"Meeting Bobby Fischer"

"If you randomly ask someone on the street to name one chess
player, chances are the name Bobby Fischer will come up. Some
consider him the greatest world champion ever. Some consider
him the most eccentric. People may disagree with his views
on various issues. However, no one can ever dispute what he
has done for chess. No one can doubt his love and passion
for the game and definitely no one can question his skills
in chess. Bobby Fischer is a chess genius. He is a chess
legend. He raised chess to another level.

One of my memorable moments in chess was meeting him. He
visited my family and me in Hungary and stayed in our summer
home. Even though it was supposed to be a secret, he could
not escape the media frenzy. When Bobby did not talk about
issues that were very dear to his heart or chess, he was a
very friendly, funny, and definitely a "normal" person. When
he talked about issues he feels strongly about, he became
very "passionate". Whether I agree with his views or not is
irrelevant. It does not change my respect and admiration
for his abilities, knowledge and accomplishments in chess.
He is simply one of best ever. And he is definitely one of
the most colorful and one of the most recognized world
champions ever.

It was such a unique experience for me to be able to play
(Fischer Random Chess) against Bobby. Some of the games were
blitz at home. Others were played while we were in restaurants.
We also analyzed some positions. Everyone knew what Bobby used
to think about women's chess. After our many games, even though
I was not able to change his mind about many other topics, I am
sure that I changed his mind about women's chess. I had very
good results against Bobby. But the final score is something I
would never reveal unless Bobby consents. Trust is something
that is very important to him.

We even agreed to play an official "Battle of the Sexes Fischer
Random Chess Match" on the world stage. Bobby believes that
Fischer Random Chess is a true test of skills and talents,
without just relying on home analysis. I agree with him. I
wish this game would be more popular. Unfortunately, the match
did not happen. Maybe one day it will. Overall, it was a very
good and, undoubtedly, a memorable moment in my chess career."

--GM Susan Polgar, March 05, 2003