United States champion Arthur B. Bisguier of New York, who played the Caro-Kann Defense. The game was adjourned in a rook and bishop ending, with Tal scoring the point in the second session.
Fischer is undefeated, having won seven games and drawn eight. In the final four rounds he will face Miguel Najdorf of Argentina, Paul Keres of Estonia, Boris Ivkov of Yugoslavia and Russian champion Tigran Petrosian.
Tal lost only to Fischer, and has won eight games and drawn six. He has still to meet J. Germek of Yugoslavia, Ludek Pachman of Czechoslovakia, Portisch and Najdorf.
Yugoslav champion Svetozar Gligoric is tied for third with Keres at 9½-4½. Each has one adjourned game. Petrosian has 8½-4½, with two adjourned games, and is still very much in the running. Bisguier, who won four out of five before losing to Tal, moved close to the leaders.
Following is the standing after 15 rounds, and games from the tournament.
Fischer Shares Second Place With Gligoric in Chess at Bled
Belgrade, Sept. 30 (AP) —Bobby Fischer of the United States tied Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia for second place after eighteen rounds of the Bled chess tournament today. Each had 12½ points. Mikhail Tal of Latvia leads with 13½ points.
Fischer defeated Tigran Petrosian of the Soviet Union. Bisguier of the United States and Aleksander Matanovic of Yugoslavia adjourned their match.
—
By gaining an important point in the seventeenth round of the chess masters tournament at Bled, Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia, advanced to second place, according to a report from Yugoslavia yesterday.
Gligoric's opponent was Mijo Udovic of Yugoslavia. Gligoric, with the black forces in King's Indian defense, won with a mating attack after thirty-eight moves. Gligoric has a score of 12-5.
Mikhail Tal of Latvia, in first place with 12-4, adjourned with Ludek Pachman of Czechoslovakia. Tal played the white pieces in a Caro-Kann defense.
At the end of the five-hour session, Tal was the exchange ahead.
Bobby Fischer, the United States champion, and Miguel Najdorf of Argentina drew. The Saemisch variation of the King's Indian defense was played, with the Argentinian conducting the white forces. After some exchanges on the KB file, they agreed to split the point in twenty-four moves. Fischer is third at 11½-4½.
Paul Keres of Estonia and Tigran Petrosian, the Soviet champion, tied for fourth at 10½-5½, made short work of a Caro-Kann defense. Twenty-one moves led to a draw.
Arthur B. Bisguier of the United States beat Ewfim Geller of the Soviet Union in a mating attack with queen, rook and bishop, Bisguier after thirty-nine moves of a Catalan opening.
Other results:
Sunday Gazette-Mail Charleston, West Virginia Sunday, October 01, 1961 - Page 67
“The United States champion, Bobby Fischer, continues to set a blazing pace in the Bled, Yugoslavia, international tournament. After 15 of the 19 rounds had been completed, Fischer was tied with ex-world champion Mikhail Tal of Russia for the lead, with an 11 to 4 score. Close behind were Gligoric, Keres and Petrosian, with the other American, Arthur Bisguier, getting his second wind an forging up, among the leaders.
Through 15 rounds Fischer has remained undefeated and he had the great satisfaction of winning from Tal in the second round. Undoubtedly, the recent match with Samuel Reshevsky helped to get Fischer into top form. And it is probable that he learned a few fine points about the end-game from Reshevsky, who displayed a superior mastery in that department over his younger opponent.
We are of the opinion that Fischer will finish in first place in this event at Bled; either alone or in a tie with Tal. Fischer is the youngest competitor but he also has had enough experience by now so that he is unlikely to blow his chances in the final few sessions.”
The Boston Globe Boston, Massachusetts Sunday, October 01, 1961 - Page 45
“With two-thirds of the playing scheduled gone by Bobby Fischer held a half point lead over Mikhail Tal, former world champion. Fischer was 9-3 and Tal 8-3 at the top of a star-studded field. Bisguier was doing middling well. One of the shockers is the low standing of Fridrik Olafsson, Iceland, who a short time ago because of a series of outstanding successes, was looked upon as the “hope of the West.” He scored but 3 points out of his first 12 games.
Here is a win by Fischer over Ewfim Geller, one of the Soviet Union's best.
…
Tal won in the 13th round as Fischer drew, then in the 14th Tal drew and Fischer adjourned against Udocic. Gligoric, Keres, and Petrosian maintained their positions just slightly to the rear of the two leaders. Meanwhile, Bisguier won twice to move into 6th place.
The Courier-Journal Louisville, Kentucky Sunday, October 01, 1961 - Page 43
Tal Forges Into Lead In Masters
Former World Champion Mikhail Tal of Latvia has taken the lead with a score of 12-4 in the International Chess Masters Tournament at Bled, Yugoslavia.
I have learned through the New York Times News Service that Tal forged ahead Friday night when he paired with J. Germek of Yugoslavia and he had the Black side of a Benoni Counter Gambit. Germak made an unsound sacrifice and resigned after 32 moves.
Stubborn opposition by Paul Keres of Estonia prevented Bobby Fischer, United States champion, from adding to his score, which remains at 11-4.
Fischer conducted the White forces in a Caro-Kann defense set up by Keres.
At the end of the session, Fischer had a queen, bishop and three Pawns versus a Queen, Knight and three Pawns. A passed Queen's Knight gave Fischer an advantage when adjournment was taken after 40 moves.
A draw in a Queen's Gambit was the result of the encounter between Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia, and his country-man, Dr. Petar Trifunovic. Gligoric retained third place with 11-5. Keres and Tigran Petrosian of the Soviet Union, each 10-5, are tied for fourth and fifth places and Trifunovic, 9-7, advanced to sixth place.
New York Times, New York, New York, Monday, October 02, 1961 - Page 40
Fischer And Keres Draw Chess Game
Belgrade, Oct. 1 (AP)—Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn drew with Paul Keres of Estonia in the international grand masters' chess tournament today and moved within a half point of the leader, Mikhail Tal of Latvia.
Tal has 13½ points, Fischer 13.
—
Fischer, the United States champion, beat Tigran Petrosian, the Soviet champion, in the eighteenth and semi-final round according to a report from Yugoslavia Sunday.
Other eighteenth-round matches:
This article also appears in,
- The Times Munster, Indiana Tuesday, October 10, 1961 - Page 26 “How old was Bobby Fischer when he first became the U.S. chess champion?”
- The Morning Call Allentown, Pennsylvania Friday, October 13, 1961 - Page 32 “How old was Bobby Fischer when he first became the U.S. chess champion?”
- Globe-Gazette Mason City, Iowa Thursday, November 16, 1961 - Page 4 “How old was Bobby Fischer when he first became the U.S. chess champion?”
- Star-Gazette Elmira, New York Sunday, January 21, 1962 - Page 8 “How old was Bobby Fischer when he first became the U.S. chess champion?”
- The Bakersfield Californian Bakersfield, California Tuesday, August 03, 1965 - Page 20 “How old was Bobby Fischer when he first became the U.S. chess champion? - T.A.”
The Daily Telegram Eau Claire, Wisconsin Monday, October 02, 1961 - Page 10
Q. How old was Bobby Fischer when he first became the U.S. chess champion?
A. Bobby Fischer, of Brooklyn, N.Y., was 14 years old when he won the U.S. championship on January 7, 1958, at the Manhattan Chess Club in New York City. He started playing chess when he was six.
The Warren County Observer Warren, Pennsylvania Monday, October 02, 1961 - Page 18
Fischer Gains Top Spot Tie
(c)New York Times Service
New York - Bobby Fischer, United States champion, in a fighting finish in the international chess masters tournament at Bled, gained a notable triumphs over Tigran Petrosian, Soviet Champion in the 18th and semi-final round. He again moved up into a tie for first place with Mikhail Tal of Latvia, former world champion, according to a report from Yugoslavia. Both have scores of 12½—4½.
New York Times, New York, New York, Tuesday, October 03, 1961 - Page 18
Peace March Is Due At Moscow Today
Moscow, Oct. 2 (AP)—Thirty peace marchers from the West demonstrated in front of a Soviet Air Force barracks outside Moscow today and had their first brush with regulations against taking photographs of military installations.
Later, the marchers, some of them Americans, continued toward Moscow, where they are due tomorrow afternoon.
“It was a heaven-sent opportunity to get our message out,” said Bradford Lyttle of New York, one of the marchers. “We have made history by demonstrating in front of a Soviet barracks.”
—
Moscow, Oct. 2—The marchers, sponsored by the Committee for Nonviolent Action, have been welcomed despite the fact that their signs and leaflets advocate unilateral disarmament.
The Soviet press has been giving publicity to the presence among them of Mrs. Regina Fischer of Brooklyn, mother of Bobby Fischer, young United States chess champion.
New York Times, New York, New York, Tuesday, October 03, 1961 - Page 49
Tal Captures Lead In Masters Chess
Eighteen rounds were completed in the international chess masters tournament at Bled with the playing of ten adjourned games from the sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth rounds, according to a report from Yugoslavia yesterday.
