The
Similarities between Fischer and Morphy are eerie.
Both:
Were young and
charismatic Americans
Were incredible
child prodigies.
Both played
incredible queen sacrifice games when they were young. Fischer the Game
of the Century against Donald Bryne and Morphy's brilliancy against Paulsen.
Won the US Championship
at young ages. (Morphy 20 / Fischer 14)
Came out of
nowhere to become best in the world at chess at a time of European Chess Domination
Became the best
players in the world.
Traveled to
Europe and smacked the Europeans around at their own game.
Both captured
the media's attention more than any other chess player ever. Paul Morphy and
Bobby Fischer are the two biggest names in chess worldwide.
Disappeared
from the chess scene entirely at the zenith of their powers.
Had short but
extremely brilliant chess playing careers.
Preferred and
played amazing open games.
Completely dominated
their eras in chess.
Were loners.
Never had wives.
Both had bad luck with women even though they were both good-looking , charismatic,
famous, and succesful (when they were young).
Took on other
professions after chess, Morphy became a lawyer, Fischer a cable repair man
in Pasadena.
Both had brilliant
minds that may have teetered over the edge.
Both are huge
American Tragedies. A loss to America, American Chess, and to themselves.
