April 26, 2016Bobby Fischer Played TennisBobby Fischer was a World Chess Champion who stood out as an eccentric genius in a field full of eccentric geniuses. As portrayed in the movie Pawn Sacrifice, he walked out of a chess match complaining about the lighting, ransacked his own hotel rooms looking for bugging devices, thought the Russians were watching him through his TV and believed the US government was listening to him through (wait for it) his dental fillings. Though his mother was Jewish, he was vocally anti-Semitic, holding to many conspiracy theories about Jews. He was His chess play itself was also innovative and risky. He played all out to win when the strategy of many grand masters was to settle for draws. His forceful end-game tactics often won him games that many considered to be inevitable ties. One reason for this success was due to yet another Fischer innovation. His end games were so effective because he could push forward relentlessly and creatively even at the end of an exhausting four- or five-hour match when his opponent lost concentration. How did he manage this? He played tennis. During Writers, editors and others who sit and use their brains in concentrated work for four or five hours at a time, should take a tip from the Grandmaster if they want to stay at the top of their game. For over thirty years I have run regularly, three to five miles several times a week. I am convinced it is something that not only kept me healthy but enhanced my creativity and kept my thinking sharp. Fischer was an eccentric (ok, paranoid) chess master. But he was also right about tennis. Andy, Roy--Slowing down! I don't know any way to stop that. First it was 6-minute miles, then I was happy with 8-minute miles and now 10-minute miles. But, at least, I'm still doing the miles! And yes, weight gain--it usually takes me till September to get rid of my winter fat! Gork! Comment by: Andy Le Peau at April 26, 2016 6:53 PMAndy, You are singing my song! I have been convinced about the mental and emotional benefits of exercise (not to mention the physical benefits) ever since I read "Spark" by John J. Ratey. The book outlines lots of ways that vigorous exercise increases energy and performance in every part of our bodies. It's a very interesting read! http://smile.amazon.com/dp/0316113514 I'm a runner, too, but I've never even been close to a 6-minute mile! I feel extremely happy if I get below 10. Still, I keep on plugging along! :) ann Comment by: Ann Boyd at April 27, 2016 12:24 PMThanks for the tip, Ann. Comment by: Andy Le Peau at April 27, 2016 1:47 PMI thought you (and your high school chess buddies) would like this one too: Exercise helps keep you sharp for chess and chess helps keep you sharp for life. Comment by: Susan L. DeCostanza at April 28, 2016 9:57 AMComments are closed for this entry. |
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