Post#38 » by Ascrilas » Sat Dec 11, 2021 7:00 am
Comparing Fischer to Carlsen on the basis of objective criteria (e.g. move accuracy) is pointless. Obviously he would get beaten by most GMs if you magically transport him from 1972 to 2021 without any time to prepare. Just as basketball, the game of chess has evolved massively, he would probably lose nearly every game just out of the opening. It's like saying Bob Cousy would not be an NBA level player today - I mean, it's true. But only if you just put him into today as his 1960s version, it's a different story if you gave him access to modern training methods, nutrition, analytics, tactics etc.
It's the same with Fischer. Everyone can only be compared to his own era, and Fischer dominated his peers in a ridiculous manner. He was 2800 when everyone else was below 2700, just an inhuman feat. His peak is arguably the highest ever.
However, to express it in basketball terms: He does not have the longevity. He won the title against Spassky and just vanished. Fischer is like Bill Walton, albeit with an even higher peak. And sure, he did it by his own volition, but if Jordan never came back and had just played baseball for the resr of his career, would he have any legitimate GOAT claim?
Compare that to Magnus who is like LeBron: Godly peak sustained over a very long time. If you only care for the maximum level a player has achieved, Fischer has as good of a case as anyone. If you look at the whole body of work, I don't see how anybody can call him superior. If not Kasparov, the GOAT must be Carlsen.
Also helps that he is a much better person than Fischer (not a high bar, to be fair). If you watch Magnus in interviews or streams, he is very laid back, humorous and sociable. Not your typical nerd at all, and he loves sports, including basketball. That's why he chose the song, I'd say. He just finds it fun, no need for any deeper interpretation.
