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Local Chess Expert Predicted Fischer's Easy Win

Back to 1972 Index

North Baton Rouge Journal, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Thursday, September 07, 1972

Local Chess Expert Predicted Fischer's Easy WinLocal Chess Expert Predicted Fischer's Easy Win 07 Sep 1972, Thu The Zachary Plainsman-News (Zachary, Louisiana) Newspapers.com

Local Chess Expert Predicted Fischer's Easy Win
The Brooklyn-born Bobby Fischer's win over Boris Spassky was predicted by Baton Rougean Don Wagner, former president of the Baton Rouge Chess Association and host for Fischer's 1964 visit to Baton Rouge.
That year Fischer played an exhibition game in Baton Rouge, while simultaneously playing 75 games in New Orleans, winning 70. During his visit here Fischer was a guest in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Don Wagner. Mrs. Wagner (Phyllis), is news editor of The Journal.
Fischer captured the world chess championship Friday, Sept. 1, when Boris Spassky of Russia telephoned his resignation in the 21st game, which had been adjourned overnight.
It marked the first time an American has ever held the title, although Paul Charles Morphy of New Orleans dominated play in the 1850's and came to be known as unofficial world champion.
The title match had a limit of 24 games. This victory gave Fischer 12½ points to Spassky's 8½. Fischer won seven games, each worth a point. Spassky took three, including a forfeit, actually winning only two out of 10 games at the playing board.
Each of 11 draws was worth half a point to each contestant.
Fischer, who is 29, stands to win $156,000 in prize money and will reap further thousands in book royalties and other fees before he has to defend his title in 1976.
While visiting the Wagners, Fischer was taken on a sightseeing drive of the area. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he was fascinated by the flowers, trees and beauty of Baton Rouge.
The accompanying pictures were taken during Fischer's stay at the Wagner home.

Bobby at the Chessboard
Bobby Fischer handles 'Tex,' the Wagner family python during his visit in 1964.Fischer's first meeting with “Tex,” the Don Wagners' seven foot Indigo snake.
GOOD SPORT—Fischer gingerly holds a corn snake and “Puff the Magic Dragon,” an iguana from Mexico.GOOD SPORT—Fischer gingerly holds a corn snake and “Puff the Magic Dragon,” an iguana from Mexico.
Bobby Fischer visits with the Wagner children in 1964.
FISCHER recalled--Don Wagner, former president of the Baton Rouge Chess Association, is shown with Bobby Fischer when he visited in Baton Rouge eight years ago. Wagner's son, Larry, looks on.FISCHER recalled--Don Wagner, former president of the Baton Rouge Chess Association, is shown with Bobby Fischer when he visited in Baton Rouge eight years ago. Wagner's son, Larry, looks on.
READS BIBLE-Fischer is shown reading his Bible. He observes Saturday as his sabbath.
READS BIBLE-Fischer is shown reading his Bible. He observes Saturday as his sabbath.

Recommended Books

Understanding Chess by William Lombardy Chess Duels, My Games with the World Champions, by Yasser Seirawan No Regrets: Fischer-Spassky 1992, by Yasser Seirawan Chess Fundamentals, by Jose Capablanca Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess, by Bobby Fischer My 60 Memorable Games, by Bobby Fischer Bobby Fischer Games of Chess, by Bobby Fischer The Modern Chess Self Tutor, by David Bronstein Russians versus Fischer, by Mikhail Tal, Plisetsky, Taimanov, et al

'til the world understands why Robert J. Fischer criticised the U.S./British and Russian military industry imperial alliance and their own Israeli Apartheid. Sarah Wilkinson explains:

Bobby Fischer, First Amendment, Freedom of Speech
What a sad story Fischer was,” typed a racist, pro-imperialist colonial troll who supports mega-corporation entities over human rights, police state policies & white supremacy.
To which I replied: “Really? I think he [Bob Fischer] stood up to the broken system of corruption and raised awareness! Whether on the Palestinian/Israel-British-U.S. Imperial Apartheid scam, the Bush wars of ‘7 countries in 5 years,’ illegally, unconstitutionally which constituted mass xenocide or his run in with police brutality in Pasadena, California-- right here in the U.S., police run rampant over the Constitution of the U.S., on oath they swore to uphold, but when Americans don't know the law, and the cops either don't know or worse, “don't care” -- then I think that's pretty darn “sad”. I think Mr. Fischer held out and fought the good fight, steadfast til the day he died, and may he Rest In Peace.
Educate yourself about U.S./State Laws --
https://www.youtube.com/@AuditTheAudit/videos
After which the troll posted a string of profanities, confirming there was never any genuine sentiment of “compassion” for Mr. Fischer, rather an intent to inflict further defamatory remarks.

This ongoing work is a tribute to the life and accomplishments of Robert “Bobby” Fischer who passionately loved and studied chess history. May his life continue to inspire many other future generations of chess enthusiasts and kibitzers, alike.

Robert J. Fischer, Kid Chess Wizard 1956March 9, 1943 - January 17, 2008

The photograph of Bobby Fischer (above) from the March 02, 1956 The Tampa Times was discovered by Sharon Mooney (Bobby Fischer Newspaper Archive editor) on February 01, 2018 while gathering research materials for this ongoing newspaper archive project. Along with lost games now being translated into Algebraic notation and extractions from over two centuries of newspapers, it is but one of the many lost treasures to be found in the pages of old newspapers since our social media presence was first established November 11, 2017.

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