Well, this much is a bit unclear, really.
Fischer proposed some changes and the specific implementation of FRC/960 used now more or less originated with him, but the core idea of randomizing the pieces behind the pawns to do away with opening theory is much, much older.
The question then really becomes which is more important in giving credit: the big idea, or the refinement most common now?
If we go with the refinement most common now, then actually most openings are a bad example, because how they're played now is usually very different than the way they were played by their namesake.
It doesn't matter to me so much, but it's not quite so black and white as "Fischer invented the whole idea!" :)
Fischer proposed some changes and the specific implementation of FRC/960 used now more or less originated with him, but the core idea of randomizing the pieces behind the pawns to do away with opening theory is much, much older.
The question then really becomes which is more important in giving credit: the big idea, or the refinement most common now?
If we go with the refinement most common now, then actually most openings are a bad example, because how they're played now is usually very different than the way they were played by their namesake.
It doesn't matter to me so much, but it's not quite so black and white as "Fischer invented the whole idea!" :)
I know Fischer didn't invent it. But most openings credited to players are named after the people who championed it not the first to play it. Fischer is the biggest name in chess and promoted the variant. I'm going to keep calling it Fischer random to give homage to the GOAT.
@NeverBeenTimid That's a fine preference to have, of course. :)
I just figured it was worth mentioning that the idea had been around for a very long time before Fischer.
Also, on openings, it's actually kind of random. Some openings are named after players who neither played it first nor played it much nor championed it theoretically (e.g., Alekhine's defense).
It's all just a big collection of happy historical accidents and personal preferences.
I don't mind its being called chess 960, and I don't mind its being called Fischer Random either. With either term I know we're talking about that variant I'm not too fond of :P
I just figured it was worth mentioning that the idea had been around for a very long time before Fischer.
Also, on openings, it's actually kind of random. Some openings are named after players who neither played it first nor played it much nor championed it theoretically (e.g., Alekhine's defense).
It's all just a big collection of happy historical accidents and personal preferences.
I don't mind its being called chess 960, and I don't mind its being called Fischer Random either. With either term I know we're talking about that variant I'm not too fond of :P
Lol. I actually just start playing it. I hated it at first but it grows on you. Took me about 15 games before I realised you could castle. Getting more into it now. But you're right, it doesn't really matter what it's called. I think the general consensus is it's now chess960.
960 was around long before Fischer. Only when BF quit playing standard chess did he start "promoting" the variant trying to take credit where none was due. Of course, clever promotion by a "journalist" and the myth gets started.
Ain't that just stupid? Start playing a variant and not know the rules ! LMAO
@mdinnerspace I knew it was possible to castle in 960 rules but could never do it on lichess like I normally do (move the king next to the rook) in 960 you have to click the king then click onto the rook. Easy mistake to make I think. Also the fact that it's known by many as Fischer random suggests that him backing it made it slightly more popular don't you think?
Openings are named after players. Credit (players name) is given to a variation of opening moves.
Different Variant chess games are named after the alternative rules used to play: examples are anti; bughouse; atomic etc. If a player develops and uses an opening strategy within a specific variant, than their name may get attached.
This is the difference imo. There is Standard Chess. It is not named after a player. 960 Chess should not have a name attached as *Fischer Random*. He did not invent it. Because he was American, with all his notoriety, did the variant 960 become associated with his name. It became an easy way for a chess journalist to sell "copy" using Fischer's name.
Different Variant chess games are named after the alternative rules used to play: examples are anti; bughouse; atomic etc. If a player develops and uses an opening strategy within a specific variant, than their name may get attached.
This is the difference imo. There is Standard Chess. It is not named after a player. 960 Chess should not have a name attached as *Fischer Random*. He did not invent it. Because he was American, with all his notoriety, did the variant 960 become associated with his name. It became an easy way for a chess journalist to sell "copy" using Fischer's name.
@NeverBeenTimid (#4)
No, it's not disrespectful in my opinion. I think Chess960 is still a perfectly OK name. Some people call the Ruy Lopez the Spanish.
No, it's not disrespectful in my opinion. I think Chess960 is still a perfectly OK name. Some people call the Ruy Lopez the Spanish.
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