Early Chess Prodigies
Early chess prodigies were Paul Morphy (1837–1884) and José Raúl Capablanca (1888–1942), both of whom won matches against strong adult opponents at the age of 12; and Samuel Reshevsky (1911–1992), who was giving simultaneous exhibitions at the age of six. Morphy went on to be unofficial World Champion (before the official title existed), Capablanca became World Champion, and Reshevsky—while never attaining the title—was amongst the top few players in the world for many years.
It was more difficult for players of the "pre-computer" chess era to become a true prodigy than it is today. This is because it is necessary to play opponents of top level strength on at least a semi-frequent basis to develop these chess skills. Computer chess nowadays is at a very high level and nearly anyone has access to these programs anywhere in the world. At the time Bobby Fischer become a teenage sensation in the 50's and 60's, he notably lived in New York City where he joined the Manhattan Chess Club, the strongest in the country.
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