The Philadelphia Inquirer Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, July 13, 1972 - Page 39
The Public Speaks: Is Chess Becoming Popular in the U.S.?
How You Voted. Yes: 75% No: 25%. Sample ‘Yes’ Comments. “It took Bobby Fischer to make it popular” … “We're finally catching up with the rest of the world” … “It's about time” … “Especially if Fischer beats the Russian” … “It's a worthwhile game and should be played by everyone” … “It's one sport that is inexpensive to play” … “I think it has always been popular.”
Sample ‘No’ Comments. “There are not enough organized chess matches to make it popular” … “Not enough people know how to play the game” … “If you indulge in anything more intellectual than draw poker you are considered odd” … “After the Fischer match is over the excitement will die out.”