Independent Star-News from Pasadena, California • Page 79

chess whiz, but- experts, his mother wants better report cards by PAUL ABRAMSON Bobby bean his mother scold him lovingly about his grades. BROOKLYN, N.Y.. At 14, A local boy named Bobby Fischer is regarded as one of the 20 top chess players in the world. He is the U.S. Open Champion, has been invited to compete at tournaments in Russia and England.

"Players with Fischer's ability," says Maurice Rasper, president of the Manhattan Chess Club, "come along only once in a century." Yet Bobby Fischer, a boy of exceptional intellect, the despair of his high-school teachers. Last year, as a freshman, he fell behind in all his subjects, and almost didn't pass. This year the outlook isn't much better. Bobby is a chess whit; but-Just why mystifies everyone who knows him. "When he was 7," says his sister Joan, 19, "Bobby could discuss mathematical concepts Lie infinity, or do all kinds of trick problems; But ask him to multiply two and two and he'd probably get it wrong." This contradiction in Bobby's mental makeup has not made life any easier for his mother, Regina Fischer.

Divorced from her husband, she has had to work hard at present as a registered nurse to support two children. And between times she's had to scurry from school to school with Bobby. "When he was in fourth grade," she says, "I'd already taken him out-of six schools, mostly because he didn't like them. Once I entered him in a class for especially bright children. He walked out after the first day." Aware that Bobby is a child prodigy whose talent must be helped to grow, Mrs.

Fischer has continued to try to get special training for him. "I've visited university guidance centers and agencies for gifted children." she says. "Mostly they suggest I enroll him in a small private school, where he would get closer attention. But private schools are expensive." "One thing would suggest," says a teacher at the public school he attends, "is that Bobby spend more time studying and less time at chess." Mrs. Fischer nods helplessly.

She feels that to ask that of a boy who won the 19 5 7 Open title, topping all but two of the best players in America, would be rather like asking Mickey Mantle to play less baseball and more mah jongg. Bobby, she says, plays chess even while eating, keeps a Continued on page 22 i Rich, full-bodied Syrup makes flapjacks "outdoor" good! When you're ready with a fluffy brown stack, top it with delicious Karo Syrup--rich, dark Karo (Blue Label) or Maple-y Kara (Green Label)--the hearty, satisfying goodness of Karo Syrup makes flapjacks truly delightful! Enjoy KARO, America's Favorite Syrup far 50 yean. A product of Corn Refining Company.