The tie for first place between Bobby Fischer, the United States champion, and Mikhail Tal of Latvia was broken when Tal won his unfinished seventeenth-round game with Ludek Pachman of Czechoslovakia.
At the time of adjournment, the Czech was the exchange down and he resigned without further play. Tal thus increased his score to 13½—4½.
Fischer drew with Paul Keres of Estonia after fifty-four moves in their adjourned sixteenth-round match and fell half a point behind the leader at 13—5.
The Soviet champion, Tigran Petrosian, gained an important point at the expense of Mijo Udovic of Yugoslavia.
The Minneapolis Star Minneapolis, Minnesota Tuesday, October 03, 1961 - Page 44
Pacifists End March in Moscow
Moscow—(Reuters)—Thirty western pacifists, including 15 Americans, today staged a “silent vigil” in Moscow's Red square.
The hour-long demonstration in front of the Stalin-Lenin mausoleum was for six of the pacifists the climax of a 10-month peace march from San Francisco, Calif., to the Russian capital. A Thousand of Russians saw the traffic-stopping march, which at several stages had an escort of motorcycle police.
Russians Join
The pacifists were joined by about 100 Russians, who paraded behind banners calling for disarmament and an end to nuclear tests.
Soviet officials, who accompanied the pacifists through the city, first insisted they could only line up by the side of Red square but later permitted them to circulate freely.
However, the officials refused to permit the pacifists to speak to the crowd.
Other difficulties also were expected to arise between the Soviet peace committee and the pacifists.
Picketing Planned
Brad Lyttle, New York, one of the march leaders, said the committee does not know it yet, “but we intend to do some solid peaceful picketing.”
One of their targets for picketing was expected to be the Soviet defense ministry here.
Leaders of the group were obviously upset at being forbidden to make their speeches at the Lenin-Stalin tomb.
“We wanted to speak to the people, not just to reporters,” said Lyttle.
The marchers were dressed in blue jeans, baggy sweaters and tennis shoes.
‘You Made It, Kid’
Among those who marched all the way were Mrs. Regina Fischer, mother of Bobby Fischer, American chess champion.
Mrs. Scott Herrick, who married her husband on the march in Chicago, gave a hug to David Rich, 22, Center Tuftonboro, N.H. The Herricks and Rich all started in San Francisco.
George Willoughby, Philadelphia, Pa., a member of the Committee for Non-violent Action, one of the sponsors of the march, put his arm around Millie Gilbertsen, 37, St. Louis, Mo., and said “You made it, kid.”
The Akron Beacon Journal Akron, Ohio Tuesday, October 03, 1961 - Page 1
Soviets Forbid Speeches By U.S. 'Peace Marchers'
“Among those who marched all the way were Mrs. Regina Fischer, mother of American chess champion Bobby Fischer.”
This article also appears in,
- Oakland Tribune Oakland, California Tuesday, October 03, 1961 - Page 3 “Moscow Vetos Speeches by Peace Hikers”
- The Tampa Tribune Tampa, Florida Wednesday, October 04, 1961 - Page 12, (2) “U.S. Group In Moscow-'Peace Marchers' Picket Kremlin”
- The Tennessean Nashville, Tennessee Wednesday, October 04, 1961 - Page 4 “Moscow Hears Plan”
- Hartford Courant Hartford, Connecticut Wednesday, October 04, 1961 - Page 4 “Peace Marchers Complete Historic Trek to Moscow”
- Quad-City Times Davenport, Iowa Wednesday, October 04, 1961 - Page 22 “U.S Peace Marchers In Moscow”
- The Gazette and Daily York, Pennsylvania Wednesday, October 04, 1961 - Page 30 “Peace Marchers”
- The Post-Standard Syracuse, New York Wednesday, October 04, 1961 - Page 2 “Peace Marchers”
- The Morning News Wilmington, Delaware Wednesday, October 04, 1961 - Page 2 “Peace Marchers Reach Kremlin”
- The Morning Call Allentown, Pennsylvania Wednesday, October 04, 1961 - Page 15 “Band of U.S. Peace Marchers Demonstrates at Kremlin Gates”
- News-Press Fort Myers, Florida Wednesday, October 04, 1961 - Page 2 “U.S. Peace Parade Arrives in Moscow”
- The Philadelphia Inquirer Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Wednesday, October 04, 1961 - Page 2 “Moscow Gags U.S. Marchers in Peace Rally”
- The Greenville News Greenville, South Carolina Wednesday, October 04, 1961 - Page 7 “American Peace Marchers Stage Demonstration At Gates of Kremlin”
- The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Wednesday, October 04, 1961 - Page 10 “March”
- The Baltimore Sun Baltimore, Maryland Wednesday, October 04, 1961 - Page 2 “Peace Group Arrives At Red Square”
- Hartford Courant Hartford, Connecticut Wednesday, October 04, 1961 - Page 28 “Peace Marchers Complete Historic Trek to Moscow”
- Tampa Bay Times St. Petersburg, Florida Wednesday, October 04, 1961 - Page 3 “'Peace Marchers' In Moscow”
- Wisconsin State Journal Madison, Wisconsin Wednesday, October 04, 1961 - Page 9 “Peace Marchers End Trek to Kremlin Gates”
- The Montgomery Advertiser Montgomery, Alabama Wednesday, October 04, 1961 - Page 15 “U.S. Peace Marchers Cooled Off At Kremlin”
- Hartford Courant Hartford, Connecticut Wednesday, October 04, 1961 - Page 40 “Peace Marchers Complete Historic Trek to Moscow”
- Independent Long Beach, California Wednesday, October 04, 1961 - Page 8 “U.S. Marchers at Kremlin in Plea for Disarmament”
- Arizona Republic Phoenix, Arizona Wednesday, October 04, 1961 - Page 1 “No Talks, U.S. Peace Unit Told”
Philadelphia Daily News Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Tuesday, October 03, 1961 - Page 2
Peace Marchers Greeted In Moscow, but Silenced
“Among those who marched all the way was Mrs. Regina Fischer, mother of American chess champion Bobby Fischer.”
New York Times, New York, New York, Wednesday, October 04, 1961 - Page 57
Fischer, Ivkov Adjourn
Chess Game at Bled Halted—Tal, Najdorf Adjourn
Belgrade, Oct. 3 (AP)—Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn and Mikhail Tal of the Soviet Union adjourned their matches in the chess tournament at Bled today. Tal is in first place with 13½ points to 13 for Fischer.
Fischer played the black pieces against Bora Ivkov of Yugoslavia and pressed the attack from the beginning. When the match was adjourned he was in a good position.
Tal also was in a good position when his match against Miguel Najdorf of Argentina was adjourned. He said he was confident he would win.
Courier-Post Camden, New Jersey Wednesday, October 04, 1961 - Page 45
“Mikhail Tal, recent world's champion, looked like the winner of the international masters' tournament at Bled, Yugoslavia, as it went into its final round.
The tournament was a close one all the way among five of the world's leading players, with the 14 other competitors well strung out behind them. Tal has been among the leaders all the way and so have the youthful American champion, Bobby Fischer.
Paul Keres and Tigran Petrosian of the Soviet Union, with Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia, have been the other principal contenders and it seems sure that these five men will be the leaders at the conclusion of the tourney, which was scheduled for the 19th and final round today.
Fischer led or shared the lead much of the way but was held to a costly draw in his adjourned 16th game with Keres, giving him a point score of 13-5 at the conclusion of 18 rounds. At the same time Tal won his adjourned 17th round game with Ludek Pachman of Czechoslovakia, and went into a half point lead with a score of 13½-4½.
With only one more round to play, it was necessary for Fischer to win his final game while Tal was losing in order to finish first. A victory for the American and a draw for the Latvian meant they would finish in a tie.
In their personal encounter at Bled in the second round, Fischer emerged the winner in a spectacular game which is reproduced herewith. It was the first time Bobby had ever beaten Tal, who won four games from him in other tournaments.
Chicago Tribune Chicago, Illinois Wednesday, October 04, 1961 - Page 54
Chess Play Adjourns; Russ Leads Fischer
Belgrade, Oct. 3 (AP) —Both Bobby Fischer, Brooklyn teen-ager, and Russia's Mikhail Tal adjourned their matches in the Bled chess tournament today. Tal was in first place with 13.5 points to 13 for Fischer.
New York Times, New York, New York, Thursday, October 05, 1961 - Page 48
Tal Wins Chess Tourney, With Fischer Second
Latvian Turns Back Najdorf in Final Round at Bled
—
U.S. Champion Is Unbeaten but Finishes a Point Back
Mikhail Tal of Latvia, a former world champion, won the international chess masters tournament at Bled, according to a report from Yugoslavia yesterday. he took his nineteenth-round game and finished with totals of 14½—4½.
Bobby Fischer, United States champion, was the runner-up with 13½—5½.
The score of the 25-year-old Latvian grand master comprised eleven victories, seven draws and one loss. The reversal, in the second round, was at the hands of Fischer.
Tal, paired with Miguel Najdorf of Argentina, had the white forces in a Sicilian defense set up by his opponent. After forty moves an adjournment was taken with the Latvian having an advantage in a rook and bishop versus a rook and knight ending.
