AThe Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Sunday, July 02, 1972 - Page 20
Fischer Fans Gain in Numbers, Confidence by Isaac Kashdan, Times Chess Editor
Bobby Fischer will be the challenger in Reykjavik, Iceland, when he faces world chess champion Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union for the title.
It should be the other way around, in the opinion of Fischer and a growing coterie of supporters. They feel the boy (now a man of 29) from Brooklyn should have been champion 10 years ago.
While this is an old story to chess buffs, what matters now is that the match is on, with 24 grueling games to go.
How do you assess their chances? Look at the record. They have met five times, and Spassky has three wins. Two games ended in draws.
'70 Olympics Match
Their most recent match was during the Chess Olympics in Siegen, West Germany, in 1970.
Fischer had the black pieces, a slight disadvantage. Spassky was ready to simplify and equalize in the early stages, but Fischer sought to complicate the game, taking risks to develop a win.
At the critical point Spassky counterattacked. Intent on his own plans, Fischer did not react quickly enough, and Spassky won in a pretty finish.
They played twice in the Piatigorsky Cup Tournament in Santa Monica in 1966.
Fischer was in one of his rare slumps and seemed disheartened.
He lost two games in a row before meeting Spassky. The Russian soon had the better game, played more energetically, and nudged his advantage to a win.
KASHDAN PREDICTS
Bobby Fischer should defeat Boris Spassky in 20 or 21 of the maximum 24 games scheduled. The final score should be between 13-7 (65% for Fischer) and 12½-8½ (60%).
Fischer Rallied
The score was a factor in their second game in the next to last round. Fischer had rallied and move into a tie for first place with Spassky.
This time Spassky played the blacks. He was determined to draw the game, and let the tournament decision go to the final round. It was a hard, well-played game on both sides, and a draw was the proper result.
Spassky's strategy was successful. In the final round Spassky defeated the tailender, Hans Donner of Holland, while Fischer was held to a draw by former world champion Tigran Petrosian. Spassky gained first prize by a half-point margin.
For the last two years the record is all in Fischer's favor. He has won matches and tournaments by amazing margins. Since winning the title in 1969, Spassky's play has been mediocre.
The official explanation is that the champion has been holding back, saving his best moves for Fischer. They say he has many new ideas to try on the one major threat to Soviet chess hegemony.
What is the secret of Bobby's success? If there is a one-word answer, it is accuracy. He seldom makes a mistake.
Fischer's method is to pressure his opponent until he makes a single misplay. He will take immediate advantage, and never relax until he has won decisive material or forced a checkmate.
Spassky has a seemingly easier style. He does not mind clearer positions, and will accept a draw rather than gamble.
However, Spassky also has the ability to create positions impossible to analyze thoroughly in the limited time of a match game.
In such situations Spassky's judgment is excellent, at least as good as Fischer's. It is in such tense struggles that anything can happen.
