1923
Alexander Alekhine, unknown date.
January 01 1923
January 02 1923
January 24 1923
The Vicksburg Post, Vicksburg, Mississippi, Wednesday, January 24, 1923
Alekhine, the Russian chess champ, played chess and had a tooth pulled at the same time without taking an anesthetic for either, and without taking ether for an anesthetic, the pain of one probably counteracting the pain of the other.
February 1923
February 10 1923
February 20 1923
February 22 1923
February 25 1923
February 28 1923
The Daily Telegraph, London, Greater London, England, Wednesday, February 28, 1923
CHESS PLAYER'S GREAT FEAT.
A remarkable feat of chess has been accomplished by Mr. Alexander Alekhine at the Philidor Chess Club of Paris, where he played blindfolded the twelve best chess players in Paris and defeated eleven, the twelfth game ending in a draw.
The players sat round a horseshoe-shaped table, while Mr. Alekhine sat with his back to them in a corner of the room. To begin with, Mr. Alekhine announced that he would allow each player to choose his own opening, and would open the attack in any fashion they might select.
After this he sat back with his eyes closed, and as each player called his move Mr. Alekhine called back the reply. In no case did an opponent have to wait more than thirty-five seconds for an answer.
The first victory was recorded after two hours' play, and others followed at intervals until, after five hours, Mr. Alekhine's only undefeated opponent was compelled to declare a draw.
At the end of this effort Mr. Alekhine declared that he felt no nervous strain and his mind was perfectly fresh. It was noted that throughout he had moved with less hesitation than his opponents had been able to do with their games before them.
March 04 1923
Hartford Courant, Hartford, Connecticut, Sunday, March 04, 1923
Plays Twelve Chess Games Simultaneously
Paris, March 3.—(By The Associated Press.)—The Russian chess master, Alexis Alechine, recently gave another exhibition of his marvelous skill when he played twelve of the leading French students of the game simultaneously, standing with his back to his opponents and carrying all the moves in his head. At the end of the match, which required five hours, Alechine was apparently unfatigued and his sole request was for a cigarette.
March 23 1923
March 24 1923
The Observer, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, Saturday, March 24, 1923
Third International Masters' Tournament in Karlsbad.
The following players have definitely accepted the invitation to compete in the third international tournament in Karlsbad which will commence at the end of April and end about May 20:—
A Aurbach (Paris),
J Bernstein (New York),
E D Bogoljubow (Russia),
O Chajes (New York),
E Grunfeld (Vienna),
G Maroczy (Budapest),
A Niemzowitsch (Copenhagen),
R Reti (Czechoslovakia),
A Rubinstein (Warsaw),
R Spielmann (Munich),
Dr S Tarrasch (Munich),
Dr S Tartakover (Vienna),
R Teichmann (Berlin),
Sir George Thomas (London),
H Wolf (Czechoslovakia), and F. D. Yates (British champion). It is expected although they have not yet definitely promised that D. Janowski (New York) and Dr. M. Vidmar (Yugoslavia) will also take part. Acceptances are still awaited from A. Alechin (Russia) and Dr E. Lasker (Berlin). F. J. Marshall the American champion has not yet been able to come to a decision.. The tournament appears likely to rival in importance the great international tournaments held in Karlsbad in 1907 and 1911.
March 25 1923
March 27 1923
1923 Margate Chess Congress participants and organizers.
March 29 1923
Brooklyn Eagle, Brooklyn, New York, Thursday, March 29, 1923
Bound for Carlsbad.
Oscar Chajes and Jacob Bernstein, who will represent this country in the forthcoming international congress at Carlsbad, will sail from here on board the 8.S. President Fillmore, Saturday morning. Judging from their recent performances, both are in excellent trim for the fray abroad, in which they will encounter, day in and day out period of three weeks, some of the finest chess experts of Europe, including Rubinstein, Alekhine, Dr. Tarrasch, Maroczy, Teichmann, Reti, Bogoljubow, and others of that class. It will be a grueling ordeal for them, but a wonderful experience.
Chajes only recently defeated Whitaker in Philadelphia by a straight score and Bernstein, three times winner of the N. Y. State championship, has been playing consistently for the Rice-Progressive Chess Club in the Metropolitan League matches. The voyage of 12 days should benefit both of them appreciably and upon their arrival in Europe they will doubtless be in proper condition to give a good account of themselves.
March 31 1923
April 01 1923
The Sunday People, London, London, England, Sunday, April 01, 1923
One of the strongest international chess tournaments in recent years will begin at Carlsbad on April 27. No fewer than 22 competitors are rue to take part, representing 11 countries. The following is the official list of those selected:—Alekhine (Russia), Aurbach (France), Bernstein (America), Bogoljubov (Ukraine) Chajes, (America), Dur-Chotimirsky (Russia), Grunfeld (Austria), Janowski (America), Maroczy (Hungary), Niemzowitsch (Denmark), Reti (Czechoslovakia), Rubinstein (Poland), Spielmann (Germany), Dr. Tarrasch (Germany) Dr. Tartakower (Austria), Dr. Teichmann (Germany), Sir G. A. Thomas (England) Dr. Treybal (Czechoslovakia), Dr. Vidmar (Yugoslavia), Whitaker (America) Wolf (Czechoslovakia), Yates (England).
April 02 1923
The Daily Telegraph, London, Greater London, England, Monday, April 02, 1923
Chess.
Masters at Margate
From Our Chess Correspondent.
Margate, Saturday.—The nineteenth annual Easter congress of the Kent County Chess Association opened here this afternoon in the pleasant surroundings of the café of the Grand Hotel. The Deputy-Mayor, (vice the Mayor, unavoidably absent), in a felicitous speech, welcomed the competitors, and the association's most ambitious congress was given a very cordial send-off. After the civic reception and tea to music serious play commenced at six o'clock.
The chief event is a strong International Masters' Tournament, with eight entries representative of the best in European chess. The masters' pairings and results in the first round were as follows A. Alekhine (Russia) v. A. Muffang (France): A QP game, in which the Russian master concentrated on black's KNP, forcing his opponent's K to R2 by characteristic play with rooks and knights, and won, despite Muffang's resourceful defence.
E. Grunfeld (Austria) v. R. P. Michell (London), also a QP game, was a win for Grunfeld, who steadily held a slight advantage, and eventually forced a pawn in the end game.
R. Reti (Austria) v. O. C. Muller (London): An irregular opening, in which Reti forced a passage for his King's side pawns, and outplayed his opponent, who resigned on his 35th move.
E. D. Bogoljubow (Russia) v. E. E. Colman (Straits Settlements): Also a QP game, in which black throughout was compactly on the defensive. A carefully compiled attack, however, gave the game to Bogoljubow.
The International Amateurs' tourney is in two sections, totalling sixteen players. In the first round, Section A, Dr. Oskam (Holland) lost to E. Colle (Belgium); N. M. Bach (Cambridge) beat Captain P. D. Bolland (Western-super-Mare); Mrs. Holloway (Bromley), after a spirited resistance to the forcing of her opponent's QBP, lost to E. Brown (Dudley); O. Zimmerman (Switzerland) scored from the Hon. F. G. Hamilton-Russell (Crowborough).
In Section B, P. Sullivan (Dartford) v. Dr. I. de S. Mendes (Brazil) F. V. Louis (London) v. H. J. Snowden (London), G. Keij (Holland) v. E. J. Price (London), and L. C. G. Dewing (London) v. Max Romih (Italy), were all adjourned in end-game positions.
The First Class Tournament, with eighteen entrants, is in three primary sections. The first and second scores of each section will play in Secondary Section A, the third and fourth in each primary will play in Secondary Section B, and the fifth and sixth primaries will play in Secondary Section C.
The Kent Tournament has twelve players, and there will be a knock-out, quick play, and lightning events, with a blindfold display by R. Reti and a simultaneous exhibition by E. Grunfeld. The congress continues until next Saturday, and accommodates the excellent total of fifty-four players, amongst whom are twelve ladies, with two ex-British lady champions in their numbers.
April 03 1923
The Guardian, London, Greater London, England, Tuesday, April 03, 1923
Margate Chess Congress.
(From a Correspondent.)
Margate, Monday.
The second round in all the events began today, and in the Masters' Tournament Michell and Alekhine, in a QP opening, were left with king and rook after fifty moves and drew. Muller, playing en irregular opening, lost to Grünfeld. Bogoljubov scored against Reti on time. Colman lost a pawn in the middle game of a Dutch defence to Muffang, who won after fifty-eight moves.
In the Amateurs' Tournament, section A, Bach defeated Askam, Russell lost to Bolland, Mrs. Holloway lost to Zimmerman, Brown lost 10 Colle. In section B Snowden defeated Sullivan, Dewing won from Keig, Romih defeated Mendes, Price drew with Louis.
The leading scores are:—
Masters: Bogoljubov, Grünfeld, 2: Alekhine, 1½.
Amateurs: Colle, Bach, Zimmerman, Snowden, 2.
First Class: Mrs. Stevenson, Richardson, Barlow, 2 each.
The Daily Telegraph, London, Greater London, England, Tuesday, April 03, 1923
THE KENT CONGRESS
From Our Chess Correspondent
Margate Monday.—The adjourned games in section B of the international amateurs’ contest standing over from Saturday were played off today Sullivan drew with Mendes; Louis lost to Snowden; Keij drew with Price, and Dewing beat Romih.
The second round in all tournaments commenced today and many hard-fought games were played in the masters’ tournament Michell drew with Alekhine in a Queen’s Pawn game. After fifty moves each with an advanced pawn and rook warily jockeyed for the field, Michell forced the exchange of pawns.
Muller in another irregular opening lost to Grunfeld.
Bogoljubov v. Reti was a QP opening. Black on his thirty-fourth move was about to complete an exchange of queens when time was given against him and Reti was beaten by the clock.
Colman lost to Muffang in a Dutch defence after fifty-eight moves.
In the international amateurs section A, Bach defeated Oskam, Hamilton Russell lost to Bolland, Mrs. Holloway was in time difficulties on her seventeenth move and Zimmerman converted an advantage in position into a win after forty moves. Brown lost to Colle.
Section B: Snowden defeated Sullivan, Dewing defeated Keij, Romih defeated Mendes; Price drew with Louis.
Leading scores are:
MASTERS: Bogoljubov and Grunfeld 2 each; Alekhine 1½.
AMATEURS: Colle, Bach, Zimmerman and Snowden, 2 each.
KENT TOURNEY: Mrs. Seale, Miss Andrews, T. Griggs and Mrs. Shorland, 2 each.
FIRST CLASS, Section A: Mrs. Stevenson and F. Richardson, 2. Section B: Lees 1½. Section C: Barlow 2.
April 04 1923
The Daily Telegraph, London, Greater London, England, Wednesday, April 04, 1923
THE KENT CONGRESS.
From Our Chess Correspondent.
Margate, Tuesday.—The first game finished to-day fell to Mrs. Stevenson, the ladies’ champion who is playing strongly in the First Class Competition.
The third round of the Masters’ Tourney played to-day may prove decisive to the final scores. The drawing was as follows:
Alekhine v. Muller.
Grunfeld v. Bogoljubov.
Muffang v. Naichell.
Colman v. Reti.
Alekhine started half a point behind and from a QP opening developed one of his spearhead thrusts, covering combined rooks manoeuvring freely in the rear. The veteran Muller feeling the weight of years lagged on the clock made a weak parry to a thrusting KNP, and the spear struck. Alekhine gained a point and stands level with Grunfeld and Bogoljubov at 2½ each. The latter pair played a Queen's side game and quickly produced a draw. Each now requires to defeat Alekhine to retain his individual chance in the score.
Muffang played a QP opening against Michell who with his customary quiet tenacious play baffled an attempted King’s side attack and a draw resulted.
Colman, in an irregular opening against Reti was again inclined to tuck his effectives away on the Queen’s wing. A long middle game struggle for pawn position which promised a draw suddenly fell in, and Reti won.
INTERNATIONAL AMATEURS.
SECTION A.—Colle beat Bach; Capt. Bollard beat Mrs. Holloway; Brown and Zimmerman drew; Oskam and Russell adjourned.
SECTION B.—Snowden beat Mendes; Dewing beat Louis; Romih and Keij drew; Sullivan and Price adjourned.
Liverpool Daily Post, Liverpool, Merseyside, England, Wednesday, April 04, 1923
KENT CONGRESS RESULTS
At the Kent Chess Congress at Margate yesterday, Alekhine was able to draw level by defeating Muller from a QP opening in the third round of the Masters’ Tourney and scores 2½ points with Grunfeld and Bogoljubov. These two were paired and drew a QP game. Had either won he would have had half a point lead on Alekhine. Muffang could not score in a QP game with Mitchell who played steadily and drew. Colman in an irregular opening was in difficulties during a close middle game pawn struggle. A sudden discovered check won Reti the game.
Results:—
Amateurs (Section A).
Colle defeated Bach.
Captain Bolland defeated Mrs. Holloway.
Brown drew with Zimmerman.
Orkam v. Russell, adjourned.
Section B
Mendes lost to Snowden.
Louis lost to Dewing.
Romish and Key drew.
Sullivan v. Price, adjourned.
Scores in the Masters’ Tourney:—
Alekhine, Grunfeld, and Bogoljubov, 2½.
Reti, 2.
Muffang, 1½.
Mitchell, 1.
Colman and Muller, 0.
Birmingham Gazette, Birmingham, West Midlands, England, Wednesday, April 04, 1923
The Margate Congress.
In the third round of the Masters' Tournament at Margate Chess Congress, Alekhine, Russia, defeated Muller, the veteran London player, and Reti, Austria, beat E. E. Colman, Straits Settlements.
The games between Mechell, London, and Muffang, the French champion, and Bogoljubov and Grunfeld each have two wins and one drawn game to their credit.
Amongst the international amateurs Colle, Belgium, scored his third win; Bach, of Cambridge University, losing his first game. Captain Bolland, Westonsuper-Mare, beat Mrs. Holloway, of Bromley, and F. Brown, Dudley, halved the match with Zimmerman, Switzerland.
In section B Dr. Wendez, Brazil, lost to H. J. Snowden, London, who with three wins leads in this section, and Romih, Italy, drew with the Dutchman, Koij.
In the knockout competitions F. W. Panter, Eltham, was successful, and H. G. Felce, and S. H. Lucas halved their game. Reti last night opposed 32 players simultaneously.
April 05 1923
The Daily Telegraph, London, Greater London, England, Thursday, April 05, 1923
THE KENT CONGRESS.
From Our Chess Correspondent.
Margate, Wednesday.—Last night Reti gave a successful simultaneous exhibition against thirty-three players, scoring 27 wins, 1 loss, and 5 draws. Captain Bolland won, and was first in time. Draws followed with S. Hussain, J. Keeble, H. Boger, Mrs. Holloway and H. Cox.
Drawings for the fourth round of the Masters Tourney were:
Bogoljubov v. Alekhine.
Muller v. Muffang.
Reti v. Grunfeld.
Michell v. Colman.
Muffang, in an attack from queen’s side on Muller’s open wing scored the first win.
Reti v. Grunfeld was an irregular opening. Reti, with Black's king on N1 and rook's file open concentrated a slashing attack. Grunfeld, confident in his defence adopted a wait-and-see policy. Reti took twenty minutes over this twenty-seventh move, and halted his attack. Grunfeld exchanged here and emerged a knight up and Reti resigned on the thirty-fourth move.
Bogoljubow took no chances against Alekhine and an end game of king and six pawns each was adjourned.
Michell v. Colman was a Sicilian Defence. Michell, in an exchange toward the close of a sound game, remained with a forced mate.
INTERNATIONAL AMATEURS.
SECTION A.—Mrs. Holloway lost to Dr. Askam; Hamilton Russell lost to Colle; Zimmerman and Capt. Bolland, adjourned; Bach lost to Brown.
SECTION B.—Dewing and Sullivan, adjourned; Price beat Mendes; Keij v. Louis and Snowden v. Romith, adjourned.
In the adjourned game between Bogoljubow and Alekhine, Bogoljubow queened a pawn one move ahead on the fifty-first move. Alekhine hung on tenaciously for a perpetual check but resigned on the seventy-fourth move with two queens against him. Bogoljubow now scores 3½ with Grunfeld.
MASTERS’ SCORES.
The following are the present scores in the Masters’ Tournament:
Grunfeld 3½,
Muffang 2½,
Bogoljubov 2½,
Alekhine 2½,
Michell 2,
Reti 2,
Muller 0,
Colman 0.
The Guardian, London, Greater London, England, Thursday, April 05, 1923
MARGATE CHESS TOURNAMENT
(From a Correspondent.)
MARGATE, WEDNESDAY.
In the fourth round of the masters' tourney to-day Bogoljubov played a Q.P. game steadily against Alekhine. An end-game position with king and pawns each was adjourned. Muller, also playing Q.P. against Muffang, fell a victim to a clever attack on his open queen's wing in 21 moves. Michell and Colman played a Sicilian defence. Michell, with the better position, gained the exchange and forced a mate. Reti in an irregular opening developed a strong attack against Grünfeld but, playing a mating move, his attack collapsed, and he resigned.
In the amateurs' competition, section A, Mrs. Holloway lost to Dr. Oskam, Hamilton Russell lost to Colle, the game between Zimmerman and Captain Bolland was adjourned, and Bach lost to Brown. In section B, Dewing v. Sullivan was adjourned, Price beat Mendes, Keig v. Louis, and Snowden v. Romih were adjourned.
Grünfeld leads the masters with a score of 3½
The adjourned game between Bogoljubov and Alekhine was won by the former. Bogoljubov queened a pawn on the 51st move. Alekhine hung on until the 74th, hoping for a perpetual check, but resigned with two queens against him.
Liverpool Daily Post, Liverpool, Merseyside, England, Thursday, April 05, 1923
KENT CHESS CONGRESS.
In the fourth round of the Masters' Tourney at Margate, yesterday, Bogoljubov played a QP game steadily against Alekhine. A draw was the worst either needed, their scores being level. An end game position with king and six pawns each was adjourned. Muller, also playing QP against Muffang, fell a victim to clever attack on his open queen's wing in 21 moves. Michell and Colman played a Sicilian defence. Michell, with the better position, gained the exchange and forced a mate. Reti, in an irregular opening, developed a strong attack against Grunfeld, but playing waiting move the attack collapsed, and he resigned.
In the international amateurs, section A, Mrs. Holloway lost to Dr. Askam, Hamilton Russell lost to Colle: Zimmerman and Captain Bolland adjourned, and Bach lost to Brown. In section B, Dewing versus Sullivan was adjourned; Price beat Mendes; Keij v. Louis and Snowden v. Romih were adjourned.
Grunfeld led the Masters with 3½ at the evening adjournment.
In the adjourned game Bogoljubov v. Alekhine the former queened first on the 51st move. Alekhine hung on until the 74th for perpetual check, but resigned two queens against him. Bogoljubov's score is now 3½.
April 06 1923
The Daily Telegraph, London, Greater London, England, Friday, April 06, 1923
CHESS.
THE KENT CONGRESS.
From Our Chess Correspondent.
Margate, Wednesday Night.—In the adjourned game between Bogoljubow and Alekhine Bogoljubov queened a pawn one move ahead on the fifty-first move. Alekhine hung on tenaciously for a perpetual check but resigned on the seventy-fourth move with two queens against him. The score in the Masters’ Tourney at the end of the fourth round is as follows:
Grunfeld 3½
Bogoljubov 3½
Muffang 2½
Alekhine 2½
Michell 2
Reti 2
Muller 0
Colman 0
Margate, Thursday.—In the fifth round of the Masters’ Tourney the pairings were:
Alekhine v. Reti.
Michell v. Muller.
Grunfeld v. Colman
Muffang v Bogoljubov.
Reti, playing a queen’s side game early obtained the advantage. Alekhine expended too much time and after his twenty-sixth move had five minutes left for eight moves. Rapid play and quick exchanges left bishops of opposite colours for the end game. A draw was agreed when Alekhine with two minutes in hand had made eight splendid moves in three minutes.
Bogoljubow playing black to Muffang in a QP game also got into exciting time difficulties. Muffang played brilliantly and the Russian in a position of great complexity had two minutes for three moves. He achieved his thirty-fourth move on the stroke of the adjournment.
Grunfeld v Colman, a queen’s side game, was a disaster for Colman, who overlooked a forced capture of his queen on the eighteenth move.
Michell and Muller was a Philidor Defence, in which Muller was pressing his passed QRP.
Margate, 9:20 p.m.—In his adjourned game with Muffang , was a victim of time pressure and lost. Michell v. Muller was drawn.
The masters’ scores now are:
Grunfeld 4½
Muffang 3½
Bogoljubov 3½
Alekhine 3
Michell 2½
Reti 2½
Muller ½
Colman 0
SECONDARY CONTESTS.
The primary play in the First Class Tournament produced the following secondary contests:
SECTION A.—Mrs. Stevenson, R. D. Graham, E. B. Puckridge, A. D. Barlow, H. J. Cope, F. A. Richardson
SECTION B.—J. Whicker, A. Thompson, S. P. Lees, Mrs. Sollas, C. H. Taylor, R. M. Norman
SECTION C.—F. M. Angrave, G. M. Arrowsmith, H. Boger, Leslie Jones, Miss Abraham, A. H. Reeve.
In the Kent Tourney T. C. Griggs, a player in his teens, leads with 8 clear wins. Mrs. Shorland (Margate) and Miss Andrews (London) follow with 6 each.
INTERNATIONAL AMATEURS.
Adjourned games in the International Amateurs’ resulted as follows:
THIRD ROUND.—Section A: Oskam defeated Hamilton Russell, Section B: Sullivan and Price drew.
FOURTH ROUND.—Section A: Zimmerman defeated Capt. Bolland. Section B: Dewing and Sullivan drew; Keij and Louis drew; Snowden and Romih drew.
At the adjournment the following results had been reached in the fifth round:
SECTION A.—Oskam and Zimmerman drew; Colle defeated Mrs. Holloway; Bach lost to Hamilton Russell; Capt. Bolland lost to Brown.
SECTION B.—Sullivan v. Keij, Mendes v. Dewing, and Louis v. Romih were adjourned; Snowden and Price drew.
Birmingham Gazette, Birmingham, West Midlands, England, Friday, April 06, 1923
CHESS AT MARGATE.
LONDON PLAYER WINS ALL OF HIS EIGHT GAMES.
At Margate Chess Congress yesterday Grunfeld secured the lead in the masters' tournament by defeating Colman, who has lost five games. Grunfeld has scored 4½ points.
A keen game between Alekhine and Reti was halved, and games between Muffang and Bogoljubov and Michell and Muller were adjourned.
Amongst the international amateurs Brown beat Bolland, Hamilton Russell beat Bach, Colle beat Mrs. Holloway, and Oskam and Zimmerman halved their match. Colle, with five wins, leads in this section.
In section B Snowden maintained his lead, and unbeaten record, by halving game with Price, and three other matches were adjourned.
In the Kent tourney Griggs (London) is the outstanding player, having won all eight games so far played.
In the quick-play tournament Muffang won the first prize with 8½ out of 9, and Grunfeld second with 7 out of 8.
April 07 1923
The Daily Telegraph, London, Greater London, England, Saturday, April 07, 1923
CHESS.
THE KENT CONGRESS.
FINAL STAGES.
From Our Chess Correspondent.
MARGATE, Friday.—The final stages have now been reached in all the competitions in this congress, which finishes to-morrow morning. The pairings for the sixth round in the Masters' Tourney were:
Grunfeld v. Alekhine.
Reti v. Muffang.
Bogoljubow v. Michell.
Colman v. Muller.
Grunfeld and Alekhine, a QP game, developed quickly to a massed impasse, and a draw was agreed to on the twenty-first move.
Colman scored his first success, defeating Muller in a Queen's side game. Colman obtained open files for centre pawns.
Reti played an irregular opening against Muffang, and in a clever game, full of subtleties, although a pawn down, he threatened mate and equalised, the result being an agreed draw.
Bogoljubow and Michell, playing admirable chess in a Queen's side game, steadily pressed to an end-game pawn fight of a very fine character. Michell emerged from a crisis with an advantage in position, and won by masterly play. Master scores:
Grunfeld 5
Muffang 4
Alekhine 3½
Michell 3½
Bogoljubov 3½
Reti 3½
Colman 1
Muller ½
The pairings for the final round to-morrow (Saturday) morning are:
Alekhine v. Colman.
Michell v. Reti.
Muffang v. Grunfeld.
Muller v. Bogoljubow.
INTERNATIONAL AMATEURS.
The results of the sixth round of the International Amateurs' Tournament were:
SECTION A.—Zimmerman beat Colle; Mrs. Holloway defeated Bach; Brown beat Hamilton Russell; Captain Bolland lost to Oskam.
SECTION B.—Keij lost to Mendes; Dewing defeated Snowden; Louis v. Sullivan and Romih v. Price adjourned.
Adjourned games fifth round:
SECTION B.—Mendes lost to Dewing; Louis defeated Romih; Sullivan lost to Keij.
LEADING SCORES.
INTERNATIONAL.—Section A.: Zimmerman, 4½; Colle, 4; Brown 3½. Section B.: Dewing, 4½; Snowden, 4; Price, 3½; with one game unfinished.
FIRST CLASS.—SECTION A.: A. D. Barlow, 3; E. A. Richardson, 3. Section B.: C. Taylor, 3; Mrs. Sollas, 3. Section C.: G. M. Arrowsmith, 3.
KENT TOURNEY.— T. G. Griggs, 9½; Miss Andrews, 7½: Mrs. Seale, 7; Mrs. Shorland, 7.
The success of Mr. Griggs, who (to correct a previous statement) is approaching 21, is a challenge to the thousands of young men who learned the game whilst in the Army to overcome their shyness and take part in public competitions and advance the interests of chess. The presentation of the prizes by the Mayoress will take place to-morrow afternoon, at 3.30, in the Grand Café.
