76 years ago, on March 9, 1943, at the height of World War II, at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago, a son of Regina and Hans-Gerhardt was born.

At the time of his birth, his mother was homeless and a single-parent. She shuttled around different jobs to support her son and her daughter Joan (born in 1938). In 1949, Joan and her six-year-old brother learn to play chess from a chess set with instructions bought at a candy store. Even though Joan quickly lost interest, the little kid was captivated by the game and played against himself.

The legend began.

Over the course of the next 23 years, the little boy would conquer the chess world and create an unparalleled legacy.

There is only one name associated with capturing the title of Grandmaster at the age of 15 (before the era of computers, mind you).

With winning the USA Chess Championship with the perfect 11/11 score.

With whitewashing top players, Larsen and Taimainov in Candidate matches with a perfect 6-0 score.

With the Match of the Century in 1972 against Boris Spassky.

The name every chess players knows.

The name every American knows.

The name of Robert James Fischer.

Although I have written against his inclusion in the GOAT debate several times, one thing is for certain – no one else accomplished so much and created such a halo as Bobby in such a short span.

It is too bad that throughout his career he didn’t only fight against his opponents.

But also against his inner demons.

(If you like posts as these, check our complete list of Chess Birthdays )