>>>>>>>>>That's all true except that 'sealed move' wasn't invented at Fischer-Spassky time. Actually, it was used all time since official tournaments started, i.e. since 19th century. Currently, it became obsolete because games are not interrupted more, i.e. players are required now to finish game during one playing day. Snail mail play is also extinct. The reason is quite simple: computer age.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>Not completely extinct. I've been playing via mail with a couple of opponents since I was in high school.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>FWIW I'm also an avid CW (morse code) ham operator.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>Some things just don't die.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>Do you mean you still play via mail?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Yep. Just a tradition.
>>>>>
>>>>>I understand, you can play with friends whom you trust. However, official tournaments are not feasible anymore. As it stands now, even regular chess tournaments, without 'sealed moves' (i.e. all games must be finished in the same day) still bring accusations that some players use computers in restrooms, or get correct moves by cellphones, etc., i.e. it becomes technically challenged environment.
>>>>
>>>>I bet you are a pretty good chess player, aren't you? That's not a leading question in any way, or an invitation to be boastful (you wouldn't be), just curious.
>>>
>>>I didn't play in tournaments for very long time, i.e. not in this country; and I have never been 'pretty good'. If for some reason I would decide to play now, then I could count on ~2300 rating. I know it because sometimes I play fast chess on weekends with active players.
>>
>>Which is pretty darned high. That's just a level below international master, which is just a level below grandmaster. I knew it.
>>
>>Slight change of pace, do you have a theory about why so many chess experts have been Russian?
>
>Sure, it is often discussed in 'my circle'. The consensus is that specific conditions of Russian life (in Soviet days) pushed talented people to excel in chess because they could not excel in traditional careers (the latter were not available).

Probably naive questions from your POV but I have two sincere ones: Do you mean Jewish, and have most of the Russian world champions been Jewish? I honestly don't know.

I know Bobby Fischer was Jewish. Now there was one of the most troubled men who ever walked the earth.