Monday 25 August 2008

THE FIRST GRANDMASTERS OF CHESS PART 5


Emanuel Lasker won the St Petersburg 1914 tournament and the Russian Tsar made him one of the first grandmasters of chess.
By beating Wilhelm Steiniz in 1894 Emanuel Lasker become the second World chess champion. He held the title for 27 years finally losing to Capablanca in 1921.
During his playing career Lasker won many tournaments and was a master match player.He played 7 world title matches, including Tarrasch,Marshall and Capablanca 3 of the first grandmasters of chess. Only Alekhine of this select group did not play him for the World championship.
Unlike a lot of champions that lose the title Laskers play stayed very srong,he was able to win the 1924 New york tournament ahead of Capablanca and Alekhine,3 years after losing the title.
He was also a master player at Bridge and a writer of books on philosophical subjects.He spent his playing years trying to increase prize funds for tournaments and matches,and raise the standard of living for chess players.
At that time many great players died in poverty.

Throught his career Lasker played some fantastic games. Here is the game in which Lasker is given credit for inventing the double bishop sacrifice.
Kasparov later said he wished he could have copyrighted them.

2 comments:

Dennis said...

Hello Chessx! Thanks for posting on my blog! I have added a link to your site on my blog. I have read some of your blog and I like it. The first five grandmasters was an interesting read. Keep up the good work!

Anonymous said...

Great game. Never had a chance to sacrifice both, just either on h7 or on g7.