Unforgettable Chess Drama: From Fistfights to Hypnotists, Yogurt-Gate, and More

Chess drama has always been a part of the game, from fistfights between grandmasters to accusations of hypnotism and cheating scandals involving yogurt and bathroom trips. The world of chess is never short on bizarre and noteworthy incidents that keep fans entertained and intrigued.

One of the most infamous incidents in chess history involved a fistfight between legendary grandmasters Bobby Fischer and Pal Benko in the early 1960s. The altercation, detailed in Frank Brady’s Fischer biography “Endgame,” started over a disagreement in Fischer’s hotel room and ended with Benko emerging as the victor. This was the world’s first recorded fistfight between two grandmasters, adding a new level of drama to the game.

In another bizarre incident, GM Anatoly Karpov had a hypnotist named Dr. Vladimir Zukhar as an observer during the 1978 World Championship match against GM Viktor Korchnoi. Korchnoi claimed he was being hypnotized by Zukhar’s intense stare, leading to a public outburst during a game. The incident added a touch of the supernatural to the already intense match.

The 1978 World Championship was also the center of controversy over yogurt-gate, where Korchnoi accused Karpov of using yogurt flavors as secret signals to cheat during games. An investigation ensued, leading to restrictions on yogurt deliveries during matches to prevent any further accusations of cheating.

Cheating scandals in chess have not been limited to yogurt signals. In the 2006 World Championship match between GMs Veselin Topalov and Vladimir Kramnik, Topalov accused Kramnik of cheating by taking frequent bathroom breaks. The incident led to locked bathrooms and public protests from Kramnik, who ultimately forfeited a game due to the restrictions.

Even top grandmasters are not immune to controversy, as seen in Garry Kasparov’s outburst during the 2003 Linares tournament in Spain. Kasparov was unhappy with the selection of a game he lost as the most beautiful of the tournament, leading to a public confrontation and criticism of journalists. The incident added a touch of Kanye West-style drama to the chess world.

Lastly, the story of Claude Bloodgood, a convicted murderer who became the number two chess player in the United States from behind bars, showcases the lengths some players will go to for success. Bloodgood’s scheme to inflate his rating through manipulation of prison tournaments led to changes in the rating system to prevent future fraud.

These incidents highlight the colorful and sometimes bizarre history of chess, proving that the game is not just about moving pieces on a board but also about the drama and intrigue that surrounds it.