ADemocrat and Chronicle Rochester, New York Monday, July 09, 1979 - Page 15
The Fastest Gun In The West
One of Bobby Fischer's most psychologically devastating weapons is his quick grasp of positions. It is not unusual for him to use 40 percent less time than even his most accomplished grandmaster opponents.
The following anecdote by a veteran Brooklyn player of expert strength is, therefore, of great interest.
“Back in 1957, I was playing first board for the Civic Center Chess Club in a match against the Brooklyn Chess Club, held at the Brooklyn YMCA.
“I was paired with a 14-year-old kid, who seemed small for his age. All of us thought the Brooklyn club was pulling a fast one by putting their ‘weakest’ player at first board. We played, I made an error, dropped a piece and resigned.
“The game over, my opponent rose to his feet, visibly angry. ‘You don't really play faster than me. You didn't even think.’ he said. Playing my usual rapid, impulsive style, I had in fact used appreciably less time than he.
“There was an older companion of my opponent there, about 35 years old. He came over to me afterwards. ‘You have to remember this about Bobby,’ he apologized. ‘He's lost games, but no one has ever beaten him on time’!”
A few months later, Bobby Fischer, not yet 15 years old astounded the world by winning the U.S. championship in chess.
