Expert: Tony D'Aloisio - 8/27/2011

Question
Hi.  I'm just finishing "Endgame," the recent biography of Bobby Fischer, whom I idolized as a kid (before I knew some of his eccentricities).  I know much of his history, but the internet and the book is failing to answer one question.  Did Fischer ever play Karpov at all?  Say before Fischer was even champion?  Even one game in a tournament or informally or whatever?  If so, what was the result?  Any information you can provide is greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

Sincerely,

Vytas V. Vergeer

Answer
As far as I know, they never played a game.  Certainly they never met officially, i.e, in a tournament or match.  They did have meetings several times over the years to attempt to organize a match, but these plans invariably fell through, for one reason or other.  Did they maybe play a little 5-minute or something during one of those tete-a-tetes?  It's a fun idea, but considering the situation, and the two players involved, I'd say that was exceedingly unlikely.