Shelby Lyman on Chess: A Great Passion
Sunday, September 28, 2014
(Published in print: Sunday, September 28, 2014)
“Only passions, great passions, can elevate the soul to great things” we are told by the Enlightenment philosopher Denis Diderot.
Few have been more consumed by passion in the pursuit of the object of their devotion than Bobby Fischer.
What was most striking about Fischer’s quest was the honesty with which he approached it. His integrity in chess was incontrovertible.
He always searched for the correct move, rejecting others that might be more effective for the moment, given the foibles and vulnerabilities of his opponents.
There was little or no bluff in this warrior of the chessboard.
In the long run, the quest for perfection only added to the power of his play. It took no small effort. But he pursued the act of discovery with intensity and gusto.
…in chess, Fischer left an incomparable legacy.
More here.
Nakamura is better.
Way way better.