Shelby Lyman on Chess: ‘You Don’t Know Me’
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Bobby Fischer was often described as a loner by a mainstream press that was puzzled by his unorthodox and inaccessible behavior and seemingly exceptional need for privacy.
Contrary to popular perception, he could be strikingly open and engaging,
He was not unlike the actress Greta Garbo, who complained that she was seeking not to be alone as much as to be left alone by the maddening crowd that pursued her. Like Garbo, Fischer often had to take elaborate measures to protect himself.
In fact, Fischer frequently revealed a keen and irrepressible sense of humor and playfulness and engagement with others.
Of interest is the following incident from a 1957 U.S. Junior Tournament in San Francisco.
Fischer had arrived 10 minutes late, but still in time to play his first-round game with Ivan Vegvary.
“Fischer burst into the room with a dramatic entrance that few will ever forget,” Roy Hoppe, a local player, told a local chess magazine. “He stormed in and walked with extreme confidence and arrogance as if he was on a grand mission. Kids who were standing near the door clamored over to meet him.
“Bobby was wearing patched and holed Levis, two different colors of Converse tennis shoes, and a flannel shirt. His head was shaved.”
Vegvary warned: “You’re not going to win it.” Fischer glared and responded: “You don’t know me.”
Of course, Fischer won the game, and the tournament.
Source: http://www.vnews.com