BECOME A BETTER CHESS PLAYER WITH THE CHESS UNIVERSE APP
Two weeks after Fischer's sensational 6-0 shutout streak in the Fischer - Taimanov Candidates Quarterfinal (1971), at Vancouver, he met at Temple Buell College, Denver, Colorado USA to play a 6-game candidates match against Bent Larsen starting on July 6, 1971.
Larsen had qualified from the Larsen - Uhlmann Candidates Quarterfinal (1971). Fischer said to a reporter before the match: "Been traveling for a year, match to match. I need a personal life. I'm not as narrow as some people think, you know. But right now all I think of is the world championship. Chess is my whole life" ... "(Larsen)'s good. But I think I'm the best around. I don't say that to brag. I think it's true. I love the game - and I hate the Russians because they've almost ruined it. They only risk the title when they have to, every three years. They play for draws with each other but play to win against the Western masters. Draws make for dull chess, wins make for fighting chess."
And fighting chess is what Fischer delivered. After six consecutive wins he dispensed with Denmark's best, repeating another amazing 6-0 performance. Preparing to face Boris Spassky in a World Championship match, he would first meet the winner of the Petrosian - Korchnoi Candidates Semifinal (1971). This turned out to be Petrosian, hence the Fischer - Petrosian Candidates Final (1971).
Fischer vs. Larsen 1971: 6-0
We continue our journey into the pure brilliance of chess histories finest! Presenting the six games played between Bobby Fischer and Bent Larsen.
The beautiful display of skill, stamina and psychological prowess will make you fall in love with chess playing all over again.
There are numerous interesting details regarding Bobby Fischer but the games he played in 1971 have propelled hi straight into chess greatness. Not many can say they have faced the best with such confidence as Fischer.
Explore together with Chess Universe what fighting chess looks and feels like!
1. Denver Omelette: French Defense: Winawer. Advance Variation (C19)
2. Bobby's Defense: English Opening: Symmetrical Variation. General (A30)