Nine additional moves were made upon resumption and the Argentinian resigned.
Fischer played the Queen's Gambit declined, exchange variation, with Boris Ivkov of Yugoslavia. The steady play of the Slav resulted in their halving the point after sixty-two moves.
Fischer had the distinction of emerging undefeated.
After surviving eighteen rounds without a loss, Svetozar Gligoric, Yugoslavia, met his match in the final round. Pitted against Tigran Petrosian, the Soviet champion, the Slav was unable to make any positional gain with the black pieces in an English opening. He held out for forty-eight moves and then resigned. Gligoric's score of 12½-6½, was tied by Petrosian and Paul Keres of Estonia.
Keres was content to split the point in an evenly contested Caro-Kann defense with J.H. Donner, the Netherlands, in twenty-three moves.
Next in the standing, with 10½-8½, were Ewfim Geller, Soviet Union, and Dr. Petar Trifunovic, Yugoslav champion. Geller drew a French defense with Ludek Pachman, Czechoslovakia, in nineteen moves, and Trifunovic halved the point with Klaus Darga, West Germany, in a Queen's Indian defense lasting only sixteen moves.
Boris Parma, Yugoslavia, world junior champion, finished in the first division with a plus score of 10—9. He defeated Mijo Udovic, Yugoslavia, in thirty-four moves of an English opening.
Other results:
St. Louis Post-Dispatch St. Louis, Missouri Thursday, October 05, 1961 - Page 14
Tal Wins Chess Tourney, Fischer Comes in Second
New York, Oct. 5—Mikhail Tal of Latvia, former world champion, won the last game of his schedule in the nineteenth and final round of the international chess masters tournament at Bled, according to a report from Yugoslavia yesterday. He was declared the winner with totals of 14½ to 4½, one full point ahead of Bobby Fischer, United States champion, runner-up with 13½ to 5½.
The score of the 25-year-old Latvian grandmaster included 11 victories, seven draws and one loss. The reversal, in the second round, was at the hands of Fischer. Fischer, held to a number of draws, was never defeated in the tournament.
This article also appears in,
- Hobbs Daily News-Sun Hobbs, New Mexico Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 4 “Mrs. Khrushchev Says Soviet Builds No Fallout Shelters”
- Ironwood Daily Globe Ironwood, Michigan Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 11 “Mrs. K. Talks of Peace, Disarming”
- St. Cloud Times Saint Cloud, Minnesota Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 1 “No Russ A-Shelter Plan, Mrs. K Tells Marchers”
- The Ottawa Herald Ottawa, Kansas Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 1 “Mrs. Khrushchev Says Fallout Shelters Futile”
- Great Bend Tribune Great Bend, Kansas Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 1 “Mrs. Khruschev Says Russia Isn't Building Bomb Shelters”
- The Bismarck Tribune Bismarck, North Dakota Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 2 “Mrs. Khrushchev Says Russ Not Building Shelters”
- Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, The Evening News Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 9 “Russia Not Building Air Raid Shelters”
- Fort Lauderdale News Fort Lauderdale, Florida Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 1 “Shelter Useless, Peace Walk Told”
- Fort Lauderdale News Fort Lauderdale, Florida Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 9 “Shelter Useless, Peace Walk Told”
- The Kokomo Tribune Kokomo, Indiana Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 9 “Mrs. 'K' Says Reds Not Building Air Raid Shelters”
- The Town Talk Alexandria, Louisiana Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 3 “Nina Khrushchev Tells 'Marchers' Russia Is Building No A-Shelters”
- Hobbs Daily News-Sun Hobbs, New Mexico Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 2 “Mrs. Khrushchev Says Soviet Builds No Fallout Shelters”
- The Daily Times-News Burlington, North Carolina Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 15 “Mrs. K Says No Defenses Planned In Soviet”
- The Capital Journal Salem, Oregon Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 2 “Mrs. K.: Look, No A-Shelters”
- The Salem News Salem, Ohio Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 2 “Mrs. K. Says Russians Not Building Air Raid Shelters”
- The Daily Tribune Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 3 “Mrs. Khrushchev Tells Group Russia Not Building Shelters”
- Wellsville Daily Reporter Wellsville, New York Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 3 “No Shelter Panic In Russia Says Mrs. Khrushchev”
- The Advocate-Messenger Danville, Kentucky Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 6 “Reds Not Building Shelters Mrs. K Says”
- Greeley Daily Tribune Greeley, Colorado Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 9 “Reds Peace Marchers Try To Convince Mrs. Khrushchev”
- Tallahassee Democrat Tallahassee, Florida Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 1 “Mrs. K. Placates West Peace Group”
- The Paducah Sun Paducah, Kentucky Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 6 “Leader's Wife Says Reds Not Building Bomb Shelters”
- The Town Talk Alexandria, Louisiana Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 5 “Nina Khrushchev Tells 'Marchers' Russia Is Building No A-Shelter”
- Alton Evening Telegraph Alton, Illinois Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 2 “Mrs. Khrushchev Says No Shelters in Russia”
- The Santa Fe New Mexican Santa Fe, New Mexico Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 27 “Mrs. Nikita Says Reds Needs Shelter”
- The Iola Register Iola, Kansas Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 1 “Nina K. Meets Peace Marchers; Says Russia Not Building Shelters”
- The Daily Republic Mitchell, South Dakota Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 2 “Mrs. K. Says Russia Is Not Erecting Shelters”
- The Hays Daily News Hays, Kansas Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 2 “Mrs. K. Says Mrs. K. Says Reds Are Not Building Shelters”
- Tallahassee Democrat Tallahassee, Florida Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 1 “Mrs. K. Placates West Peace Group”
- Lebanon Daily News Lebanon, Pennsylvania Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 16 “Mrs. K. Claims Reds Not Building Fallout Shelters”
- Nashua Telegraph Nashua, New Hampshire Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 1 “Reds Not Building Shelters”
- Janesville Daily Gazette Janesville, Wisconsin Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 4 “Shelters Are No Nuclear Defense, Says Mrs. Nikita”
- The Leaf-Chronicle Clarksville, Tennessee Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 2 “Mrs. Khrushchev Says Russians Not Building Shelters”
- The News Journal Wilmington, Delaware Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 16 “Marchers Meet Wife of Nikita”
- Santa Cruz Sentinel Santa Cruz, California Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 13 “U.S. Peace Marchers Get Nowhere With Mrs. K.”
- Manitowoc Herald-Times Manitowoc, Wisconsin Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 3 “Bomb Shelters Not Sufficient Mrs. 'K' Says”
- The Marion Star Marion, Ohio Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 9 “Bomb Shelters Useless, Mrs. Khrushchev Says”
- Fort Lauderdale News Fort Lauderdale, Florida Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 1 “Shelter Useless, Peace Walk Told”
- The Daily Reporter Greenfield, Indiana Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 8 “Nuclear War Has No Defense Says Mrs. K”
- The Daily Times Salisbury, Maryland Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 8 “Mrs. Khrushchev”
- Northwest Arkansas Times Fayetteville, Arkansas Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 1 “'Why Build Bomb Shelter?' Asks Mrs. Khrushchev”
- The News-Messenger Fremont, Ohio Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 11 “No Defense Against Nuclear War, Mrs. K Tells 'Marchers'”
- Rushville Republican Rushville, Indiana Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 1 “Russians Not Building Air Raid Shelters, Mrs. Khrushchev Says”
- Springfield Leader and Press Springfield, Missouri Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 7 “Mrs. K. Entertains, Does not Cheer Peace Marchers”
- The Evening Independent Massillon, Ohio Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 2 “No Use To Build Shelters--Mrs. K”
- The Bee Danville, Virginia Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 12 “Not Building Bomb Shelters”
- The Miami News Miami, Florida Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 1 “Soviet Unleashes Biggest A-Blast”
- Stevens Point Journal Stevens Point, Wisconsin Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 3 “Mrs. Khrushchev Meets Western Peace Marchers”
- The Petaluma Argus-Courier Petaluma, California Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 10 “Mrs. K Says Russia Builds No Shelters”
- The Oshkosh Northwestern Oshkosh, Wisconsin Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 5 “No Shelters, Says Wife of Khrushchev”
- The Greenwood Commonwealth Greenwood, Mississippi Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 1 “No Shelters, Mrs. Nikita Says”
- The Amarillo Globe-Times Amarillo, Texas Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 16 “No Shelters, Says Mrs. K”
- The Ithaca Journal Ithaca, New York Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 1 “Mrs. Khrushchev Claims No Defense in Atomic War”
- The Eugene Guard Eugene, Oregon Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 2 “'Peace Marchers' Chat With Mrs. Khrushchev”
- The News-Palladium Benton Harbor, Michigan Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 1 “Mrs. Nikita Pooh-Poohs Shelter Need”
- The Daily Mail Hagerstown, Maryland Friday, October 06, 1961 - Page 18 “No Shelters Being Built, Says Mrs. K”
- Biddeford-Saco Journal Biddeford, Maine Saturday, October 07, 1961 - Page 3 “Mrs. K. Says Russia Is Not Building Shelter”
- The Courier-Journal Louisville, Kentucky Saturday, October 07, 1961 - Page 2 “Pacifists Visit Mrs. Khrushchev But Fail To Prove Their Point”
- El Paso Times El Paso, Texas Saturday, October 07, 1961 - Page 6 “Mrs. K. Gives Tea For Peace Marchers”
- Lancaster Eagle-Gazette Lancaster, Ohio Saturday, October 07, 1961 - Page 7 “Khru's Wife Claims Russia Making No Air Raid Shelters”
- Independent Long Beach, California Saturday, October 07, 1961 - Page 5 “Mrs. K. Entertains Peace Marchers”
- The Morning Call Allentown, Pennsylvania Saturday, October 07, 1961 - Page 2 “Pacifists Guests at Moscow Tea”
- The Bridgeport Telegram Bridgeport, Connecticut Saturday, October 07, 1961 - Page 16 “Mrs. Khrushchev Gives Tea For Pacifists, Defends A-Tests”
- The Sheboygan Press Sheboygan, Wisconsin Saturday, October 07, 1961 - Page 9 “Soviet Union Isn't Building Air Raid Shelters: Mrs. K.”