MARGATE, Later.—Yates succeeded in winning his adjourned game with Thomas after a long struggle, but as Yates has another adjourned game with Blake, the second and third prizes are still in suspense till to-morrow.
The Guardian, London, Greater London, England, Saturday, April 07, 1923
MARGATE CHESS CONGRESS.
(From a Correspondent.)
MARGATE, FRIDAY.
In the sixth round of the Masters' Tournament, played to-day, Grünfeld, playing the queen's pawn opening to Alekhine, reached a fully-developed middle game in which each stifled the other's play, and a draw was agreed on at the twenty-first move. Colman gained his first win against Muller in a queen's pawn opening; and Reti, playing an irregular opening, against Muffang, produced a clever game full of interest which he adroitly drew. Bogoljubov and Michell was a stiffly fought queen's pawn game leading to a game which Michell won by splendid play.
Master scores: Grünfeld 5, Muffang 4, Alekhine 3½, Michell 3½, Bogoljubov 3½, Reti 3, Colman 1, Muller ½.
In the International 'Amateurs' sixth round the results in section A were: Zimmerman beat Colle; Mrs. Holloway defeated Bach; Brown beat Hamilton Russell; Captain Bolland lost to Oskam. Section B: Keij lost to Mendes; Dewing defeated Snowden. In the adjourned games in the fifth round, section B, Mendes lost to Dewing Jones defeated Romish, and Sullivan lost to Key. Leading scores, section A: Zimmerman 4½, Colle 4, Brown 3½. Section B: Deeving 4½, Snowden 4.
Liverpool Daily Post, Liverpool, Merseyside, England, Saturday, April 07, 1923
KENT CHESS CONGRESS.
The Kent Chess Congress was continued at Margate yesterday. In the sixth round of the masters' tourney Grunfeld, playing QP opening to Alekhine, reached a fully developed middle game in which each stifled the other's play, and a draw was agreed to on the twenty-first move. Colman gained his first win against Muller in a QP opening. Reti, playing an irregular opening against Muffang, produced clever game full of interest which he adroitly drew. Bogoljubow and Michell played keenly-fought QP game, which the latter won by splendid play.
Masters' scores:— Grunfeld 5, Muffang 4, Alekhine 3½, Michell 3½, Bogoljubow 3½, Reti 3, Colman 1, Muller ½.
The international amateurs' sixth round results were:—
Section A: Zimmerman beat Colle, Mrs. Holloway beat Bach, Brown beat Hamilton- Russell, Captain Bolland lost to Oskam. Section B: Keij lost to Mendes, Dewing beat Snowdon; Louis v. Sullivan and Romish v. Price adjourned.
Adjourned games from the fifth round were decided as follows:-Section B: Mendes lost to Dewing, Jones beat Romish, Sullivan lost to Key.
Leading scores:—Section A: Zimmermann 4½, Colle 4, Brown 3½. Section B: Dewing 4½, Snowden 4.
Kent Tourney, leading scores: T. G. Griggs 9½, Miss Andrews 7½, Mrs. Scale 7, Mrs. Shorland 7.
April 09 1923
The Daily Telegraph, London, Greater London, England, Monday, April 09, 1923
CHESS.
THE KENT CONGRESS.
GRUNFELD'S VICTORY.
From Our Chess Correspondent.
Margate, Saturday.—The pairings for the final round of the Masters’ Tourney -were:
Alekhine v. Colman.
Michell v. Reti.
Muffang v. Grunfeld.
Muller v. Bogoljubov.
The game Michell v. Reti was vital, as the ultimate position of Michell in the prize list depended upon the result of this encounter. Reti defended P— K4 irregularly and Michell got an open position and pressed forward his QRP, supported by queen and two rooks. A long endgame struggle developed some fine play on both sides and Michell won after a four hours’ sitting.
Muffang and Grunfeld, playing an exchange variation of the Ruy Lopez, drew.
Muller v. Bogoljubow was a Ruy Lopez which Bogoljubow won by a clever forced exchange of pieces in the end game leaving him with winning pawn position.
Alekhine and Colman played a QP opening in which Colman attacked in a good game but eventually lost through being a piece down.
INTERNATIONAL AMATEURS
Adjourned Games Results (Section B).—Louis lost to Sullivan; Romih defeated Price.
Results of the Sixth Round (Section A).—Oskam lost to Brown; Colle lost to Capt. Bolland; Bach drew with Zimmerman; Hamilton-Russell lost to Mrs. Holloway. Section B: Sullivan lost to Romih; Mendes defeated Louis; Snowden drew with Keij; Price lost to Dewing.
On Friday night E. Grunfeld gave a simultaneous display on thirty-three boards, winning thirty and dropping only half a point each to Captain Bolland, Mrs. Michell, and R. D. Graham.
FINAL SCORES
MASTERS TOURNAMENT.
E. Grunfeld (Austria) 5½
R. P. Michell (Surrey) 4½
A. Alekhine (Russia) 4½
A. Muffang (France) 4½
E. D. Bogoljubov (Russia) 4½
R. Reti (Austria) 3
E. E. Colman (Straights Settlements) 1
O. C. Muller (London) ½
INTERNATIONAL AMATEURS
Section A:
F. Brown (Dudley) 5½
O. Zimmerman (Switzerland) 5½;
E. Colle (Belgium) 5;
Dr. Oskam (Holland) 3½;
Capt. P. D. Bolland (Weston-St-Mare) 3;
N. M. Bach (Cambridge) 2½;
Mrs. Holloway (Bromley) 2;
Hon. F. G. Hamilton-Russell (Crowborough) 1;
Section B:
L. C. G. Dewing (London) 5½;
H. J. Snowden (London) 4½;
Max Romih (Italy) 4;
Dr. I. de S. Mendes (Brazil) 3½;
E. J. Price (London) 3½;
G. Keij (Holland) 3;
F. V. Louis (London) 2;
P. Sullivan (Dartford), 2
KENT TOURNAMENT
T. G. Griggs (Ramsgate) 10½;
Miss Andrews (London) 8½;
Mrs. Seale (London), 8;
Mrs. Shorland (Margate), 8.
FIRST CLASS.
Section A: A. D. Barlow (London) 4½;
F. A. Richardson (London) 3½;
Section B:
Mrs. Sollas (Oxford) 4;
C. H. Taylor (London), 3½;
Section C:
G. M. Arrowsmith (Maidenhead) 4½;
Miss Abraham (Herne Bay) 4.
The prizes were distributed by the Mayoress (supported by the Mayor), and terminated a most successful congress.
Liverpool Daily Post, Liverpool, Merseyside, England, Monday, April 09, 1923
KENT WINNERS.
The Kent Chess Congress concluded at Margate on Saturday. In the sixth round of the Masters’ Tournament Alekhine beat Colman, Bogoljubow beat Muller, Michell beat Reti after nearly six hours’ play and Grunfeld drew with Muffang. Final placings:
Grunfeld 5½;
Alekhine, Muffang, Michell and Bogoljubow, 4½ each;
Reti 3,
Colman 1, and Muller ½. Amongst the international amateurs Brown beat Askam, Bolland beat Colle, and Mrs. Holloway beat Hamilton-Russell. Scores: Brown and Zimmerman 5½ each, Colle 5, Askam 3½, Bolland 3, Bach 2½, Holloway 2, and Hamilton-Russell 1.
In Section B, Romih beat Sullivan, Mendez beat Louis, Dewing beat Price, and Snowden and Keij drew. Placings: Dewing 5½, Snowden 4½, Romih 4, Mendez and Price 3½ each, Keij 3, and Sullivan and Louis 2 each.
In the Kent Tournament the leading players were Griggs (London) 10½, Miss Andrews (London) 8½, Mrs. Seale (London) 8, Mrs. Sharland (Margate) 8, Satter (Bromley) 7½, and Mrs Thompson (Orpington) 6. In a simultaneous display Grunfeld won thirty games and drew three, and in a lightning final Alekhine beat Reti.
April 10 1923
Birmingham Gazette, Birmingham, West Midlands, England, Tuesday, April 10, 1923
At the Margate Chess Tournament, one dilatory player finally had to make eight moves in four minutes, to keep within the time limit. His name was Alechin—a curiously helpful name when one remembers the similarity of muscular exercise required for chessplaying and ale-chinning.
April 11 1923
Brooklyn Eagle, Brooklyn, New York, Wednesday, April 11, 1923
Chess Experts Depart For Carlsbad Tourney
Jacob Bernstein, the New York State chess champion, and Oscar Chajes, former New York State and Western champion, both members of the Rice Progressive Chess Club of this city, sailed recently for Europe on board the S. S. President Fillmore, bound for the international chess congress to be held at Carlsbad, Czechoslovakia, from April 27 to May 22.
This will be the first time that Bernstein has participated in a European tournament and he will be one of the dark horses of the competition. Chajes played in the last tournament at Carlsbad in 1911, when he won games from Dr. Tartakower, Spielmann, Dr. Perlis, Loewenfisch, Rabinowitsch, Chotimirski and Jaffe. The Americans will encounter a strong field at Carlsbad. Among the entries are Thomas and Yates of England; Alekhine and Chotimirski of Russia; Aurbach of France; Bogoljubov of Ukrainia; Maroczy of Hungary: Rubinstein of Poland; Reti, Dr. Treybal and Wolf of Czechoslovakia; Dr. Vidmar of Yugoslavia; Niemzowitsch of Denmark; Dr. Tarrasch, Spielmann and Teischmann of Germany; Dr. Tartakower and Gruenfeld of Austria.
The Cornishman, Penzance, Cornwall, England, Wednesday, April 11, 1923
In the International Masters' Chess Tournament, held at Margate during the past week, the first prize was won by Grunfeld, of Austria, with a score of 5½. Mr. R. P. Michell, formerly of Penzance, and Alekhine, the famous Russian master, tied for second place, each with a score of 4½. Mr. Michell is a son of the late Mr. Stephen Michell, of Penzance and was educated at Thorne's School.
April 26 1923
Brooklyn Eagle, Brooklyn, New York, Thursday, April 26, 1923
Masters are Busy Abroad
Jacques Mieses carried off first honors at Liverpool recently by defeating Sir. G.A. Thomas in the final round. That Alekhine was not placed higher at Margate was somewhat of a surprise. E. Gruenfeld of Austria was the winner, with four, among them Alekhine, tied for second place.
April 28 1923
Dayton Daily News, Dayton, Ohio, Sunday, April 29, 1923
CHESS CHAMPION IS HIT IN MILAN
Meetes Ten Experts at One Sitting and Defeats Them All.
(Special Correspondence.)
MILAN. April 15.—Milan, especially that part of it which plays chess, is in a state of astonishment, Milan has—or had—ten most clever chess players who have prizes from here, there and everywhere. Now they are weary disappointed men, for Alekshine the Great, the Russian chessman, beat all at once, though each was challenging him to a separate game, and though he sat quietly in an armchair, his back furned to ten opponents, each busy with his board.
The games lasted eight hours. Alekhine was as fresh at the end as when they began. The others were wrecks moral and physical. For eight hours Alekhine, smoking cigaret after cigaret, gazing into an empty corner, pronounced cabalistic utterances, according to which his pawns were moved. That was all he did.
“Alekhine has something inhuman and atrocious in him—something we cannot grasp,” says the Popolo d'Italia, Mussolini's own paper. And this has comforted the ten vanquished players considerably.
Translation from German: III. International Chess Tournament in Karlsbad from April 28th to May 20th, 1923 organized by the management of the Hotel Imperial and the city of Karlsbad in conjunction with the Karlsbad Chess Club.
"Helenhof Imperial Hotel", in which the tournament took place.
1923, Karlsbad Chess Tourney (from Postcard).
1923, Aron Nimzowitsch, Viktor Tietz and Alexander Alekhine at Karlsbad.
The original b/w photograph of Alekhine and Bogoljubow at the chessboard was taken from the Karlsbad Tournament Book 1923, published by Bernhard Kagan (Berlin, 1924). Oscar Chajes sits to the left shoulder of Alekhine.
April 29 1923
April 30 1923
The Guardian, London, Greater London, England, Monday, April 30, 1923
CHESS AT CARLSBAD
The Big International Tournament.
(From a Correspondent.)
Carlsbad, Saturday.
The most important international chess tournament which has been held since 1914 opened here yesterday with a remarkable entry of 18 players of European repute. Important and interesting results are looked forward to by the masters and amateurs gathered together in this picturesque corner of Czechoslovakia.
The conduct of the tournament is in the hands of the Carlsbad Chess Club, who exended a special welcome to players from England. Therefore, for perhaps the first time in British chess history, two amateurs from England are competing in an international contest of this magnitude—Mr. F. D. Yates, the British champion, and Sir G. A. Thomas, one of the strongest players and always a potential champion.
The complete list of entries is as follows:—
F. D. Yates and Sir G. A. Thomas (Great Britain); Niemzowitsch (Poland); Teichmann, Bernstein, Spielmann, Tarrasch, and Wolf (Germany); Bogoljubov, Alekhine, Chajes and Rubinstein (Russia); Tartakover ??, Grunfeld (Austria); Maroczy (Hungary); Saemisch and Trfzbai (Czechoslovakia).
The first round was begun this morning with the following pairings:—
Teichmann v. Maroczy,
Bernstein v. Spielmann,
Yates v. Thomas,
Tartakover v. Trfzbai,
Saemisch v. Grunfeld,
Bogoljubov v. Tarrasch,
Niemzowitsch v. Wolf,
Chajes v. Reti,
Alekhine v. Rubinstein.
In Teichmann v. Maroczy, black adopted the French defense and after 24 moves of very careful play the game was drawn. Bernstein playing a QP opening, gained an advantage in the middle game and scored the first win after 28 moves had been played at the expense of Spielmann. It was curious that the two English players should have beeen drawn together in the first round. Yates adoped the Ruy Lopez, to which Sir G. Thomas ?? with lively play. The game was the centre of considerable attention and eventually was drawn after 46 moves. Tartakower drew an Italian game with Trfzbai in 42 moves. Saemisch played a QP game against Grunfeld . The latter is the victor of the recent masters' event at Margate and is a vigorous and sound player. Lively play took part in this encounter, which at time promised a break through, but eventually a draw was reached in 44 moves. Bogoljubov opened a QP game which Tarrasch defended irregularly. This allowed white to build up a better position in the middle game and playing in his usual deliberate style. Bogoljubov won in 27 moves. Niemzowitsch and Wolf played an irregular king's side opening and end game with an advantage which he converted into a win in 56 moves. At the ?? wiring Chajes v. Reti and Alekhine v. Rubinstein were unfinished.
May 01 1923
The Guardian, London, Greater London, England, Tuesday, May 01, 1923
THE CARLSBAD CHESS TOURNAMENT.
A WIN FOR THOMAS.
(From a Correspondent.)
Carlsbad, Monday.
The pairings of the second round of the Masters Tournament were Maroczy v. Bogoljubov, Reti v. Bernstein, Wolf v. Teichmann, Grunfeld v. Alekhine, Yates v. Niemzowitsch, Trfzbai v. Samisch, Thomas v. Spielmann, Tarrasch v. Tartakover, Rubinstein v. Chajes.
Thomas opened a Ruy Lopez to Spielmann, and the game developed steadily on the usual lines until the English player secured an advantage in position which he steadily pushed home, and, in spite of Spielmann's protracted effort to ease the pressure, after 54 moves Thomas won. Yates, was not so fortunate against Niemzowitsch. The opening was an irregular king's side development. Yates played steadily, but Niemsowitsch seized the opening for which he had manoeuvred, and by brilliant combinative play won in 48 moves.
Maroczy, in a queen's side game with Bogoljubov, missed his way, for he had a win in hand at one phase of the game. Having been given a lease of life, Bogoljubov took no further chances, and after 45 moves had engineered a draw. Wolf and Teichmann played a four knights game. There was very lively and interesting play which might have resulted in a win for either, but they avoided danger and a draw was reached in 40 moves. Reti was lucky against Bernstein. This game was also an irregular king's side opening, but Bernstein Reti
Grünfeld opened a QP game to Alekhine. When this pair last met in tourney play at Margate they played themselves to an impasse with only the loss of a pawn each. This game Alekhine perhaps remembered, for avoiding any attempt to force a draw, he worked out a brilliant scheme of combinative play and won. Trizbai and Samisch, in Sicilian game, had a lively encounter which led to long endgame struggle, terminating in a draw after 66 moves. Tarrasch and Tartakower, in a Caro-Kann defence, played a strenuous game, which was adjourned at midday after 65 moves in an even position, and after the resumption went to 80 moves before a draw was reached. Rubinstein v. Chajes was a Q-P game. White steadily bore down on his opponent, and the game, after 61 moves, was unfinished at the time of wiring, in Rubinstein's favour.
The two adjourned games from the first round were played off to-day. Chajes won from Reti in 60 moves, and Alechine outplayed Rubinstein in 32 moves. Alekhine has thus early in the tournament shown signs of having found his form and brilliance, but such a contest as is this one makes considerable physical demands upon the competitors, and often the race does not go to the swift but to the experienced. Alekhine, however, is both young and experienced. Niemzowitsch also is maintaining the form expected of him from his successes in previous tournaments.
Scores at the end of the second round Niemzowitsch 2, Alechine 2, Bogoljubov 1½, Thomas 1½; Teichmann 1, Tartakover 1, Samisch 1, *Chajes 1, Bernstein 1; Reti 1, Trfzbai 1, Maroczy 1, Yates ½, Grünfeld ½, Tarrasch ½, Wolf ½, Spielmann 0, *Rubinstein 0.
*Adjourned game to play.
May 02 1923
May 03 1923
The Guardian, London, Greater London, England, Thursday, May 03, 1923
CHESS AT CARLSBAD.
THOMAS BEATS NIEMZOWITSCH
(From a Correspondent.)
CARLSBAD, WEDNESDAY.
The full pairings for the third round were:—Teichmann v. Yates, Bogoljubov v. Wolf, Tartakover v. Maroczy, Samisch v. Tarrasch; Alekhine v. Trybal, Chajes v. Grünfeld, Bernstein v. Rubinstein, Spielmann v. Reti; Niemizowitsch v. Thomas.
The game between Niemzowitsch and Thomas after the adjournment provided a sensation. Niemzowitsch in the middle game had an advantage which should have been as good as a win to such a strong player, but in the evening session Thomas outplayed his formidable opponent and defeated him in 52 moves. This fine victory gave Thomas the lead in the scoring up to the conclusion of the 'third round.
Perhaps the most surprising result was in the game between Alekhine and Trybal. White, playing a QP opening, saw that his ,opponent was endeavouring to secure a draw, and tried to force a win. But, as so often happens in such circumstances, Alekhine overreached himself and lost the game after 44 movts. Teichmann and Yates had a lively game. At the adjournment Teichmann held what advantage there was in the position. Yates, however, continued in a lively strain, and held off his opponent until after 50 moves a draw was reached. Bogoljubov and Wolf played a QP game. The Russian was a little too cautious, and missed an opportunity of winning. Wolf was able after 52 moves to claim a draw. Samisch opened with the QP to Tarrasch; who defended irregularly. The play was even throughout, and eventually the game was drawn in 46 moves. Bernstein and Rubinstein played a QP game. Rubinstein made an effort to secure a clear point on the score board which so far has not fallen his way.- He worked up a combination which promised much but eventually proved unsound, and Bernstein won after 48 moves. Chajes, playing a Ruy Lopez to Grünfeld in a steady development, did not manage to finish. He has a penchant for adjourned games, and this one added to one he already has in hand.
Tartakover v. Maroczy, a draw, and Spielmann v. Reti, a win for Spielmann, - were reported yesterday.
The pairings in the fourth round were:—
Rubinstein v. Spielmann,
Maroczy v. Samisch,
Grünfeld v. Bernstein,
Wolf v. Tartakover,
Trybal v. Chajes,
Yates v. Bogoljubov,
Tarrasch v. Alekhine,
Niemzowitsch v. Teichmann,
Thomas v. Reti. Two games were finished to-day. Grunfeld in a QP game proved safe in his defence against a combination worked up by Bernstein to force a win, and won the game in 42 moves Thomas suffered a loss at the hands of Reti. The game was a Sicilian, defence, and Reti in one of his subtle combinations managed to secure an advantage in the middle game. Thomas fought gamely for 48 moves, but he was unable to retrieve the position.
May 04 1923
The Guardian, London, Greater London, England, Friday, May 04, 1923
CHESS AT CARLSBAD.
(From a Correspondent.)
Carlsbad, Thursday.
The concluding results of the fourth round were as follows:—
Maroczy and Samisch, playing a Sicilian defence reached an end game in which, white held an advantage, which Maroczy converted into a win. Wolf and Tartakover was a Caro-Kann defence. Black missed a win, and Wolf managed to draw after 42 moves. Yates opposed by Bogoljubov, in a QP game, should have won. The course of play was perhaps not too apparent. After 62 moves Bogoljubov had steered to safety and a draw resulted. Alekhine, playing . black to Tarrasch in a Ruy Lopez, adopted the PKN-3 defence. Tarrasch played cautiously in view of his opponent's strength and his sudden and brilliant middle game combinations, and an end game developed. Alekhine, however, secured an advantage which won for him in 54 moves. Rubinstein and Spielmann played a OP opening and white obtained the better position in the middle game. Rubinstein won in 43 moves. Niemzowitsch and Teichmann was a French defence, which led to a draw in 43 moves. Trybal and Chajes played a Ruy Lopez, in which white secured an ascendancy in the middle game and won in 42 moves.
Scores of completed games up to the end of the fourth - round:—
Alekhine 3,
Trybal 3,
Thomas 2½,
Bogoljubov, 2½,
Niemzowitsch 2½,
Maroczy 2½,
Bernstein 2,
Tartakover 2,
Teichmann 2,
Reti 2,
Samisch 1½,
Wolf 1½,
Yates 1½,
Grunfeld 1½,
Tarrasch 1,
Spielmann 1,
Chajes 1,
Rubinstein 1.
The play is assuming a more cautious character, and games are continued later into the evening session, as will be gathered from a comparison of the number of moves. Seventeen rounds in all will be played, and with practically a fourth of that number disposed of already 30 draws have resulted and 19 have been clear wins, an indication of the competition.
May 05 1923
The Guardian, London, Greater London, England, Saturday, May 05, 1923
CHESS AT CARLSBAD.
AN EASY WIN FOR ALEKHINE.
(From a Correspondent.)
Carlsbad, Friday.
To-day Chajes played off his two adjourned games. One was from the second round and in this he played black in a QP game to Rubinstein, and a draw resulted after 48 moves. The other was from the third round in which he played white to Gruenfeld in a Ruy Lopez. The play went to 66 moves this morning, and was again adjourned in a very interesting position.
In the fifth round Alekhine opened a QP game against Maroczy, who adopted an irregular defence. Alekhine very quickly gained an advantage and won in 22 moves, the shortest victory so far in the tournament. Teichmann also played a QP game which Thomas defended in a style not in the books, with the result that white gained the better position in the middle game and Teichmann won in 46 moves. Spielmann and Grunfeld contested a king's gambit, and Grunfeld, who can develop very quickly in adventurous openings, gained an early upper hand which won the game for him in 48 moves.
In the first round the result of the game Bernstein v. Spielmann, was reversed on the wireless, and instead of a loss to Spielmann the game was a-win for him.
In the scoring, therefore, up to the end of the fourth round Spielmann displaces Bernstein with a score of two against a score of one for the latter.
May 06 1923
The Sunday People, London, London, England, Sunday, May 06, 1923
CHESS CONGRESS.
British Champion Plays Two Drawn Games.
The chess congress at Karlsbad was continued yesterday, says Reuter. The following were the results in the fifth round:—
Reti beat Rubinstein, Teichmann beat Thomas; Samisch beat Wolf; Alekhine beat Maroczy; Tarrasch beat Chajes; Treybal beat Bernstein; Gruenfeld beat Spielmann; Tartakower and Yates drew. Boguljubow and Niemzowitsch adjourned.
The following adjourned games were concluded:— Yates and Bogoljubov (fourth round) drawn; Rubinstein and Chajes (second round) drawn.
San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco, California, Sunday, May 06, 1923
“Shakmatny” (chess) has begun publication in Moscow. The editor is Mr. Grekoff, with the famous players, Alekhine and Bogoljubov, as collaborators. The annual subscription is only 10,000,000 roubles.
May 07 1923
May 08 1923
Greenfield Daily Recorder, Greenfield, Massachusetts, Tuesday, May 08, 1923
AMERICANS BEATEN IN BIG CHESS TOURNAMENT
Carlsbad, May 8 — (By Associated Press)—At the conclusion of the seventh round of the international chess masters’ tournament Try-ball was leading the Russian champion Alechin by half a point.
In the sixth round both American players were beaten again, Bernstein by Tarrasch and Chajes by Maroczy. Trybell accounted for Spielman Niemzowitsch downed Tartakower, the latter suffering his first defeat in the contest Rubinstein won from Thomas and Alekhine beat Wolf. Gruenfeld and Reti adjourned their game and Teichmann and Bogoljubow drew.
The Guardian, London, Greater London, England, Tuesday, May 08, 1923
CHESS AT CARLSBAD.
ALEKHINE BEATEN BY YATES.
(From a Correspondent.)
Carlsbad, Monday.
The pairing for the seventh round was:
Tartakover v. Teichmann,
Reti v. Traybal,
Chajes v. Wolf,
Rubinstein v. Grünfeld,
Bernstein v. Maroczy,
Bogoljubov v. Thomas,
Spielmann v. Tarrasch,
Alekhine v. Yates,
Samisch v. Niemzowitsch.
