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Bobby Fischer Is Dead At 64

Posted by kdawson on from the new-kind-of-chess dept.

A number of readers wrote in to make sure we know that former world chess champion Bobby Fischer has died in Reykjavik, Iceland, where he had lived since 2005. No cause of death was given.

8 of 377 comments (clear)

  1. Why such hate? by Shivetya · · Score: 5, Insightful
    On Sept. 11, 2001, he told a radio talk-show host in Baguio, the Philippines, that the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were "wonderful news," adding he was wishing for a scenario "where the country will be taken over by the military, they'll close down all the synagogues, arrest all the Jews and secure hundreds of thousands of Jewish ringleaders."



    That and a few other choice comments attributed to him make me want to say, good riddance. It is such a travesty to see such greatness overshadowed by blantant and raving bigotry. I don't care how good at chess he was anymore, the world doesn't need to celebrate assholes like this just because "they were once great"

    It really sounds like he succumbed to hate and had to disappear at times simply because he knew he couldn't exist in the real world

    --
    * Winners compare their achievements to their goals, losers compare theirs to that of others.
    1. Re:Why such hate? by east+coast · · Score: 5, Insightful

      It really sounds like he succumbed to hate and had to disappear at times simply because he knew he couldn't exist in the real world

      Actually, the man succumbed to mental illness. Hopefully you're never in a position to pass any meaningful judgement on people who have these kinds of issues.

      Or what would you tell the readers on this site that lay claims to having Asperger's syndrome or a close relative of such? Would you tell them that it serves them right and that they're just a bunch of misfits?

      If anything Fischer's legacy outside of chess should be to show people that extreme talent and insight in a small area gives no one any special insight into anything else. Maybe actors and singers should take note of that.

      --
      Dedicated Cthulhu Cultist since 4523 BC.
    2. Re:Why such hate? by Vellmont · · Score: 5, Insightful


      That and a few other choice comments attributed to him make me want to say, good riddance.

      He was certainly a huge dick, and a bigot to boot. But AFAIK all he ever did was rant and talk. Not exactly someone you wish dead. In a word, "Mostly Harmless".

      I have to say, the world is a slightly less interesting place with Bobby Fischer not in it.

      --
      AccountKiller
    3. Re:Why such hate? by COMON$ · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Maybe actors and singers should take note of that.
      And PHDs, Pastors, MDs or anyone else highly educated speaking of fields like an expert where they aren't.

      --
      CS: It is all sink or swim...oh and did I mention there are sharks in that water?
    4. Re:Why such hate? by metallic · · Score: 4, Insightful

      It should be noted that Bobby Fischer's mother is Jewish. The man was mentally ill, which while not excusing the things he said, at least makes it a little easier to understand.

      --
      Karma: Positive. Mostly effected by cowbell.
  2. Truly Unfortunate by eldavojohn · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I am by no means an expert or historian on Bobby Fischer's life. I once admired him. Sadly, for Mr. Fischer, I always wished that his past caught up with him and he would forget his new found convictions.

    From an admirable chess player early on, he showed signs of mental instability. But really, who hasn't from time to time? He made absurd demands to move Moscow closer to the ocean or make the sun set sooner for his convenience when he appeared at the famous game. I've read accounts that make him sound borderline autistic. Although he seemed to have much more cognitive powers ... usually.

    I wish I could erase the last half of Bobby Fischer's life from history. I wish he never touched a radio station's microphone. His proclamation that the September 11th attacks were "wonderful news" and calling for the US to be destroyed, his several radio aired remarks against Jewish peoples and other disparaging remarks. Was this for attention? Was this really what he believed? I'm not sure what personally made him feel this way but living in Iceland under political asylum was not the way I wanted to see it end.

    Unfortunate that he died. Even more unfortunate that he never came around to apologize and promote chess in schools and everywhere. We'll miss the young Bobby Fischer and always be a little confused about what happened to make him cross that fine line between ingenuity and insanity. Rest in peace, Bobby Fischer.

    --
    My work here is dung.
  3. Checkmate Indeed by RailGunSally · · Score: 4, Insightful

    The latter day Fischer was a raving lunatic. His "politics" do not merit rebuttal or even serious consideration. I choose to remember the Fischer of my youth -- which was quite pleasantly misspent in the 70s. No single player has ever so completely dominated chess like Fischer. His play is a model of simplicity, logic, creativity, and elegance. I would say that he will be missed, but, in truth, we in the international chess community have already missed the real Bobby Fisher for many years.

    "Checkmate", from the Persian "shah mat" meaning, "the king is dead".

  4. dealing with mental issues by Simonetta · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Actually, the man succumbed to mental illness. Hopefully you're never in a position to pass any meaningful judgment on people who have these kinds of issues.

        Every four years I vote in the American presidential election.