- The Gazette and Daily York, Pennsylvania Saturday, October 07, 1961 - Page 3 “Mrs. Khrushchev Entertains Western Pacifists, But Disagrees With Views”
- Statesman Journal Salem, Oregon Saturday, October 07, 1961 - Page 15 “Nikita's Wife Gives Party For Pacifists From West”
- The Paducah Sun Paducah, Kentucky Saturday, October 07, 1961 - Page 6 “Leader's Wife Says Reds Not Building Bomb Shelters”
- The Tribune Seymour, Indiana Saturday, October 07, 1961 - Page 10 “Soviets Said Building No Air Raid Shelters”
- The Montgomery Advertiser Montgomery, Alabama Saturday, October 07, 1961 - Page 14 “Nikita's Wife Scuttles Pleas For A-Test Ban”
- Hartford Courant Hartford, Connecticut Saturday, October 07, 1961 - Page 7 “Mrs. Khrushchev Parries Peace Marchers' Thrusts”
- Daily Press Newport News, Virginia Saturday, October 07, 1961 - Page 1 “Nina, Peace Marchers Have Friendly Debate”
- The Morning News Wilmington, Delaware Saturday, October 07, 1961 - Page 1 “Mrs. K. Rejects Pacifists' Plea”
- Messenger-Inquirer Owensboro, Kentucky Saturday, October 07, 1961 - Page 5 “Mrs. K. Gives Party For Peace Marchers”
- Hartford Courant Hartford, Connecticut Saturday, October 07, 1961 - Page 37 “Mrs. Khrushchev Parries Peace Marchers' Thrusts”
- Casper Star-Tribune Casper, Wyoming Sunday, October 08, 1961 - Page 11 “Soviets Not Building Bomb Shelters--Nina”
- Rocky Mount Telegram Rocky Mount, North Carolina Monday, October 09, 1961 - Page 8 “Nina Presents Shelter Views”
Great Bend Tribune Great Bend, Kansas Thursday, October 05, 1961 - Page 15
Mrs. Khruschchev Says Russia Isn't Building Bomb Shelters
Moscow (AP)—Mrs. Nikita Khrushchev told a group of Western “peace marchers” today that the Soviet Union was making no effort to build air raid shelters.
“There is no defense in a nuclear war,” said Nina Khrushchev, the wife of the premier. “Therefore we are not building any bomb shelters. We are not getting ready.”
Mrs. Khrushchev made her remarks after spending an hour exchanging pleasantries and debating disarmament with the marchers, who arrived here Tuesday. The debate took place at Moscow's “House of Friendship,” where Mrs. Khrushchev's aides served tea, chocolate and apples.
Most of the marchers did their best to convince Mrs. Khrushchev that, if the world refuses to disarm, one country should set a good example by discarding all its armaments. Mrs. Khrushchev declined to agree.
“We do not want to be the only ones who throw our bombs into the ocean,” she said.
She added that in the past 40 years, the Soviet Union has had many unfortunate experiences with war and does not want to be in a position where it could be trampled upon again.
Thirty-one persons from the United States and Western Europe participated in the march, which began in December of last year in San Francisco. Among those having tea with Mrs. Khrushchev were: Bea Herrick of Chicago, Millie Gilbertsen of New York, Jules Rabin of New York and Regina Fischer of New York, mother of the U.S. chess champion Bobby Fischer.
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Sunday, October 08, 1961 - Page 78
Tal Wins At Bled, Fischer Second
Mikhail Tal of Latvia, until recently world chess champion, won a decisive victory in the international masters tournament at Bled, Yugoslavia, according to a New York Times report.
Tal put on the pressure in the last week, scoring three wins and a draw to bring his total up to 14½-4½. He lost one game to U.S. champion Bobby Fischer, who won 11 times and drew seven.
Fischer, who was the only player to remain undefeated throughout, finished in second place with a score of 13½-5½. He won eight games and drew 11. Among his victims were three Soviet grandmasters, Tigran Petrosian, Ewfim Geller, and Tal. Against the fourth Soviet representative, Paul Keres of Estonia, Fischer had an advantage, but could only draw after two sessions.
This was an excellent performance for the 18-year-old Brooklyn lad in his first tournament after the fiasco of the Reshevsky match. Fischer was evidently in better form or humor or both.
Keres, Petrosian and Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia tied for third with 12½-6½. After surviving 18 rounds without a loss, Gligoric was downed in the final round by Petrosian. Keres was held to a draw in the final round by Petrosian. Keres was held to a draw in the same round by J.H. Donner of the Netherlands.
Former U.S. champion Arthur S. Bisguier ended up with an even score after an erratic performance. He started with three points in his first four games, lost four of his next five, then won four out of five, finally picked up only 1½ points on his last five.
Following is the final standing:
This article also appears in,
- Chicago Tribune Chicago, Illinois Sunday, October 08, 1961 - Page 7 “Fischer, Chess Master, Is Ailing in Yugoslavia”
New York Times, New York, New York, Sunday, October 08, 1961 - Page 315
Fischer, Chess Ace, In Yugoslav Hospital
Banja Luka, Yugoslavia, Oct. 7 (Reuters)—Bobby Fischer, United States chess grand master, today was taken to a hospital here with suspected appendicitis.
Fischer, the 18-year-old Brooklyn youth, was on his way to play in a chess match at Ljubdovija after winning second place in an international tournament at Bled earlier this week.
This article also appears in,
- Oakland Tribune Oakland, California Sunday, October 08, 1961 - Page 3 “U.S. Chess Champ Stricken Abroad”
- Fort Lauderdale News Fort Lauderdale, Florida Sunday, October 08, 1961 - Page 16 “U.S. Chess Star Has Appendicitis”
- The Philadelphia Inquirer Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Sunday, October 08, 1961 - Page 3 “U.S. Chess Expert Ill in Yugoslavia”
- Press and Sun-Bulletin Binghamton, New York Sunday, October 08, 1961 - Page 1 “Chess Champ Ill”
- Lincoln Journal Star Lincoln, Nebraska Monday, October 09, 1961 - Page 9 “Check-Mated”
- Lincoln Journal Star Lincoln, Nebraska Monday, October 09, 1961 - Page 9 “Check-Mated”
- Star Tribune Minneapolis, Minnesota Monday, October 09, 1961 - Page 3 “Bobby Fischer at hospital in Banja Luka”
Lansing State Journal Lansing, Michigan Sunday, October 08, 1961 - Page 1
Appendicitis Hits Chess Champion
Belgrade, Oct. 7 (UPI)—American chess grand master Bobby Fischer, 18, was taken to a hospital Saturday with appendicitis, the Tanjug news agency reported.
Fischer, of Brooklyn, N.Y., was stricken while traveling near Banja Luka, Yugoslavia, for a chess match. He is taking part in an international tournament in Bled and was to play another match in the city of Ljubovija.
Doctors said it was not yet determined whether Fischer would be operated on.
The Courier-Journal Louisville, Kentucky Sunday, October 08, 1961 - Page 39
Fischer Is 2d As Tal Wins In International
Bobby Fischer, the 18-year-old American chess genius and grandmasters, has finished second to former World Champion Mikhail of Latvia in the International Masters Tournament at Bled, according to a report from Yugoslavia.
However, the New York teen-ager had this for consolation:
He was the only player in the tournament to go undefeated, and he whipped Tal in their individual encounter
Tal's final score was 14½-4½; Fischer's, 13½-5½.
Tal, paired with Miguel Najdorf of Argentina in the final round Wednesday, had the White forces in a Sicilian defense. After 40 moves an adjournment was taken with the Latvian having an advantage in a Rook and Bishop versus a Rook and Knight ending. Nine additional moves were made upon resumption and the Argentinian resigned.
Fischer played the Queen's Gambit Declined, exchange variation, with Boris Ivkov of Yugoslavia. The steady play of the Slav resulted in their halving the point after 62 moves.