Tartakover and Teichmann played a centre gambit, which led to exchanges and a draw in 26 moves. Chajes and Wolf played a Ruy Lopez, and Black endeavoured to work up a winning combination which, however, proved unsound, and Chajes won in 46 moves. Bernstein and Maroczy adopted a queen's pawn opening, and at one time Black had sufficient advantage in position to have won. But Maroczy missed his way, and Bernstein got off with only half a point loss, as the game was drawn in 35 moves. Spielmann played a brilliant game against Tarrasch. The latter declined a king's gambit, but failed to neutralize the rapid advance of White's attack, and Spielmann, by a clever combination, won in 30 moves. Reti and Treybal contested an irregular king's side game. Something interesting might have sprung from such an opening between two such players, but, fighting shy of each other, they reached a draw in 32 moves. Rubinstein and Gruenfeld played a queen's pawn game which went to 60 moves and produced a draw. Bogoljubov and Thomas also opened with the queen's pawn. Thomas was unfortunate enough to embark on play which was not justified in the later game, and laid his position open to serious inroads. As a result, Bogoljubov won after 50 moves. Samisch v. Niemzowitsch was an irregular king's side game which was adjourned in a fairly even position. Alekhine v. Yates was a queen's pawn opening in which Alekhine had must the better of the game. He was attacking in fine style, with every prospect of a win at the time of the adjournment.
A lightning tourney was held on Wednesday last at the Carlsbad Chess Club in which amongst others, 12 of the masters in this tournament took part. Niemzowitsch was first with a score of 8½ and Alekhine and Tartakover tied for second place with 8 each.
According to a Reuter telegram received last night, Yates beat Alekhine.
The Montreal Star, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Tuesday, May 08, 1923
CHESS SCORES.
London, May 8.—(Star Special Cable.)—Treybal is leading in the Karlsbad chess tournament with a score of 5½. Alekhine is second, with 5.
May 09 1923
The Guardian, London, Greater London, England, Wednesday, May 09, 1923
THE CARLSBAD CHESS TOURNAMENT.
YATES'S GOOD PLAY.
(From a Correspondent.)
Carlsbad, Tuesday. Yates scored a splendid triumph in his game with Alekhine yesterday in the seventh round. Replying to Alekhine's attack with a brilliant counter-attack he played one of his finest games, completely out-manoeuvred the Russian at his own tactics of successful combinative play, and after 50 moves won in masterly style. If only the British, champion could always play like this he would indeed be a redoubtable opponent in any international contest. He now shares with Treybal the distinction of having arrested the victorious march of Alechine over all opponents.
In the eighth round the pairings were:
Treybal v. Rubinstein,
Niemzowitsch v. Alekhine,
Tarrasch v. Reti,
Teichmann
Maroczy v. Spielmann,
Bogoljubov v. Tartakover,
Wolf v. Bernstein,
Yates v. Chajes,
Thomas v. Grunfeld.
This round was curious for the number of draws it produced, in spite of a variety
Maroczy and Spielmann played a QP game, in which white, developed the better opening strategy, which established an advantage leading to a win for Maroczy in 48 moves. Bogoljubov opened with P-Q4 to Tartakover, who defended irregularly. The game ran over the midday adjournment, and upon resumption in the evening session an end game developed in which Bogoljubov steadily increased an advantage he had obtained and eventually won after hard play in 66 moves. These were the only two wins in the round.
Several adjourned games were played off. From the third round the twice adjourned game between Chajes and Grunfeld was resumed. The play had developed from Ruy Lopez opening, and was continued until the 95th move before Grunfeld scored a win. From the fourth round, Yates v. Samisch was continued. This game was a Sicilian defence, and also ran to a remarkable number of moves, for not until the 91st move did Samisch resign, thus giving the full point to Yates. From the seventh round, Samisch v. Niemzowitsch resumed. The opening play was an irregular king's side development. Niemzowitsch won after 71 moves.
Score up to Tuesday night:
Treybal, 6; Bogoljubov, 6; Alekhine, 5½; Niemzowitsch, 5; Grunfeld, 5; Maroczy, 5; Yates, 4½; Reti, 4½; Teichmann, 4½; Rubinstein, 3½; Tarrasch, 3½; Thomas, 3; Tartakover, 3; Samisch, 3; Chajes 3; Spielmann 3; Bernstein, 2; Wolf, 2. Of the three leaders Treybal has perhaps the most stiff fences ahead of him. He has yet to meet Yates who has given practical evidence of brilliance against very strong players, Niemzowitsch, and Bogoljubov.
May 10 1923
Brooklyn Eagle, Brooklyn, New York, Thursday, May 10, 1923
Treybal Leads the Masters.
After eight rounds of the international masters' tournament at Carlsbad, Franz Treybal of Prague heads the list with a score of 6-2. Thus far the leader has not lost a single game, having defeated Alekhine, Bernstein, Bogoljubow and Spielmann and drawn with Reti, Rubinstein. Saemisch and Tartakower. Alekhine is half a point behind in consequence of two defeats. On the other hand, the Russian master has won 5 and drawn 1.
Bogoljubow, with one adjournment game in hand, is third, and Maroczy fourth. Neither Bogoljubow nor Teichmann has been defeated. Teichmann has a curious record, with 7 draws and 1 win. Maroczy, Gruenfeld, Yates, Niemzowitsch and Reti all stand well among the leaders.
The score follows:
Treybal 6 - 2 Alekhine 5½-2½ Bogoljubov 5 - 2 Gruenfeld 4½-2½ Teichmann 4½-3½ Yates 4½-3½ Niemzowitsch 4 - 2 Reti 4 - 3 Rubinstein 3½-4½ Tarrasch 3½-4½ Saemisch 3 - 4 Chajes 3 - 5 Spielmann 3 - 5 Tartakower 3 - 5 Thomas 3 - 5 Bernstein 2 - 6 Wolf 2 - 6
Adjourned games—Bogoljubow vs. Niemzowitsch, Gruenfeld vs. Reti, Niemzowitsch vs. Saemisch.
The Guardian, London, Greater London, England, Thursday, May 10, 1923
Chess at Carlsbad.
The Half-Way Stage.
(From a Correspondent.)
Carlsbad, Wednesday.
The pairing for the ninth round was:—
Samisch v. Bogoljubov, Spielmann v. Wolf, Alekhine v. Teichmann, Reti v. Maroczy, Chajes v. Niemzowitsch, Rubinstein v. Tarrasch, Bernstein v. Yates, Grunfeld v. Treybal, Tartakover v. Thomas.
Progress was slower in this round, and three games were pending late into the evening session at the time of wiring. The half of the tournament has been reached, and none of the leaders has sufficient advantage in points to warrant any relaxation of effort and caution now that the last phase is being entered. The most important game of this round is that between Grunfeld and Treybal. A win for the first named will bring him into the group of players at the top of the score, and will place him equal to Treybal, who was leading with Alekhine up to last night.
Reti v. Maroczy, was a QP game, which led naturally to a draw in 52 moves. Spielmann and Wolf went to 49 moves. Wolf declined a king's gambit, but Spielmann persisted in attacking play of a forcing nature, which failed him, and Wolf won after the collapse of an unsound combination. Tartakower and Thomas played a QP game on recognized lines, but white worked out a lead in the middle game, which was good enough for a win, which came to Tartakover in 54 moves. Alekhine, opposed by Teichmann, had one eye on the score and the other on his belief in his scheme of brilliant attacking tactics. Teichmann, who is also among the leaders, and is much experienced in tournament craft, opposed Alekhine P-Q4 opening in a virile way, not intending to be beaten, and intent on a draw. Alekhine was unable to do anything better, and the point was shared after 45 moves. Rubinstein and Tarrasch played a QP game. The play led to an end game position, in which Rubinstein out maneuvered his opponent and won in 45 moves. Chajes and Niemzowitsch also finished a QP game, in which Chajes won on end-game strategy in 56 moves. The remaining three pairings were unfinished.
May 11 1923
The Guardian, London, Greater London, England, Friday, May 11, 1923
Chess at Carlsbad.
Another Success for Yates.
(From a Correspondent.)
Carlsbad, Thursday.
The game Grunfeld v. Treybal, adjourned from the ninth round, was finished to-day. Grunfeld exploited an advantage in the endgame with skill and energy, and after 46 moves won. He thus inflicted the first defeat that Treybal has suffered in the tournament. This has had very interesting reaction on the score, and the fight for leadership is exciting and keener than ever.
In the tenth round the pairings were as follow: Yates v. Spielmann, Niemzowitsch v. Bernstein, Tarrasch v. Grunfeld, Thomas v. Treybal, Wolf v. Reti, Bogoljubov v. Alekhine, Tartakower v. Samisch, Teichmann v. Chajes, Maroczy v. Rubinstein.
After his brilliant victory over Alekhine, the British champion added another point to his score by defeating Spielmann in this round. The game was a queen's pawn opening with an irregular defense. In the end-game struggle Yates had the better of the play, and turned his advantage into a victory in 34 moves. Tarrasch and Grunfeld drew an irregular king's side game in 36 moves. Wolf and Reti played a Ruy Lopez. Wolf outplayed his opponent and forced his resignation in 28 moves. Tartakower and Samisch contested a French defense, and in the course of very interesting middle-game play White overcame his opponent's resistance and won in 24 moves. Niemzowitsch and Bernstein was a queen's pawn game. Bernstein made a sad mistake which eventually cost him the game.
Thomas lost to Treybal. He offered the Ruy Lopez, and after the middle-game development Treybal produced some brilliant play and won by a clever combination and despite Thomas's tenacious attempt to stave off disaster. Bogoljubov v. Alekhine was an irregular king's side development. Bogoljubov is a player who prefers going out for a win rather than playing for a draw. Standing so high in the score, he more than ever desired to add a full point to it. Alekhine was just the player for his wish, for he too could profit very greatly by a win after Treybal's loss to Grunfeld. Alekhine won this game, and examination showed that it was in the closely-fought middle-game that he obtained what proved to be a winning advantage. The game ran to 54 moves. Teichmann v. Chajes was a queen's pawn game which White won by superior development. Maroczy, with the experience of years, is not taking many chances in the second half of the tournament. In chess, as in cricket, there are points to be learned from experience in the craft of the game. He opened a four knights' game to Rubinstein, and the play was cautious and safe. Therefore a draw was reached after a long game of 60 moves. Maroczy is thus accumulating a score which promises to bring him high up in the list at the finish.
Grunfeld's defeat of Trebal jumps him into second place, and, in conjunction with Alekhine to the tie for leadership with Treybal. Grunfeld has only suffered one defeat, and that at the hands of Alekhine. He is more or less of a newcomer to big chess events, but his victory in the Margate tournament proved his strength, and his high position in the present contest causes no surprise.
Full score of completed games up to the end of the tenth round: Alekhine 7, Treybal 7, Grunfeld 6½, Maroczy 6, Niemzowitsch 6, Teichmann 6, Bogoljubov 6, Yates 5½, Reti 5, Rubinstein 5, Tartakover 5, Chajes 4, Tarrasch 4, Wolf 4, Thomas 3, Samisch 3, Spielmann 3, Bernstein 2.
May 12 1923
The Guardian, London, Greater London, England, Saturday, May 12, 1923
Chess At Carlsbad
How Yates Defeated Alekhine.
One of the very best games in the tournament was furnished by the encounter between Alekhine and F. D. Yates, the British Champion. The latter won by forcible and highly imaginative attacking tactics. To the further credit of Yates, be it said that he has played three games lately with Alekhine, two at Hastings and one now at Carlsbad. Of these he has won two and drawn two.
Alexander Alekhine vs Fred Dewhirst Yates
Karlsbad (1923), Karlsbad CSR, rd 7, May-06
King's Indian Defense: Fianchetto. Karlsbad Variation (E62) 0-1
19. BxN (a) If 10. PxP e.p., QxB; 20. QxQN-B6ch winning
24. … QxBP(b) Having obtained open files against White's king, Black, of course, wants to avoid the exchange of queens even at the risk of losing either the KP or QNP, but White will have all his work cut out to guard against the threat of B-K4. Altogether a very promising position for Black, White's only defense being Q-R3.
32. Q-K6(c) The only move but a very sad one, as it leaves Black master of the sitution.
33. N-N4(d) If 33 KR-B2 Black plays B-N6, 34. R-N2 QxBP, &c.
35. … QxRPch(e) The whole combination is forced. Even though Black took 15 moves to force the desired position, he must have clearly foreseen the possibility of carrying the game to a successful conclusion.
47. R-B3(f) If R-N2 then Q-K8ch would be deadly.
May 13 1923
The Observer, London, Greater London, England, Sunday, May 13, 1923
KARLSBAD CHESS TOURNEY.
The scores at the end of Round 11 in the Karlsbad tournament were:
Alekhine and Treybal, 7½;
Bogoljubow and Maroczy, 7;
Grünfeld and Teichmann, 6½;
Niemzowitch and Reti, 6;
Tartakower and Yates, 5½;
Rubinstein and Wolf, 5;
Tarrasch, 4½;
Chajes and Thomas, 4;
Sämisch and Spielmann, 3;
Bernstein, 2½. Evidently a close finish will be likely at the end hits this week. While Sir George Thomas failed to maintain the form he showed in early rounds, Yates (British champion) has done well, and has an adjourned game in hand which should assist his score.
May 14 1923
The Guardian, London, Greater London, England, Monday, May 14, 1923
The Carlsbad Chess Tournament.
A Close Struggle For the Lead.
(From a Correspondent.)
Carlsbad, Sunday.
The pairings for the eleventh round were:— Alekhine v. Tartakover, Reti v. Yates, Chajes v. Bogoljubov, Rubinstein v. Wolf, Bernstein v. Teichmann, Gruenfeld v. Maroczy, Spielmann v. Niemzowitsch, Treybal v. Tarrasch, Samisch v. Thomas.
Alekhine opened a Q-P game to Tartakower, which the latter defended irregularly. White did not find a loophole, and a draw resulted in 36 moves. Chajes and Bogoljubov played a Ruy Lopez, which led to considerable complication in the middle game. Bogoljubov was pressing a development leading to a powerful attack, and Chajes was much bothered to find the defence. He got into time difficulties on his 26th move, and Bogoljubov scored the point. Bernstein and Teichmann, playing a queen's side opening, had a very lively encounter, which, however, led to an end-game draw in 34 moves. Spielmann and Niemzowitsch entered on a Caro-Kann opening, and Black not only sustained the defense but produced a brilliant game and outplayed White, eventually winning by fine combinative play in 26 moves. Gruenfeld lost the advantage he gained by defeating Treybal in the earlier rounds. In this round he opened P-Q4 to Maroczy, who defended irregularly. Grunfeld saw white he took to be a weakness in Maroczy's position, and made a mistaken advance, which brought the game to an early end in Maroczy's favour after 24 moves. Treybal and Tarrasch played the shortest game of the round. They developed a Ruy Lopez with such caution and soundness that in 23 moves a draw was agreed upon. Treybal still ties with Alekhine at the head of the score. Sir G. Thomas, playing Black to Samisch, adopted an irregular defence in a QP game. Samisch over-estimated his position and weakened his middle game in such a way that when an endgame was reached Sir G. Thomas had the stronger force, and won in 41 moves. Reti was able to check the steady advance of Yates. In a QP game, which was the longest of the round, end-game play was the feature of the contest. Reti managed to obtain the upper hand and won in 58 moves. Rubinstein v. Wolf, a QP game, was adjourned in an even position.
The twelfth pairings were:—Maroczy v. Treybal, Teichmann v. Spielmann, Wolf v. Grunfeld, Bogoljubov v. Bernstein, Yates v. Rubinstein, Tartakover v. Chajes, Niemzowitsch v. Reti, Samisch v. Alekhine, Thomas v. Tarrasch.
—
Maroczy v. Treybal was the most important game in the round. Maroczy was playing for the possible leadership, which a win would have placed in his way. Therefore very bright play took place in a queen's side game with Rubinstein's variation with P-KN3 defense. Tentative efforts at forcing tactics on both sides led to very interesting positions, but many pitfalls were avoided, and a draw was reached after 65 moves. Wolf and Grunfeld was an important game. A win for Grunfeld would be most useful just now. A centre gambit was played, and the exchanges led to a long endgame position, in which Grunfeld would not at first bow to the draw. After 63 moves he gave up his hopes and shared the point with Wolf. Yates and Rubinstein played a Ruy Lopez, which went evenly for 48 moves, and a draw resulted.
Niemzowitsch and Reti played a king's gambit. Reti was ultra-cautious, for his opponent is a point ahead of him in the score. End-game play was reached and a stubborn fight took place, both players being anxious for the full point. However, after 91 moves a draw was agreed upon. Teichmann and Spielmann tried to force matters. An attacking combination failed, and Teichmann won in 32 moves. Bogoljubov and Bernstein in a queen's side game did not finish, and after 60 moves the game was adjourned with the position in White's favour. Tartakower won against Chajes in an Italian game. White had the better middle game, but Chajes struggled against this advantage for 63 moves before he resigned. Samisch v. Alekhine was an important game too. From a QP opening not very much was attempted, although Alekhine had an opportunity here against a lesser player of obtaining a clear lead over his competitors. A draw was reached in 46 moves. Sir G. Thomas did not finish his game with Tarrasch, which was adjourned on the sixtieth move with the position, if anything, in favour of Tarrasch.
From the ninth round the adjourned game Samisch v. Bogoljubov was played out to 78 moves, and Bogoljubov won. From the eleventh round the adjourned game Rubinstein v. Wolf resulted in a win for Wolf in 52 moves.
Score of completed games up to the end of the twelfth round:—Alekhine 8, Treybal 8, Bogoljubov 8, Maroczy 7½, Niemzowitsch 7½; Teichmann 7½, Grunfeld 7, Reti 6½, Tartakower 6½, Yates 6, Wolf 5½, Rubinstein 5½, Tarrasch 4½, Thomas 4, Chajes 4, Samisch, 3½, Spielmann 3, Bernstein 2½.
There are several adjourned games remaining to be played off. Bogoljubov has one in which the advantage is his. If he wins it his position will be greatly strengthened. Yates has one also.
May 15 1923
The Guardian, London, Greater London, England, Tuesday, May 15, 1923
Chess at Carlsbad.
Bogoljubov's Chance of First Place.
(From a Correspondent.)
Carlsbad, Monday.
The pairing for the thirteenth round was:—
Chajes v. Samisch, Rubinstein v. Niemzowitsch, Bernstein v. Tartakower, Grunfeld v. Yates, Spielman v. Bogoljubov, Treybal v. Wolf, Reti v. Teichmann, Tarrasch v. Maroczy, Alekhine v. Thomas.
Chajes had a promising development from a Sicilian game with a likely winning line of play, but Samisch outplayed him for position and won in 33 moves. Bernstein and Tartakower was a Queen's side game on close lines, and ran into a careful end-game struggle, which was drawn after 71 moves. Spielmann provided something of a sensation by offering a King's Gambit. Bogoljubov, without hesitation, broke into Spielmann's position and won the shortest victory in the tournament in 17 moves. Reti continued the task he has laid upon himself of avoiding risks now that the end is in sight, but he got the better position in a QP game against Teichmann and won in 52 moves. Rubinstein, in a QP game, embarked on an adventure in the middle game, which Niemzowitsch countered sufficiently strongly to give him command of the end-game and an eventual win in 62 moves. Grunfeld opened with PQ4 to Yates, and the British champion defended irregularly. Many times Grunfeld made vigorous and sudden moves of a dangerous nature, but Yates was equally lively in play, and exchanges took place which led to a draw in 36 moves. Yates, far from showing signs of the fatigue of long tournament play, seems to be getting into a steady stride. Treybal only managed to draw a Four Knights' game with Wolf in 50 moves. Tarrasch and Maroczy played a French defence on conventional lines, and agreed to a draw after 40 moves of careful play. Alekhine started a QP game which Thomas defended irregularly. The British player embarked on a development which seemingly was full of promise but which proved to be unsound. It took Alekhine 40 moves to demonstrate this before he won the game.
From the twelfth round Tarrasch won his adjourned game against Thomas in 75 moves.
Treybal now falls back to second place, and Bogoljubov, who joined the leaders after the twelfth round, not only retains his position, but having still an adjourned game in hand stands very favourably for a clear top score. Reti is steadily advancing his score, but in the next round he has a nut to crack in Bogoljubov, who is not fond of draws. Yates is holding his own, and meets Treybal next. Alekhine plays Chajes. The present score is:— Alekhine 9, Bogoljubov 9, Treybal 8½, Niemzowitsch 8½, Maroczy 8, Teichmann 7½, Reti 7½, Grunfeld 7½, Tartakower 7, Yates 6½, Tarrasch 6, Wolf 6, Samisch 4½, Thomas 4, Chajes 4, Spielmann 3, Bernstein 3.
May 16 1923
May 17 1923
Passaic Daily Herald, Passaic, New Jersey, Thursday, May 17, 1923
Alexander Alekhine, of Russia, and, Akiba Rubenstein, of Poland, likely contenders for the world series chess games soon to be held with Capablanca, the champion, met yesterday in the masters tournament at Karlsbad. Alekhine won the match.
The Guardian, London, Greater London, England, Thursday, May 17, 1923
THE CARLSBAD CHESS TOURNAMENT.
YATES BEATS TREYBAL.
(From a Correspondent.)
CARLSBAD, WEDNESDAY.
The pairing for the fourteenth round was:— Wolf V. Tarrasch, Yates V. Treybal, Niemzowitsch V. Grünfeld, Teichmann v. Rubinstein, Bogoljubov v. Reti, Tartakover V. Spielmann, Samisch v. Bernstein, Alekhine v. Chajes, Thomas v. Maroczy.
Once again the British champion created a sensation and proved the hidden strength of his chess ability by defeating Treybal in this round. His opponent had tied for the leadership nearly all through, and has only suffered one previous defeat, at the hands of Grünfeld. In this game Yates played a Ruy Lopez, and very quickly gained the better opening development. He improved upon this lead by brilliant tactics, and eventually with a fine and masterly combination forced Treybal's resignation in 30 moves—a most noteworthy victory.
Grünfeld, playing Black to Niemzowitsch in a four Knights' game, advanced his score by winning from the middle-game play in 44 moves. Bogoljubov played a -QP opening to Reti. The latter continued the form he had shown in the second half of the tournament, and played a brilliant game, which led to a fine win in 38 moves. Tartakover, in a QP opening with an irregular defence, won against Spielmann, who in a way beat himself by unsound play, after 45 moves. Samisch and Bernstein was also a QP game, which went to 42 moves, before Samisch won by superior end-game. Teichmann missed a win in his game with Rubinstein, and had to be content with a draw after 40 moves. Sir G. Thomas played a Q-P game with Maroczy, but Black worked out the better opening strategy which stood him in good stead, for after 52 moves Maroczy won, and thereby joined the leaders in the scoring. Alekhine v. Chajes and Wolf v. Tarrasch were unfinished.
Two adjourned games have been played off. From the ninth round Bernstein won his game against Yates. That the latter strove hard to make a draw of it, can be gathered from the length of the game-119 moves-but it was not to be. From the twelfth round Bernstein had another long struggle, playing Black to Bogoljubov. Bernstein won after 92 moves.
The fourteenth round has therefore made some interesting changes in the score list. It Alekhine only draws his game with Chajes he assumes the clear leadership by half a point, Yates has scored a triumph in any event by his double victory over Alekhine and Treybal.
Latest score:-
Alekhine, 9 (1 pending); Bogoljubov, 9; Maroczy, 8; Niemzowitsch, 8½; Reti, 8½; Treybal, 8½; Grünfeld, 8½; Teichmann, 8; Tartakover, 8; Yates, 7½; Rubinstein, 6; Tarrasch; 6 (1 pending); Wolf, 6 (1 pending; Samisch, 5½; Bernstein, 5; Chajes, 4 (1 pending); Sir G. Thomas, 4; Spielmann, 3.
Brooklyn Eagle, Brooklyn, New York, Thursday, May 17, 1923
Alekhine Leads Masters In Closing Chess Rounds
Fifteen of the 17 rounds, which the program of the International Chess Masters Tournament at Carlsbad calls for, have been completed and Alexander Alekhine is found to be at the head, with Bogoljubov and Maroczy both one point behind. It looks therefore, like another triumph for the famous young Russian, who, in the minds of many, is the local opponent for Capablanca in the next world's championship match. Much, however, may happen in the two remaining rounds, in which Alekhine must encounter Spielmann and Reti.
Bogoljubov has to reckon with Gruenfeld and Treybal, both of whom are close at his heels, while Maroczy must meet Yates and Niemzowitsch, who are putting forth their best efforts in order to be placed among the prize winners. Consequently, the finish will see all the excitement that the last day of such a contest can possibly provide.
The results recorded in the 14th and 15th rounds follow:
Fourteenth round—
Thomas 0; Maroczy 1; Wolf 0; Tarrasch 1, Yates 1;
Treybal 0, Niemzowitsch 0; Gruenfeld 1; Teichmann ½; Rubinstein ½; Bogoljubov 0; Reti 1, Tartakover 1; Spielmann 0; Saemisch, 1; Bernstein 0, Alekhine 1; Chajes 0.
Fifteenth round—
Chajes 0; Thomas 1, Bernstein 0; Alekhine 1; Spielmann 1; Saemisch 0, Reti 1; Tartakower 0, Rubinstein 0; Bogoljubov 1, Gruenfeld ½; Teichmann ½, Treybal 1; Niemzowitsch 0, Tarrasch 0; Yates 1, Maroczy 1; Wolf 0.
In the last two rounds the players will be paired in this order:
Sixteenth round—
Thomas-Wolf, Yates-Maroczy, Nimzowitsch-Tarrasch, Teichmann-Treybal, Bogoljubov-Gruenfeld, Tartakower-Rubinstein, Saemisch-Reti, Alekhine-Spielmann and Chajes-Bernstein.
