Belvidere Daily Republican Belvidere, Illinois Tuesday, July 18, 1972 - Page 4
Bobby Fischer, Here We Come by David Englund
The Fischer-Spassky chess match (or is it a non-match?) inspired me to play in the Rockford Forest City Open, an annual chess tournament rated by the United States Chess Federation (USCF).
This year's tournament attracted 93 players, an increase of about 20 over last year's total. Tournament director Al Kemp speculated that at least part of the increase could be attributed to interest spawned (pun intended) by the world championship match.
As one might expect, much of the between-rounds conversation centered around Bobby Fischer and whether he would win, lose, or walk out on Spassky.
The tournament was held at the Faust Hotel, and there happened to be a television set in a nearby room. So while the Fischer-Spassky game was being analyzed on Wide World of Sports, many of the players would make a move and hasten to the television room to see what and how Bobby was doing — sort of a busman's holiday.
Fischer was definitely the favorite of the group. One player went so far as to display a “Bobby Fischer for President” button on his lapel. Director Al Kemp was not so enthralled, but to him there was no question: “If Fischer decides to play, Spassky might as well put the pieces back in the box and go home.”
My results in the tourney were quite good (for me). I finished 3-2 in the five-round competition, which gave me a tie for the $25 prize for class D-E. Now, D-E does not stand for Dave Englund, as some skeptics might support; it is a low category in which I found myself after a disastrous first tournament in Chicago.
In the first round, I found myself pitted against an expert, which is one class below a master, and although I wasn't exactly demolished, it was hardly a contest.
My second game was probably the shortest of the tournament — five minutes. My opponent saw he was going to lose a piece (a piece is a queen, rook, knight, or bishop, as distinguished from a pawn) and conceded after only seven moves.
The third round of the day was a very exhausting affair, which I managed to win in 71 moves. My opponent was rated 1718, as opposed to my meager 1391, so I was extremely relieved when he resigned. Please do not ask me to explain the rating system, which is totally beyond comprehension. Personally, I believe it was devised by Transylvanian elves.
I also managed to win the fourth match, this time against an 1809-rated player. I had to defend several very nasty threats, but, fortunately, I was able to provide my adversary with some nastier ones.
The last game was, alas, mayhem, although I did manage to hold out some chances for a draw until the 71st move.
It is amazing how much courtesy was shown, even among the less skillful players. There is no talking during the game, except perhaps to say “check”.
Believe it or not, chess in an exhausting game. Several of Fischer's opponents have had matches postponed because of illness, and, after three rounds Saturday and two Sunday, I can understand why. The psychological pressures are sometimes incredible.
The tournament attracted players of all ages. The youngest was 14. The winner, with a 5-0 record was Steven Tennant of Palos Heights. He is way out of my league.
But that isn't so bad. Actually, my only regret is that Jan wasn't there to pelt my opponents with some of the chess pieces. That would have helped.
Bobby Fischer, Here We Come 18 Jul 1972, Tue Belvidere Daily Republican (Belvidere, Illinois) Newspapers.com
Bobby Fischer, Here We Come 18 Jul 1972, Tue Belvidere Daily Republican (Belvidere, Illinois) Newspapers.com
