From: hwr@intercal.com (Hanon W. Russell)
Newsgroups: rec.games.chess
Subject: "Inside Chess" August 17, 1992
Date: 19 Aug 92 16:53:01 GMT
Article-I.D.: intercal.9208191253.0.UUL1.3#20523
Organization: Chessnews list (chessnews-request@tssi.com)



                           INSIDE CHESS
                         August 17, 1992
                        Volume 5, Issue 16

The cover story for the most recent issue of "Inside Chess" is 
the apparent re-emergence of Bobby Fischer onto the chess scene, 
more specifically, the match with Boris Spassky which is 
scheduled to start in about two weeks in Yugoslavia. In fact, 
the cover itself is most interesting. Overlaying a photo which 
is at least twenty years old, the signature portion of Fischer's 
contract for the match is reproduced. Evidently executed July 
11, 1992, Fischer has signed "Bobby Fischer" - This is 
significant because it is well known that for years he dropped 
his last name and used his middle name, James, as a last name. 
Are we witnessing a shift in his mindset? Probably, at least to 
some extent. After all, it does appear he is going to play.

Seirawan's article on Bobby's return is quite upbeat and 
enthusiastic. He concludes with "I promise that "Inside Chess" 
readers will receive a *complete* review of the [news] 
conference [to be held by Fischer immediately before the start 
of the match] and details of the match and games. I'm booking my 
flight and crossing my fingers."

While the Fischer article is timely, the same cannot be said for 
"Showdown in Dearborn," Yasser's "editorial" about the policy 
board meetings held at the U.S. Open. The problem is that the 
piece was apparently written *before* the meetings were held, 
but only appeared *after* the meetings had concluded. As a 
result, there is an uneasy feeling of deja vu, with echoes of 
the infamous headline from a 1948 Chicago newspaper proclaiming 
Dewey the victor over Truman. The point is that the "conflict" 
between the policy board and Dlugy ended in a resounding triumph 
for Dlugy.

After lauding the current state of the USCF, and with clear 
support of the Policy Board's original position, Seirawan goes 
on to question Dlugy's handling of his expenses, the focal point 
of the conflict with the board. Of course, it was Sperling, the 
current USCF treasurer, who spearheaded this challenge. This at 
best is ironic, and at worst a shabby use of board politics to 
further his own USCF political aspirations. It is ironic in view 
of the fact that Sperling's conduct as president was not above 
reproach, while it is also political in as much it is well known 
that Sperling hopes to run for USCF president when Dlugy's term 
expires. Yasser's writing on this topic rings a bit hollow.

But when he turns his attention to chess, our recollection is 
refreshed about the reason we have always found "Inside Chess" 
to be an excellent bi-weekly chess magazine. His detailed 
coverage of the SWIFT Rapids is superb. In addition, the 
following item from the "Inside News" department is something we 
will undoubtedly be hearing more about:

    Moscow, Russia
    Having made peace with FIDE and declared war on the GMA, 
    World Champion Gary Kasparov is in the process of forming 
    another organization for professional players. This fall his 
    "Chess Union International" together with the Intermark 
    Group (sponsors of the 1993 World Championships) and the 
    Finnish Chess Federation will put on a $50,000 tournament in 
    Helsinki, Finland. The 9-round event, to be held from 
    September 18-27, offers conditions to GMs and IMs over 2500. 
    Others may participate but need to pay an entry fee of $100. 
    Interested parties can write: Chess Union International, 25 
    Petrovsky Blvd, 103051 Moscow; Tel: (095) 920-5720; Fax 
    (095) 200-5241.

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INSIDE CHESS, PO Box 19457, Seattle, WA 98109
    Editor: GM Yasser Seirawan
    Managing Editor: Michael Franett
    Associate Editor: IM John Donaldson
    Frequency of publication: Bi-weekly, 26 times/year
    Page size: 8.5"x11"
Regular departments:
    Editorial
    Letters
    Inside News
    Tactics by IM Nikolay Minev
Subscription information (U.S. subscriptions):
    6 months, 13 issues, $25
    1 year, 26 issues, $45
    2 years, 52 issues, $80
    3 years, 78 issues, $110
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This review reflects the opinion of and is proprietary to Hanon 
W. Russell. Copyright 1992 Hanon W. Russell, All Rights Reserved
Newsgroups: rec.games.chess