ASomerset Daily American Somerset, Pennsylvania Monday, August 09, 1965 - Page 5
Chess King Fischer Will Use Phones
By Raleigh Allsbrook
New York (AP) — U.S. chess champion Bobby Fischer, who can't get government permission to go to Cuba for an international tournament, will participate anyway — by telephone.
The State Department rejected his travel bid on grounds he didn't meet any of the classifications for Americans allowed to visit Cuba.
His attorney, Andrew P. Davis, then took a chess enthusiast's suggestion and proposed the play-by-phone idea to the 22 year old champion.
Interesting Idea
“Sure, I would be willing,” said Fischer. “It's an interesting idea. Let's see if we can do it.” So Davis talked with officials of the Capablanca Memorial Tournament in Havana and they agreed.
The tournament runs from Aug 25 to Sept. 25 and Fischer will make his moves at the Marshall Chess club in New York. A referee will watch his play.
“If some sort of a Teletype arrangement seems better than the telephone, we may use that,” Davis explained.
Chess is a deliberate game and it is not unusual for players to carry on long distance games by mail, telegraph, phone or other means.
Effect On Game
The attorney said he was uncertain what effect it would have on the young man's game.
“Some say both players will have the same advantages and disadvantages,” he commented. “My opinion though is that he may he hurt a little. He has a very thoughtful demeanor. Some little thing could tip the board.” Players from the United States, Argentina, Canada, Denmark, England, Spain, Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union have been invited to the tournament.
In turning down Fischer, the State Department said only journalists, businessmen with long-standing interests there and persons on humanitarian missions were eligible to visit Cuba.
The play-by-phone idea was considered a private matter over which the department had no authority, Davis declared.
He said he wanted to emphasize that neither he nor Fischer had any desire to violate government regulations.
Fischer was 14 when he first won the U.S. title. He now lives in Brooklyn and spends most of his time playing and writing about chess.
Davis argued unsuccessfully that he should he admitted as a journalist.