After surviving 18 rounds without a loss, Svetozar Gligoric, Yugoslavia, met his match in the final round, when he lost to Tigran Petrosian, Soviet champion. Gligoric's score of 12½-6½ was tied by Petrosian and Paul Keres of Estonia.
Keres was content to split the point in an evenly contested Caro-Kann Defense with J.H. Donner, the Netherlands.
Next in the standing, with 10½-8½, are Ewfim Geller, Soviet Union, and Dr. Petar Trifunovic. Yugoslav champion, Geller drew a French Defense with Ludek Pachman. Czechoslovakia, in 19 moves, and Dr. Trifunovic halved the point with Klaus Darga, West Germany, in a Queen's Indian Defense.
Daily News New York, New York Sunday, October 08, 1961 - Page 9
Boy Chess Champ Felled
Belgrade, Oct. 7 (AP).—Bobby Fischer, 17, of Brooklyn, American chess champion and international grandmaster, was hospitalized with appendicitis tonight in Banjaluka Central Yugoslavia. He was en route to Ljuboviya for a simultaneous match when stricken. He recently placed second in an international match at Bled.
The Pittsburgh Press Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Monday, October 09, 1961 - Page 2
Bobby Fischer, 18, American chess grand master, has recovered enough from an appendicitis attack in Belgrade to be released from the hospital later today or tomorrow, the Tanjug News Agency reported.
Young Fischer of Brooklyn was stricken Saturday while traveling in Yugoslavia.
The Dispatch Moline, Illinois Monday, October 09, 1961 - Page 14
Junior Chess Players To Compete In Quad-City Championship Event
Illowa Chess Club is sponsoring the junior title tourney in order to stimulate the already fast-growing interest in chess among younger players and the national accent on “Youth in Chess,” best exemplified by the exploits of 18-year-old Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn, N.Y., who won the U.S. championship four years ago at 14 and has successfully defended it against players of all ages each year since.
This article also appears in,
- Lubbock Avalanche-Journal Lubbock, Texas Monday, October 09, 1961 - Page 27 “U.S. Chess Player Recovering Health”
The Minneapolis Star Minneapolis, Minnesota Monday, October 09, 1961 - Page 18
American chess grand master, Bobby Fischer, 18, has recovered enough from an appendicitis attack to be released from a hospital in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. Fischer, of Brooklyn, N.Y., was stricken Saturday but an appendectomy was not considered necessary.
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Monday, October 09, 1961 - Page 4
Bobby Fischer to Leave Hospital
Banja Luka, Yugoslavia (Reuters)—Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn, U.S. chess grand master, is expected to leave a hospital here today or Tuesday after treatment for suspected appendicitis, hospital officials said Sunday.
New York Times, New York, New York, Tuesday, October 10, 1961 - Page 48
Fischer Leaves Hospital
Belgrade, Yugoslavia, Oct. 9 (AP)—Bobby Fischer, the United States chess champion, left Banja Luka Hospital today for Zagreb. Fischer was hospitalized last week-end for treatment of his appendix and canceled a tour of Bosnia-Hercegovina.
This article also appears in,
- The Troy Record Troy, New York Tuesday, October 10, 1961 - Page 16 “Chess Champ Released”
The Times Record Troy, New York Tuesday, October 10, 1961 - Page 4
Quits Hospital
Belgrade, Yugoslavia (AP)—Bobby Fischer, U.S. chess champion left Banja Luke Hospital yesterday for Zagreb. After a sudden irritation of his appendix, Fischer was hospitalized last week-end for treatment and cancelled a tour of Bosnia-Herzegovina.
This article also appears in,
- Philadelphia Daily News Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Tuesday, October 10, 1961 - Page 5 “Chess Champ Better”
- Independent Long Beach, California Tuesday, October 10, 1961 - Page 6 “Champion Released”
The Atlanta Constitution Atlanta, Georgia Tuesday, October 10, 1961 - Page 9
Leaves Hospital
Belgrade (UPI)—The official Yugoslavian news agency Tanjug said U.S. chess champion Bobby Fischer was released Monday from a hospital in Banjaluka. He had been confined for three days for treatment after an appendicitis attack but no surgery was necessary, Tanjug said.
New York Times, New York, New York, Sunday, October 15, 1961 - Page 279
Chess Gains Made By White Pieces
106½ Points Scored in Play at Bled to 83½ for Black
Statistics of the recent international masters tournament, held in Bled, Yugoslavia, disclose that the players with the white chess pieces scored 106½ points against 83½ for those with the black pieces.
Mikhail Tal of Latvia, the victor, won 7½ with white and 7 with black. Bobby Fischer, the United States champion, almost equaled that record with 7½ white and 6 black.
Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia via tallied 6½ and 6, Paul Keres of Estonia, 7 and 5½, and Tigran Petrosian, the Soviet champion, 7½ and 5.
—
Another selection of games from the Bled tournament includes Tal's victory over Miguel Najdorf of Argentina in the final round, Petrosian's defeat of Ludek Pachman of Czechoslovakia, and Fischer matches with Najdorf and Boris Ivkov of Yugoslavia, which ended in draws:
The Boston Globe Boston, Massachusetts Sunday, October 15, 1961 - Page 40
Well, Mikhail Tal, who was described as Leonard Barden as “very much an ex-champion at Oberhausen,” looked like very much a champion in winning the big one at Bled, Yugoslavia. Tal won 11, lost 1, and drew 7. His only loss was to runner-up Bobby Fischer who scored 8 wins and 11 draws, the only undefeated player. Paul Keres, Svetozar Gligoric, and Tigran Petrosian tied for third at 12½-6½. Geller and Trifunovic tied for sixth, 10½-8½.
Although, the redoubtable third-place trio pressed all the way, Tal and Fischer shared the top together or separately for the long haul. Fischer took an early lead because of his victory over Tal but later Tal moved into a tie for first that was broken in the 17th round when Tal won his game with Ludek Pachman as Fischer was being held to a draw by Keres.
In the 19th round Tal, still a half-point ahead, toppled Miguel Najdorf while Fischer once again drew, this time with Boris Ivkov. The story of Bobby's failure to win first prize at Bled can be summed up in his high percentage of draws against the low half of the tournament table. However Bobby was rough on Russians. He defeated Tal, Geller, and Petrosian; only Keres held him to a draw. This is hard lines on the party line.
Sunday Gazette-Mail Charleston, West Virginia Sunday, October 22, 1961 - Page 38
“A summary of wins with the white and black pieces at the recent international tournament in Bled, Yugoslavia, appeared in last Sunday's New York Times. It showed the white pieces scoring 106½ points to black's 83½.
Mikhail Tal, the winner, scored just about as well with one as the other: 7½ with white and 7 with black. Bobby Fischer's record was almost the same: 7½, white and 6, black. However, grandmasters as good as those two do just about as well with one side of the board as the other.
This Bled tournament showed Fischer gaining in strength as compared with the world's best grandmasters. (And we would say that they were just about all there, with the notable exceptions of Botvinnik and Reshevsky and Dr. Euwe.) For instance, at the challengers' tourney a couple of years ago, Petrosian and Keres both finished ahead of Fischer; but at Bled Bobby topped them. And Petrosian is the current Soviet champion!
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Sunday, October 22, 1961 - Page 76
Amsterdam To Host Interzonal Chess
The interzonal tournament, next stage in the selection of a world championship contender, will take place in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, starting Jan. 27. With nine zonal tournaments completed, 22 players from all sections of the world have been qualified.
The United States, entitled to three places, will be represented by Bobby Fischer, William Lombardy and Raymond Weinstein, top prize winners in last year's chess championship tournament.
Their chief opposition will undoubtedly be from the Soviet Union, which has qualified Tigran Petrosian, Victor Korchnoi, Leonard Stein and Ewfim Geller.
The six leaders of the interzonal will advance to the Candidates Tournament, in which they will be joined by former world champion Mikhail Tal of Latvia and Paul Keres of Estonia, who was second to Tal in the previous Candidates Tournament in 1959.
Following is the list of zonal winners. There is still the possibility of a change in Zone 2, which got involved in cold war politics. See below for details.
Fort Lauderdale News Fort Lauderdale, Florida Sunday, October 22, 1961 - Page 100
Fischer Flashes
The youthful U.S. champion has been proving his mettle in the Bled, Yugoslavia grandmaster tournament. At the end of the 12th round, he led the distinguished field of 20 grandmasters by 9-3. Bobby defeated M. Tal, former world champion, in their individual game!
Courier-Post Camden, New Jersey Wednesday, October 25, 1961 - Page 8
Mikhail Tal of Latvia, who held the world's championship for one year until Mikhail Botvinnik regained it from him this year, was the winner of the international masters' tournament at Bled, Yugoslavia.
Tal's final score was 14½-4½ as compared with the 13½-5½ racked up by Bobby Fischer, American champion, who finished second a point ahead of Gligoric, Keres and Petrosian. Tal lost only one game, to Fischer in the second round. Bobby lost none at all, but had more draws than Tal.
Going into the 19th and final round, Tal would had had to lose to Najdorf of Argentina while Fischer defeated Ivkov of Yugoslavia, in order for Bobby to tie him in the final standing. But Tal defeated his opponent while Bobby could do no better than halve the point with Ivkov in a game lasting 62 moves.
