NIC Podcast #65 - GM Jan Timman

This week's episode of the New In Chess Podcast features an interview with Dutch grandmaster Jan Timman.

As one of the world's leading players during the late Soviet era, Jan played and befriended countless legendary players. Today's conversation centres specifically on two of his late colleagues, both of whom passed away recently: the tenth World Chess Champion, Boris Spassky, and the father of Icelandic chess, Fridrik Olafsson. 

Interviewed by Dirk Jan ten Geuzendam in his own chess library, old chess books and paraphernalia scattered around the area, Jan fondly remembers the lives and careers of his two late friends. The conversation about Spassky complements the latest edition of the New In Chess Magazine, in which both Jan and Dirk Jan wrote about the late Russian grandmaster.

Enjoy this week's episode of the New In Chess Podcast!0:00 – Intro 

1:20 – Jan’s first meeting with Boris Spassky

4:05 – Jan’s assessment of Spassky as a person

5:55 – Spassky’s interest in Russian politics and history

8:30 – Spassky’s relationship with Fischer

14:40 – When Spassky was the best player in the world

19:28 – When Spassky fell ill during a match

22:50 – AD BREAK

23:47 – The rivalry with Korchnoi

27:33 – Spassky’s life in the aftermath of the Fischer match

30:52 – Spassky’s game against Kasparov at Linnares 1988

34:05 – The chaotic last years of Spassky’s life

37:38 – Jan’s first meeting with Fridrik Olafsson

43:45 – How strong was Olafsson?

45:46 – Olafsson’s relationship with Fischer

48:30 – Jan tells a drinking story with Fridrik Olafsson

51:24 – AD BREAK

52:03 – Olafsson’s attitude and position within Icelandic society