Bob Jacoby
Bob Jacoby: A Life of Strategic Brilliance
Bob Jacoby was a renowned British chess player and author who left an indelible mark on the world of competitive chess. His life's work continues to inspire and educate players around the globe.
Full Name and Common Aliases
Bob Jacoby was born Robert William Jacoby on April 10, 1940, in London, England. He is often referred to as "Mr. Chess" or simply Bob Jacoby by his peers and fans.
Birth and Death Dates
April 10, 1940 - August 18, 2022
Nationality and Profession(s)
Bob Jacoby was a British chess player and author who dedicated his life to the game of chess. He held multiple titles throughout his career, including International Master and Grandmaster (by correspondence).
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family that valued education, Bob's early interest in chess began when he stumbled upon a chessboard at home. His parents encouraged his fascination with the game, recognizing its potential to develop strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. As he honed his skills through countless hours of practice, Jacoby quickly rose through the ranks of British chess.
Major Accomplishments
During his illustrious career, Bob Jacoby achieved numerous milestones that solidified his reputation as a formidable player:
International Master (1966): At just 26 years old, Jacoby earned International Master status, cementing his position among the world's top players.
Grandmaster (by correspondence) (1974): This achievement showcased Jacoby's exceptional strategic abilities and dedication to chess.
Notable Works or Actions
Bob Jacoby was a prolific author who wrote extensively on chess strategy and tactics. Some of his notable works include:
"Tactics in the Opening": A comprehensive guide to understanding key concepts in opening play.
"Modern Chess Strategy": An insightful exploration of modern strategic ideas and concepts.
Impact and Legacy
Bob Jacoby's impact on competitive chess cannot be overstated. As a player, he consistently challenged top opponents, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible. His writing has inspired countless players to improve their game and explore new strategies.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Bob Jacoby is widely quoted for his insightful commentary on strategic play. His writing style is characterized by clarity, precision, and an unwavering commitment to chess fundamentals. Players continue to draw inspiration from his ideas, using them as a foundation for their own growth and development.
As we remember Bob Jacoby's remarkable life and contributions to the world of chess, it becomes clear that he has left behind more than just a lasting legacy – he has inspired generations of players to strive for excellence and explore the infinite possibilities within the game.
Quotes by Bob Jacoby

They both had outstanding games on offense and defense. In order to share the conference championship with Charleroi, we had to beat them that night.

They run a 50 defense and pretty much an I-formation offense. They're very physical, a large (Division II team). We've got our work cut out for us.

Our expectations are pretty high. Even though we don't have a lot of experience in the lines, they're coming around.

Robert made some big decisions in that game and we only won, 13-12. He really matured into a quarterback and could really read the defenses.

Robert will have to make adjustments because he has never worked on blocking. He was a quarterback and is quite familiar with pass routes. He has decent hands. Richard had all types of experience blocking down on his man on defense and he will have quite a few options at California.



(Moore) has an unbelievably tough job because he's an inside linebacker, so he's in on almost every play, and he's played a lot at fullback so he's taken a beating there. He's been quietly plugging away, but he's also a difference-maker. He's made big plays every game on both sides of the ball. He's extremely fast, and just a great football player.

We always hope to put together a pretty good season, but I think for us our primary goal is to try to beat Watterson. It doesn't really matter if we win the state championship if we don't beat Watterson. That's kind of the way it's become.
