Reykjavik Open Revives Memory of Bobby Fischer's 1973 England Offer
The Reykjavik Open, an iconic chess tournament that began this week at the Harpa Conference Centre in Iceland, has sparked a vivid memory from 1973 involving the legendary American grandmaster Bobby Fischer. This event, first played in 1964 and won by Mikhail Tal, is held near the Hotel Reykjavik Natura, formerly the Hotel Loftleidir, which was central to the epic 1972 World Chess Championship match between Fischer and Russia's Boris Spassky.
Tournament Highlights and English Contingent
This year's Reykjavik Open features a capacity entry of 422 players, with Iran's Amin Tabatabaei as the top seed, boasting a 2700 rating. Romania's Bogdan-Daniel Deac and Ukrainian veteran Vasyl Ivanchuk follow as strong contenders. England is represented by a large contingent of over 20 players, though most are low-rated amateurs. Notable English participants include GM Matthew Wadsworth, seeded 21st, GM Simon Williams, seeded 39th, and the 11-year-old WIM Bodhana Sivanandan, who is aiming for her second WGM norm. In the early rounds, Williams secured a brilliant 20-move victory, while Sivanandan drew with a 2484-rated Chinese IM.
The 1973 Proposal: Fischer's Missed Opportunity
For this writer, the Reykjavik Open evokes a poignant memory from 1973, when Bobby Fischer was still anticipated to return to competitive chess after his victory over Spassky. At that time, the shoe firm Clarks offered $25,000 for an event involving Fischer. Although the sum was modest by Fischer's standards, a plan was devised to engage him. The proposal involved a two-game match with William Hartston, the then British champion, and an eight-board clock simultaneous exhibition against England's top juniors.
The chances seemed slim, but there was hope. Fischer had previously expressed gratitude to Jim Slater for doubling the prize fund of the Fischer-Spassky match, stating he would play his first post-title event in England. The writer and co-organiser Stewart Reuben had personal connections with Fischer, including blitz games and a consultation game recorded for BBC radio in 1960.
Potential Impact on English Chess
The juniors selected to face Fischer included five trained by national coach Bob Wade—Tony Miles, Michael Stean, John Nunn, Jonathan Speelman, and Jonathan Mestel—all of whom later became grandmasters, along with David Goodman. Two girls, Sheila Jackson and Susan Caldwell, who won women's Olympiad silver in 1976, were also part of the proposed lineup. This event would have been a significant boost for English chess, potentially inspiring a generation of players.
After weeks of no response from Fischer's Los Angeles lawyer, Stanley R. Rader, a follow-up call was made. Rader indicated that Fischer was undecided but ultimately declined the offer. If the match had occurred, it is estimated Fischer would have won between 6-2 and 7-1, as the juniors were nearing grandmaster strength but had not yet reached their peak in the late 1970s and 1980s.
Chess Puzzle and Legacy
In a related chess puzzle from the Oskemen Open 2025, White can win with the precise move 1 Rh4!, leading to a forced victory. This strategic depth mirrors the complexities of Fischer's era. The Reykjavik Open continues to honor such legacies, blending history with modern competition, and reminding us of the what-ifs that shape chess history.