Following is the score of the Fischer-Ivkov game:
The Gazette Montreal, Quebec, Canada Saturday, October 28, 1961 - Page 33
Bled Tournament
Mikhail Tal, in his game with young Fischer in the 2nd round at Bled (which we published a few weeks ago, played the opening like a tyro and had a hopeless situation in a dozen moves. “Chess” Magazine gives the explanation:
“Tal thought precisely 55 minutes over his sixth move in a standard defense. It was obvious that he was not calculating the moves, but speculating along psychological lines. At last he decided on the most fashionable variation—he played his move, stood up, glanced at the chessboard, and said aghast, to the nearest reporter: ‘I've gone wrong over the order of moves!’ The forty cigarettes he smoked for his next forty moves did not help him: Bobby even had the occasion to entrance the spectators with a queen sacrifice.”
The Boston Globe Boston, Massachusetts Sunday, October 29, 1961 - Page 24
“Harold Dondis has been assigned to trail and capture Bobby Fischer. If Dondis is successful it will mark the first professional appearance by the young four-time chess champion of the United States in Boston.
Unofficial reports persist that efforts are being made to bring off another Reshevsky-Fischer match. However, it appears no serious action will be taken until after the next national title tournament which is scheduled for late December. Fischer has won four championships in a row.”
The Gazette Montreal, Quebec, Canada Saturday, November 11, 1961 - Page 19
Action On All Fronts
Bobby Fischer's mother, who has played a vigorous part in the advancement of her son's chess career, was among the “peace marchers” recently at Moscow. And, according to “British Chess Magazine,” Fischer is suing Sammy Reshevsky, presumably in regard to matters concerning their recent match fiasco.
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Sunday, November 12, 1961 - Page 46
Fischer Vs. Reshevsky
Last week we published part of a report which was sent to Morris J. Kasper, treasurer of the American Chess Foundation, two days after U.S. champion Bobby Fischer was forfeited in the 12th game of his match with Samuel Reshevsky.
Following is the balance of the report. Had our suggestion been adopted, the chances are the match would have been played to a conclusion. As it is, the ending satisfied no one. Even Reshevsky, who was declared the winner by forfeit, can hardly derive much satisfaction from his legalistic triumph.
“On Saturday Fischer spent the day with the Piatigorski's, using their pool, etc. Once or twice he said he might play the next morning, but when he left was still adamant that it was not fair and he would not do it. At no time, so far as I could learn, did anyone suggest a compromise time or indicate that Fischer had any choice whatever. Of course by that time the publicity had been out for over a week, and everyone who was interested knew the game was starting at 11 a.m. Still it might have been possible to start at noon, perhaps with no great harm to anyone. I would have suggested this had I been aware of the problem at the time.
Sunday morning Mrs. Grumette called to wake Fischer and went to his hotel at 10 a.m. to take him to the playing room. He would not talk to her, however, except for some unnecessarily nasty remarks. At 11 a.m. Reshevsky was present, Rivise started the clock and after an hour declared the game forfeited.
Fischer told me that the contract stipulated that there was to be no forfeit for non-appearance. I am not a lawyer and have not gone over the contract, so cannot comment on this. In my opinion Fischer should have played, and he was all wrong in some of the things he said. He did not help himself or the cause of chess. However, there were also errors in handling on the part of the officials.
To end this overlong statement, I would suggest the following:
1—Disregard the last game, as if it had never been scheduled.
2—Fine Fischer anywhere from $200 to $500.
Whether the money should go to Reshevsky or not I do not know. Actually about $200 in receipts for the last game had to be refunded. Reshevksy would have shared in that amount. Also he was present ready to play, and got involved in all the commotion through no fault of his.
With best personal regards,
Sincerely yours,
Isaac Kashdan”
Fort Lauderdale News Fort Lauderdale, Florida Sunday, November 12, 1961 - Page 90
Tal Triumphs
Mikhail Tal of Russia, former world champion, bounced back to life recently by capturing first place in the grandmaster tournament at Bled, Yugoslavia. He scored 14½-4½, with eleven wins, seven draws and one loss to Bobby Fischer. Fischer scored eight wins and eleven draws to finish second with 13½-5½.
Express and News San Antonio, Texas Sunday, November 12, 1961 - Page 65
Fischer Triumphs
Bobby Fischer of the United States scored his greatest victory in the Masters' Tournament at Bled. Yugoslavia, in placing second to Mikhail Tahl of Russia.
Tahl totaled 14½-4½. Fischer 13½-5½. However, Fischer had the distinction of (1) beating Tahl and (2) not losing a game.
Tied for third place with 12½-6½ were Gligoric, Keres, and Petrosian, while sixth and seventh places went to Geller and Trifunovic with 10½-8½. Parma placed eighth with 10-9 and Bisguier and Matanovic shared ninth and tenth with 9½-9½.
Darga, Donner and Najdorf each accumulated nine points, and Olafsson scored 8½. In the lower third were Ivkov and Portisch with eight. Pachman with seven, and the also rans were: Bertok, Germek and Udovic.
It is a real pleasure to learn that an American can divide the Russian camp. In past tournaments, whether the U.S.S.R., fielded three, four, five, or six players, those players would finish at the top of the heap. If Tahl had not played, Fischer would probably have won.
World Champion
Fischer aspires to the championship of the world. He studies hard and plays hard and fears the reputation of no one. There are only two players that stand in his way: Botvinnik and Tahl.
Botvinnik's age spells his defeat within 10 years. But with Fischer and Tahl age is not a factor, both stars are in ascension, both are ever-improving their play. However, Fischer plays in many, many tournaments and is gaining experience. His mental storehouse bulges. Lookout Tahl!
The Boston Globe Boston, Massachusetts Sunday, November 19, 1961 - Page 15
Alas for Lisa Lane's long year of devotion to study in quest of the world's chess championship (women's division): she seems doomed to failure. One Mme. Nonna Goprindas Vili leads the field in general, and Lisa in particular. Seventeen women, mostly from Russia and Middle Europe, are competing at Vrjacka Banju, Yugoslavia, for a chance to play a match with the world champion. Lisa Lane, at present, is well down in the second division along with her compatriot.
According to “Chess,” not only the spectators but the top grandmasters were impressed by the superiority of Tal and Fischer at Bled. Gligoric has been quoted as saying, “Bobby is going to be world champion.” Dragoslav Andric says, “Keres, permanent pretender to the chess throne, famous for his coolness, played against Fischer as nervously as a girl.” Tal once called Fischer a “a living chess library.” Tal again (this time in astonishment): “He, even studies games by women players!”
All was not beer and skittles for Bobby in Yugoslavia, after all, he failed to win first prize though he defeated his chief rival and was undefeated, and then, after arriving in Sarajevo for a simul he lost his appendix.
More Bledisms: Dr. Milan Vidmar, Yugoslav chess great whose career started shortly after the century, directed at Bled and severely criticized Najdorf and Trifunovic for agreeing to a draw after only 11 moves. Vidmar was roundly applauded for his vigorous stand. Later people recalled Dr. V had not been averse to Grandmaster draws in his early days. To that Vidmar said calmly: “All saints were sinners in their youth.” . . .
Najdorf asked Tal to cite the best games he had played. Tal said there were four and named his opponents as Olafsson, Donner and Parma. Innocently Najdorf said, “But that's only three.” “The fourth,” said Tal, “will be my last round game against you.”
Now you, too, can be liked Bobby Fischer and study a game by two ladies. Lisa Lane lost on time to Gisela Gresser at Vrnjacka Banjanju
New York Times, New York, New York, Sunday, November 26, 1961 - Page 308
U.S. Title Chess To Start Dec. 17
12 Masters Get Invitations—Two Trophies at Stake
The Lessing J. Rosenwald tournament for the United States chess championship and the Frank J. Marshall Trophy will be held at the Prince George Hotel, 14 East Twenty-Eighth Street, beginning on Dec. 17. It will continue for eleven rounds through Jan. 4
Invitations have been sent to twelve ranking masters in the column. Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn is the current champion.
The schedule:
First round, Sunday, Dec. 17, 12:30 P.M.; second round, Monday, Dec. 18, 6 P.M.; third-round, Thursday, Dec. 21, 6 P.M.; fifth round, Saturday Dec. 23, 12:30 P.M.; sixth round, Tuesday, Dec. 26 6 P.M.; seventh round, Wednesday, Dec. 27, 6 P.M.; eighth round, Thursday, Dec. 28, 6 P.M.; ninth round, Saturday, Dec. 30, 12:30 P.M.; tenth round, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 6 P.M.; eleventh round, Thursday, Jan. 4, 6 P.M.
Tampa Bay Times St. Petersburg, Florida Sunday, November 26, 1961 - Page 40
Fischer To Defend U.S. Chess Crown
New York—The Lessing J. Rosenwald Tournament for the United States Chess Championship and the Frank J. Marshall Trophy will be held at the Prince George Hotel, 14 E. 28th Street, New York, beginning Dec. 17 and continuing through 11 rounds through Jan. 4.
