Boris Spassky vs. Bobby Fischer 1968

For example, I recently saw a documentary where, according to the latest findings, it was proven that Jesus was crucified on an X-shaped cross.

Well, I'm certainly no historian. But let's move to the world of chess and to the year 1968: At that time, Tigran Petrosian is the world champion, but there are two other players considered stronger, namely Boris Spassky and Robert Fischer. You know how it turned out historically. Although Bobby Fischer clearly led the progression tournament in Sousse 1967, he withdrew from the tournament, I wrote an article about it here:

https://www.nss.cz/the-mystery-of-bobby-fischer-in-sousse

But what if Bobby hadn't withdrawn, had won, and had gone on to the Candidates' Matches. And there would have been a final between Boris Spassky vs. Bobby Fischer. Who was better at the time and how would it have ended?

Tournament results of 1968

One of the biggest indications, of course, is how both players played.

In the middle of 1968, Bobby Fischer clearly won the Netanya tournament with 11.5/13, leading the second player by 3.5 points! However, no one from the wider world top played there. In September 1968, Bobby won the tournament in Vinkovci, where he scored 11/13 with a 2-point lead over Matulovic and Hort. That was it.

Boris Spassky in April 1968 decimated E. Geller 5.5:2.5 without a loss. Similarly, he beat B. Larsen 5.5:2.5 where after the start he led 3.0 Bent then won one game, but Boris eventually won decisively. And in the final, he beats V. Korchnoi 6.5:3.5 (!) Boris then plays very well at the Olympiad and further plays in the tournament in Palma de Mallorca, where he is "only" second. Then comes 1969 and the victory over T. Petrosian 12.5:10.5 and the crown.

What does this tell us? Bobby was of course a killer and was able to decisively win tournaments, however, the question is, how would he have dealt with Geller or Korchnoi in 1968? Especially with Geller, he didn't do well, and Korchnoi was for him an "all-around" uncomfortable opponent. The decisive victories of Spassky just prove that in 1968 Spassky was certainly not weaker.

Psychology

I think this is a key indicator. Both Bobby and Boris were, of course, incredibly strong grandmasters, and the details would have decided. Looking at the match from 1972, then Boris's "collapse" is surprising when he lost several games due to gross mistakes as if he wasn't in his element. It's more than clear that this wouldn't have happened to Spassky from 1968. Why?

1. He was far hungrier, craving the title

2. If he played a final against Fischer about who would challenge Petrosian, then the pressure on Boris wouldn't have been nearly as intense as it was before the match in 1972. For example, Spassky had a 5-month chess camp (!!) His coach (father Bondarevsky) left him before the match, etc.

3. I would like to underline here that Boris Spassky from 1968 and 1972 is simply a "different person".

4. Bobby Fischer truly had "great respect" for Boris. This only proves the "loan of the first chessboard" to Bent Larsen in the match USSR vs. the world in 1970, there's hardly any other explanation. Bobby was absolutely uncompromising and if he wanted to play the first board, he would play it, or not play at all. There was no compromise with Fischer. It's true that in 1972, when studying Boris Spassky's games, he still had great respect and fears. Remember, it was almost a miracle that the match started and Bobby flew to Reykjavik?

Although I'm the number one fan of chess Bobby Fischer, this match would be absolutely unclear. I don't see a favorite here. Maybe I would even put Boris Spassky slightly higher due to psychological resilience. However, everything was different four years later. Then, both in chess and outside chess, the cards were on Bobby Fischer's side.

Robert Cvek

* pictures for this article coming from facebook