AThe Index-Journal Greenwood, South Carolina Tuesday, July 11, 1972 - Page 9
South Carolina Chess Champion Thinks Fischer Should Beat Spassky by Jim Cornwell
American interest in chess is growing, largely through the sparks generated by the Fischer-Spassky match slated to begin in Iceland.
Chess expert Otto Estenger of Greenwood speaks with some knowledge of the game as South Carolina's champion.
Estenger believes that Fischer should win.
According to Estenger, chess is a game requiring great concentration for long hours at a time.
“Fischer is younger and knows more moves,” he reasons. “He's in better condition and should win.”
Estenger won't venture to guess how the game would begin.
The standard move often used by Spassky would be pawn to Queen's bishop 4. However, Fischer, who has been studying Spassky's moves, should be alert enough to counter.
The move described by Estenger is one in which the white attacker (Spassky won the toss to go first and hence has white) goes on the offensive against his black opponent.
A prediction by Estenger is that if Spassky were to use this opening, Fischer would use the Sicilian Defense, a defensive strategy by which black attempts to slow down and check his attacker.
Estenger bases his prediction upon moves favored by the two antagonists, but cautioned that there are really many different opening and counters. Fischer and Spassky having studied each other's style might very well come up with some other moves. However, Estenger agrees, “in chess the expected is often the unexpected.”
Estenger won't make any predictions for plays past the opening move saying there were so many possible combinations.”
Estenger feels that Fischer's “on-off-on” attitude towards the match should not give either of the players an advantage.
“Once in New York, Fischer became extremely upset because of c*g*r*tt* smoke in the room in which he was playing,” said Estenger.
Fischer, by Estenger's assessment, is a genius. “He's good and he knows he's good. Some people don't like him because he admits he's good.”
Fischer will face one serious disadvantage. The games are scored under the point system, one point for a win and one-half point for a draw. Spassky only has to score 12 points out of the 24-game match to win. Fischer will have to score 12½ points to win since he's the challenger.
Estenger thinks it quite likely that Spassky will settle for draws, while Fischer will be going after victories.
He concluded, “Spassky thanked Fischer for getting him (Spassky) a new apartment and car. After this match is over, the Russians may take it away from him again.”
South Carolina Chess Champion Thinks Fischer Should Beat Spassky 11 Jul 1972, Tue The Index-Journal (Greenwood, South Carolina) Newspapers.com
