Bobby Fischer's memory

I remember seeing on tv, a clip from a news programme from around about the time of the original Fischer-Spassky world championship match, a news reporter saying that Bobby Fischer remembers every move of every chess game he has ever played in his life; but now I wonder whether I imagined it or something, because I'm not sure whether to believe it. Does anyone know if this feat of memory could be true?

seems to be a bit far-fetched BUT I did read that he could play a blitz tournament (e.g. 5 minute games) consisting of many games and could then recall all of the moves from every game

Not to brag or anything,but I can't remember any moves from any of my games! 😀

Originally posted by stoffer
I remember seeing on tv, a clip from a news programme from around about the time of the original Fischer-Spassky world championship match, a news reporter saying that Bobby Fischer remembers every move of every chess game he has ever played in his life; but now I wonder whether I imagined it or something, because I'm not sure whether to believe it. Does anyone know if this feat of memory could be true?

Originally posted by legionnaire
I suppose it's possible if he had a photographic memory, though I don't know so I can't really say. Given the literally thousands of games that he's played though, it would be hard to imagine that the could keep them all straight.

-mike

From what I've been able to find out from some research, Bobby did (or maybe still does?) have a phenomenal memory for chess. However, the story of his remembering every move from every game seems to be sort of like an "urban legend". There doesn't seem to be an independent source to confirm that he said this, or that it is otherwise true. 🙄

I remember reading an article from some chess writer/critic who had played Fischer. Years later, upon meeting Bobby again, Bobby proceeded to tell the writer the moves he should have made. Again, the recollection of a recollection. Maybe it goes to show that all these stories have a common thread, and some truth behind them. Phenomenal, none the less.