The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Sunday, November 12, 1961
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”
