Dojo Talks: A Chess Podcast EP 180 | Inside the Mind of Bobby Fischer ft. IM John Donaldson
Feb 20, 2026
IM John Donaldson, International Master, chess historian and author who curates Fischer’s writings. He discusses Fischer’s enduring instructional games, the King’s Indian Attack nuances, Fischer’s obsession with analytical accuracy, the origins and character of “the Rat” opening, and how regular tournament play sharpens study. Short, vivid conversations about technique, history, and practical improvement.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
How Fischer Sparked A Generation
- IM John Donaldson started serious chess after the 1972 Fischer–Spassky match and felt he owed Fischer a debt for that inspiration.
- Donaldson researched Fischer deeply, leading to multiple books preserving Fischer's writings and annotations.
New Book Repackages Fischer's Writings
- Inside the Mind of Bobby Fischer collects Fischer's lesser-known columns and annotations and converts them to algebraic notation for modern readers.
- Donaldson assesses how well Fischer's commentary holds up and highlights material still relevant to players today.
King's Indian Attack As Practical Model
- Fischer's mid-60s King's Indian Attack games are practical masterclasses because many opponents lacked preparation for those systems.
- Studying his approach to pawn moves and timing reveals transferable practical decision-making ideas.