Seventeenth round— Bernstein-Thomas, Spielmann-Chajes, Reti-Alekhine, Rubinstein-Saemisch, Gruenfeld-Tartakower, Treybal-Bogoljubov, Tarrasch-Teichmann, Maroczy-Niemzowitsch and Wolf-Yates.
The present standing is appended:
Alekhine 11 - 4 Bogoljubov 10 - 5 Maroczy 10 - 5 Reti 9½-5½ Treybal 9½-5½ Gruenfeld 9 - 6 Niemzowitsch 8½-6½ Teichmann 8½-6½ Yates 8½-6½ Tartakower 8 - 7 Tarrasch 7 - 8 Rubinstein 6 - 9 Wolf 6 - 9 Saemisch 5½-9½ Bernstein 5 - 10 Thomas 5 - 10 Chajes 4 - 11 Spielmann 4 - 11
Alekhine Defeats Rubinstein.
Alexander Alekhine and Akiba Rubinstein, both in line for the world's championship, came together early in the international tournament at Carlsbad and once more Alekhine came off victorious. Rubinstein ascribed his defeat to his twentieth move, when he moved the QR to R2, instead of N square.
Other games received from Carlsbad include victories by Spielmann, Dr. Tarrasch and Gruenfeld.
Alexander Alekhine vs Akiba Rubinstein
Karlsbad (1923), Karlsbad CSR, rd 1, Apr-30
Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense. Rubinstein Attack (D64) 1-0
Irish Independent, Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, Thursday, May 17, 1923
CHESS AT CARLSBAD.
The following are the results in the 15th round of the International Chess Tournament:— Spielmann bt. Saemisch; Reti bt. Tartakower; Treybal bt. Niomzowitsch; Maroczy bt. Wolff; Gruenfeld drew with Teichmann; Thomas bt. Chajes; Alekhine bt. Bernstein; Bogoljubow bt. Rubenstein; Yates bt. Tarrasch.
The aggregate scores at present are—Alekhine 11; Bogoljubow and Maroczy, 10; Reti and Treybal, each 9½; Gruenfeld 9; Nimzowitsch, Teichmann, and Yates each 8½ Tartakower 8; Tarrasch, 7; Rubinstein and Wolff, each 6; Saemisch 5½; Bernstein and Thomas, each 5; Chajes and Spielmann each, 4.—Reuter.
The Guardian, London, Greater London, England, Thursday, May 17, 1923
THE CARLSBAD CHESS TOURNAMENT.
Following are the results in the 15th round of the Carlsbad chess tournament:—
Spielmann beat Samisch, Reti beat Tartakover, Treybal beat Niemzowitsch, Maroczy beat Wolf, Grunfeld drew with Teichmann, Thomas beat Chajes, Alekhine beat Bernstein, Bogoljubov beat Rubinstein, Yates beat Tarrasch.
The aggregate scores at present are: Alekhine 11; Bogoljubov and Maroczy - each 10, Reti and Treybal each 9½, Grunfeld 9, Niemzowitsch; Teichmann and Yates each 8½, Tartakover 8, Tarrasch 7, Rubinstein and Wolf each 6, Samisch 5½, Bernstein and Thomas each 5, Chajes and Spielmann each 4.—Reuter.
The preceding round is described on page 4.
May 18 1923
May 19 1923
The Guardian, London, Greater London, England, Saturday, May 19, 1923
THE CARLSBAD CHESS TOURNAMENT.
ALEKHINE STILL LEADING.
(From a Correspondent.)
CARLSBAD, FRIDAY.
The sixteenth round pairings were: Yates v. Maroczy, Tartakover v. Rubinstein, Niemzowitsch v. Tarrasch, Samisch v. Reti, Teichmann v. Treybal, Alekhine v. Spielmann, Bogoljubov v. Grunfeld, Chajes v. Bernstein, Thomas -v. Wolf.
Yates was unable to reproduce the form by which he has gained, two wins in succession against very strong, players. He met Maroczy in a French defence and was outplayed towards the close of the game and lost after 42 moves. Sir G. A. Thomas and Wolf played a Ruy Lopez out of which Wolf developed the stronger game, drew a QP game after 33 moves. Teichmann and Treybal also, brought a QP game to an early draw in 26 moves. Bogoljubov sought an opportunity to find a winning lead from Grunfeld, as the full point was almost vital, but Grunfeld rebutted all attempts and a draw resulted in 36 moves. Chajes and Bernstein played a Ruy Lopez which Chajes won in 48 moves.
The remaining three: pairings were adjourned and, subject to these being played off, the score is as follows: Alekhine, 11½; Maroczy, 11; Bogoljubov, 10½; Treybal, 10; Grunfeld, 9½; Reti, 9½; Teichmann, 9; Yates, 8½; Niemzowitsch, 8½ Tartakover,8; Tarrasch, 7;Wolf, 7; Samisch, 6½; Rubinstein, 6; Chajes, 5; Sir G. Thomas, 5; Bernstein, 5; Spielmann, 4½.
In the final round Reti meets Alekhine, Maroczy Niemzowitsch and Treybal Bogoljubov, pairings out of which unexpected results may come. Alekhine is in some danger. A draw with Reti would enable him to tie for the first prize. A loss for Alekhine and a draw for Maroczy would enable him to tie for the first prize. A loss for Alekhine and a draw for Maroczy would (presuming a win for Reti against Samisch, now pending) bring these three together for the first prize; and a win in the last round by Bogoljubov would add a fourth. Thus the interest is maintained in this fine, closely-played tournament right up to the last day.
May 20 1923
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Sunday, May 20, 1923
Chess Tournament Ends in Triple Tie
Carlsbad, May 19.—(A. P.)—The international chessmasters tournament was concluded yesterday with a triple tie tor the first three places among Alechine. Bogoljubov and Maroczy, each man having scored 11½points. Reti and Gruenfeld were tied for fourth and fifth places with a score of 10½ points each. Tryball was sixth with 10 points.
Bernstein beat Thomas, Chajes beat Spielmann, Reti and Alechin drew and Rubinstein beat Seamisch, Gruenfeld beat Tartakower, Tryball lost to Bogoljubov, Tarrasch beat Teschmann. Maroczy and Niemzowitsch drew, while Wolf lost to Yates in the concluding round. The final score by points.
The Observer, London, Greater London, England, Sunday, May 20, 1923
CARLSBAD CHESS TOURNAMENT.
FINAL RESULT.
CARLSBAD, Saturday.
The result of the Chess Tournament is a tie for first place between Alekhine, Bogoljubov—
Alekhine 11½,
Maroczy 11½,
Bogoljubov 11½,
Reti 10½,
Grunfeld 10½,
Niemzowitsch 10,
Treybal 10,
Yates 9½,
Teichmann 9,
Tartakower 8½,
Tarrasch 8,
Rubinstein 7½,
Bernstein 7,
Wolf 6½,
Saemisch 6,
Thomas 5½,
Chajes 5,
Spielmann 5.
The following were the results in the last round of the tournament: : Bernstein beat Thomas; Rubinstein beat Saemisch; Grünfeld beat Tartakower; Tarrasch beat Teichmann. The matches between Reti and Alekhine, Maroczy and Niemzowitsch were drawn. Chajes beat Spielmann; Bogoljubow beat Treybal; Yates beat Wolf. The unfinished matches resulted in a draw between Reti and Saemisch and in Spielmann beating Alekhine.—Reuter.
May 21 1923
Daily Mirror, London, London, England, Monday, May 21, 1923
Geza Maroczy, the famous chess player, tied with Alekhine and Bogoljubov in the international chess tournament at Karlsbad on Saturday.
The Guardian, London, Greater London, England, Monday, May 21, 1923
TRIPLE TIE IN CARLSBAD CHESS TOURNAMENT.
YATES AWARDED A BRILLIANCY PRIZE.
(From a Correspondent.)
Carlsbad, Saturday.
Two corrections are necessary in the reported results of the sixteenth round. Alekhine eventually did not agree to the draw offered at the midday adjournment, and on the game being played out, to everyone's astonishment, Spielmann, who is at the bottom of the score, brought about a surprise victory by outplaying Alekhine in a long-end-game of 61 moves. This unexpected result increased the excitement of the last round and left the issue of the leadership an open question right up to the last day's play. Sir G. Thomas drew his game with Wolf in that round. Adjourned games were also played off, resulting in Niemzowitsch, in a Vienna game, defeating Tarrasch and Samisch drawing a QP game with Reti, and Tartakover drawing with Rubinstein. All was clear, therefore, for the seventeenth and final round.
The pairings for this were: Spielmann v. Chajes, Reti v. Alekhine, Rubinstein v. Samisch, Grunfeld v. Tartakover, Treybal v. Bogoljubov, Tarrasch v. Teichmann, Maroczy v. Niemzowitsch, Wolf v. Yates, Bernstein v. Thomas. Play, in the game between Reti and Alekhine was safe and non-venturesome, and a draw grew out of a QP game after 35 moves. Treybal and Bogoljubov strained every effort, as a win was of the first importance to both of them. The play ran to an end-game which Bogoljubov won in 56 moves. Maroczy had a prospect of winning the first prize outright, but Niemzowitsch, in a French defence, held him off until a draw was agreed upon, after 38 moves. Wolf, was outplayed by Yates in a four knights' game which went to 49 moves. Bernstein obtained a better end-game against Sir G. Thomas in a QP game, and won in 44 moves, Spielmann won against Chajes in a Sicilian in 51 moves. Rubinstein scored over Samisch in a QP game in 49 moves. Grunfeld adopted vigorous and forceful tactics against Tartakover in a QP game, and won brilliantly in 29 moves, Tarrasch beat Teichmann in an Italian game in 45 moves.
The final score was:—
A. Alekhine, 11½;
E. D. Bogoljubov, 11½;
G. Maroczy, 11½
E. Grunfeld, 11½;
R. Reti, 10½;
A. Niemzowitsch, 10;
K. Treybal, 10;
F. D. Yates, 9½;
R. Teichmann, 9;
S. Tartakover, 8½;
S. Tarrasch, 8;
A. Rubinstein 7½;
J. Bernstein, 7;
H. Wolf, 6½;
F. Samisch, 6;
Sir G. A. Thomas, 5½
O. Chajes, 6;
R. Spielmann, 5.
Brilliancy prizes were awarded to Alekhine, E. D. Bogoljubov, and Yates. Yates has played better chess than ever before. His strength has increased, and his style has gained him this coveted award. Sir G. A. Thomas was unfortunately not in the form by which he has gained his deserved reputation as one of our strongest players. His score does not do him justice, for he has played fine chess even in some of the games he has lost. Alekhine has played strongly, but at times his form gave out. Bogoljubov always looked a likely winner. Maroczy has played consistently, and his success will please many old friends in England. Rubinstein is in bad-health, and was unable to play in the brilliant style he has shown previously. Bernstein and Chajes, perhaps, were somewhat overweighted.
The appreciation of chess-players the world over is due not only to the Carlsbad Chess Club but also to the management of the Imperial Hotel, where- the play took place. There was plenty of space round each table, and a score of spectators could watch each game without, jostling other groups. It was not considered necessary to rope the players in, as is the custom in England. Altogether it has been one of the most enjoyable tournaments ever held.
Evening Herald, Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, Monday, May 21, 1923
CHESS TOURNAMENT
Yates Beats Alekhine at Carlsbad
The Carlsbad Chess Tournament just finished furnishes no surprise and therefore the two British players had to be content with a modest position in the final placing.
Sir George Thomas, I am told (says our London correspondent) was quite unable to do himself justice. Of chess, as of many other games he is a brilliant exponent, but I fancy he lacks the phlegmatic, nerveless temperament apparently indispensable to present day champions—in striking contrast to the days of Morphy and Anderssen.
Mr. Yates did better and in beating Alekhine accomplished the best performance of the meeting. It is remarkable that both at Hastings and Carlsbad the British champion has beaten the player only second to Capablanca. Nevertheless the palmy days of British chess are over unless another Blackburne or Staunton arise.
By the way how many of the public realise that Mr. Blackburne is still with us? Forty-two years ago he won the first prize at Berlin against the best masters. To-day in his 82nd year he is still able to take an interest in the doings of the City of London Chess Club.
May 22 1923
Birmingham Gazette, Birmingham, West Midlands, England, Tuesday, May 22, 1923
Rivalry at the masters' chess tournament at Carlsbad:
The prize of honour, both artistic goblet, was claimed by Alekhine and Boguljubow, and finally went to the former player, Boguljubow being awarded a prize of half its value.
It is a pity. The inscription “Boguljubow would look simply sweet on an artistic goblet. This name, I feel, very heart of that Russian steamroller” we heard so much about a few years ago. (Somebody tells me that gentleman is probably a Pole or a Czech, but no matter.)
May 24 1923
Brooklyn Eagle, Brooklyn, New York, Thursday, May 24, 1923
Award Honor Chess Prize To Alekhine at Carlsbad
By Hermann Helms.
Probably no international masters' tournament in the last decade has been so keenly contested as the one concluded at Carlsbad on Saturday. Throughout the latter part of the competition is looked as though Alekhine would carry off the palm, inasmuch as, from the eighth to the fifteenth round, inclusive, he won four games and drew four. It was only because he slipped up at the end, scoring half a point out of two, that Bogoljubov and Maroczy were able to overtake him and equal his score.
According to the Associated Press report, however, the “Prize of Honor” was awarded to Alekhine, presumably on the strength of his score being valued slightly higher under what is known as the Tietz System which, it is understood, governed the distribution of prizes. The same report state that a similar prize, but of half the value, was awarded to Bogoljubov.
On the other hand, neither one of them made such an impressive showing as did Geza Maroczy, who, of seventeen games played, won 7, drew 9 and lost only 1, which was to Alekhine in the fifth round. Maroczy in his prime was one of the grand masters of the game and, while in this country in 1906, challenged Dr. Lasker for the championship, the negotiations, however, falling through. For fully ten years he was inactive, but now appears to have recovered his old time form. Both Alekhine and Bogoljubov lost three games outright, but were victorious in nine.
Gruenfeld and Reti lived up to their reputations, as did Niemzowitsch, who returns to the arena after quite an absence. Dr. Treybal was the dark horse in the race and Yates upheld the best traditions of the Anglo-Saxons.
Bernstein of New York, while not a prize-winner, acquitted himself with credit by finishing only half a point below Rubinstein. Capablanca's challenger, whom he defeated in their individual encounter. Chajes, his fellow member in the Rice-Progressive Chess Club, did not fare so well, but he pulled himself together in the final round by winning from Spielmann, with whom he tied.
In the appended table will be found the detailed results enumerating as wins, losses and draw:—
Players. Won. Lost. Dr'n. Won. Lost. Alekhine 9 3 5 11½ 5½ Bogoljubov 9 3 5 11½ 5½ Maroczy 7 1 9 11½ 5½ Gruenfeld 6 2 9 10½ 6½ Reti 7 3 7 10½ 6½ Niemzowitsch 8 5 4 10 7 Treybal 6 3 8 10 7 Yates 6 4 7 9½ 7½ Teichmann 3 2 12 9 8 Tartakower 4 4 9 8½ 8½ Tarrasch 5 5 5 8 9 Rubinstein 4 6 7 7½ 9½ Bernstein 5 8 4 7 10 Wolf 3 7 7 6½ 10½ Saemisch 3 8 6 6 11 Thomas 4 10 3 5½ 11½ Chajes 4 11 2 5 12 Spielmann 5 12 0 5 12
May 27 1923
The Pittsburgh Post, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Sunday, May 27, 1923
Alekhine Defeats Rubinstein
Alexander Alekhine and Akiba Rubinstein, both in line for the world's championship, came together early in the international tournament at Carlsbad and once more Alekhine came off victorious. Rubinstein ascribed his defeat to his twentieth move, when he moved the QR to R2, instead of N square.
Omaha World-Herald, Omaha, Nebraska, Sunday, May 27, 1923
Alekhine Leads Masters.
Fifteen of the seventeen rounds, which the Masters program of the International tournament at Carlsbad Chess calls for, have been completed and Alexander Alekhine is found to be at the lead, with Bogoljubow and Maroczy both one behind. It looks, therefore, like another triumph for the famous young Russian, who, in the minds of many, is the logical opponent for Capablanca in the next world's championship match. Much, however, may happen in the next two rounds, in which Alekhine must encounter Spielmann and Reti.
Bogoljubow has to reckon with Gruenfeld and Treybal, both of whom are close at his heels, while Maroczy must meet Yates and Niemzowitsch, who are putting forth their best efforts in order to be placed among the prize winners. Consequently, the finish will see all the excitement that the last day of such a contest could provide.
June 01 1923
The Express, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, Friday, June 01, 1923
The masters’ tournament at Margate ended with these results:—Grunfeld 5½; Alekhine, Boguljubov, Michell and Muffang 4½; Reti 3; Coleman 1; Muller, ½. Probably the most amusing incident happened in the game between Alekhine and Bogoljubov, soon after each had gained his second Queen, the others having been previously exchanged. Alekhine had no pawns left, while Bogoljubov was pressing one of his two home to the eighth square. Just when it reached the seventh he left his seat, marched to the nearest vacant board, carefully selected a Queen for promotion, and solemnly marched back with it to his own board. Even Alekhine had to smile, but he took the hint and resigned a hopeless game on the next move.
June 02 1923
Manchester Evening News, Manchester, Greater Manchester, England, Saturday, June 02, 1923
International Tourney, Karlsbad.
It will be seen from table below that three competitors tied for first place with 11½ points each; Maroczy (the second in N.C.C.U. Congress “Premier” Tourney) was one of the three. Yates, the British champion, was two points behind, with a score of 94, taking eighth place—a very fine performance. Sir G. A. Thomas has not maintained his reputation, scoring only 5½.
June 14 1923
Brooklyn Eagle, Brooklyn, New York, Thursday, June 14, 1923
Ten brilliancies prizes were awarded at the conclusion of the international tournament at Carlsbad, as follows: Four hundred crowns each to Alekhine, Niemzowitsch and Yates for their games against Gruenfeld, Yates and Alekhine; 200 crowns each to Niemzowitsch, Spielmann and Niemzowitsch for their games against Bernstein, Saemisch and Spielmann; 100 crowns each to and Spielmann, Chajes and Spielmann.
June 21 1923
Carlsbad, 1923: Geza Maroczy, Viktor Tietz, Amos Burn, Aron Niemzowitsch, Dr. Emanuel Lasker
Brooklyn Eagle, Brooklyn, New York, Thursday, June 21, 1923
Bernstein relates that, on one of the bye days, Dr. Lasker and Alekhine had a session which lasted for 12 hours. Bernstein himself was watching them for fully four hours, for he considered this an unusual treat of which he felt he must avail himself. So well were these famous experts matched that they would up with an even score.
June 23 1923
Manchester Evening News, Manchester, Greater Manchester, England, Saturday, June 23, 1923
The three “brilliancy” prizes at Karlsbad were won by: 1st, Yates v. Alekhine (Game No. 40); 2nd, Alekhine v. Grunfeld (Game No. 37); 3rd, Niemzowitsch v. Yates.
June 24 1923
San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco, California, Sunday, June 24, 1923
Queen's Gambit Declined
Following is the encounter between Alekhine and Rubinstein in the recent Carlsbad tourney:
Alexander Alekhine vs Akiba Rubinstein
Karlsbad (1923), Karlsbad CSR, rd 1, Apr-30
Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense. Rubinstein Attack (D64) 1-0
Notes by Alexander Alekhine
12. B-B4(a) In order to depart from the usual line. The text move opens up possibilities for both sides.
16. … NxP(b) This costs a pawn, but if he does not take it I hold the pawn with P-QN4; and if BxP I would continue with BxKP.
18. … P-QN3(c) If Rubinstein could continue here with B-Q3, followed by P-K4, he would still have a good game. If, however, B-Q3; 19. BxPch K-R; 20. KR-Q, etc.
20. … R-R2(d) The losing move, and from now on White must win. R-QB was correct.
21. … B-B(e) The only move; otherwise I play QxB.
22. … R-Q2(f) Forced if any other move, then QxNP.
23. … Q-N(g) If Q-Q3; 24. KR QxRch 25. RxQ RxRch; 26. K-N2, winning.
24. … KR-Q(h) The threat is NxPch.
25. … Q-K4(i) PxB; 26. Q-K4 leads to a forced mate.
28. KR-Q(j) Bernstein commented: “How remarkable that Alekhine always finds the strongest move. All the masters were analyzing the position in the other room and nobody suggested the text move, which is surely the strongest.”—American Chess Bulletin.
July 12 1923
Brooklyn Eagle, Brooklyn, New York, Thursday, July 12, 1923
Alekhine Coming Here.
In a letter just received from Alexander Alekhine at Paris, the famous Russian master announces his intention of visiting America next November. Aside from his desire to make the acquaintance of the chess players of this country, Alekhine hopes to be able to further the negotiations necessary to bring about a match for the world's championship between him and Jose R. Capablanca.
Alekhine will also make an extended tour of the United States. That it will be a successful one cannot be doubted, because for several years past the Russian expert has occupied very conspicuous place on the international stage.
July 29 1923
The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Sunday, July 29, 1923
We are advised that there is an excellent prospect of A. Alekhine, the noted Russian expert, paying a visit to this country in the fall. Alekhine is not only the strongest European player (with the-possible exception of Dr. Emanuel Lasker, the former world's champion), but is also a fine simultaneous blindfold performer. Recently at Paris he contested without sight of the board twelve games, winning eleven and drawing one, his opponents being all players above the average strength.
August 1923
August 08 1923
The Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, Ohio, Wednesday, August 08, 1923
Chess Expert Coming
Alexander Alekhine, famous Russian chess expert and winner of international tournaments at Stockholm, Scheveningen, Mannheim, Triberg, Budapest and The Hague, who figured in the triple tie for first place in the recent congress at Carlsbad, has decided to visit America for the first time. Alekhine hopes to play Capablanca for the world's championship.
August 09 1923
Devon and Exeter Gazette, Exeter, Devon, England, Thursday, August 09, 1923
Alekhine, it is announced, will visit the United States in November to arrange with the American C.A. for a match with Capablanca. It was stated at the London Congress that the latter stipulates that a purse of 10,000 dollars must be provided, of which he is to take a fee of 2,000 dollars, and of the remaining 8,000 the winner of the match to take 60 per cent, and the loser 40. The pity of it all is that any man should be able to assume the right to dictate such terms.
August 11 1923
Evening Despatch, Birmingham, West Midlands, England, Saturday, August 11, 1923
Chess.
ENGLISH chess play, for the time at least, has fallen on evil days, and patriotic enthusiasts, forgetful of the fact, are kicking against the pricks.
Their criticism is directed against the entry for the British Chess Federation competitions, which open at Southsea on Monday.
The subject of complaint is that in the major tournament eight out of the 12 competitors are foreigners (including Alekhine).
It is a hard fact that, with the exception of Mr. F. D. Yates and Sir George Thomas, we can claim no players worthy to be classed amongst “the Masters,” for, alas, gone are the Blackburns and the Amos Burns. But those inclined to cavil may take heart of grace and find consolation in the reflection that our young amateurs may whet their intellect by contact with the foreign Masters, and in the fact that the chief event of the congress—is reserved for players of British nationality.
August 13 1923
August 14 1923
Birmingham Gazette, Birmingham, West Midlands, England, Tuesday, August 14, 1923
BRITISH CHESS LEADERS.
All Big Men Enter For Championship.
MEETING OPENED.
Southsea, Monday.
In the midst of a successful season and with the added distraction of Parliamentary by-election, Southsea took a mild interest in the opening here today of the annual congress' of the British Chess Federation.
To chess players throughout the country, however, the event is of importance, as the first British meeting since the series of international contests which have done so much to stimulate and, it is hoped, to improve chess playing in this country.
Confined to Britons.
In what is nominally the principal what tournament at this meeting, entry is confined to British subjects.
This arrangement has been, criticised, from time to time, as not in the best interests of the game; but that is another story.
F. D. Yates Lees, who has done remarkably well this year in Continental tournaments, and was awarded the first brilliancy prize at Carlsbad, for a fine game against Alekhine, has entered to defend his title of British Champion.
Sir George Thomas, who has also been winning distinction at home and abroad, is another competitor, and the list further includes R. H. V. Scott, a former champion; W. Gibson, an ex-champion of Scotland; C. G. Steele, champion of Victoria, Australia; H. E. Price, of Birmingham; the Rev. F. E. Hamond, of Horning; and Messrs. J. H. Blake, Herbert Jacobs, W. Gooding, G. E. Wainwright, and H. B. Uber—all of London or neighbourhood.
Stubborn Contest Expected.
It is a good list, mainly of veterans, and very stubborn contest for the chief honours is to be expected.
The major open tournaments should also provide superior chess, seeing that no less distinguished master than Alekhine has entered with Victor Kahn, of Russia, Andreas Steiner of Budapest, Dr. A. Vajda of Hungary, Dr. Adolph Seitz of Bavaria, and Silvain Groen of Harlem.
Among the British players A. West and E. T. Jesty, of London, G. W. Moses, of Wakefield; J. A. J. Drewit of Hastings; C. R. Gurnhill of Sheffield; and C. B Heath, of Dundee.
Ladies' Championship
In the British ladies championship Miss Price, London, is defending her title against Mrs. Sollas, of Oxford, Mrs. Holding of Newport, Mrs. Brockett of Glasgow, Mrs. Michell, of Kingston-on-Thames, Miss Gilchrist of Glasgow, Mrs. Holloway of Bromley, Miss Cotton of London, Miss Abraham of Herne Bay, Mrs. Stevenson of London, Miss Andrews of London and Miss F. Hutchinson Stirling of Edinburgh.
There are also a number of minor tournaments arranged on a novel and interesting plan.
