Chess Gateway Classic Game
Fischer vs Spassky, World Chess Championship 1972, Game 6


During round 6 of the Corus Chess Tournament earlier this year, it was announced that Robert James Fischer, (known by us all as 'Bobby' Fischer), the 11th World Chess Champion, had died in Reykjavik, Iceland, aged 64 -- a square on the chess board for each year of his life.

Being in the playing hall as Dolf Vos, the Chairman of the committee made the announcement, was quite unlike anything that I had experienced before. Spectators, journalists, amatuer players, tournament officials, and super-GM's alike, stood in absolute silence in tribute to one of the most impacting people chess has ever seen.

Of course, tragic it is, that many of Bobby's impacts would be away from the chess board. Fischer was no stranger to politics and controversy, both with his chess and with his views on the world, and his native United States. He battled with the Whitehouse pretty much constantly, and his views after the World Trade Centre attacks of 9/11 would cause wide-spread condemnation. It is perhaps fair to say that the man behind the moves was held widely in disregard, but the moves that he made were held in awe. Bobby Fischer made many openings and technical discoveries that are still strong today, and the new spirit that he brought to the game would increase chess awareness greatly throughout the globe.

It is perhaps fitting, then, that in a tribute to Bobby Fischer, former World Chess Champion, the Chess Gateway Classic Game should be taken from his 1972 match against Boris Spassky. The match was widely surrounded in controversy, with challenger Fischer only arriving in the host country of Iceland 5 hours before he was due to face Spassky for the beginning of the match. Soviet chess officials were outraged, and considered this an insult, and demanded an apology from the American. This was forthcoming, and the match got underway, albeit insecurely. There were complaints about the TV camera noise, with games taking place in back rooms, then the TV camera's being expelled for the majority of the match. Indeed, Game 2, Fischer would default, failing to show in protest at the TV camera's. There were several moments when it was feared that Fischer would pull from the match, with one associate even sabotaging his car in order to prevent it. The match did complete, however, against all expectations. And, Bobby Fischer would emerge the victor 12.5-8.5.

The 6th game of the match is widely seen as the best, Fischer, playing white, deviates from his usual 1.e4 and the result is a Queens Gambit Declined. Spassky reacts well, but just as he seems to have obtained a nice equal stance, he presents the challenger with an opening. It is like a red rag to a bull, and Fischer pounces, increasing his advantage move by move. Worthy of note is Fischer's frequent use of devices and threats in order to pressurize his opponent. Enjoy!

all comments and analysis by John Lee Shaw, aided by Fritz 11.