Invitations have been sent to 12 top-ranking masters in the United States. Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn is the current champion.
Seven Hungarians, four Russians and one each from Czechoslovakia, East Germany, the Netherlands, Rumania and the United States took part in the recent Geza Marczy Memorial International Tournament at Budapest, which was won by Victor Korchnoi of the Soviet Union. Dr. Miroslav Filip of Czechoslovakia and David Bronstein, Soviet Union, tied for second. Fourth to seventh places were Peter Dely and Lajos Portisch, both of Hungary; and W. Simagin and Mark Taimanov of the Soviet Union.
Arthur B. Bisguier of the United States did not place.
Courier-Post Camden, New Jersey Wednesday, November 29, 1961 - Page 23
The U.S. championship will be held at the Prince George Hotel, New York, starting Dec. 17. It will run through Jan. 4 with $3,000 in prize money to be shared by the 12 invited players.
Bobby Fischer, our champion who is now 18 years old, will defend his title against 11 other outstanding Americans. Wouldn't it be a treat if Samuel Reshevsky should be one of the 11?
The Boston Globe Boston, Massachusetts Sunday, December 03, 1961 - Page 58
Maurice Kasper, chairman of the United States chess championship committee, has announced the schedule for the next title tourney. Eleven rounds have been slated starting Sunday, Dec. 17 and continuing through Jan. 4. Prince George Hotel, New York, will be the tournament site. Referees Frank Brady (USCF), and Hans Kmoch (ACF). Invitations have been sent to the 12 highest ranked players on USCF's rating list.
Trouble may be brewing because Bobby Fischer current champion, is still miffed about results of the Reshevsky match. And officials continue to pour coals on the fire and otherwise borrow trouble: they have scheduled two rounds for Saturday afternoons. This means Reshevsky will either refuse to compete or will be forced to have the schedule modified for those two games. If he doesn't compete the tournament is poorer, and if he does compete outrage is certain to emanate from some of the contestants because of the “preference” shown Reshevsky. However, its always interesting to watch the changes that can be run from this tired old theme.
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Sunday, December 03, 1961 - Page 28
U.S. Title Tourney
The United States chess championship tournament, to which 12 of the leading masters have been invited, will be held from Dec. 17 to Jan. 4 at the Prince George Hotel in New York City.
Champion Bobby Fischer, the brilliant 18-year-old Brooklyn prodigy, will be ready to defend the title he has won four times in succession. He will be heavily favored, based on the form he showed in the recent tournament in Bled, Yugoslavia.
Former champion Samuel Reshevsky of Spring Valley, N.Y., Fischer's main rival in the current American chess scene, is expected to be on hand for their first meeting since the inconclusive match last summer.
The tournament is sponsored by the U.S. Chess Federation and the American Chess Federation. The well-known philanthropist Lessing J. Rosenwald is donating $3,000 for the prize fund. The winner will receive custody of the Frank J. Marshall Trophy.
The Courier-Journal Louisville, Kentucky Sunday, December 03, 1961 - Page 55
Tourney Set To Decide U.S. Championship
Going to New York during the holidays? If so, you can have a royal time kibitzing the royal game. And playing will be the kingpins of American chess.
The occasion will be the Lessing J. Rosenwald Tournament for the United States championship and the Frank J. Marshall trophy.
This epic event will be staged at the Prince George Hotel, 14 East Twenty-eighth Street, New York City, beginning December 17 and continuing for 11 rounds through January 4.
Invitations have been sent to 12 top-ranking masters in the United States. Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn is the current champion.
The Baltimore Sun Baltimore, Maryland Monday, December 11, 1961 - Page 22
Chess Meet Scheduled
New York, Dec. 10 (AP)—Bobby Fischer, the 18-year-old grandmaster from Brooklyn, will defend his United States chess championship when the event opens here December 17.
The Ottawa Journal Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Saturday, December 16, 1961 - Page 47
Order In Court
Bobby Fischer, 18-year-old USA champion, is going to sue Samuel Reshevsky, his opponent in the recent match fiasco. Reshevsky was awarded the match by forfeiture, and the $4,500 prize fund, by the organizing committee, when Fischer refused to continue on their terms after a disagreement as to the hour of starting the re-scheduled 12th game of the 16-game match. The suit will be based, according to Fischer, “on the unwarranted appropriation of $4,500, as the match stood even, 5½-5½.”
Both players were given $1,500 for living and traveling expenses at the beginning of the match, with the balance of the $8,000 collected to be divided on a ratio of two and one between winner and loser. Apparently Fischer received nothing, beyond the $1,500 for expenses.
The dates for the current USA Championship at New York are December 17 to January 7. Both Fischer and Reshevsky are expected to compete.
In the international at Bled, Yugoslavia, Fischer placed second to ex-world champion Mikhail Tal, but defeated him in their individual game brilliantly.
New York Times, New York, New York, Sunday, December 17, 1961 - Page 6
U.S. Title Chess Opens Here Today
12 to Seek Marshall Trophy at Prince George Hotel
A field of twelve top players will compete in the Lessing J. Rosenwald round-robin chess tournament which opens today at the Prince George Hotel, 14 East Twenty-eighth Street. The United States championship and the Frank J. Marshall Trophy will be at stake.
The first round will be played from 12:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M. All the other rounds, with the exception of the fifth and ninth, will be played from 6 P.M. to 11 P.M.
Frank Brady of the United States Chess Federation and Hans Kmoch, an international judge and secretary of the Manhattan Chess Club, will be the directors of the tournament.
Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn, the 18-year-old present champion, and Samuel Reshevsky of Spring Valley, N.Y., a former champion, will not compete this year.
The entries will be:
Pal Benko, Sidney Bernstein, Larry Evans, George Kramer, Edmar Mednis, Herbert Seidman, James T. Sherwin, Abe Turner and Raymond Weinstein, all of New York; Donald Byrne of State College, Pa.; Robert Byrne of Indianapolis, and Eliot Hearst of Arlington, Va.
—
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Sunday, December 17, 1961 - Page 26 (★)
Fischer, Reshevsky, Out of U.S. Title Chess
The United States chess championship tournament will start this afternoon at the Prince George Hotel in New York City. Missing from the entry list, with no stated reason, are champion Bobby Fischer and former champion Samuel Reshevsky, considered his chief rival.
Much of the glamor of the tournament is gone with the top stars out. Among the favorites will be former U.S. champions Arnold Denker and Larry Evans, and current U.S. Open Champion Pal Benko.
Others on the final list are Sidney Bernstein, Donald Byrne, Eliot Hearst, George Kramer, Edmar Mednis, Herbert Seidman, James T. Sherwin, Abe Turner, and Raymond Weinstein.
The Boston Globe Boston, Massachusetts Sunday, December 17, 1961 - Page 21
M.S.C.A.'s Harold Dondis has abandoned all hope of luring Bobby Fischer to Boston for a simul on Feb. 22. Instead, he is on the track of Raymond Weinstein (a relative of Fischer). Weinstein, along with Fischer and William Lombardy, will represent the U.S.A. in the next interzonal tournament of F.I.D.E., penultimate step in the selection of the next challenger for Botvinnik's crown.
Nanaimo Daily News Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada Monday, December 18, 1961 - Page 13
Chess Champ Won't Compete In U.S. Play
New York (AP)—Competition for the U.S. chess championship began Sunday with four-time champion, 18-year-old Bobby Fischer, not defending his title—and refusing to say why.
Fred Cramer, president of the U.S. Chess Federation, said Fischer “was invited and he didn't accept and he didn't say why.”
Frank Brady, the federation's business manager and editor of its magazine, Chess Life, said Fischer didn't appear because of a dispute concerning his forfeited series with Samuel Reshevsky.
“The reason he is not playing is that the organization which forfeited him is sponsoring this tournament.” Brady asserted.
“I'm not commenting on that,” said Fischer, a Brooklyn, N.Y., youth who has held the U.S. title since he was 14.
This article also appears in,
- The Pensacola News Pensacola, Florida Monday, December 18, 1961 - Page 2 “Fischer Won't Defend Title”
- The Austin American Austin, Texas Monday, December 18, 1961 - Page 2 “Chess Contest”
- Fort Lauderdale News Fort Lauderdale, Florida Monday, December 18, 1961 - Page 27 “Chess Champ Absent”
- The Des Moines Register Des Moines, Iowa Monday, December 18, 1961 - Page 2 “Where's Bobby?”
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Monday, December 18, 1961 - Page 24
Champ Silent On Reason: Chess Tourney Opens, Bobby Fischer Absent
New York (AP)—Competition for the U.S. chess championship began Sunday with four-time champion, 18-year-old Bobby Fischer, not defending his title — and refusing to say why.
Only one first-round match was determined. Abe Mednis, a U.S. master from Mount Vernon, N.Y., picked up one point to become the tournament leader, when his opponent, Herbert Seidman of Brooklyn, resigned.
Dispute Blamed
Two matches were played to draws and three were adjourned, to be resumed Wednesday.