The Mayor and Mayoress of Portsmouth, Alderman and Miss Foster, received the players and officials at the Town Hall in the afternoon, and in the evening the congress was formally opened, at the Fratton Secondary School, by the veteran British master, Mr. Amos Burn.
August 15 1923
The Guardian, London, Greater London, England, Wednesday, August 15, 1923
CHESS.
BRITISH FEDERATION CONGRESS
Southsea, Tuesday.
The pairing in the second round of the British Federation Tourney to-day was as follows: Blake v. Jacobs, Fianchetto defence; Wainwright v. Gibson, Ruy Lopez; Scott v. Yates, queen's pawn; Uber v. Gooding, Karo Cann defence; Thomas v. Hamond, queen's; Steele v. Price, queen's.
Jacobs lost his queen on the fourteenth move, but Wainwright engineered a very fine king's side attack against Gibson and won in 48 moves. Yates, as second player, got the better of Scott and won in 42 moves. Uber got into difficulties against Gooding, but managed to bring about perpetual check. Sir G. A. Thomas was outplayed by the Rev. F. E. Hamond, who seems to be in very good form, and was beaten. Steele was beaten in 35 moves by an ingenious attack by Price.
In the afternoon the three games adjourned from last night's play of the first round were resumed. Only a few moves were required by Yates to beat Blake. Price lost to Thomas and Steele to Wainwright. Only three players Yates, Hamond, and Wainwright—have won both their games.
In the ladies' championship Mrs. Michell and Miss Price had won both their games after this morning's play, and Mrs. Holloway is next in the order of merit.
In the major open tournament Alekhine has won both his games very expeditiously. In section 1 four players have won four games each, in section 2 Goldstein has won two games, and in section 3 the Rev. M. Hooppell (Stoke-on-Trent) and C. H. Taylor (London) have won both their games.
Birmingham Gazette, Birmingham, West Midlands, England, Wednesday, August 15, 1923
MASTERLY CHESS PLAY.
Aggressive Games For Championship.
2nd ROUND RESULTS.
SOUTHSEA. Tuesday.
The pairing and the openings adopted in the second round of the British Chess Championship Tournament to-day were as follows:—
Blake v. Jacobs, King's Fianchetta defence.
Wainwright v. Gibson, Ruy Lopez.
Scott v. Yates, Queen's pawn.
Uber v. Gooding, Caro Kann.
Thomas v. Hamond, Queen's pawn.
Steele v. Price, Queen's knight.
The Rev. F. E. Hamond showed that he has not, in his long absence from first-class chess, lost his mastery of the brilliant and aggressive style.
Open Tournament.
In the major open tournament the pairings and openings were: Moses v. West, queen's pawn.
Jesty v. Kahn, Ruy Lopez.
Steiner v. Groen, English.
Drewitt v. Heath, four knights.
Gurnhill v. Seitz, Sicilian.
Alekhine v. Vajda, Zukertort.
Alekhine beat Vajda in 42 moves, the game showing how an accomplished master, by accurate play, can turn a slight advantage into a win.
Drewitt had rather the worse of a rook and pawn ending with Heath, but managed to draw after 79 moves had been played.
Dr. Seitz won cleverly a complicated and well-contested game against Gurnhill.
West beat Moses after a pawn down most of the time.
Kahn beat Jesty in 31 moves.
Steiner beat Groen in 32.
How Leaders Stand.
In the British championship tournament Hamond and Yates have each won two games; while Blake, Scott, Sir George Thomas and Price have each won one.
In the minor open tournament, Alekhine, Steiner and Kahn have each a clear score of two wins.
The leaders in the British ladies championship are Mrs. Mitchel and Miss Price, who have each won two games.
The pairing for to-morrow in the British championship is: Jacobs v. Scott, Gibson v. Blake, Yates v. Uber, Gooding v. Thomas, Hamond v. Steele, Wainwright v. Price.
In the major open tournament the pairing is: West v. Steiner, Kahn v. Moses, Groen v. Drewitt, Heath v. Gurnhill, Seitz v. Alekhine, Jesty v. Vajda.
August 16 1923
Birmingham Gazette, Birmingham, West Midlands, England, Thursday, August 16, 1923
Russian's Master Hand.
In the major open tournament the pairings and openings were:—
West v. Seiner, Queen's pawn;
Kahn v. Moses, Queen's pawn;
Groen v. Drewitt, Petroff's defence;
Heath v. Gurnhill, King's gambit;
Seitz v. Alekhine, Queen's pawn;
Jesty v. Vajda, Alekhine's defence.
Alekhine's games continue to excite great interest, and the Russian master, although he has not yet been afforded an opportunity, for one of his famous Queen sacrifices, is playing strong, accurate chess.
In his game against Seitz he won a pawn on the twenty-third move by a threat to encircle the Queen, and afterwards forced the ending in masterly style, Seitz resigning on the forty-fourth move.
The Daily Telegraph, London, Greater London, England, Thursday, August 16, 1923
CHESS AT SOUTHSEA.
From Our Special Correspondent.
In the third round of the championship tournament, started yesterday at the Secondary Schools. Fawcett-road, Fratton, the first three hours’ play did not produce a decision, the state of the games being as follows: Jacob v. Scott was a Karo Cann defence, which Jacobs must have found awkward to meet as it is his practice when second player to resort to a centre counter or a similar defence, and a player does not like to have the tables turned on him. The game proceeded in a very cautious manner, the first twenty moves producing no noteworthy difference in the position. Afterwards Scott, by clever combination play scored a win.
Gibson v. Blake was a QP opening, in which Blake made an oversight, and being compelled to lose a pawn was defeated.
Yates v. Uber was a centre counter defence, in which the champion gave up a pawn for the sake of a good position. The attack which arose in consequence promised well for Yates, and he had an ending in which there was a certain win. Gooding v. Thomas was a QP game in which after considerable play there seemed to be no difference in the position. Sir George is a very sound and effective player, but it can be said of him that he gets his advantages in position only by the sweat of his brow. After prolonged efforts once he has obtained that advantage, he never relents as some other players do and produces a winning end game with a deadly certainty of winning it. Just before the luncheon hour adjournment Sir George Thomas cleverly caught Gooding in a combination, in which he won a piece and Gooding resigned.
Hamond v. Steele, a QP opening led to a lively and interesting fight in which the Australian gained a tangible result of a pawn plus with a good position. Hamond had rather a fortunate escape with a draw. Wainwright v. Price was a Ruy Lopez. He would be a bold prophet who would venture to prophesy the outcome of a position between two such intrepid attacking players. After nearly four hours’ play Price was a pawn ahead and eventually won.
In the game Yates v. Uber, Uber at the last moment gave up a piece for two pawns and was able to draw rather unexpectedly. The scores, inclusive of the third round are: Yates and Hamond, 2½; Thomas, Wainwright, Scott, Price, 2; Jacobs, Gibson, Blake, 1; Steele, Gooding, Uber, ½. In the ladies’ championship: Miss Price, 3; and Mrs. Holloway and Mrs. Michell 2½. In the Major Open Tournament; Alekhine 3; Drewitt, 2½.
August 17 1923
Birmingham Gazette, Birmingham, West Midlands, England, Friday, August 17, 1923
Chess Giants at Grips.
Hard Battles For the Championship.
4th Round Games.
Southsea, Thursday.
The pairing and openings adopted in the fourth round of the British Chess Championship were as follows:
Uber v. Jacobs, centre counter-gambit; Scott v. Gibson, Queen's pawn; Blake v. Wainwright, Vienna; Thomas v. Yates, Ruy Lopez; Steele v. Gooding, Queen's pawn; Price v. Hamond, Queen's pawn.
Playing in attacking style, Uber had Jacobs early in difficulties, and won the exchange in the 22nd move.
The game was prolonged until the 55th move, when Jacobs resigned.
Scott v. Gibson was an example of the stone-wall position, which belies its title by leading often into brilliancies.
On the 16th move Scott cleverly gained a centre pawn by a sacrificing combination; and steadily increasing his advantage won on the 39th move.
Blake did well against Wainwright with his favourite Vienna attack combined with the King's fianchetto.
In the major open tournament, G. B. Heath of Dundee, put up a very good fight against Alekhine.
Surprise for Russian.
The Russian master opened in style, allowing his pawns to be curiously doubled for the sake of an attack which, at one time, appeared overwhelming.
With great care and patience, however, Heath got through his immediate difficulties and at the adjournment the game was still to be won.
Drewitt beat West; Moses beat Jesty; and Vajda beat Seitz.
The other game in this tournament were adjourned.
A lightning tournament, with play at the rate of ten seconds a move was held in the afternoon with 48 competitors.
The prize-winners were: 1. Alekhine; 2. Vajda; 3. Steele; 4. Kahn.
An interesting feature of the contest was that Yates was drawn against Alekhine and halved two games before being finally disposed of.
Yates Beaten
Sir George Thomas this evening won his adjourned game with Yates after 62 moves had been played, and Price scored against Hamond.
Alekhine at last succeeded in breaking through in his game with Heath, and won a most stubbornly fought encounter.
Groen beat Gurnhill and Kahn beat Steiner.
The score in the British championship now stands:—
Sir George Thomas, Scott and Price, each 3; Yates and the Rev. Hamond, 2½; Blake, Uber and Wainwright, 2; Jacobs, Gibson, Steele and Gooding, 1.
In the major open tournament the score is:—
Alekhine, 4; Kahn, 3½; Steiner and Drewitt, 3; Vajda and Groen, 2½; Moses and Heath, 1½; West and Seitz, 1; Jesty, ½; Gurnhill, 0.
In the ladies championship Miss Price leads with four clear wins; Mrs. Michell coming second with 3½.
The pairing for tomorrow in the British championship is: Jacobs v. Thomas, Gibson v. Uber, Blake v. Scott, Yates v. Steele, Gooding v. Price, Hamond v. Wainwright.
In the major open tournament the pairing is: West v. Gurnhill, Kahn v. Drewitt, Moses v. Steiner, Groen v. Alekhine, Heath v. Vajda, Seitz v. Havasi.
August 18 1923
North Mail, Newcastle Daily Chronicle, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, England, Saturday, August 18, 1923
SURPRISE AT CHESS CONGRESS.
SIR G. A. THOMAS DRAWS WITH MR. H. JACOBS
Continuing the British Chess Congress at Southsea yesterday several interesting matches were played in the major open tournament.
M. A. Alekhine, Russia, was pitted against Dr. Silvain Groen of Haarlem. Mr. J. H. H. Drewitt Hastings was pitted against M. Victor Kahn, Russia.
In the former match, M. Alekhine proved the victor, and in the latter the contest was drawn. Dr. R. A. Seitz, Bavarian, advanced at the expense of E. T. Jesty, London.
In the British Championship Tournament, Sir G. A. Thomas, London, after his splendid victory over the holder on the previous day, was generally expected to beat Mr. H. Jacobs, the London barrister, and the draw resulting was the surprise of the day. In this competition H. E. Price, Birmingham, holds the premier position with four victories.
Miss Price, London, the holder of the British ladies’ championship seems destined to retain her title, as she has been successful in each of her five matches to date and easily leads all her competitors.
The matches in all six sections of the premier sectional open tournament have now been played off and the survivors are to meet each other next week.
The best-placed competitor in the open tournament are Mr. G. K. Nuttal, London who has won six games and Mr. J. D. Goldstein, London and Mr. F. Salmony, London, each of whom has secured five wins.
The Mail, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, Saturday, August 18, 1923
Victorian Chess Player
Third in Tournament
(The Sun Cable Service)
London, Today.
Mr. Steele, of Victoria, who is playing in the British chess championship, was third in the lightning tournament to Alekhine, of Russia, and Vajda, of Hungary.
August 19 1923
The Sunday Oregonian, Portland, Oregon, Sunday, August 19, 1923
The tournament held at Carlsbad has been well attended and the following drew prizes: Four hundred crowns each to Alekhine, Niemzowitsch and Yates for their games against Gruenfeld, Yates and Alekhine; 200 crowns each to Niemzowitsch, Spielmann; 100 crowns each to Alekhine, Bogoljubov, Maroczy and Chajes.
Alexander Alekhine, famous Russian chess expert and winner of international tournaments at Stockholm, Scheveningen, Triberg, Budapest and The Hague, has decided to visit America for the first time and became better acquainted with American players. Secondly, he wishes to further his chances to meet Capablanca for the world's championship, as there seems to be a small chance of Rubinstein doing so. A tour through the United States would certainly accomplish the object.
San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco, California, Sunday, August 19, 1923
According to the current American Chess Bulletin, Alexander Alekhine, the world famous master, is coming to the United States in November. He will give exhibitions in the principal chess centers and no doubt will visit the Pacific Coast. Alekhine will endeavor to complete the sum needed for a match for the world's championship with Jose R. Capablanca.
Omaha World-Herald, Omaha, Nebraska, Sunday, August 19, 1923
Alekhine to Visit America.
Alexander Alekhine, famous Russian expert chess player and winner of the international tournament of Stockholm, Mannheim, Triberg, Budapest and The Hague, who figured in the triple tie for first place in the recent congress at Carlsbad, has notified the American Chess Bulletin that he will visit America for the first time this coming November. His object is twofold: First he desires to make the closer acquaintance of American chess players which he expects to accomplish through the medium of a comprehensive tour of this country, and second, he hopes to further his ambition to play a match with Capablanca for the world's championship by increasing the fund to be used for this purpose. Should Alekhine pass near Omaha on his tour, an exhibition of some kind will doubtless be arranged.
August 20 1923
The Guardian, London, Greater London, England, Monday, August 20, 1923
THE SOUTHSEA CHESS CONGRESS.
(From a Chess Correspondent.)
SOUTHSEA, SATURDAY.
To-day proved the liveliest and most interesting day of the Congress. In the sixth round of the championship a number of very bright games were played, notably, Price V. Yates, Wainwright v. Scott, and Steele v. Jacobs.
Yates, as second player in a QP game, forced a win, which he announced by sacrificing his queen and pieces in a brilliant manner. Wainwright played a highly creditable game against Scott. It was touch and go on both sides as a result of a Staunton opening, but Wainwright came up top at the last. Steele soon got Jacobs into difficulties, the latter playing P-KB4 in reply to 1. P-Q4, and the Australian succeeded in scoring his first victory. Sir G. A. Thomas won a piece in the middle game against Gibson, causing the Scottish champion to lose in 49 moves. Uber won against Blake, who seems to have lost form, and Hamond and Gooding drew their game.
Score to date:
Sir G. A. Thomas, 4½;
Yates, 4½;
R. H. V. Scott, 4;
Price, 4;
G. E. Wainwright, 4;
H. B. Uber, 3;
Rev. F. E. Hamond, 3;
W. Gibson, 2;
J. H. Blake, 2;
C. G. Steele, 2;
W. Gooding, 1½;
Herbert Jacobs, 1½.
A. lightning tournament played in the afternoon was won by Alekhine, Yates being second.
In the ladies' championship tournament Miss Price continues her victorious career, she having a clear score of six wins. Mrs. Michell is second with a score of five.
In the major open tourney Alekhine's play rather overshadows the rest. He has scored six wins; his nearest opponent being 4½. The preliminary stage of the sectional tournament has concluded. The winners of the six sections Rev. A. P. Lacy Hulbert, M. E. Goldstein; J. Macalister, L. Steiner, P. J. Lawrence, and C. Duffeld. These six winners, as well as the other players, will play in a final section for prizes.
Alekhine gave a simultaneous performance against 36 players at night. In four hours he had defeated 26 opponents and drawn with the rest.
Birmingham Gazette, Birmingham, West Midlands, England, Monday, August 20, 1923
CHESS CHAMPIONS IN GOOD FORM.
Alekhine Plays 30 Opponents Simultaneously.
A FEATURE of the play in the British Chess Championship tourney at the British Chess Congress at Southsea on Saturday was the soundness of the title-holder, Mr. F. D. Yates (Leeds), who beat Mr. C. G. Steele, champion of Victoria (New South Wales), and the Rev. F. E. Hamond.
A former champion, R. H. V. Scott, was surprisingly defeated by E. G. Wainwright, of Box.
In the British Ladies' Championship, Miss Price (the holder) gained her sixth a success at the expense of Mrs. Brockett, of Glasgow, and she now easily leads her opponents.
In the major open tournament, Mr. J. A. Drewitt and Mr. G. W. Moses met, and the game was won by the former. The surprise in this competition was provided by Dr. Gurnhill, of Sheffield, who, after losing his six previous games, forced M. Victor Kahn to a draw.
The second of series of lightning tournaments was played, and resulted as follows: 1, Alekhine (Russia); 2. Mr. F. D. Yates (Leeds); 3, Mr. G. F. Elwell (Southampton): 4. Mr. Golstein (London).
The feature of the evening was the play by Alekhine, who was playing thirty opponents, and moved from board to board and made moves with amazing rapidity.
August 21 1923
Birmingham Gazette, Birmingham, West Midlands, England, Tuesday, August 21, 1923
ATTACK GAME IN CHESS.
Hamond Fails in Tilt At Yates.
CHECK TO RUSSIAN.
Southsea, Monday.
THE pairing and openings adopted in the seventh round of the British Chess Championship to-day were:—
Jacobs v. Price, Giuoco Piano;
Gibson v. Steele, Queen's Pawn;
Blake v. Thomas, Vienna;
Scott v. Uber, Queen's Pawn;
Yates v. Hamond, Centre Counter Gambit;
Wainwright v. Gooding, Ruy Lopez.
A good deal of interest was shown the game between Yates and Hamond.
The latter, by nature an attacking player, was determined at all events to lose a dull game.
He began sacrificing on the third move, and had given up two pawns and the exchange by the twentieth move without much effect.
Yates Wins Lively Game.
A weak move by Yates then gave chance of equalising, but Hamond, still bent on winning, gave up another exchange.
The ending had its interest, but Hamond's attack was never quite sufficient, and Yates won a lively encounter on the 30th move.
Gibson early secured an advantage on the King's side and Steele expedited matters by a blunder which cost him a piece: the Australian resigning on the 26th move.
Scott outplayed Uber in the ending of a game which lasted 53 moves; and Wainwright beat Gooding in 40 moves.
Blake v. Thomas, and Jacobs v. Price, were adjourned.
In the major open tournament the pairing and openings were:
West v. Vajda, Queen's pawn;
Kahn v. Alekhine, Queen's pawn;
Moses v. Gurnhill, Queen's pawn;
Steiner v. Drewitt, English;
Groen v. Seitz, Queen's pawn;
Jesty v. Heath, three knights.
Rushing Alekhine.
Kahn and Alekhine drew a game of 20 moves. Pieces were rapidly exchanged; and a position of hopeless equality had been reached in which each player had bishop and seven pawns.
This was the first break in Alekhine's series of wins.
Kahn, also, has not yet lost a game, but he has drawn no fewer than four out of the seven played.
Moses beat Gurnhill, and Jesty beat Heath. Other games adjourned.
In the ladies' championship Miss Price much strengthened her position at the head of the score list by beating Mrs. Michell.
The latter lost the exchange by a premature attack in the opening, and was afterwards compelled to give up her Queen for a rook.
A problem-solving competition in the afternoon was won by Andreas Steiner, of Budapest, Yates and W. A. Way, third of Emiworth, dividing second and third prizes.
In the evening the adjourned games were played off.
Jacobs beat Price after 56 moves; Vajda beat West; Steiner beat Drewitt.
Stubborn Opponents.
The game between Thomas and Blake was still in progress at a late hour.
The score in the British Championship now stands:
Yates 5½,
Scott and Wainwright 5,
Thomas 4½,
Price 4,
Gibson, Uber and Hamond 3,
Jacobs 2½,
Blake and Steele, 2,
Gooding 1½.
In the Major Open Tournament the score stand
Alekhine 6½;
Kahn and Steiner 5;
Drewitt and Vajda 4½;
Moses, Heath, Gwen and Jesty 2½;
Seitz and West 2; Gurnhill ½.
In the Ladies Championship Miss Price leads with 7 wins; Mrs. Mitchell and Miss Gilchrist have scored 5; and Mrs. Holloway and Miss Hutchinson Stirling 4 each.
The pairing for to-morrow in the championship is
Hamond v. Jacobs,
Price v. Gibson,
Steele v. Blake,
Thomas v. Scott,
Uber v. Wainwright,
Gooding v. Yates.
In the Major Open Tournament the pairing is Seitz v. West, Vajda v. Kahn, Alekhine v. Moses, Gurnhill v. Steiner, Drewitt v. Jersey, Heath v. Groen.
Daily Record, Glasgow, Strathclyde, Scotland, Tuesday, August 21, 1923
AUSTRALIAN BEATEN
GLASGOW CHESS PLAYER SCORES THIRD WIN.
The seventh round results of the British Chess Championship at Southsea yesterday were:—
Jacobs beat Price.
Gibson beat Steele.
Scott beat Uber.
Yates beat Hamond.
Wainwright beat Gooding.
The game between Thomas and Blake was still in progress at a late hour. Gibson (Glasgow) won on the 26th move, the Australian resigning. The position now stands:—
Yates—5½.
Wainwright—5.
Thomas— 4½.
Price—4.
Gibson, Uber, and Hamond—3.
Jacobs—2½.
Blake and Steele—2.
Gooding—1½.
In the major open tournament the results were:—
Kahn drew with Alekhine.
Most beat Gurnhill.
Jesty beat Heath.
A problem solving competition was won by Steiner. Yates and Way (Emiworth) dividing second and third prizes.
August 22 1923
Daily Record, Glasgow, Strathclyde, Scotland, Wednesday, August 22, 1923
CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP.
GLASGOW MAN’S BLUNDER LEADS TO DEFEAT.
In the eighth round of the British Chess Championship at Southsea yesterday the results were:—
Jacobs beat Hamond.
Price beat Gibson.
Blake drew with Steele.
Thomas beat Scott.
Yates beat Gooding.
Wainwright beat Uber.
Gibson (Glasgow) in his game with Price, made an extraordinary blunder losing a piece for nothing in the opening. Price scored on the 23rd move.
In the major open tournament the following were the results:—
Alekhine beat Moses.
Jesty beat Drewitt.
Vajda drew with Kahn.
Leitz beat West.
The scores in the British Championship now stand:—
Thomas and Yates—6½.
Wainwright—6.
Scott and Price—5.
Jacobs—3½.
Gibson, Uber and Hamond—3.
Blake and Steele—2½.
Gooding—1½.
The Guardian, London, Greater London, England, Wednesday, August 22, 1923
SOUTHSEA CHESS CONGRESS.
(From a Chess Correspondent.)
SOUTHSEA, TUESDAY.
In the eighth round of the championship tourney the pairing was Hamond v. Jacobs, Price v. Gibson, Steele v. Blake, Thomas v. Scott, Uber v. Wainwright, and Gooding v. Yates.
Hamond lost to Jacobs in an English opening which Jacobs handled rather cleverly. He won a piece and then the game. Jacobs is improving as the play proceeds. Price had rather an easy win against Gibson in a QP game owing to the Scottish player making an oversight in the opening of which the Birmingham man took full advantage. The game Steele v. Blake, a QP opening, was adjourned in an interesting and complicated position, in which, Blake's chances were somewhat preferable. Thomas discussed a Ruy Lopez with Scott, and in the end-game Scott made an oversight and lost. Uber v. Wainwright was adjourned, Uber stands well. Gooding v. Yates, a QP opening proved rather a hard task for Yates. Gooding is another player who has benefited by practice in this tournament.
At last Miss Price has met with defeat, her conqueror being Miss F. Hutchison Stirling, of Edinburgh. The opening of the game was poorly played, but Miss Stirling made up for it subsequently by good attacking play, aided by an oversight by Miss Price. The latter's score is now seven out of eight.
In the major open tourney Alekhine again won, thereby raising his score to 7½ out of 8.
LATER.
When play was resumed in the three adjourned games Yates cleverly outplayed Gooding in the ending. Wainwright had a very difficult position against Uber, and the same may be said of Blake's game against Steele. Both are likely to last till a late hour.
The third lightning tournament at ten seconds a move was played this afternoon, with a good entry of strong players, including Yates. The tournament was won by Alekhine, who has won all three.
Hull Daily Mail, Hull, Humberside, England, Wednesday, August 22, 1923
Yates and Sir G. Thomas are leading in the British Championship Tournament at the Southsea Chess Congress. Alekhine maintains his position at the head of the Major Open Tournament, and Miss Price, notwithstanding her defeat on Tuesday by Miss Hutchison-Stirling, leads in the Ladies' Championship Tournament.
August 23 1923
Birmingham Gazette, Birmingham, West Midlands, England, Thursday, August 23, 1923
EXCITING CHESS GAMES.
Openings That Developed Surprisingly.
Southsea, Wednesday.
The pairing and openings adopted in the ninth round of the British Chess Championship were:—
Jacobs v. Gooding, Caro Kann;
Gibson v. Hamond, queen's pawn;
Blake v. Price, Caro Kann;
Scott v. Steele, queen's pawn;
Uber v. Thomas, king's Fianchetto defence;
Yates v Wainwright, French defence.
A defeat by Yates in forty-two moves put a check to the series of successes Wainwright had made himself a dangerous rival to the leaders.
Gooding had a fair game against Jacobs at one time, but succumbed to a king's side attack, in which his position was broken up and the exchange lost.
Gibson beat Hamond by an advance of centre pawns, the strength of which the latter under-estimated.
Price secured a pawn early against Blake, and won with this advantage after a not very eventful game of fifty-six moves.
A mistake by Scott in his game with Steele let the latter's queen into his king's side position, and cost the exchange.
Scott afterwards counter-attacked ingeniously, but could not avert defeat, resigning on the thirty-ninth move.
Alekhine's Fine Defence.
