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FIDE announced that Boris Spassky passed away at 88.
Saw a post on Twitter but so far no linkable article on fide.com
Saw a post on Twitter but so far no linkable article on fide.com
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...Mike Pence: the Lord of the fly. -
Spassky visited Canada several times.
1971 Canadian Open (Vancouver): 1971 Canadian Open
1971 CNE Open (Toronto) in which Spassky finished 3rd (behind Benko and Robert Byrne). It was allegedly the only weekend Swiss in which he participated in his whole life. No complete crosstable seems to be available. (partial one in "Chess Canada")
He also gave six simuls in 1967 (Nanaimo, Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal); one simul in Montreal in 1971; three in Montreal and Toronto in 1979; one in Mississauga in 1982; one in Saint John in 1988; five in 1995 (Ottawa, Pickering, Toronto, Guelph, London). Thanks to Stephen wright for his research. Visitors to Canada -
I went to lunch with him and Milan Vukadinov in North Bay in 1994. It is a memory that I will treasure forever.Comment
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https://www.chess.com/news/view/bori...ses-away-at-88 This is a much more detailed article which talks about the highlights of Boris Spassky's life and career.Comment
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A true gentleman. I had the pleasure of introducing him to my dad in North Bay, 1994. Though not a chess player, my dad was very impressed with Spassky as a man. Boris posed for photos, and my dad took one of him poking his nose into the postmortem of the famous Shirov - Nickoloff game. Great memories. Caissa has been enriched. The games of Boris Spassky are eternal. So are my memories of my dad.
Hans, can you pick a game or two that are your Spassky favourites? I would love to play them through.
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Milan and Boris Spassky continued to correspond after that North Bay tournament and shared a friendship.Originally posted by Brian Profit View PostComment
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A link to an article on Spassky in Canada published in the July 2012 edition of Canadian Chess News:
https://bcchesshistory.com/Spassky.pdf
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An email the late Dan Scoones sent in 2004 discussing a 1967 Spassky simul in Nanaimo:
"The story on Keres and Spassky was a trip down memory lane for me. I was 14 years old at the time, and I was one of the ten punching bags who took on Spassky in Nanaimo. I know the venue was a local hotel, but I can't remember which one. Ed Seedhouse and Alan Lane also played against Spassky, while George Dinescu played against Keres. We drove up together in the same car. I don't recall there being any other Victoria players.
Before the event got underway, local alderman (and future mayor) Frank Ney welcomed the visitors and participants. Apart from an amusing gaffe (addressing Spassky as Mr. "Konaski") he made a very nice speech. At that time the annual bathtub race was in its infancy, and I clearly recall the alderman decking out the two GMs with little paper hats, paper flags and toy bathtubs marking the event. The look of sheer confusion on Spassky's face was priceless. Keres, however, merely smiled and nodded sagely.
In reply, Keres spoke on behalf of the two of them, having much the better command of English at that time. He said they were enjoying their visit to Canada. The just-concluded Winnipeg GM tournament (won by Darga and Larsen) had been hard work, he said, and they were looking forward to our event as a chance to relax. In my youth and naivete I found that statement surprising -- how could playing ten opponents be easier than playing one opponent? Later, of course, I came to understand what he meant.
As it turned out, Spassky was just too tough for us, especially having White in every game. I got onto the bad side of a Queen's Gambit Declined and just couldn't defend against Spassky's kingside attack (gee -- I wonder why?) I did last for awhile, unlike poor Ed Seedhouse, who blundered a piece right in the opening. In a difficult position I set a clever trap for Spassky, but he saw through it in two or three seconds and gave me a wry smile before uncorking the refutation. After the game, he signed my scoresheet and said "You played well." I said, "Yes, but not as well as Russian kids my age," which brought a surprised and good-natured laugh.
After the ten clock games were finished we got to chat with Boris for a little while. He couldn't advise us about what we should have played in our games because, as he said, he didn't understand English notation (meaning descriptive.) Responding to a question about Fischer, he acknowledged that the American was a "very strong player." Luckily enough, George Dinescu was booked up on Spassky lore, and said, "Yes, but you beat him." This got another smile.
After the event was over we all went down to the hotel restaurant for a banquet. When our group eventually prepared to leave, I shook hands with both GMs and thanked them for coming. I looked at Spassky and said, "I think you will get a second chance at Petrosian, and this time you will beat him." That too got a big laugh from both GMs, but years later I wondered if he ever recalled the prediction made by the young Canadian in Nanaimo..."Comment
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It was more than just a friendship. Milan came up to North Bay to spectate and Boris Spassky was there as Chief TD, a unique position, because he didn't really have any "duties". Milan greeted me at lunch and asked if I wanted to go for a walk, but said he had a surprise guest that would come along. We waited a bit and then I noticed coming towards us was Boris Spassky. I shook hands but I was speechless, literally speechless. We walked up the trail that led to the top of the cliff, Boris and Milan conversing all the way about one of the games of the tournament and after much discussion Boris said to Milan: You could use a good coach. Do you want me to be your coach. Milan stopped and looked at Boris Incredulous and stuttered (as he sometimes did when he got emotional) but do you really want to coach me? I don't remember much more than that but I do remember that moment and I didnt say anything the whole walk until towards the end when Milan forced me to make a few comments.Originally posted by Vlad Drkulec View Post
I went to visit Milan in Windsor the next year and I got to read a 5 page reply from Boris Spassky. There was much discussion of a recent game that Milan had played and recommendations, suggestions and analysis by Boris Spassky and descriptions of Viennese cafes that apparently Boris and Milan had both visited at different times and also recommended Parisian cafes that Milan should visit when he made it to Paris and an invite to visit Boris at home. They basically opened their hearts to one another, a lot that was personal was shared. Over the following years several letters were written. I wonder what happened to them. Did they get passed on to friends?Comment
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https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1128831 Here you go Brad. This had to be first (its always filled me with delight going over it) although I had to go looking for it. There are several Spassky immortal games (my words) that are so delicious they make me drool.Comment
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https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1044698 Watch Fischer's knight and then watch Spassky's knight.Comment
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https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1128313 Against Tal. The two bishops but then the queen weaves her magic.Comment
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I mislaid my Soltis book - the one thats like a pamphlet with Spassky's early gems, but I will find it. Then I will post the gems.Comment
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