Of Fischer's non-appearance, Fred Cramer, president of the U.S. Chess Federation, said, “he was invited and he didn't accept and he didn't say why.”
Frank Brady, until Sunday the federation's business manager and editor of its magazine, “Chess Life,” said Fischer didn't appear because of a dispute concerning his forfeited series with Samuel Reshevsky of Spring Valley, N.Y.
“The reason he is not playing is that the organization which forfeited him is sponsoring this tournament,” Brady asserted.
First-Round Results
“I'm not commenting on that,” said Fischer, a Brooklyn youth who won the U.S. title when he was 14 and has never lost it.
Results of first-round matches Sunday:
Mednis defeated Seidman, resigned 1-0.
Pal Benko, New York, draw with Robert Byrne. Indianapolis, ½-½.
Don Byrne, University Park, Pa., drew with James T. Sherwin, New York, ½-½.
Matches adjourned until Wednesday: Eliot Hearst, Arlington, Va., vs. George Kramer, Berkeley Heights, N.J.; Larry Evans, New York, vs. Abe Turner, Mount Vernon, N.Y.; Sidney Bernstein, Brooklyn, vs. Raymond Weinstein, Brooklyn.
The Times-News Twin Falls, Idaho Monday, December 18, 1961 - Page 6
Chess Tourney Opens Sunday
New York, Dec. 18 (UPI)—The U.S. chess championship opened yesterday but there was only one winner in first round play.
Edmar Mednis of New York beat Herbert Seidman, New York. Other first round matches saw Donald Byrne, University Park, Pa., play to a draw with James T. Sherwin, New York. Robert Byrne drew with Pal Benko, New York.
Twelve players participated in the tournament, the winner of which will succeed national champion Bobby Fischer. Fischer, an 18-year-old prodigy from Brooklyn, did not defend his title.
The Times Shreveport, Louisiana Monday, December 18, 1961 - Page 30
First Round Opens in U.S. Chess Event
New York, Dec. 17 (UPI)—The first round of the U.S. Chess Championship opened here today with one win, two draws and three adjournments.
National Champion Bobby Fischer, the 18-year-old prodigy from Brooklyn, is staking his title on the play against 11 other players, however, he did not have a match today.
The one winner in play at the Prince George Hotel was Edmar Mednis of New York, who beat Herbert Seidman, also of New York.
Donald Byrne of University Park Pa., drew with James T. Sherwin of New York, and Robert Byrne drew with Pal Benko of New York.
The three adjournments will be played off Wednesday.
The tournament, scheduled for 11 rounds lasting through Jan. 4, is sponsored by the U.S. Chess Federation. The American Chess Foundation has provided $3,000 in prizes.
The Evening Sun Baltimore, Maryland Monday, December 18, 1961 - Page 39
Chess Play Canceled
Amsterdam, Dec. 18 (AP)—An official of the Dutch Chess Federation today announced cancellation of the Interzonal Chess Tournament originally scheduled to start here January 27. Bobby Fischer, of Brooklyn, was among the entries.
This article also appears in,
- Tampa Bay Times St. Petersburg, Florida Tuesday, December 19, 1961 - Page 16 “U.S. Chess Tourney Resumes Wednesday”
Poughkeepsie Journal Poughkeepsie, New York Monday, December 18, 1961 - Page 3
U.S. Chess Play Resumes Wednesday
New York —(AP)—Competition for the U.S. Chess championship is set to resume Wednesday, with 18-year-old Bobby Fischer, the four-time champion, still refusing to say whey he won't defend his title.
Only one first round match was determined in the competition which got under way yesterday. Abe Mednis, a U.S. master from Mount Vernon picked up one point to become the tournament leader when his opponent Herbert Seidman of Brooklyn resigned.
The Times-News Twin Falls, Idaho Tuesday, December 19, 1961 - Page 16
Upsets Mark Chess Battle At New York
New York, Dec. 19 (UPI)—Two upsets last night marked the second round of the U.S. chess championship.
Donald Byrne, a U.S. senior master from University Park, Pa., defeated Raymond Weinstein, an international master from Brooklyn; and Sidney Bernstein, a U.S. master from Brooklyn, upset international grandmaster Pal Benko, of New York.
Byrne's brother, Robert, drew with Herbert Seidman of Brooklyn, and another draw was declared in a match between Edmar Mednis of New York and Abe Turner of Mouth Vernon, N.Y.
In other matches last night, Larry Evens of New York defeated Eliot Hearst of Arlington, Va., and James T. Sherwin of New York beat George Kramer of Berkeley Heights, N.J.
The tournament winner will succeed national champion Bobby Fischer, 18, of Brooklyn, who did not defend his title. The match ends Jan. 4
The Gazette Montreal, Quebec, Canada Saturday, December 23, 1961 - Page 37
Fischer Out
Neither R. Fischer or S. Reshevsky are taking part in the current USA championship at N.Y. W. Lombardy who placed second last year, is another absentee. The favored entries are P. Benko, L. Evans and R. Weinstein. A four-time winner Fischer may have decided to conserve his energies for the FIDE Inter-Zonal of the world championship series which starts at the end of January in Amsterdam. His goal is now the world championship.
The Boston Globe Boston, Massachusetts Sunday, December 24, 1961 - Page 7
The 1962 United States championship tournament opened last Sunday at the Prince George Hotel in New York. Samuel Reshevsky, five-time winner and all-time threat was not present. But most of the top players of the country had accepted invitations including two former champions Evans and Bisguier. The Byrne brothers, Robert and Donald, Raymond Weinstein and Pal Benko lend sparkle to a shining field. This will be a wide open tournament because, hold onto your hate, Bobby Fischer will not compete!
Some time ago it was hinted here that Bobby, mightily miffed at A.C.F. for their handling of his match with Reshevsky. As usual, no reason has been given for the absence of Fischer, who had won the previous four tournaments. However, Fischer may be absent for a reason that has nothing to do with pique but a lot to do with pride. Bobby several months ago was invited to compete in the annual Hastings Christmas tournament. Playing dates in the two tournaments, Hastings and United States, overlap. The Hastings tourney is full of prestige and history yet is usually no match for the resounding title of national champion.
Fischer's reason for accepting the Hastings challenge is probably the report that World Champion Mikhail Botvinnik has also accepted a Hastings invitation. Fischer has never played Botvinnik and is itching for a crack at him. So, maybe this is it. However, Botvinnik has accepted and later declined many invitations. In fact since he has been champion his appearances in tournaments outside Soviet territory have been few and widely spaced.
Early American champions begin with Paul Morphy in 1857 and run through G.H. MacKenzie, Jackson Showalter, Simon Lipschuetz, A.B. Hodges and end with H.N. Pillsbury who picked up the title in 1897 and held it to his death in 1906.
F.J. Marshall became champion in 1909 and grimly retained the title until he was almost forced into retirement in 1936. He defended his title once in that 27 years. But then he was charming and beloved and besides in those fallow years there were really no other American players in his class. Tournament play began on an every other year basis in 1936 and Sam Reshevsky copped the first four. Denker won in 1944 and Reshevksy came back in 1946. Steiner won the 1948 even and was ousted by Evans in 1951 who, in turn, was moved out by Bisguier in 1954. Then came the Fischer era which now, temporarily at least, is at an end.
This highly untypical game by the darling of the younger generation, Russia's Tigran Petroshan (or Petrosian) is an example of what can happen to a fully accredited grandmaster when he doesn't mind his Ps and Qs (pun intended). Pachman gained himself a gooseegg and permitted Petroshan (sian) to produce this “little bit of Morphy”
The Courier-Journal Louisville, Kentucky Sunday, December 24, 1961 - Page 12
Larry Evans Leads In U.S. Title Fight
Larry Evans of New York City appeared to be the man to beat as the first phase of the United States Championship Chess Tournament ended in his home town.
The former U.S. Open champion upped his score to 3-0 as three unfinished games were completed.
In the third round, Evans, with an advantage of only one Pawn, defeated Abe Turner of Mount Vernon, N.Y.
George Kramer of Berkeley Heights, N.J., and Eliot Hearst of Arlington, Va., played to a draw, as did Herbert Seidman and Sidney Bernstein, both of New York City.
Conspicuously absent from the tourney are America's two grandmasters—reigning champion Robert Fischer and the celebrated Samuel Reshevsky.
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Sunday, December 31, 1961 - Page 32
Interzonal Tourney In Doubt; Help Needed
“The United States has qualified three players, champion Bobby Fischer, William Lombardy and Raymond Weinstein. The total entrance fees needed are $1,125. The American Chess Foundation has agreed to pay the traveling expenses of the players, but the entrance fees must be raised by public subscription.”
Sunday Gazette-Mail Charleston, West Virginia Sunday, December 31, 1961 - Page 47
“The United States Chess Championships continue in New York City with a field of 12, but minus defending champion Bobby Fischer and his arch-rival, Samuel Reshevsky.
With the tournament nearing the halfway mark, Larry Evans has a score of 4-1, with James Sherwin one point behind. This year's event is more of a wide open affair than any such event in recent years. Probably Evans will win though.