In the Major Open Tournament the pairing and openings were:—
West v. Heath, queen's pawn;
Kahn v. Seitz, French defence;
Moses v. Vajda, queen's pawn;
Steiner v. Alekhine, king's gambit declined;
Drewitt v. Gurnhill, four knights;
Groen v. Jesty, Ruy Lopez.
Alekhine's game with Steiner was of somewhat exciting development. On the twenty-third move Steiner had open to him a combination commencing with the sacrifice of his queen, which would probably have won.
Missing this, he attempted on the next move another form of sacrifice which gave him lively temporary attack, but failed against Alekhine's accurate defence, Steiner resigning on the fortieth move.
Drewitt beat Gurnhill in a short game, illustrating one of the variations of the opening which has been so closely studied by the Hastings players.
Jesty beat Groen, and Seitz beat Khan. Moses and Vajda drew.
In the evening the game between Uber and Thomas in the championship tournament was abandoned a draw after 47 mores had been played.
Yates in the Lead.
Yates has now a clear lead in this tournament with 7½ points; the other scores being Sir George Thomas 7, Price and Wainwright 6, Scott 5, Jacobs 4½, Gibson 4, Uber and Steele 3½, Hamond 3, Blake 2½, Gooding 1½.
In the major open tournament an adjourned game from a previous round, Steiner v. Gurnhill, was won by Steiner.
Alekhine has won the first prize in this tournament as his score of 8½ cannot now be reached by any other player.
In the ladies' championship Miss Price has scored 8 and must at least tie for chief honours. Miss Gilchrist is 6, and Mrs. Michell and Mrs. Holloway 5.
The Age, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, Thursday, August 23, 1923
The Polish master, Akiba Rubinstein, has withdrawn his challenge to Capablanca to play for the world's championship, because he unable to furnish the financial guarantee. This leaves the field open for Alexander Alekhine, the winner of the Karlsbad tournament.
August 25 1923
Cheltenham Chronicle and Gloucestershire Graphic, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, Saturday, August 25, 1923
ALEKHINE IN CHELTENHAM.
PROBABLY IN OCTOBER.
The Russian Champion, who is one of the two best “blindfold” performers of the present time, is expected in Cheltenham in October for a “blindfold” encounter with 10 or 12 local players. The offer was either ordinary “sim.” play unlimited or “blindfold” play at 10 to 15 boards—at a somewhat greater cost. The local committee have decided on “blindfold” as much more interesting and a novelty to most of the present generation of local players. But the play is to be in the clubroom, and so not open to the public. Players who wish to see it should join the club. And one or two such, if in time, may be allowed to take part in the play, at an extra fee above the club subscription. Many members of the club would prefer to be spectators.
There have been, besides an occasional single game by some local first player, only two exhibitions of “blindfold” chess in2 Cheltenham. Mr. Blackburne played eight games here thirty-one years ago, and Mr. Loman six games some twelve years since. Both of them won a majority. The first of these was public performance and about thirty non-members of the club were present. But the present club-room, in some respects the best the club-room has had, is not large enough for a public performance.
Any of our readers who wish to join the club should communicate with the secretary, Mr. A. R. Gower, Glen-lyn, Cromwell-road, Cheltenham.
The Guardian, London, Greater London, England, Saturday, August 25, 1923
SOUTHSEA CHESS CONGRESS.
SIR G. A. THOMAS WINS THE CHAMPIONSHIP.
(From a Chess Correspondent.)
SOUTHSEA, FRIDAY.
The pairing in the eleventh and last round of the championship tournament played was as follows:—
Thomas v. Steele, Gibson v. Yates, Blake. v. Gooding, Uber v. Price, Scott v. Hamond, and Jacobs v. Wainwright.
The spectators were thrilled by the course of first two games, which, contrary to expectation, resulted in very hard fights for the two leaders, Thomas and Yates. In the game Thomas v. Steele (a four knights' opening), Thomas obtained a good development, but at the time of the adjournment he did not seem to have made much progress. The game Gibson v. Yates was played on the part of the Scottish champion with a grim determination which gave Yates a very great deal of trouble. In fact at the adjournment Gibeon not only was the exchange to the good but had a very dangerous looking attack. The other four games were finished without adjournment. Blake defeated Gooding in a Caro-Kann defence. On the other hand, this same defence was successful in the game Uber v. Price, which Price won by a strong king's side attack. Scott, by superior play all through, won against Hamond, and Jacobs was successful against Wainwright.
Alekhine, the winner of the major open tournament, easily won his last game, thereby finishing with the score of 10½ out of 11. Miss Price, who won the ladies' championship, was defeated to-day in her last game by Miss Cotton. Miss Price's final score was 9.
LATER.
One of the two important adjourned games was finished without play being resumed, Steele resigning to Thomas. Sir George Thomas has therefore the final score of 9 wins out of a possible 11. When play in the Gibson-Yates game was resumed in the evening Yates was the exchange down and Gibson, after careful play, forced his opponent's resignation. The defeat deprives Yates of the championship, which now goes to Sir G. A. Thomas, Yates being second with a score of 8½, and Scott and Price dividing third and fourth prizes with score of 7 each. Other scores are: Wainwright, 6; Jacobs, 5½,: Gibson, 5; Uber, 4½,: Hamond, 4; Blake and Steele, 3½; Gooding, 2½.
August 26 1923
Sunday Dispatch, London, London, England, Sunday, August 26, 1923
CHESS CHALLENGE.
ALEKHINE v. CAPABLANCA IN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP.
Alekhine, the Russian, is soon to play Capablanca for the world's chess championship, so it was announced yesterday at the prize distribution which closed the British Chess Congress at Southsea. Alekhine won the open tournament.
A great reception was given to Miss Price, the ladies' amateur champion, and Sir G. A. Thomas, amateur champion, who is also badminton and lawn tennis champion.
Sunday Independent (Dublin ed.), Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, Sunday, August 26, 1923
British Chess Congress.
The British Chess Congress closed at Southsea yesterday morning, Lady M. H. Russell presenting the prizes to the successful competitors. Sir Geo. A. Thomas, the Badminton lawn tennis champion, who has the British chess championship added to his titles, was accorded an enthusiastic reception, as also was Miss Price, of London, who retained the title of British ladies' champion, and M. Alekhine, of Russia, who easily won the major open tournament. It was announced that the latter will shortly play Capablanca for the world's chess championship.—Exchange.
August 27 1923
Birmingham Gazette, Birmingham, West Midlands, England, Monday, August 27, 1923
CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP.
ALEKHINE TO PLAY CAPABLANCA FOR WORLD'S TITLE.
At the presentation of prizes on Saturday to the successful competitors at the British Chess Congress, it was announced that M. Alekhine, winner of the major open tournament, is to play Capablanca for the world's chess championship.
Sir George A. Thomas was congratulated on adding the title of British Chess Champion to his Badminton and Lawn Tennis Championships.
August 28 1923
Daily Mirror, London, London, England, Tuesday, August 28, 1923
Chess Championship.
Mr. Alekhine is about to attempt to wrest the chess championship of the world from Mr. Capablanca, who has held it since he defeated Dr. Lasker at Havana. He has come to the front comparatively recently. A very short time ago Mr. Capablanca, being asked whom he regarded as his most formidable competitor, replied that he was more afraid of Mr. Rubinstein than of any other player.
August 30 1923
Devon and Exeter Gazette, Exeter, Devon, England, Thursday, August 30, 1923
Alekhine, at present in France, will return to England shortly to fulfill a number of Club engagements. Later he is going to America in connexion with his suggested match with Capablanca.
August 31 1923
Brooklyn Eagle, Brooklyn, New York, Friday, August 31, 1923
British Baronet Wins Championship at Chess
Portsmouth, England, Aug. 30—Sir George Thomas Bart, of London, has won the British chess championship for the first time in his long career as a tournament player by emerging first from a field of twelve in the annual tournament for the title under the auspices of the British Chess Federation. Sir George came through with a total score of 9-2, just half a point better than that, of F. D. Yates of Leeds, whom he succeeded as title holder. J. H. Blake, Rev. F. E. Hamond, Herbert Jacobs, R. H. V. Scott, G. E. Wainwright and C. G. Steele, of Australia, were among the other competitors.
The major open tournament, wherein four British and eight Continental players took part, was won by Alexander Alekhine, the famous Russian master and challenger of Capablanca for the world's championship. The Russian, who was not eligible to play for the British title, went through with a score of 10½ out of a possible 11, easily outranking all of his rivals. Dr. A. Vajda of Budapest, with a score of 8-3, won the second prize.
The ladies championship tournament was won by Miss E. C. Price of London with a score of 9-2. Four others were tied for second place.
September 06 1923
Devon and Exeter Gazette, Exeter, Devon, England, Thursday, September 06, 1923
Of the four Lightning Tournaments held during the second week of the Southsea Congress Alekhine won three. Dr. A. Valda also gave a simultaneous display, winning 23 games, drawing 7, and losing 4.
September 08 1923
The Courier-Mail, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, Saturday, September 08, 1923
According to the London “Times,”Alekhine is desirous of challenging Capablanca for the world's championship. Rubinstein's challenge of August, 1922, remains open until the end of this year, to enable him to raise the necessary funds. Failing that, the challenge should lapse. Therefore, until Rubinstein's intentions are defined, there cannot be any serious consideration of Alekhine's challenge, particularly as Capablanca is unaware of the proposed match.
Cheltenham Chronicle and Gloucestershire Graphic, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, Saturday, September 08, 1923
Alekhine is expected in Cheltenham on Friday, October 12th. The number of players against him (he “blindfold”) will probably be limited to ten, on account of the time required. And with ten the play should begin not later than six o'clock. Eight names, at time of writing, are on the list of players wishing to play and to pay. Some are good enough to pay without playing, the cost of each game being four times as much as the player has to pay for losing it—or otherwise. Mr. Alekhine's fee is 20s, a game with a minimum of £10. He would play fifteen games “blindfold” if desired.
In such encounters, whether “blindfold” or ordinary simultaneous play, the professional player does not play for money in one sense of the term-he gets the same sum for a loss as for a win. The payment is a fee for the evening's work. But if he lost as many games as he won, and still more if he did worse than that, he would suffer in reputation.
September 13 1923
Devon and Exeter Gazette, Exeter, Devon, England, Thursday, September 13, 1923
As Alekhine and Bogoljubov will be in America, the Hastings Christmas Festival Committee hope to secure the presence of Lasker, Vidmar and Maroczy.
September 15 1923
Alekhine In Cheltenham.
Friday, October 12.—Ten boards, for “blindfold play, otherwise known as “sans voir”—without sight. Probably no one has been actually blindfolded for such a performance since Philidor—who played only three games at a time.
The play is to commence at 6. The first resignation may be expected about 9, and the last, or an agreed draw, at about 11.
The ten players may include one each from Gloucester and Stroud. Several of the strongest of Cheltenham will be spectators only, and one at least will be absent. Mr. W. S. Branch will act as “teller,” or if from any cause unable, Dr. Legge.
Alekhine has challenged Capablanca to a match for the world championship next year, to be played perhaps in America.
Some papers spell the name “Alechine,” but in a letter of his we have seen he signs himself “A. Alekhine.” If he were writing in Russian it would be different, but not, we think, “Alechin.”
The Russian alphabet is different from ours. It has letters unknown here and some that look the same as ours are not the same in sound and meaning.
The name appears to be pronounced Al-ek-in, or Al-ek-hin.
He and Reti are the two best “blindfold” players now, and two of the strongest, at ordinary play, four and five below Capablanca.
Mr. Blackburne, now over 80, has been the best player the British race has produced, both in the ordinary way and at “sans voir” play. About 31 years ago he played eight games “blindfold” in Cheltenham, winning four, losing two, and drawing two. The team against him was stronger than the eight Cheltonians will be on this occasion—or the ten players if Gloucester and Stroud do not send their champions.
Ten or more Cheltenham players could be provided, but the committee decided to invite two from the nearest strong clubs encountered annually in matches by the Cheltenham C.C.
September 22 1923
Cheltenham Chronicle and Gloucestershire Graphic, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, Saturday, September 22, 1923
Five of the Cheltenham Club's tourneys have commenced, with a good number of entries for this early date. The annual general meeting will be held next month, and the report will show about sixty members and a good balance in hand-larger than ever before. The celebrated Russian player, A. Alekhine, is expected to visit Cheltenham on Friday, October 12, and to play ten games simultaneously against the local players without seeing any of the boards—a performance commonly called “blindfold chess.” This will be the third exhibition of this kind in Cheltenham—of more than one game at a time—but the number of games played previously (by Mr. J. H. Blackburne and Mr. R. Loman) were less—eight and six.
Mr. Blackburne sometimes played more than eight-fourteen, we think, was his maximum and Pillsbury several times played twenty. Alekhine offered to play 15, but 10 was decided on, mainly because of the time required for more. The play cannot very well commence before six o'clock, and the ten games, or rather the longest of them, may require five hours.
Pillsbury's twenty must have commenced early in the afternoon or have continued for half the night. How any mortal can, or could, keep so many positions distinct in his brain, and play so strongly under such conditions as to win 15 or more, is a puzzling thing even to experienced chessists who could do a little in the “blindfold” way themselves—one or two games at a time. Ten or eight would have been thought miraculous less than a century ago. Philidor and others before him—at very long intervals—played no more than three. The first blindfold chess players were Arabians—more than 1,000 years ago. Mr. Blackburne was the first Briton to play more than two or three at a time—some fifty years ago. Two Americans, Morphy and Paulsen, had previously played eight.
September 27 1923
Brooklyn Eagle, Brooklyn, New York, Thursday, September 27, 1923
Writing from Paris under date of Sept, 18, Alexander Alekhine, most famous of the Russian masters, confirms his intention of visiting this country in November. The actual date of sailing is not given, inasmuch as he was about, to start for England for the purpose of touring the British Isles. When through with that undertaking, he will make provision for booking his passage to this side.
Alekhine's mission over here is, of course, to advance his prospects for a world's championship match with Capablanca. While in pursuit of that laudable objective, he will make it his business to become better acquainted with American players, most of whom know him only through his achievements abroad and the many fine games he has produced and they have played over. Just how extensive his tour will be has not yet been determined, but the Russian is anxious to visit as many places in the United States and Canada as possible.
Alekhine attended the recent annual meeting of the British Chess Federation at Portsmouth. Not being a native, he was barred from the British Championship, but entered the major open tournament, in which he was easily first with a score of 10½-½. Dr. A. Vajda of Hungary was second with 8-3. The third prize was won by A. Steiner of Hungary, with 7½-3½, and the fourth prize by V. Kahn, another Russian player, with 7-4. J. J. Drewitt of Hastings, S. Green of Holland, C. B. Heath of Dundee, E. T. Jesty of London, Dr. A. Seitz of Bavaria, G. W. Moses of Wakefield, A. West of London and E. R. Gurnhill of Sheffield were the other competitors.
Alekhine also won four out of five rapid transit tournaments in which he competed and finished second to A. Steiner in the one he did not win.
September 28 1923
Huddersfield Daily Examiner, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England, Friday, September 28, 1923
RUSSIAN CHESS CHAMPION TO VISIT LEEDS.
It was announced at the annual meeting of the Leeds Chess Club that Alekhine the famous Russian player and challenger of Capablanca for the world's championship will visit the club on October 18th to give an exhibition of simultaneous play, probably at 30 boards.
September 29 1923
October 1923
October 02 1923
October 04 1923
Brooklyn Eagle, Brooklyn, New York, Thursday, October 04, 1923
At present both Rubinstein and Alekhine stand in Marshall's way, but the last named wishes to get into line, so that no one else may crowd him out. As a matter of whether Rubinstein, in view of this fact, there is considerable doubt failure to play up to form lately, will actually be a contender. He has until Jan. 1 to raise the money.
In the meantime Alekhine is planning to come to America; in fact, has decided to sail from the other side some time in November. That will bring him a lot closer to the object of his ambition. Should he fail, then Marshall expects to be ready for negotiations with Capablanca.
Following is the text of Marshall's letter to Capablanca:
Mr. Jose R. Capablanca,
Chess Champion of the World,
Havana, Cuba.
Dear Mr. Capablanca—Upon the suggestion of several friends, I write to ask you upon what terms you would play me a match. I know that there may be other masters in line, but should they fail to put up their forfeit, I am ready step into the ring and believe many Americans would like to see such a contest.
Hoping to have the pleasure of a reply, I remain, sincerely yours, (Signed) FRANK J. MARSHALL.
October 05 1923
The Herald Statesman, Yonkers, New York, Friday, October 05, 1923
Marshall Is Seeking Match With Capablanca
Persuaded by his friends, on the strength of his defeating Lasker and sharing first prize with Kupchik in the tournament at Lake Hopatcong, Frank J. Marshall, the United State chess champion, has decided to approach Jose R. Capablanca of Havana on a match for the world's championship. It has been generally understood that Capablanca has been waiting for Rubinstein and Alekhine, Russian masters, both of whom challenged him.
It is not thought likely that Rubinstein will be able to find the backing, as he has not played up to his best form recently. Alekhine is touring Great Britain and he announced his intention of coming over here in November. All the leading masters have already agreed that the purse for a title match should be not less than $10,000. The one between Capablanca and Dr. Lasker in Havana was for $25,000.
October 06 1923
Cheltenham Chronicle and Gloucestershire Graphic, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, Saturday, October 06, 1923
ALEKHINE IN CHELTENHAM.
Arrangements seem to be complete, and there is nothing to add except that any of the selected players absent at 5.55 are likely to be shut out of the contest.
We shall not be able to report results in this column next week, the play being on Friday evening, but they will appear in Saturday's “Echo.”
Alexander Alekhine was born in Mosoow on October 19, 1892. He won the first prize in a Russian national tourney at St. Petersburg at the age of 16, and the first in the international tourney at Stockholm in 1912, aged 19. In several other internationals before the war he was first, second, or third. Lasker and Capablanca being first and second in the one of 1914 at St. Petersburg. This was followed by one at Mannheim, which was closed prematurely by the outbreak of war. Alekhine was leading with 9½ out of 11. He was for some time a civilian prisoner of war. He played no more serious chess till 1921, when he was first in three international tourneys without a loss in either of them. Some minor successes since, and a development of “simultaneous” and of “blindfold” play.
Siegbert Tarrasch vs Alexander Alekhine
Bad Pistyan (1922), Piestany CSR, rd 1, Apr-07
Blumenfeld Countergambit: Accepted (E10) 0-1
October 08 1923
October 09 1923
Birmingham Gazette, Birmingham, West Midlands, England, Tuesday, October 09, 1923
COFFEE FOR A CLEAR HEAD.
CHESS FEAT BY RUSSIAN.
TEN RUNNING GAMES WON BLINDFOLD.
THE brain of a young man from Russia, aided by huge quantities of coffee, played havoc with ten of Birmingham's best chess players in a wonderful way last night.
The young man is Monsieur Alekhine, and he performed the prodigious feat of playing ten simultaneous games without so much as a single look at a chess-board.
What is more, he did not lose a single game. One man, Mr. E. Green, alone came away with honours, for he drew with the great expert.
For four hours and more he sat in a little smoke-laden room, with his back to the ten chequered arenas, and his eyes tightly closed except when he helped himself to more coffee.
Room of Whispers.
It was essentially a room of silence.
The only man allowed to speak above whisper was ”the teller,” moving from board to board and speaking the simple lettered code used by chessmen.
“Number Three. E5 to D4,” came the teller's voice. A pause of a minute, or perhaps a minute and a half, and then, “E1 to F2,” said the Russian wizard. He had “seen” the danger to his Queen.
This sort of thing was happening repeatedly, bringing a little buzz of amazed appreciation from the crowd of onlookers.
And all the while ten subtle plots were hatching behind the coffee-pot, and slowly but surely maturing on the boards.
As the evening wore on the pile of match stalks grew bigger and bigger beside each of the ten local men; and their brows wrinkled more and more. The most composed man there was, undoubtedly, Alekhine himself. He just drank coffee and gave his moves with staccato certainty.
Move a Minute.
The average was one move per minute.
But, of course, while each had ten minutes to think about things, head between hands, the wizard was busy all the time.
He made very few slips.
Just now himself, and then he would hurriedly correct and then take another deep drink.
Once he raised a laugh by electing to “castle on the wrong side,” and once again gave vent to a long whistle of pretended anxiety.
Otherwise he was a wonderful machine, gifted with second-sight.
Victory No. 1.
The first crisis came after 160 minutes.
It was at No. 4 board, where the sightless Russian had penetrated to the vitals of his enemy.
This one board was removed from his mental field. He drank some coffee and concentrated on the other nine.
Thirty-five minutes more and another enemy was vanquished.
To resign was the only thing to do.
Thence onwards there were crises every quarter of an hour or so, until at five to eleven only three boards remained.
These fell in rapid succession, with the whole of the wizard's attention concentrated on them; and at 11 o'clock M. Alekhine was receiving the well-deserved applause and spoken congratulations of the assembly.
It was, indeed, a marvelous achievement.
Alekhine's Career.
Monsieur Alekhine was born in Moscow 31 years ago this month.
He became a “master” by winning national tourney in 1908, since when he has won many international meetings, and is to day second only to Capablanca.
Sometimes M. Alekhine, takes on many as fifteen “blindfold,” for he specializes in this, the most difficult, form of chess.
Last sight, when he played members of the Birmingham Chess Club, was only one of many, prodigious feats of memory he will be giving during the next month or so, for he is engaged on a tour of exhibitions throughout the country.
The names of the players, in their order of playing, were T. H. Tyler, F. J. Roden, E. Green, the Rev. A P. Lay, R. L. Spears, E. F. Fardon, Karl Henn, F. H. Morris, M. A. Prentice, and A. H. Owen.
Mr. A. J. Mackenzie was the “teller.”
October 11 1923
Devon and Exeter Gazette, Exeter, Devon, England, Thursday, October 11, 1923
Alekhine met 31 opponents simultaneously at Liverpool, defeating 24, drawing with 6, and losing to one.
October 12 1923
October 13 1923
The Gloucestershire Echo, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, Saturday, October 13, 1923
BLINDFOLD CHESS IN CHELTENHAM.
Visit of the Russian Champion.
Alexander Alekhine, the Russian chess champion, was in Cheltenham on Friday evening—his train did not arrive till 6:15—for a “blindfold” match with eleven players. Eight were of the Cheltenham Club, one (the boy champion of Great Britain; of Cheltenham College, one of the Gloucester Club, and one of the Stroud.) Play began at 6.40, and the last resignation was at 11. The first game concluded at 9 with a pretty mate, and this was the only mate, as all other endings were resignations, including one by Alekhine to Mr. H. A. Foxwell. The “blindfold” player won ten games. At Birmingham on Monday he won nine and drew one, with no loss. The local players at the Cheltenham Club were placed in the following order of reputed strength, except Mr. Charter, who but for an accidental circumstance would have sat higher up:—Mr. H. A. Foxwell, Mr. T. C. Johnstone (Gloucester), Mr. J. W. Coley (Stroud), Mr. R. J. Webb, Miss Eyre, Mr. P. S. Milner Barry (Cheltenham College), Mrs. Knapp, Dr. Braine-Hartnell, Mr. R. H. A. Morton, Miss Goodacre, and Mr. H. R. Charter.
There were three “tellers,” one after the other: Mr. W. S. Branch, Mr. H. P. Parsbo, and Miss Gooding. They made all the moves on the boards for “White”—the single player—at his dictation, and called out the “Black” replies. Alekhine sat with his back to the rest of the room, and saw no chessmen or board during play. Most of his moves were rapidly made, and he must have made over 400 in the four hours and twenty minutes. He would have played fifteen games if required. He is expected to play Capablanca next year for the world's chess championship.
The eleven blindfold games of Friday broke a record in Cheltenham, the previous highest number being eight, in 1891, when Mr. Blackburne first visited Cheltenham.
Cheltenham Chronicle and Gloucestershire Graphic, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, Saturday, October 13, 1923
We are at the time of writing this trusting that no accident will interfere with the programme arranged re Alekhine in Cheltenham. For results of play see the “Echo” of to-day (Saturday). We shall mention the results also in this column next week.
Alekhine is expected to play “blindfold” in Birmingham, Leeds, etc., before going to America, where, some time next year, he hopes to meet Capablanca in a match for the world championship.
Of all the really interesting games that have ever appeared in print by far the greater part have been played by strong players against others less strong than themselves—sometimes in “blindfold” play, but much more often in the ordinary simultaneous play, and occasionally in the ordinary single game. The stronger player has a freer hand, or head, for brilliancy, than when engaged with someone he could not give odds to, as in a tournament of the “Masters.” But even here a player like Alekhine occasionally wins in brilliant style against someone he could give the slightest degree of odds to.
October 14 1923
San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco, California, Sunday, October 14, 1923
Since the tournament of the Western Chess Association here in San Francisco and the ninth American chess congress at Lake Hopatcong, N. J. there has been a lull in the chess activities. However, with the arrival of the great Russian master, Alexander Alekhine, it is certain that the royal game will be much in the public eye. From a letter received from the Atlas of American Chess, Herman Helms of New York city editor and publisher of the American Chess Bulletin, it is understood that Alekhine, who is now touring England, will sail for Canada toward the end of this month. After visiting Montreal, Toronto and one or two other cities in Canada he will go first to New York city. It is then expected that he will tour the United States, visiting every chess center of importance. Alekhine's purpose in making the tour, besides seeing the United States and meeting its chess players, is to complete the sum necessary to secure a match with Capablanca for the chess championship of the world. That Alekhine is playing in fine form is shown by his notable performance during the British chess federation tournament at Portsmouth recently. Alekhine won the open tourney, 10½ to ½, a fellow countryman from the ex-Czar's domain securing the draw. During the meeting Alekhine played simultaneously against twenty-seven opponents without loss of a game. The Russian master won twenty-six, while eleven games were drawn. The exhibition lasted but four hours, Alekhine's average stop at a board being but fifteen seconds. That is real simultaneous play! Alekhine won five out of six rapid transit tourneys, and also won the championship at Kriegspiel.
