Wilhelm Steinitz looms as one of the largest figures in chess. Earning the distinction of being the first ever World Champion in 1886, he was a successful competitive player and chess journalist whose theoretical teachings revolutionized chess and laid the foundations of the modern game. He is, arguably, chess’ greatest thinker.
London, with its rich chess tradition, has been the scene of many great tournaments. One of these, the London International Tournament of 1883, happened at an important point in history. It is remembered mainly as the event that led to the first World Chess Championship, which, in turn, formalized the title of World Champion. Johannes Zukertort (pictured) won the tournament ahead of Wilhelm Steinitz, and in 1886, three years after London, they played the first official World Championship match against each other.
George Henry McKenzie led an interesting life and was one the strongest players of the 19th century but today he is almost forgotten. Born in Scotland and a soldier by profession, McKenzie lived in Germany, France, South Africa and India until he finally settled in the US. On the occasion of McKenzie's 185th birthday Eugene Manlapao takes a look at the life and at the chess career of this American Master.
Visiting Steinitz and Lasker at Their Final Resting Places chessbase.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from chessbase.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.