Rough estimates over Fischer's re-entry into chess.

[John McKenna]

Out of the 30 games between Fischer and Spassky, in 1992, 6 were Closed Sicilians (out of a total of 10 Sicilians, in all, making the Sicilian the most-played opening in the match with a score of +5,=5).

In those 6 Closed Sicilians playing white Fischer scored +1,=2 and Spassky did the same score when white. An even and symmetrical set of results.

Not played through any games, yet, apart from the first. And we now know something of what Kasparov had to say about that (see above for Leonard Barden's post re: OMGP IV p. 488).

There (on p. 489) Kasparov also says, "Against any young player with a rating of over 2600 (in 1992!) he would have found things tough." Which confirms that Fischer himself was playing (as stipulated above) at around 2620 on his return in 1992.

[Matt Mackenzie]

Not long after this contest, Spassky played Judit Polgar in a match and lost by 3 games to 2 with 5 draws.Though that was slightly misleading in a way, in the final "dead rubber" encounter he made a basic and well known blunder in the opening - but his opponent didn't spot it (or at least, she pretended not to?) and Boris went on to win an - after that mishap - well played game.

[John McKenna]

Ah, the lady v. the gent, thanks.

[Nick Ivell]

I don't think Bobby was as good as 2600 in 1992. Look at game 5. He was about Spassky's strength, with Boris in it for the money and throwing a bone or two.

[Simon Rogers]

I'm enjoying reading the posts about Bobby Fischer on the forum and learning new things about his games.

[Simon Rogers]

Everyone is equal.
ALL LIVES MATTER

[John McKenna]

Fischer quit while at his peak, which helps explain, to some degree, why it has been claimed that he only lost once to a player younger than himself in all serious competitions. Who, when and where?

[Nick Ivell]

Florin Gheorghiu? I seem to recall he beat Fischer, although characteristically Bobby turned a draw down.

[John McKenna]

Correct, Nick.

That was in the 1966 Havana Olympiad, I believe.

[Simon Rogers]

Thanks John and Nick. I'm learning more and more about Bobby Fischer.

[John Moore]

Vlatko Kovacevic who beat Fischer at Rovinj-Zagreb in 1970 (interesting game by the way)? Ah, I see that he was born in 1942.