The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Sunday, October 14, 1923
In a letter dated Paris, September 18, Alex. Alekhine confirms his intention of visiting this country next month. Alekhine wishes to become better acquainted with the chess players of this country and prepare for a match with J. R. Capablanca for the world's championship. There is no question in the mind of the editor that with the exception of Dr. Emanuel Lasker, Alekhine would give Capablanca the hardest fight of any living player. We are not, however, altogether convinced that Alekhine even allowing for Lasker's age is the equal of the Berlin expert, and prior to a match between Alekhine and Capablanca we would like to see a match between Alekhine and Lasker, the former world's champion. Alekhine has recently toured England most successfully. While there he played in the open British tournament, winning easily first place with a score of 10½ to ½.
The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio, Sunday, October 14, 1923
It has been generally understood that Capablanca, since his decisive defeat of Dr. Emanuel Lasker of Berlin in 1921, when he annexed the world championship title, has been waiting to meet Akiba Rubinstein and Alexander Alekhine, noted Russian masters who have challenged him in the order named.
Rubinstein has not been playing in his usually brilliant form for some time, however, and Alekhine, who is touring Great Britain and expects to reach this country in November must yet demonstrate his ability to meet the champion's terms. Marshall, with his wide circle of admirers may do this far more readily than Alekhine, whose avowed purpose in coming here is to meet Capablanca.
How much of a purse will Capablanca demand for a match in which he is to stake his title?
October 18 1923
Hull Evening News, Hull, Humberside, England, Thursday, October 18, 1923
CHESS.
Visit to Hull of M. Alekhine, European Champion
A slight alteration is announced in connection with the visit of the European chess champion, M. Alexander Alekhine to Hull this week-end. M. Alekhine will meet some 30 of the strongest players of the city and district in simultaneous play tomorrow (Friday) evening at 7.15 in the Reception Room at the City Hall, Victoria Square. The Lord Mayor had been pleased originally to allocate the Banqueting Room at the Guildhall for the purpose of the exhibition but at short notice has been obliged to ask the Hull CC to change the venue to the City Hall, as above stated, the alteration being necessary in connection with arrangements incidental to the visit of the Sixth Destroyer Flotilla to the Humber.
M. Alekhine is the European challenger for the world's championship and is probably the most brilliant player before the public. His visit to Hull is regarded as the most important event of the current local chess season.
Birmingham Gazette, Birmingham, West Midlands, England, Thursday, October 18, 1923
CHESS WIZARD.
M. Alekhine Conquers 28 of Birmingham's Best Men.
The young Russian chess player, Monsieur Alekhine, accomplished another prodigious feat last night, when he played simultaneous games with thirty of Birmingham's best exponents. He did not lose a game, winning twenty-eight and drawing two. These were halved with Mr. A. James and Mr. F. G. Butcher.
The matches were played at Burlington Hall. Aston the headquarters of the North Birmingham Chess Club. Twenty of M. Alekhine's opponents were club members, ten outside players being secured to make up a strong team. Among the latter were Messrs. F. G. Butler, G. H. Edwards, H. W. Clark, R. Filkin, and W. Harrison.
Within an hour the Russian wizard had won his first game, Mr. J. W. Gilbert being defeated in thirteen moves! Half-an-hour later Mr. A. J. James had drawn. Eight more boards went down in the next half-hour, while in another ten minutes fifteen boards were conquered. Thereafter he won victories in quick succession.
A lady player, Miss E. A. Booth, was one of his last victims.
Evening Despatch, Birmingham, West Midlands, England, Thursday, October 18, 1923
Chess Master at Aston.
Playing 30 of Birmingham's best chess players at Aston simultaneously, M. Alekhine won 28 and drew two games, the players in drawn matches being Mr. A. James and Mr. F. G. Butcher.
October 19 1923
Huddersfield Daily Examiner, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England, Friday, October 19, 1923
EXCITING CHESS.
Chess is not usually considered a game which creates excitement but there were some thrills at Leads last evening where Alekhine the famous Russian master gave an exhibition of simultaneous play against 32 players. He employed a great variety of openings and showed characteristic audacity in sacrificing pieces. In one game, in which a deep combination developed on both sides he gave up a rook for an attack against Mr. J. H. Morrison, a City of London player of skill and resource. To the onlookers it appeared to be “anybody's game” when at 10 o'clock after 2½ hours, Alekhine gave check with the queen and announced mate in seven; and it was. Alekhine lost one game, drew three, and won the remainder. He lost to Mr. P. Wenman, an ex-champion of Scotland.
Cheltenham Chronicle and Gloucestershire Graphic, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, Saturday, October 20, 1923
ALEKHINE IN CHELTENHAM.
The strongest chess player who ever came out of Russia—as a native—came, saw, and conquered on October 12, very much as expected except in one particular. He did not arrive in the town till 6.l7, and the play began at 6.40 instead of 6 as anticipated. He had sent a telegram about the train, so all for him when he came in bowing at 6.35, or so. Eleven games were played, an additional board having been placed for Mr. P. S. Milner Barry of Cheltenham College (the Boy Champion of Great Britain—but not a boy much longer). And of the 11 games Alekhine won ten. He lost to Mr. H. A. Foxwell, an ex-champion of Cheltenham.
The eleven players were:—H. A. Foxwell, T. C. Johnstone (Gloucester), J. W. Coley (Stroud), R. J. Webb, P. S. Milner Barry, Miss Eyre, Mrs. Knapp, H. R. Charter, Dr. Braine-Hartnell, R. H. A. Morton, and Miss Goodacre—who was the victim of a pretty mate at 9 o'clock. The other endings were all resignations, including one by Alekhine. Several games lasted till nearly 11, and Mr. Webb resigned at 11 exactly.
There were three “tellers,” one after the other, W. S. Branch, H. P. Parsbo, and Miss Gooding.
It was all “blindfold” chess, but Alekhine saw more than his opponents did, excepting as to the game he lost—which we print below. Unlike Mr. Blackburne, who used to sit glaring at a blank wall and smoking a cigar, Alekhine really was blindfolded for much of the time, as he shut his eyes and pressed his hand on them—to enable him to see better.
He had offered to play fifteen games, but admitted afterwards that number was something of a strain, and anything over eight was hard work.
He made just about 400 moves in the four hours and twenty minutes. And some people call chess a slow game!
Alekhine left Cheltenham at 11.40 on Saturday morning after a good night, and then a motor-car ride to Birdlip with one of his Cheltenham opponents—Mr. Morton—who was informed that Alekhine was sentenced to death by the Bolshevists, and his property, of the value of some thousands of pounds English, all confiscated. But that he himself was rescued by a party of the opposition—the “White Guards”—and later got out of Russia. In 1914 he was a prisoner of war in Germany, just as he was winning the first prize in the international tourney of that year. He is now 31. It is quite likely that he may become, though perhaps not at the first attempt, the world's chess champion.
He speaks English well, considering that he only began to learn it two years ago, and has been but little in this country. In appearance he is the opposite of Capablanca as to hair and complexion, being fair, and decidedly of the Slav type of face—of the intellectual kind. They are alike in being rather above middle height and well-proportioned, and generally “good looking.” They are nearer of an age, and also, we think, in chess strength at the moment, than any two competitors for the world championship have ever been before. One has always been some years older than the other, and the younger man has always, or nearly always, proved victorious. A contest, therefore, between Alekhine and Capablanca would be intensely interesting, and we will all hope to read of it next year. By the way, Capablanca does not play “blindfold chess” at all.
Cheltenham Chronicle and Gloucestershire Graphic, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, Saturday, October 20, 1923
“BLINDFOLD” CHESS.
The visit last week to the Cheltenham' Chess Club of the Russian master, M. Alekhine, was an event of much interest to local votaries of the game. To play chess of any quality without seeing the board is amazing enough, and to play it so strongly as easily to beat the average club player is something prodigious.
At present there are only two men in the world-Alekhine and Reti-who can play ten or more games simultaneously “sans voir” (without sight) and win all, or nearly all. Blackburne, who was for many years the British chess champion, and has played in Cheltenham, often engaged in eight games, sometimes more, “blindfold,” but he is over 80 now, and has given it up. Reti has played twenty-four “sans voir” games at once, but even this is not the record. Twenty-five was once reached by another Continental player, Breyer, who died lately. Pillsbury, the American, several times played twenty, and more than once played twenty games of chess and draughts mixed, with a game or two of cards as well-just to show what he could do!
Alekhine, the Russian champion (sentenced to death by the Bolshevists two or three years ago, but escaped somehow) offered to play fifteen games “blindfold” in Cheltenham. The number decided on was eleven. Of course, he is a professional, and is paid fees for these exhibitions. The money is well earned!
A WONDERFUL MENTAL GIFT.
The “sans voir” player sits with his back to all other players, and begins with the first move at all boards (he could play the reverse way, but not so easily), calling out his move at each, the boards being known by their number. When he has made his first move on all boards the opponent at No. 1 makes his first move, which is called out by the “teller,” and the blindfold player calls his in reply, which the “teller” makes for him on the board. Then No. 2 makes his move, and so on. But how the “blindfold” player keeps all the games distinct in his mind, and is able to recall vividly the position he wants at the moment, can only be explained by the possession of a mental faculty of a very rare nature. Added to this is the ability to play a very strong game, and to play it quickly.
Alekhine in Cheltenham made about 400 moves in four hours and twenty minutes. Play began at 6.40. He gave a checkmate at 9 o'clock, and the other games were ended by resignations at intervals up to 11, he resigning one game just before the last. He is a well set up man, 31 years of age, and speaks English, which he only began to learn two years ago, quite intelligibly, though with a strong foreign accent. I gather that he is a candidate for the chess championship of the world, now held by the Cuban master, Capablanca, who was in Cheltenham four years ago.
October 22 1923
Birmingham Gazette, Birmingham, West Midlands, England, Monday, October 22, 1923
“If only I can complicate matters, I have got him!” says Alekhine, the Russian chess player, referring to a possible match between himself and Capablanca. What's wrong with the good old method of accidentally kicking the table over!
October 27 1923
Cheltenham Chronicle and Gloucestershire Graphic, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, Saturday, October 27, 1923
One of the two or three most interesting games played by Alekhine in Cheltenham was as follows. The opening is almost, a “Muzio.” In fact, it is now considered to be a variation of the Muzio Gambit, though it was not played till very long after the “Muzio” had become famous. There are several other variations in the attack, instead of Castling, which were unknown to the old Masters. In the original “Muzio” White's fifth move is “Castles.”
Alexander Alekhine vs Roland Julian Webb
Blindfold simul, 11b (1923) (blindfold), Cheltenham ENG, Oct-12
King's Gambit: Accepted. Rosentreter Gambit (C37) 1-0
October 29 1923
November 01 1923
Daily Record, Glasgow, Strathclyde, Scotland, Thursday, November 01, 1923
50 OPPONENTS AT CHESS.
Paris, Wednesday.
The Russian chess master, Alekhine, who is shortly going to America to meet Capablanca for the title of chess champion of the world, will engage 50 of the best amateur players in Paris in simultaneous games on Sunday. This is believed to be a record number.—C.N.
Devon and Exeter Gazette, Exeter, Devon, England, Thursday, November 01, 1923
In a simultaneous exhibition at the Hampstead Chess Club, Alekhine won 30 games, drew six and lost four. Another fine display was that given by Sir Geo. Thomas, Bart., at the Royal Northern Hospital, in aid of its funds. The champion faced 35 opponents, defeating 26, drawing with five, and losing to four. As a result of the exhibition the funds of the institution benefited considerably.
November 04 1923
The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio, Sunday, November 04, 1923
Russian Master Believes He Will Play Capablanca
By J. K. Schmidt
Alexander Alekhine, the noted Russian chess wizard, who won the international tournaments at Stockholm, Scheveningen, Mannheim, Triberg, Budapest and The Hague, and figured in the triple tie for first place at the recent congress at Carlsbad, believes that in coming to this country this month he will succeed in “getting the first shot” at the world chess championship.
That his desire to meet Jose R. Capablanca of Havana, holder of this coveted title, in a match is his primary object in visiting the United States at this time is declared in cable dispatches and have been the substance of a statement made by Alekhine on the eve of his departure.
His friends in this country, many of whom are said to have been watching his progress closely since the close of the World War, thinks he is hastening his American tour as much as possible to forestall Frank J. Marshall, United States chess champion, who recently sent a letter to Capablanca, asking terms on which the Cuban would meet him in match play.
Announcement that Alekhine has sailed for these shores is expected almost daily. It is known that he will land at New York to meet a coterie of supporters who are believed to have been conducting negotiations for a match between Capablanca and the Russian wizard.
It is believed certain that Capablanca will put a steep price on any match in which he must stake his title. This may be as high as $25,000. While Marshall's friends think this will put Alekhine out of the running, the supporters of the latter are not so sure of that. They point to the Russian wizard's prowess and insist that he has a far better chance to annex the chess crown. On the strength of his chess skill, they say, they will be able to raise any amount to enable Alekhine to meet Capablanca.
“True, he is a Russian, and American chess players probably will prefer a countryman, but followers of the game the world over will generally get behind the man most likely to win the championship” is the gist of their argument.
While in Paris several weeks ago, Alekhine announced that he would visit all the leading chess centers while in this country and would make an effort to become acquainted with the game's leading exponents. It is regarded as certain that he will visit Cleveland and will probably play a simultaneous match with all comers here.
November 05 1923
Brooklyn Eagle, Brooklyn, New York, Monday, November 05, 1923
Russian Chess Star Plays Games in Paris
Paris, Nov. 5—Alexander Alekhine, the Russian chess star, yesterday played simultaneously 54 games at the Montmarte Chess Club against the best players of Paris and the provinces. The play lasted from early afternoon until almost midnight and when it was over Alekhine had won 46 games, lost three and drawn five.
The Russian expert is 31 years old. At the age of 16 he won the national tournament at Petrograd and at 19 took first prize in a tournament at Stockholm. By profession he is an examining magistrate. Ruined by the Russian revolution he is seeking a living by his wizardry at chess. He leaves for Montreal next week and next year will meet Jose Capablanca in the United States for the world's championship.
November 06 1923
The Washington Herald, Washington, District of Columbia, Tuesday, November 06, 1923
ALEXANDER ALEKHINE, RUSSIAN, plays fifty-four games of chess at the same -time in Paris, against fifty-four of the best men in France. He wins forty-eight games, loses three, drawn, three.
You say “How wonderful a mind, to keep track of fifty-four complicated games at once.” It is wonderful! But how feeble is man compared with Omnipotence.
THINK OF KEEPING TRACK of endless millions of planets that revolve around millions of suns, forever and ever; counting the hairs on the head of every inhabitant, identifying the untold millions of sparrows as they fall to the ground.
All that little man can do with his fifty-four chess games is nothing. And, besides, playing fifty-four chess games at once, while difficult is not useful.'—By ARTHUR BRISBANE
That's a lot of words made over a useless opinion, while 40 quintillion black holes in the observable universe swallow solar systems, obliterating untold forms of potential life… what was God thinking?! Probably about why 'The King' only gets a one-space move per turn.
November 07 1923
Seattle Union Record, Seattle, Washington, Wednesday, November 07, 1923
Alexander Alekhine, a Russian, has a mind so wonderful that he can play 54 games of chess at the same time.
Yes, but who the devil wants to play 54 games of chess at the same time?
November 08 1923
Brooklyn Eagle, Brooklyn, New York, Thursday, November 08, 1923
Alekhine Leaving France On Visit to Montreal
By Hermann Helms
Bound for America for his first visit to the Western Hemisphere, Alexander Alekhine, famous Russian master, is now on the high seas, having sailed from Cherbourg on the steamship Minnedosa of the Canadian Pacific Line, bound for Montreal. It is understood that the visitor will spend at least a week in that city, where chess is flourishing under the auspices of the Montreal League.
The National Athletic Association, where Marshall made his world's record in simultaneous play, the Westmount Chess Club and North End Chess Club are among the organizations that will engage the master, he is also expected to make appearances at the Windsor Hotel and the Mount Royal Hotel.
This is the program as outlined so far, according to F. A. Beique, a prominent Montreal enthusiast, who was in New York yesterday. Mr. Beique, who is a regular contributor of articles to one of the four French papers which have regular chess departments, stated that activity in chess circles was never greater than at present and that Alekhine, after about a week in Montreal, would lead for New York before visiting other parts of Canada.
As yet, no plan for the engagement of the Russian has been formulated by any of the chess clubs in the metropolis.
Giving a farewell performance at the Montmartre Chess Club of Paris last Saturday, Alekhine encountered 54 opponents and made a score of 46 wins, 5 draws and 3 losses.
November 10 1923
Evening Post, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England, Saturday, November 10, 1923
Mr. Leif Jones, ex-M.P. for the Rushcliff Division, has defeated the famous Russian chess player, Alekhine, who was playing simultaneously Mr. Jones, Sir John Simon, Mr. N. E. Crump, and another. Mr. Leif Jones was the only winner.
Leifchild Stratten Leif-Jones vs Alexander Alekhine
Simul, 12b (1923) (exhibition), London ENG, Oct-??
Alekhine Defense: Modern. Larsen Variation (B04) 1-0
November 15 1923
Brooklyn Eagle, Brooklyn, New York, Thursday, November 15, 1923
New World Chess Record Aim of Alexander Alekhine
By Hermann Helms
On Saturday, if the good ship Minnedosa of the Canadian Pacific Line keeps to her schedule, Alexander Alekhine will land at Montreal and, for the first time in his life, set foot on American soil. Word comes from the Canadian metropolis that the famous Russian chess master may make an attempt while there to surpass the world's record for blindfold play, now held by Richard Reti, who has played as many as 25 games simultaneously while blindfolded. Alekhine will try to make it 26.
Montreal already holds the world's record for simultaneoush play, thanks to the efforts of Frank J. Marshall.
After a week or so in Montreal, it is expected that Alekhine will head this way. The Manhattan Chess Club stands ready to give him an engagement of at least one day, but this may be extended when Alekhine's terms are ascertained. There is some talk among members of the club of arranging a masters tournament, limited to about ten players, for the benefit of the visitor.
The Franklin Chess Club of Philadelphia has offered an engagement for an early date, afternoon and evening play.
Two Victories By Alekhine.
It will not be long now before American chess players will have an opportunity to try out for themselves the skill of Alexander Alekhine, due to land in Montreal next Saturday. For this theey will not be unprepared, because many specimens of games played by the Russian master have appeared in print on this side of the water. The challenger for the world's championship has made a special study of the Queen's Gambit Declined, as have most of the Masters for that matter, and necessarily so.
Alekhine probably varies his tactics more than most of the experts, but once in a while he is content to adhere to a variation which particularly appeals to him. The case in point is his adoption, as conductor of the white pieces, of the same line of play against Dr. Vajda and A. West, both of whom he defeated in the Major Open tournament at the last meeting of the British Chess Federation held at Portsmouth. The clever use Alekhine makes of his knights is an outstanding feature of the play.
November 18 1923
The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio, Sunday, November 18, 1923
Much Heralded Russian Chess Contender Reaches America
Alekhine Lands in Montreal for American Tour
By J. K. Schmidt.
Alexander Alekhine, the Russian chess master who has made things so interesting for the strategists on the other side, at last has reached America and has landed in Montreal, according to advices just received from friends in New York.
While his plans are as yet undisclosed, it is announced that he expects to visit the chess center of the Dominion before entering the United States. The sole purpose of his tour, it is disclosed, is to raise funds to finance his projected match with Jose R. Capablanca of Havana for the world chess crown.
There are whispers that he will make his future home either in this country or in Canada and that he will devote his life to the game in which he has won so many triumphs. Enthusiasts of the game agree that the country he chooses will be fortunate in acquiring him.
It is not generally known that Alekhine was an examining magistrate until the Russian revolution ruined him and the Bolshevist regime drove him out. His friends say that he was not driven out of Russia but that on the other hand his spirit revolted against the political system of the Soviet.
Be that as it may be, he has not spent much time in his native country. After the Soviet Republic was established he took up his residence in Germany. Later he went to Paris, where he has been living.
In his tour of England, he gave an exhibition in London, where, according to Sterling Kerr, president of the leading chess club there, he made a remarkable showing against thirty of the most skillful players in the metropolis of the world.
In a simultaneous exhibition in Paris against fifty-four of the best players in France, he won forty-six, drew five and lost three. What he will do in the United States can be guessed from this performance.
The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore, Maryland, Sunday, November 18, 1923
Alekhine Arrives.
Surely the most important chess event of the coming winter will be the promised tour of Alexander Alekhine, champion of Russia, only plausible challenger of Capablanca and beyond all question the most interesting player living. Montreal, where he landed, has made plans, to feast and fete him; as chess enthusiasm is now at high tide in Lower Canada. Next will be New York, and after he has consulted with Herman Helms we will no doubt learn something of his plans. European masters usually leave their plans in abeyance until after a visit to the noted New York editor. Meanwhile the Baltimore Chess Association is not idle, and an effort is already being made to bring him to Baltimore.
Omaha World-Herald, Omaha, Nebraska, Sunday, November 18, 1923
Alexander Alekhine, Russian master, who has challenged Capablanca to a match for the world's championship, has arrived in this country and will soon commence his tour of exhibitions. Just before leaving Paris he opposed fifty-four of France's best players in a farewell exhibition, defeating forty-six, drawing five and losing three. Considering the caliber of his opponents, this is a remarkable performance. It is confidently hoped that will be invited to show his prowess in Omaha this winter.
November 19 1923
Le Devoir, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Monday, November 19, 1923
Alekhine dans la métropole
Le maître Alexandre Alekhine, champion d'Europe au jeu d'échecs, est arrivé à Montréal, samedi, à bord du navire “Minnedosa”, de la ligne du Pacifique-Canadien.
M. Alekhine a été reçu par un comité représentant les fervents du jeu d'échecs de Montréal, qui avait à sa tête M. Georges Maréchal.
Alekhine in the metropolis
Master Alexander Alekhine, European chess champion, arrived in Montreal on Saturday aboard the ship “Minnedosa” of the Canadian Pacific Line.
Mr. Alekhine was received by a committee representing Montreal chess enthusiasts, headed by Mr. Georges Maréchal.
The Montreal Star, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Monday, November 19, 1923
RUSSIAN CHESS PLAYER ARRIVES
Alexander Alekhine, the Russian chess player, in Montreal Saturday on the Minnedosa, and was met by numerous Montreal chess enthusiasts. Mr. Alekhine will spend ten days in the city, and during this time will give exhibitions of simultaneous and blindfold games. The time and places will be announced later.
Of late Mr. Alekhine has been touring England, where he gave 22 exhibitions, and now expects to tour Canada. Arrangements are now going on for a series of matches with Capablanca for the championship of the world. The purse for this match is to be $10,000.
November 22 1923
Le Devoir, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Thursday, November 22, 1923
Alekhine au National
C'est ce soir, jeudi, qu'aura lieu, à la palestre du National, rue Cherrier, sous les auspices de la section des Echecs du National, la séance de parties simultanées donnée par le maître international Alexandre Alekhine, candidat naturel au prochair match pour le championnat du monde.
La caractéristique de la soirée sera que le maître Alekhine consentira à jouer le début que choisira chacun de ses adversaires à la séance de demain soir. C'est la première fois que la chose se fait à Montréal. De cette façon, nos vétérans pourront adopter la ligne de jeu qui leur est favorite et l'étudiant pourra choisir l'ouverture de sa prédilection et celle qu'il entend
adopter pour ses matches et ses tournois de clubs.
La section des échecs son adhésion officielle à la rencontre de demain soir qui aussi a le patronage de la Ligue de Montréal. Voici d'ailleurs l'avis officiel:
"Tous les membres de la section
"du National (échecs) sont cordia-
"lement invités à participer à la sé-
"ance de maître Alekhine, qui aura
"lieu jeudi soir au National et tous
"les autres clubs seront les bienve-
"nus."
W. WINFREY, président,
A. LAMOTHE, secrétaire.
On compte qu'au moins 50 adversaires, et parmi les meilleurs de Montréal, prendront part à la séance de demain soir contre maître Alekhine. En effet, les clubs suivants ont tous promis d'envoyer de considérables renforts: Westmount, North End, Midnight, McGill, La Patrie, Chevaliers de Colomb de Maisonneuve, Section Iberville (S. J. B.) Chevaliers de Colomb de Lachine, Young Men Hebrew, Ahuntsic, Typos, Bell Telephone, Young Men Christian Association, en outre du National bien entendu.
Le public sera admis gratuitement. On est prié de ne pas déranger les joueurs en se groupant autour des tables et de ne pas encombrer les allées et venues du maître Alekhine. Les joueurs de Montréal, jeunes comme vieux, sont bien decidés à faire une chaude réception au présent champion d'Europe.
Les amateurs sont priés d'apporter leurs pièces et leurs échiquiers. Avant la séance il y aura une courte réunion de la Ligue d'échecs. Ily aura une grosse surprise. Les clubs sont priés d'en prendre note et de demander à leurs réprésentants de se rendre au National à 7h. 30 précises. La séance de maître Alekhine commencera à 8 heures précises.
Alekhine at the National
This evening, Thursday, will take place at the palestra of the National, rue Cherrier, under the auspices of the Chess section of the National, the session of simultaneous games given by the international master Alexandre Alekhine, natural candidate for the next match for the world championship.
The characteristic of the evening will be that the master Alekhine will agree to play the beginning that each of his opponents chooses at tomorrow evening's session. This is the first time that this has been done in Montreal. In this way, our veterans will be able to adopt the line of play that is their favorite and the student will be able to choose the opening of his predilection and the one he intends to adopt for his matches and club tournaments.
