The Gift of Chess

Notice to commercial publishers seeking use of images from this collection of chess-related archive blogs. For use of the many large color restorations, two conditions must be met: 1) It is YOUR responsibility to obtain written permissions for use from the current holders of rights over the original b/w photo. Then, 2) make a tax-deductible donation to The Gift of Chess in honor of Robert J. Fischer-Newspaper Archives. A donation in the amount of $250 USD or greater is requested for images above 2000 pixels and other special request items. For small images, such as for fair use on personal blogs, all credits must remain intact and a donation is still requested but negotiable. Please direct any photographs for restoration and special request (for best results, scanned and submitted at their highest possible resolution), including any additional questions to S. Mooney, at bobbynewspaperblogs•gmail. As highlighted in the ABC News feature, chess has numerous benefits for individuals, including enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, improving concentration and memory, and promoting social interaction and community building. Initiatives like The Gift of Chess have the potential to bring these benefits to a wider audience, particularly in areas where access to educational and recreational resources is limited.

Best of Chess Fischer Newspaper Archives
• Robert J. Fischer, 1955 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1956 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1957 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1958 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1959 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1960 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1961 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1962 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1963 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1964 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1965 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1966 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1967 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1968 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1969 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1970 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1971 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1972 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1973 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1974 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1975 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1976 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1977 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1978 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1979 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1980 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1981 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1982 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1983 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1984 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1985 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1986 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1987 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1988 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1989 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1990 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1991 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1992 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1993 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1994 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1995 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1996 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1997 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1998 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 1999 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 2000 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 2001 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 2002 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 2003 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 2004 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 2005 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 2006 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 2007 bio + additional games
• Robert J. Fischer, 2008 bio + additional games
Chess Columns Additional Archives/Social Media

Articles from 1955 Index

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1944

1944, The earliest known photograph of Bobby Fischer sitting on his mother's lap when he was one year old.

1944, The earliest known photograph of Bobby Fischer sitting on his mother's lap when he was one year old.

1953

Bobby Fischer, January 1953

Bobby Fischer, January 1953. Original b/w photo source unknown. For fair use, all credits must be kept intact. Color photo version created by the developer (me, yours truly) of https://bobby-fischer-1955.blogspot.com

Bobby Fischer, January 1953

Bobby Fischer, January 1953. Original b/w photo source unknown. For fair use, all credits must be kept intact. Color photo version created by the developer (me, yours truly) of https://bobby-fischer-1955.blogspot.com

Bobby Fischer, January 1953

Dan E Mayers vs Robert James Fischer

The young chess prodigy, Bobby Fischer, polishing off anothing hypothetical opponent.

The young chess prodigy, Bobby Fischer, 9 years old polishing off another hypothetical opponent.

The young chess prodigy, Bobby Fischer, polishing off anothing hypothetical opponent.
Young Fischer at what he loves and does best!

Young Fischer at what he loves and does best!

1954

Jacob Altusky vs Robert James Fischer

Robert James Fischer vs Jacob Altusky

1955

Anthony Wayne Conger vs Robert James Fischer

May 22, 1955

Albert Brown Humphrey vs Robert James Fischer

U.S. Junior Open 1955 Lincoln, Nebraska. Bobby Fischer, bottom row, right, first in line.

Participants and Officials of he 1955 U.S. Junior Open. First row left to right: Bobby Fischer, Andy Staklis, Alexander Liepnieks, Ken Opp… Source: Unknown

USA Junior Chess Championship 1955, Lincoln, Nebraska, at the YMCA. From left: Robert Fischer, Andy Starlis, Alexander Liepnieks, Kenwood Opp, Henry Gross, Larry Remlinger, Green.
Second row betw. A. Leipnieks & K. Opp-the winner of the tournament (9:1 score) Charles Kalme (Philadelphia).

USA Junior Chess Championship 1955, Lincoln, Nebraska, at the YMCA. From left: Robert Fischer, Andy Starlis, Alexander Liepnieks, Kenwood Opp, Henry Gross, Larry Remlinger, Green. Second row betw. A. Leipnieks & K. Opp-the winner of the tournament (9:1 score) Charles Kalme (Philadelphia). Source: Nebraska Chess. For fair use, all credits must be kept intact. Color photo version created by the developer (me, yours truly) of https://bobby-fischer-1955.blogspot.com

Bobby Fischer plays a board game with the young Liepnieks, children of the Lincoln, Nebraska Open Junior Championship.  Photo created approximately July 1955.

Bobby Fischer plays a board game with the young Liepnieks. Source: Unknown

July 15, 1955

Robert James Fischer vs Kenneth Warner

July 16, 1955

William Whisler vs Robert James Fischer

  • The Lincoln Star Lincoln, Nebraska Saturday, July 16, 1955 — Junior Chess Enthusiasts Begin National Play Here — Twenty-five young chess enthusiasts from all over the country scratched their heads and pondered their moves Friday evening as the first round of the 10th annual junior chess championship tournament got underway Read More

July 17, 1955

Jimmy Thomason vs Robert James Fischer

July 18, 1955

Robert James Fischer vs David Ames

July 21, 1955

Robert James Fischer vs Viktors Pupols

July 24, 1955

Robert James Fischer vs Franklin Saksena

July 25, 1955

  • Lincoln Journal Star Lincoln, Nebraska Monday, July 25, 1955 — Young Native of Latvia Wins Junior Chess Contest — A Philadelphia youth born in Latvia 15 years ago has won the 10th U.S. Junior Chess Championship. Charles Kalme earned $75 worth of prizes after winning nine of his 10 matches in the tournament at the Lincoln YMCA.

