By the Spring of 1964, the 21-year-old American Grandmaster Bobby Fischer had already
established himself as one of the pre-eminent players in the West. However even then, Bobby
knew well that any road to the top spot was blocked by the Soviet hegemony. What is not widely
known is that he retained an American businessman to help him arrange a match with one of the
top Soviet players. A copy of this incredibly interesting document resides in the Russell
Collection...

AGREEMENT BETWEEN ROBERT FISCHER HEREINAFTER TO BE KNOWN AS
FISCHER AND ALEXANDER BISNO, HEREINAFTER TO BE KNOWN AS BISNO.

WHEREAS, BISNO has suggested to FISCHER that if it can be arranged, FISCHER should play
a match with one of the top Russian players.

WHEREAS, FISCHER is agreeable to the playing of such a match and is hereby designating
BISNO to represent him in the negotiations for the playing of such a chess match.

WHEREAS, BISNO proposes to proceed with the negotiations through the United States
Department of State, Cultural Department, acting through the American Chess Foundation and
the United States Chess Federation.

IT IS THEREFORE AGREED between the parties FISCHER and BISNO as follows:

(1) That BISNO shall do what he feels is necessary to initiate negotiations with the proper chess
federation in Russia and do what is necessary to complete successful negotiations for this match.

(2) The match is to be between FISCHER and one of the five top players in Russia, not excluding
Petrosyan, the present Champion of the World, if the Russians will agree to designate him.
However, FISCHER will play the match with anyone designated by the Russian authorities as
long as he is one of the top five players in Russia.

(3) The match is to be held either in Russia entirely, or in the United State of America entirely;
or, part of the match in Russian and part in the United States of America.

(4) Draws are not to be counted and the winner of the first eight or ten games - whatever is
agreed upon - shall be declared the winner of the match.

(5) The purse is to be $8,500.00, the winner of the match to get 80 percent and the loser to get 20
percent.

(6) The referee or referees to be appointed shall be persons that are acceptable and agreeable to
FISCHER.

(7) The match is to take place at any time agreeable to both parties but at such time as will not
interfere with prior commitments of the players.

(10) [sic] BISNO is given four months from this date to make final arrangements for this match.
In addition to the prize money, FISCHER is to get his transportation and food and lodging
expenses paid for.

SIGNED AND SEALED THIS 19TH DAY OF APRIL, 1964.

/s/ Alexander Bisno

(Original duly signed)

/s/ Robert Fischer
(Original duly signed)