Curacao, 1962
The Fischer-Benko Slapping Incident
by Hanon W. Russell

The 1962 Candidates Tournament that was held in the Dutch
territory of Curacao was to have a profound effect on Bobby
Fischer. He arrived full of optimism; he departed disappointed and
cynical. Shortly thereafter, he wrote his famous article for the American
magazine "Sports Illustrated" wherein he accused the Russians of
cheating.

During that tournament, there was a peculiar incident that has
never received much publicity. Indeed, a look at contemporary
sources ("Chess Review," "Chess Life" and "British Chess
Magazine") reveals no direct reference to the incident. In fact,
it is only in BCM (October 1962, p.301) that we even read about
"Fischer and Benko [having] a slight altercation during one of the
early rounds." (Letter from R. Cantwell).

The American contingent consisted of Fischer, Hungarian 
emigre Pal Benko, and Arthur Bisguier, who
technically was designated as Fischer's second, but was also
providing similar help to Benko. After the fifth 
round of the first cycle, (it was a grueling quadruple
round-robin) both Fischer and Benko had adjourned games. (This
was the era when adjournments were the norm.) Fischer demanded
that Bisguier assist him. Benko, who had started the tournament
much better than Fischer, wanted help with his adjourned game
against Petrosyan. There was a shouting match, and Benko apparently
lost his cool. The next day, Fischer wrote the following letter...

To the tournament committee of the 1962 Curacao Candidates
Tournament:

This is an official protest of the behavior of the behavior [sic] of
Pal Benko. On the night of May 9, a little before midnight, Benko
entered by room without my permission; he had followed Bisguier
in. I immediately asked him to leave and he refused. I repeatedly
asked to leave and he refused each time. He became angry when I
refused to allow my second, Arthur Bisguier, to help him (Benko)
analyze his adjournment with Petrosian. He insulted me and when I
answered him he struck me while I was seated in a chair. I did not
strike him back. Then he finally left the room.

I suggest that Benko be fined and/or expelled from the tournament.

The above episode was witnessed by Arthur Bisguier.

Respectfully,
/s/ Robert Fischer 

The original of this letter, in Fischer hand, with the original
envelope, is in the Russell Collection. 

Several years ago, we asked Arthur Bisguier if he could shed
further light on the incident. His original, signed response is also
part of the Russell Collection. Although it does not specifically
state that Benko struck Fischer, when asked, Bisguier conceded
that had indeed happened. His response reads in full...  

The following should help put Fischer's protest in the proper
perspective and context.

I was Fischer's official second at Curacao. Although I expressed
my willingness to also serve in that capacity for Benko, Fischer
insisted on a second all to himself. His justification was that the
Candidates' Tournament is an individual tournament, not a team
event, and Benko was another prospective opponent.

Curacao was expensive; there were insufficient funds to support
two seconds and Fischer was a tournament favorite, while Benko
was regarded as a dark horse. Still, I believe it was tacitly
understood that, if there were any times when Fischer did not need
my services, I would assist Benko in adjournments or analysis if it
was not adverse to Fischer's interest.

The incident in question occurred after the fifth round of the first
lap of the tournament. Fischer had had travel problems, arrived late
and got off to a miserable start with a score of 1.5 points out of his
first five games. He had just lost a complicated game to Korchnoi
and was feeling very despondent. He and I retired to his room
where he ordered a substantial dinner from room service.

Meanwhile, so far in the tournament, Benko had done surprisingly
well. Using his secret weapon, l g3, he defeated Fischer in round
one and Tal in round three. Although he had lost to Filip in round
two, he held Korchnoi to a draw in round four and after adjourning
round five found himself with an extremely favorable position
against Petrosian (he was to miss a win and eventually draw in 67
moves).

While Fischer was eating, I was trying to placate him when Benko
knocked on the door. It was obvious that he was looking for help
with his adjourned position. I tried to warn him and signalled that I
would get to him after finishing with Bobby. Fischer then asked
Benko what he wanted, and, upon being told, ordered Benko out of
his room and forbade me to assist Benko. Words ensued, with
Benko calling Bobby selfish and the two of them hurling epithets
at each other. I did my best to act as peacemaker, and Benko, after
making physical gestures toward Bobby, finally left the room.
Fischer reiterated that I was to give no help to Pal and, moreover,
wanted Benko thrown out of the tournament, threatening not to
play himself unless he got his way.

After that, there was much behind the scenes action. I persuaded
Bobby that the better course of action would be to continue to play
but to register a formal protest with the chief tournament arbiter.
That is why the protest to the arbiter was written.

This is my best recollection of those events.

/s/ Arthur Bisguier

Ironically, Fischer and Benko are good friends and see each other
regularly nowadays when Benko visits Budapest, where
Fischer now lives. But, once upon a time...