July 26, 1955

  • The Lincoln Star Lincoln, Nebraska Tuesday, July 26, 1955 — Ex-Latvian Wins Title — A special trophy for contestants 12 and younger went to Robert Fischer, New York.

October 03, 1955

  • New York Times, New York, NY, Monday, October 03, 1955 — Gets Park Chess Prize — Eastman Wins at Washington Sq.—Boy, 12, Near Top —Charles Eastman won first prize of a $100 savings bond yesterday afternoon in the final chess tournament of the season in Washington Square Park. But he had to share the limelight with Read More

October 05, 1955

  • Gettys Images - New York Daily News, Wednesday, October 05, 1955 — Young Bobby Fischer — Bobby Fischer, 12, of 560 Lincoln Place, knows how to move about home plate as a batter. Playmate Johnny Cohen is catching. Fischer also knows how to make his move on the chessboard. Already rated an expert player with an excellent chance of Read More

At Chess, He's on Ball. Bobby Fischer, 12, of 560 Lincoln Place, Brooklyn, knows how to move about home plate as a batter.

Original photo by Daily News, New York, New York Sunday, October 05, 1955
At Chess, He's on Ball Bobby Fischer, 12, of 560 Lincoln Place, Brooklyn, knows how to move about home plate as a batter. Playmate Johnny Cohen is catching. Fischer also knows how to make his move on the chessboard. Already rated an expert player with an excellent chance of some day winning international chess title, youngster began playing at 6. Besides his baseball ability, he is a speedy swimmer.

October 09, 1955

  • Daily News New York, New York Sunday, October 09, 1955 — At Chess, He's on Ball —Bobby Fischer, 12, of 560 Lincoln Place, Brooklyn, knows how to move about home plate as a batter. Playmate Johnny Cohen is catching. Fischer also knows how to make his move on the chessboard. Already rated an expert player with an Read More

November 26, 1955

Bobby Fischer simultaneous exhibition held at the Manhattan Chess Club, November 26, 1955, New York.
Fischer exhibition 11/26/1955. William Lombardy watches on.

Fischer exhibition 11/26/1955. William Lombardy watches on.

Christmas Greetings to the Liepnicks Family of Nebraska.

Christmas Greetings to the Liepnicks Family of Nebraska. Postcard courtesy of Ruta York. For fair use, all credits must be kept intact. Color photo version created by the developer (me, yours truly) of https://bobby-fischer-1955.blogspot.com

They called him “Fish”. Bobby Fischer’s sub par performance during the 1955 USA Junior Chess Championship may be due to the “hazing” he received from fellow competitors who were staying with Bobby at the Liepnieks home. According to Ruta York, the daughter of Alex Liepnieks, Bobby was targeted by Charles Kalme and fellow New Yorker, Larry Remlinger. Bobby was called “fish” and “crybaby” and, as a result, Fischer would burst into tears and call his mother. Mrs. York cited an example of a ball that strayed into a thicket full of thorns and Bobby being made to retrieve it. Another example was the bed being divided in the guest room with Bobby being made to sleep on the box spring. –Editor’s comment.

December 11, 1955

  • New York Times, New York, New York, Sunday, December 11, 1955 — Chess 'War' On 12 Fronts — The simultaneous exhibition game is a common device for displaying the talents of a chess expert. Here, a particularly young one, Bobby Fischer, 12, of the Manhattan Chess Club, is shown playing twelve of the youth group Read More

December 1955 Bobby Fischer Chess Simultaneous Exhibition. The event was covered in Sunday, December 11, 1955, New York Times.

December 1955 Bobby Fischer Chess Simultaneous Exhibition. The event was covered in Sunday, December 11, 1955, New York Times under the title, “Chess 'War' On 12 Fronts”

'til the world understands why Robert J. Fischer criticised the U.S./British and Russian military industry imperial alliance and their own Israeli Apartheid. Sarah Wilkinson explains:

Bobby Fischer, First Amendment, Freedom of Speech
What a sad story Fischer was,” typed a racist, pro-imperialist colonial troll who supports mega-corporation entities over human rights, police state policies & white supremacy.
To which I replied: “Really? I think he [Bob Fischer] stood up to the broken system of corruption and raised awareness! Whether on the Palestinian/Israel-British-U.S. Imperial Apartheid scam, the Bush wars of ‘7 countries in 5 years,’ illegally, unconstitutionally which constituted mass xenocide or his run in with police brutality in Pasadena, California-- right here in the U.S., police run rampant over the Constitution of the U.S., on oath they swore to uphold, but when Americans don't know the law, and the cops either don't know or worse, “don't care” -- then I think that's pretty darn “sad”. I think Mr. Fischer held out and fought the good fight, steadfast til the day he died, and may he Rest In Peace.
Educate yourself about U.S./State Laws --
https://www.youtube.com/@AuditTheAudit/videos
After which the troll posted a string of profanities, confirming there was never any genuine sentiment of “compassion” for Mr. Fischer, rather an intent to inflict further defamatory remarks.

This ongoing work is a tribute to the life and accomplishments of Robert “Bobby” Fischer who passionately loved and studied chess history. May his life continue to inspire many other future generations of chess enthusiasts and kibitzers, alike.

Robert J. Fischer, Kid Chess Wizard 1956March 9, 1943 - January 17, 2008

The photograph of Bobby Fischer (above) from the March 02, 1956 The Tampa Times was discovered by Sharon Mooney (Bobby Fischer Newspaper Archive editor) on February 01, 2018 while gathering research materials for this ongoing newspaper archive project. Along with lost games now being translated into Algebraic notation and extractions from over two centuries of newspapers, it is but one of the many lost treasures to be found in the pages of old newspapers since our social media presence was first established November 11, 2017.

Special Thanks