AReno Gazette-Journal Reno, Nevada Wednesday, February 27, 1974 - Page 10
Memories of Bobby Fischer: Former 'Old Man's Game' Fascinates Reno Woman
She describes herself as a basically competitive person.
And she has vivid memories of playing chess with Bobby Fischer.
She had the opportunity to play Bobby Fischer in 1965 in Colorado Springs, Colo. At that time he gave chess demonstrations, then would play 40 members of the audience at one time. Chess boards were set up around the room.
Mrs. Thompson was the only woman in the circle. She remembers all the comments and strange looks she received from the spectators. She had only been playing chess for about six months and said most of the men present were high rated chess players.
“I was the most amateur player in the room, but I held my own,” she said.
She took great delight in watching the men resign as they met defeat at Fischer's hands.
“I outlasted two thirds of the men. As each one of them resigned, I cleared my throat because they had all laughed when I sat down to play.”
Fischer defeated all in the room that day except for one game which ended in a draw.
Mrs. Thompson said Fischer was not a personable sort and she doesn't remember him smiling the entire time he gave the demonstration. But chess players are seldom known to smile.
“He was so very serious and involved in the game. It was fascinating to watch the man, his mind was so fast.”
