February 21 1988
The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, Sunday, February 21, 1988
CHESS HISTORY: Adolf Anderssen
The Romantic Age of chess reached its brilliant crescendo with the play of Adolf Anderssen (1818-1879). Regarded as one of the most brilliant combinational players in chess history, his virtuosic sacrificial attacks embodied the spirit of the times. Harold Schonberg in his book “Grandmasters of Chess” writes: “Even his opponents could be as much delighted as overwhelmed when they were the object of one of Anderssen's murderous attacks. Anderssen's play was so ingenious, his combinations so magical, that the players on the receiving end ended up gasping with amazement and pleasure.”
Born in Breslau, Germany, he learned the game at age 9 and was immediately addicted. He studied the writings of the early masters, including Philidor, and sharpened his game with trips to the German chess capitals of Berlin and Leipzig during the school holidays. While pursuing his mathematical studies and preparing for a teaching certificate, Anderssen composed numerous chess problems, publishing a collection in 1842.
Inspired by the games of the La Bourdonnais-McDonnell matches, he turned his attention to improving his over-the-board play, drawing a match with Harrwitz in 1848. Invited to the first international tournament in London in 1851, he surprised everyone by decisively beating all his opponents to take first place.
Inactive for seven years, he played a match with Paul Morphy in Paris in 1858, losing by a margin of five games. After this defeat, he took chess more seriously, improved his game, and became a successful tournament player with major wins at London 1862 and Baden- Baden 1870.
