Monday, January 14, 2013

Spassky - Fischer 1972 WCH Game 17 (B09)


Spassky - Fischer 1972 WCH Game 17 (B09)

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Bobby once again introduces an opening novelty by playing the Pirc Defense (in a tnmt/match game) for the first time in his life, sparking another exciting battle that eventually ends up in a peaceful draw. Note the differing opinions by GMs Krogius, Evans and Gligoric at several points in the game, including Fischer's "dubious" or "necessary" exchange sacrifice on move 21, depending on who you think is the most accurate evaluator (in this case not Krogius IMHO).
OTB (OFF The Board) activities prior to this game included a press release made by the atty of the hapless Chester Fox, who had paid in advance for the TV rights to the match which turned out to be a very bad investment after Fischer refused to play with any TV cameras filming the games (they were too noisy for him, even although no one else could hear them). Spassky's second GM Geller then accused Bobby of employing voodoo (this is poetic license on my part - NR) and/or "Mission Impossible" type tactics (ie hi-tech devices) to upset Boris, which would account for his balking at any cameras around that might record his "misdeeds." Prior to this game the Icelandic Police posted guards at the playing site the night before Game 17 while it was examined for electronic devices, voodoo dolls of Boris with pins stuck in them, etc and after a through search found 3 dead flies in one of the overhead light fixtures.
Halldor Petursson was an Icelandic caricature artist who drew 18 cartoons of the match for a local newspaper. In this one Bobby, the American Eagle, swoops down on his Russian Bear opponent with the apparent intent of making off with Spassky's jealously guarded crown. You can see them all without any cropping at http://www.dos.is/chess/3_halldor_postcards.html


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