The players I don't like much are the ones whose reputation is largely built on beating up weak players, for example Morphy, or those who were lazy and did not make the most of their ability, for example Capablanca.
My favourite players are those few who combined an inate talent with an overbearing drive to win. For me two players stand out in this regard, namely Alekhine and Fischer. Alekhine had to beat Capablanca, the most talented player by a long way (up to that point) to become World Champion. Fischer made his own way at a time when everyone else had a team of helpers, but he still managed to overcome them all.
Both of my favourite players have bad reputations outside of chess, but I think they both have legitimate excuses - Alekhine did what he had to to survive World War II and Fischer is simply insane.
I would have to say Fischer for his obsessive love for the game. He reminds me of Ali with all that arrogant boasting of his, but he could get away with it because he certainly was the best at his game at the time. Yes, he's said many stupid and moronic things recently, however I admire the chessplayer and not the other aspects of him. I probably wouldn't be able to stand having a conversation with him. But I'd certainly love a game 🙂
Originally posted by Fat LadyIs this a joke? Bobby Fischer went on record claiming he believed he was the reincarnation of Morphy. And Morphy played 8 of Paris's strongest players blindfolded simultaneously and didn't lose a game! He wasn't even an avid studier of the game yet he's still considered one of the most important players ever!
The players I don't like much are the ones whose reputation is largely built on beating up weak players, for example Morphy, or those who were lazy and did not make the most of their ability, for example Capablanca.
Originally posted by LordofADownI think it's a compliment to Morphy that someone would say he only beat up on weak players...
Is this a joke? Bobby Fischer went on record claiming he believed he was the reincarnation of Morphy. And Morphy played 8 of Paris's strongest players blindfolded simultaneously and didn't lose a game! He wasn't even an avid studier of the game yet he's still considered one of the most important players ever!
thier arms were too short to box with god
I haven't been into chess until late last year. So far my favorite players are Josh Waitzkin because he started young and I'm trying to get my 7 year old interested in chess and that he and I are around the same age. My other favorite is Paul Morphy because he also started young and is from the same state I'm from.