If the title of British Champion is to go by, England’s most naturally talented player ever may happen to be an amateur. Henry Ernest Atkins was a school teacher by profession, yet won the British Championships in nine out of eleven participations. On the recent 151st anniversary of his birth, it is worth remembering this extremely gifted chess player. | Pictured: Rufus Stevenson and Henry Atkins at Malvern (The Sphere, 20 August 1921), <a href="https://www.saund.co.uk/britbase/pgn/192108bcf-viewer.html">via BritBase</a>
In the recent 2023 World Championship Match, Ding Liren won Game 12 against Ian Nepomniachtchi using the Colle System to tie the score at six. The match remained tied after fourteen games, and Ding went on to beat Nepomniachti in the rapid tie-breaks to become the 17th World Champion. With the Colle System utilized in the World Championship Match, it is a fitting moment to remember the life and career Edgard Colle.
The 3rd World Chess Championship between Wilhelm Steinitz and Isidor Gunsberg that ran from December 9, 1890 to January 22, 1891 was a closely fought match. At the end of 19 games, Steinitz emerged victorious, 6-4, to retain his title. Gunsberg's good result in this match was no coincidence. Gunsberg was one of the strongest players of his time though today he is almost forgotten. Eugene Manlapao takes a look at the life and career of this relatively unknown World Championship challenger. | Photo source: Wikipedia
Hastings 1895 was a grand tournament that gathered the day’s greatest players without exception. At the time it was played, it was arguably the greatest tournament in history. On the occasion of its recent 127th anniversary, Eugene Manlapao revisits the tournament that introduced the brilliant and perennial title contender, Harry Nelson Pillsbury.
London 1899 and Paris 1900 are two celebrated events that helped shape the legend of an all-time great and influenced the battles for the chess crown in the 20th century’s first decade. Eugene Manlapao revisits these tournaments on the occasion of their 123rd and 122nd anniversaries respectively.