27 August 1972. Bobby Fischer of the United States and defending champion Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union sat down for Game 19 of the Match of the Century in the Laugardalshöll Arena in Reykjavík, Iceland.
On this same day in 410, the Sack of Rome by Alaric the Visigoth ended.
In Reykjavík, there was also sacking on both sides, as, through Alekhine’s Defense, they got themselves into a draw by agreement on move 40.
Spassky made two piece sacrifices and Fischer returned the favor with a daring Rook sacrifice. Can you spot them?
Meanwhile, an agreement about film rights was signed on 27 August. The Icelandic Chess Federation gave up all profits for filming rights. It’s probable that Fischer had made a secret agreement and then started to jerk it around. When threatened with being sued, he signed. However, as it turns out, none of the films came to light. Lost? Who knows. So was the “filler” chip.
Priestly chess players, drop me a line. HERE
And if there happens to be a Catholic, tradition-leaning titled player out there… PLEASE contact me.
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There was recently an article in my local paper about a group who teaches chess to inner city kids to help them in school and keep them off the streets. The name of the group is DIG USA Chess Program. The local young man featured in the article had the opportunity to play a championship player.
https://connecticut.news12.com/more-than-a-game-talented-bridgeport-teen-takes-on-chess-champion?fbclid=IwAR1yZ2ZfxjWbwFvX1IoclDVWxyh91OJRiJTtNHuukIjsVz