The chess section has its official membership in tomorrow evening's meeting which also has the patronage of the Montreal League. Here is the official notice:
"All members of the National (chess) section are cordially invited to participate in the session of Master Alekhine, which will take place Thursday evening at the National and all other clubs will be welcome."
W. WINFREY, president, A. LAMOTHE, secretary.
It is expected that at least 50 opponents, and among the best in Montreal, will take part in tomorrow evening's session against Master Alekhine. In fact, the following clubs have all promised to send considerable reinforcements: Westmount, North End, Midnight, McGill, La Patrie, Knights of Columbus of Maisonneuve, Section Iberville (S. J. B.) Knights of Columbus of Lachine, Young Men Hebrew, Ahuntsic, Typos, Bell Telephone, Young Men Christian Association, in addition to the National of course.
The public will be admitted free. We are asked not to disturb the players by gathering around the tables and not to obstruct the comings and goings of Master Alekhine. The Montreal players, young and old, are determined to give a warm reception to the present European champion. Amateurs are asked to bring their pieces and chessboards. Before the session there will be a short meeting of the Chess League. There will be a big surprise. The clubs are asked to take note of this and ask their representatives to go to the National at 7:30 sharp. Master Alekhine's session will begin at 8 sharp.
November 23 1923
Le Devoir, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Friday, November 23, 1923
ALEKHINE A LA PALESTRE
M. Saunders, M. Décarie, M. Cook, M, Cartier et M. Harrison ont gagné leurs parties à la séance d'hier soir, contre le maitre, Alekhine.
Ont fait partie nulle : S.-B. Wilson, M. Fred Béïque, M. Blanchard, M. Manseau et M. Choquette.
Il a été joué 37 parties et M. Alekhine en a gagné 27, en a perda 5 et fait 5 nulles.
Le jeu a été tres rapide.
Alekhine a donné l'avantage aux joueurs de choisir leur début.
ALEKHINE AT THE PALESTRA
Mr. Saunders, Mr. Décarie, Mr. Cook, Mr. Cartier and Mr. Harrison won their games at last night's session, against the master, Alekhine.
The following games were drawn: S.-B. Wilson, Mr. Fred Béïque, Mr. Blanchard, Mr. Manseau and Mr. Choquette.
37 games were played and Mr. Alekhine won 27, lost 5 and drew 5.
The game was very fast.
Alekhine gave the players the advantage of choosing their start.
November 24 1923
Le Devoir, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Saturday, November 24, 1923
Monsieur Alexandre AleKine à Montréal.
Monsieur A. AleKhine nous est arrivé, samedi midi, à bord du Minedosa Il fut reçu par une délégation de nos principaux joueurs d'échecs de Montréal.
Accompagné de Monsieur L. Prince, président de la Ligue des échecs de Montreal, de monsieur le Dr W. Winfrey, président de la section des échecs du National et de monsieur Léopold Blanchard, il se rendit tout d'abord chez monsieur Alexis Cartier, où il joua une partie sans voir. Après cet exploit, plus qu'ordinaire chez lui, il visita le club Westmount, où il fut présenté à tous les joueurs présents. De là il se rendit au Club National où il fut chaleureusement présenté par M. Prince Et, pour terminer sa première journée sur notre sol canadien, il se rendit chez monsieur Lamothe, où il fut l'objet d'une réception intime.
Monsieur Antoine Lamothe eut alors le privilège de jouer deux parties avec le maître. Jouant à pièce égale, il fut rapidement battu, mais se reprit dans la seconde partie où monsieur AleKhine luiavait donné l'avantage du Cavalier et réussit à obtenir la nullité.
Alexandre Alekhine est assez grand de stature, d'allure très distinguée très souple dans ses mouvements comme dans sa démarche. Sa figure, éclairée de yeux perçants, presque durs, mais qui s'adoucissent étrangement parfois, est singulierement frappante, s'incrustant de force dans votre mémoire visuelle.
Sa conversation variée, fantaisiste, toujours spirituelle, avec de nombreux aperçus lumineux, est souple comme sa personne.
A l'encontre de tant de maîtres européen qui ne connaissent que les échecs, A. Alekhine possède une forte culture générale, qui lui permet de causer de tous les grands problèmes européens en connaissance de cause, Et ses connaissances en littérature comme dans les autres arts sont très grandes.
En un mot, c'est le type du gentleman parfait. Comme A. Al Khine doit passer près de quinze jours parmi nous, voici le programme qu'il s'est imposé.
Samedi, le 24 nov. visite à Québec.
Dimanche, le 25, visite aux Trois-Rivières.
Mercredi le 28, séance de parties simultanées sans voir. A. Alekhine, dans cette séance, tentera de battre le record du monde de parties sans voir.
Ce sera un véritable régal pour tous les amateurs.
Afin de démontrer à mes lecteurs la puissance de conception de monsieur A. AleKhine et les idées nouvelles qu'il a apportées dans le jeu d'échecs je vais aujourd'hui reproduire deux parties typiques du style de AleKhine avec commentaires de Reti.
Mr. Alexandre AleKine in Montreal.
Mr. A. AleKhine arrived at noon on Saturday aboard the Minedosa. He was received by a delegation of our leading chess players from Montreal.
Accompanied by Mr. L. Prince, president of the Montreal Chess League, by Mr. Dr. W. Winfrey, president of the National Chess Section, and by Mr. Léopold Blanchard, he first went to Mr. Alexis Cartier's, where he played a game without seeing. After this feat, more than usual for him, he visited the Westmount Club, where he was introduced to all the players present. From there he went to the National Club, where he was warmly introduced by Mr. Prince. And, to end his first day on Canadian soil, he went to Mr. Lamothe's, where he was given an intimate reception.
Mr. Antoine Lamothe then had the privilege of playing two games with the master. Playing on an equal piece, he was quickly beaten, but recovered in the second game where Mr. AleKhine had given him the advantage of the Knight and succeeded in obtaining the draw.
Alexander Alekhine is quite tall in stature, of very distinguished appearance, very supple in his movements as in his gait. His face, lit up by piercing, almost hard eyes, but which sometimes soften strangely, is singularly striking, forcibly embedding itself in your visual memory.
His varied, fanciful, always witty conversation, with many luminous glimpses, is supple as his person.
Unlike so many European masters who know only chess, A. Alekhine has a strong general culture, which allows him to discuss all the great European problems with full knowledge of the facts, And his knowledge of literature as in the other arts is very great.
In a word, he is the type of the perfect gentleman. As A. Al Khine must spend nearly fifteen days among us, here is the program he has imposed on himself.
Saturday, November 24, visit to Quebec.
Sunday, the 25th, visit to Trois-Rivières.
Wednesday, the 28th, session of simultaneous games without sight. A. Alekhine, in this session, will attempt to beat the world record for games without sight.
It will be a real treat for all amateurs.
In order to demonstrate to my readers the power of conception of Mr. A. AleKhine and the new ideas he has brought to the game of chess, I will today reproduce two games typical of AleKhine's style with comments by Reti.
The Winnipeg Tribune, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Saturday, November 24, 1923
“Alekhine” in Britain
Many would like to see the Russian chess master, Alekhine, who appears to be in great form at present, tackle Capablanca for the World's championship. As his performance in Britain recently have been of a phenomenal nature.
Against the Glasgow Chess club on Oct. 2nd he won 31, drew 2 and lost 2. Against the Central Chess club, (Glasgow) on Oct. 3rd he won 18 and drew 2. At Dundee, Oct. 4th he won all the 17 games. At Edinburgh Ladies Chess club, on Oct. 5th and at Greenock Oct. 6th, his score was the same: 21 wins, 2 draws and one loss. The hope was freely expressed that this, his first visit to Scotland would not be his last.
Playing at Liverpool, Sept. 29th he won 24, drew 6 and lost one. At Birmingham, Oct. 8th he gave a great exhibition of blindfold chess consisting of 10 games simultaneously, winning nine and drawing one, despite the team against him consisting of several first-class players.
On Oct. 12th Alekhine gave a blindfold exhibition at the Cheltenham Chess club against 11 players and of these after 4½ hours, and after making over 400 moves, he won 10 and lost H. A. Foxwell, the ex-champion of the club. Truly a most remarkable feat throughout.
Cheltenham Chronicle and Gloucestershire Graphic, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, Saturday, November 24, 1923
We have been thinking of Alekhine as likely to be able to meet Capablanca for a world championship match next spring or summer, but Marshall, the U.S. champion, has a prior claim, if he can get sufficient support financially: 10.000 dollars and perhaps Capablanca's expenses, the loser to have a share of the prize-money, we think, but the conditions are hazy at present.
In the present writer's opinion, Alekhine would be more likely to make a better score than Marshall, but would not be likely to win the match, presuming that Capablanca is in usual good health and form. The chess world, or most of it, would be pleased if Alekhine won—with Capablanca in good health and form—as we should then see a most interesting struggle, not only in one match, but a second—for recovery of the lost championship.
November 25 1923
The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio, Sunday, November 25, 1923
Alekhine Still in Montreal.
Alexander Alekhine, the Russian chess master, who has designs on the world chess title now held by Jose R. Capablanca of Havana, will remain in Montreal until the middle of this week, his friends in the Canadian metropolis have disclosed.
What he will do after that is not clear but it is intimated he may make a jump to New York for a few days' stay before resuming his Canadian tour. It was first announced that he would complete his tour of the Dominion before entering this country.
The Russian wizard is spending ten busy days in Montreal, which is perhaps the greatest chess center of the American continents. He is expecting, according to advance announcements, to break the world's record for blindfold simultaneous play. This record, held by Richard Reti, is twenty-five games. Alekhine is to try twenty-six.
Montreal already holds the world's record for direct simultaneous play. The record was made by Frank J. Marshall of Brooklyn, United States champion, who engaged 156 players there at one time.
Brooklyn Eagle, Brooklyn, New York, Sunday, November 25, 1923
Alekhine Expected Here In About Two Weeks
Alexander Alekhine, the Russian chess master and challenger of Capablanca for the world's championship, will leave Montreal on Dec. 3, bound for the United States. His itinerary is not yet complete, but he expects to come to New York by way of New England, which will bring him to this city about the end of next week.
All of the metropolitan clubs, including the Manhattan, Marshall, Rice-Progressive, International, Times Square, Stuyvesant, Brooklyn and Brooklyn Institute are planning for performances, to be given by the international expert at their rooms.
November 26 1923
Le Devoir, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Monday, November 26, 1923
Alekhine à Québec
Le maître Alexandre Alekhine a donné une séance de parties simultanées samedi soir dans la vieille capitale. M. Alekhine a joué 26 parties, dont deux sans voir, et il les a toutes gagnées.
Le maître est reparti de Québec, hier soir, pour Montréal, et ce soir il jouera au club Westmount, à la salle Victoria, angle Sherbrooke et Arlington.
Alekhine in Quebec
Master Alexandre Alekhine gave a session of simultaneous games Saturday night in the old capital. Mr. Alekhine played 26 games, including two without sight, and he won them all.
The master left Quebec last night for Montreal, and tonight he will play at the Westmount club, in the Victoria hall, corner of Sherbrooke and Arlington.
November 28 1923
Brooklyn Eagle, Brooklyn, New York, Wednesday, November 28, 1923
Good Showing by Montreal Against Alekhine at Chess
By Hermann Helms
According to the latest, advices from Montreal, Alexander Alekhine, the Russian master, plans to leave that city next Monday. He may come direct to New York, but there is a possibility of his stopping off at one or more New England points en route. In that case, Boston, Providence and Portland doubtless be visited by him.
Alekhine's first exhibition in the New World was at the National Chess Club, where he played against 37 opponents, of whom he defeated 27. Montreal followers of chess were highly elated over the fact that five were able to win from Alekhine and five others drew their games. This is not as good a record as had been expected from the challenger for the world's championship, but it is quite likely that the effects of his first ocean voyage had not entirely worn off. Be this as it may, the famous master will doubtless be at his best when he reaches the metropolis, where he is eagerly awaited.
The Brooklyn Chess Club and the Brooklyn Institute Chess Club have both made their applications and their members will in due course be given a taste of what this clever expert can do. The Manhattan, Marshall, Stuyvesant and Times Square Chess clubs will all fall into line, as will the Franklin Chess Club of Philadelphia. In addition, Alekhine may contest a number of exhibition match games with several of the leading metropolitan players.
November 29 1923
November 30 1923
Le Devoir, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Friday, November 30, 1923
Alex. ALEKHINE AU NATIONAL
LE MAITRE DES ECHECS JOUETRA CONTRE VINGT ET UN JOUEURS SANS VOIR LES PIECES—DEMAIN APRES-MIDI A LA PALESTRE DE LA RUE CHERRIER
Demain après-midi, à 2 h. 30, aura lieu, a la palestre du National, rue. Cherrier, une séance, comme il ne sera pas donné pour longtemps aux amateurs d'échecs de Montréal d'en voir une semblable. Le grand maître international, Alexandre Alekhine, couronnera le succès de ses séances à Montréal par une grande séance dans laquelle il rencontrera les vingt et un plus forts joueurs de Montreal et les jouera sans voir ni l'échiquier ni les pièces, sans se servir de notes ou d'autres moyens mémotechniques. Il sera assis dans un bon fauteuil, sur la plateforme, au milieu de la grande salle de gymnase du National sous la surveillance des joueurs comme du public et là, sans autre
resources que puissance de ses facultés mentales et sa grande connaissance -du jeu, il luttera contre chacun de ses vingt et un adversaires qui essaieront de lui faire mordre la poussière. Cela constituera le record des parties sans voir en Amérique.
De plus, le maître Alekhine donnera un ou deux handicaps à ses adversaires. D'abord, il permettra à chacun d'eux de travailler en consultation, c'est-à-dire de s'aider entre eux, ou bien alors de se faire aider par quelque autre joueur, quelqu'il soit, dit le maître Alekhine.
Au surplus, si toutefois, maître Alekhine se, sent dans des conditions de première excellence, il donnera un autre handicap et ce sera de permettre à chacun de ses adversaires de choisir le début de partie qui lui (au joueur) convient et qu'il connaît le mieux.
Naturellement, Alekhine jouera les blancs à toutes les tables.
Si les deux handicaps sont accordés, on peut dire sans crainte que cette séance mémorable battra tous les records du'monde.
Les dames seront admises et déjà le comité d'organisation a reçu de nombreuses demandes. Il y aura de place pour tout le monde dans la spacieuse salle du gymnase.
Quelques instants avant le commencement des hostilités, le président de la ligue, M. Lorenzo Prince, souhaitera la bienvenue au maître russe, maintenant Français d'adoption, et expliquera brièvement les conditions de la rencontre.
Alex. ALEKHINE AT THE NATIONAL
THE CHESS MASTER WILL PLAY AGAINST TWENTY-ONE PLAYERS WITHOUT SEEING THE PIECES—TOMORROW AFTERNOON AT THE PALESTRA ON CHERRIER STREET
Tomorrow afternoon, at 2:30 p.m., there will be held, at the palestra of the National, on Cherrier Street, a session, the likes of which will not be seen for a long time by Montreal chess enthusiasts. The international grandmaster, Alexandre Alekhine, will crown the success of his sessions in Montreal with a grand session in which he will meet the twenty-one strongest players in Montreal and play them without seeing either the board or the pieces, without using notes or other memotechnical devices. He will be seated in a good armchair, on the platform, in the middle of the large gymnasium of the National under the surveillance of the players and the public and there, with no other resources than the power of his mental faculties and his great knowledge of the game, he will fight against each of his twenty-one opponents who will try to make him bite the dust. This will constitute the record of games without seeing in America.
In addition, Master Alekhine will give one or two handicaps to his opponents. First, he will allow each of them to work in consultation, that is to say to help each other, or else to be helped by some other player, whoever he may be, says Master Alekhine.
Moreover, if however, Master Alekhine feels in conditions of first excellence, he will give another handicap and it will be to allow each of his opponents to choose the beginning of the game which suits him (the player) and which he knows best.
Naturally, Alekhine will play white at all tables.
If both handicaps are granted, it can be said without fear that this memorable session will break all world records.
The ladies will be admitted and already the organizing committee has received many requests. There will be room for everyone in the spacious gymnasium hall.
A few moments before the start of hostilities, the president of the league, Mr. Lorenzo Prince, will welcome the Russian master, now French by adoption, and will briefly explain the conditions of the meeting.
December 01 1923
Le Devoir, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Saturday, December 01, 1923
MAITRE ALEXANDRE ALEKHINE
On ne peut guère prétendre que A. Alekhine, depuis son arrivée dans la province de Québec soit resté inactif.
Après avoir pris connaissance des principaux joueurs de la métropole, il jounit
jeudi soir 22 novembre, contre 37 joueurs de Montréal à la palestre, et y remportait le beau succès que nous connaissona, remportant 27 victoires, partageant les honneurs dans 5 rencontres et ne subissant que 5 défaites.
Samedi soir le 24, il était à Québec, où il rencontrait, dans une seconde séance de Parties simultanées, 26 joueurs de Québec, dont deux parties étaient jouées à l'aveugle.
Non seulement A. Alekhine battit tons ses adversaires, maia il annonça le mat 7 coups d'avance, dans une partie sans voir, contre l'un des plus forts joueurs de Québec.
Dimanche le 25, il était aux Trois-Rivières, où il faisait mordre la poussière à ses 24 adversaires.
Lundi, le 26, il était de retour à Montréal et jouait le soir même au club de Westmount contre 27 adversaires.
Dans le cours de la soirée, il démontraàs adversaires, par la science et la précision de son jeu, qu'il était un formidable adversaire du champion du monde actuel, Capablanca, qui, peut-être, si nous en croyons certaines rumeurs, ne désire aucunement rencontrer A. Alekhine.
Au Westmount, il remporta 25 victoires, sans sobir aucune défaite, se contentant d'accorder la nullité à deux de ses advercaires. Nous devons ajouter que Capablanca lors d'une visite au Westmount, i1 plusieurs années, ne put faire mieux qu'Alekhine.
Ainsi done, si nous résumons le résultat des trois dernières séancese données par Alekhine, nous constaterons que sur 77 parties, il n'en n'a perdu aneune, ses adversaires, se contentant, comme pil-aller, de deux nullities.
Samedi, le ler décembre, monsieur A. Alekine donnera, dans la grande salle de gymnase de la palestre, une grande seance de 21 parties sans voir--ce qui constitura le record américain de parties sans voir. Cette séance commencera à 2 heures et demte de l'après-midi, et ce sera un magnifique spectacle que nous recommandons à nos lecteurs de ne pas manquer.
La fine fleur des joueurs de Montréal sera dans cette grande circonstance, opposée à A. Alekhine.
MASTER ALEXANDRE ALEKHINE
It can hardly be claimed that A. Alekhine, since his arrival in the province of Quebec has remained inactive.
After having become acquainted with the principal players of the metropolis, he played Thursday evening, November 22, against 37 players from Montreal at the palestra, and won the great success that we know, winning 27 victories, sharing the honors in 5 encounters and suffering only 5 defeats.
Saturday evening, the 24th, he was in Quebec, where he met, in a second session of Simultaneous Games, 26 players from Quebec, two of which were played blindfolded.
Not only did A. Alekhine beat all his opponents, but he announced checkmate 7 moves ahead, in a blindfolded game, against one of the strongest players in Quebec.
On Sunday the 25th, he was at Trois-Rivières, where he made his 24 opponents bite the dust.
On Monday the 26th, he was back in Montreal and played that same evening at the Westmount club against 27 opponents. During the evening, he demonstrated to his opponents, by the science and precision of his game, that he was a formidable opponent of the current world champion, Capablanca, who, perhaps, if we are to believe certain rumors, has no desire to meet A. Alekhine.
At Westmount, he won 25 victories, without suffering a single defeat, contenting himself with granting a draw to two of his opponents. We must add that Capablanca during a visit to Westmount, several years ago, could not do better than Alekhine.
So then, if we summarize the result of the last three sessions given by Alekhine, we will find that out of 77 games, he has not lost a single one, his opponents, as a last resort, being content with two draws.
Saturday, December 1st, Mr. A. Alekhine will give, in the large gymnasium of the palestra, a great session of 21 games without seeing--which will constitute the American record of games without seeing. This session will begin at 2:30 p.m., and it will be a magnificent spectacle that we recommend our readers not to miss.
The cream of Montreal players will be in this great occasion, opposed to A. Alekhine.
The Weekly Times, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, Saturday, December 01, 1923
Alekhine, the great Russian master, is said to be the most ingenious and surprising manipulator of the knights among modern players. His Knight play in the game which he won from Dr. Vadja, the clever Hungarian player at the British Congress at Southsea, will fascinate amateurs by its artistic completeness, besides affording a lesson in discerning and accurate play. Alekhine's knights had been watching the King's side while he prepared an assault on the other wing, and having secured a favorable operation with insufficient force to bring it to maturity, it became necessary to recall the cavalry to the other side of the board to take part in the attack. Their uninterrupted march and effective deployment are the deciding incidents of the game. The advance occupied several moves, but it was so well timed that Dr. Vadja could only look on at the advancing horsemen without materially strengthening his defence or making any counter demonstration.
December 02 1923
The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio, Sunday, December 02, 1923
Modern Chess Masters Show Spectacular Winning Plays
European Stars Resort to New Tactics and Win
By J. K. Schmidt.
Enthusiasts of chess who have complained that the game as played by the masters is too tame and follows too closely the thoroughly explored tactics, thereby eliminating practically all possibility of brilliant, spectacular tactics, have had little to say since the scores of games played by the younger European exponents in recent tournaments have been available.
Since the arrival in America of Alexander Alekhine, the young Russian wizard, whose strategy almost completely confounds his antagonists, those who have been shouting for “clever tactics” have been unusually quiet. For Alekhine, apostle of the unexpected in chess, is so full of tricks that his playing smacks of the uncanny, even to those who have been clamoring loudest for the spectacular form of game.
Chess players of the United States have been waiting patiently to see Alekhine in action, and their patience is soon to be rewarded. Since his arrival in Montreal nearly two weeks ago, little has been heard of his activities, although it is known that the dominion's chess fans are keeping him busy.
He is to make his first appearance in New York this week, however, and after that will visit other cities in this country. When he will reach Cleveland is not yet disclosed, but probably will be announced in plenty of time.
Another European player who has been displaying tactics of an unusual order is Bogoljubov, another Russian master of remarkable skill. And, of course, there is Akiba Rubinstein, still another Russian who ranks among the best that Europe has to offer. Rubinstein's strategy is of a less sensational nature than that of Alekhine and the question of superiority remains to be decided.
Jose R. Capablanca of Havana, holder of the world title, who has been challenged by Rubinstein, Alekhine and Frank J. Marshall, United States champion, can hardly be accused of lacking in chess brilliancy, even though it be admitted he lacks the meteoric flights of the Russians named.
The future undoubtedly will disclose whether tactics as brilliant as those frequently exhibited by Alekhine are tenable.
The Pittsburgh Post, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Sunday, December 02, 1923
Alekhine Escapes.
Opportunity to overthrow a great chess master in serious play knocks very rarely at the door of the average expert. Such a chance, and a glorious one, inasmuch as it involved the sacrifice of a Queen and assuredly would have earned him a brilliancy prize, was given to E. Steiner of Hungary in his game with Alexander Alekhine in the major open tournament of the British Chess Federation at Portsmouth. Steiner, who was placed third, with Alekhine first, overlooked the combination and permitted his adversary to escape. The score follows:
Endre Steiner vs Alexander Alekhine
BCF Major Open (1923), Southsea ENG, rd 9, Aug-22
King's Gambit: Falkbeer Countergambit. Anderssen Attack (C31) 0-1
December 03 1923
Le Devoir, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Monday, December 03, 1923
Alekhine gagne douze parties
Alexandre Alekhine, le maitre d'échecs, considerere cemme le futur champion du monde, a brisé tous les records samedi dans les joutes a l'aveugle. Jouant contre vingt et un joueurs, les meilleurs de Montreal, il gagna douze parties, en perdit quatre et il fit cinq joutes nulles.
Les joueurs qui réuselrent a vainere Alekhine sont MM. G. Gandet, J. L. Blanchard, D. R. DuBerger et W. Décarle.
Alekhine wins twelve games
Alexander Alekhine, the chess master, considered as the future world champion, broke all records Saturday in blindfold jousts. Playing against twenty-one players, the best in Montreal, he won twelve games, lost four and drew five.
The players who succeeded in defeating Alekhine were Messrs. G. Gandet, J. L. Blanchard, D. R. DuBerger and W. Décarle.
December 04 1923
La Voce Del Popolo, San Francisco, California, Tuesday, December 04, 1923
COMPETIZIONI FRA ‘ASSI’ DEGLI SCACCHI
LONDRA, 4.—Il Daily Telegraph informa di interessanti esibizioni scacchistiche svoltesi l'altro giorno a Londra. Il russo Alekhine, che hasfidato il campione mondialo Capablanca, giocando contemporaneamente 40 partite ne ha guadagnate 30 perdendone 4 facendone 6 nulle. Il noto giuocatore inglese Thomas su 35 partite contemporanee ne ha vinto 24, perdute 6, annullate 5. Thomas ha impiegato poco più di 4 oreed Alekhine 4 ore e mezzo.
COMPETITIONS BETWEEN CHESS ‘ACES’
LONDON, 4.—The Daily Telegraph reports interesting chess exhibitions that took place the other day in London. The Russian Alekhine, who challenged the world champion Capablanca, playing 40 games simultaneously, won 30, lost 4 and made 6 null. The well-known English player Thomas won 24, lost 6 and cancelled 5 out of 35 simultaneous games. Thomas took just over 4 hours and Alekhine 4 and a half hours.
December 05 1923
The Herald Statesman, Yonkers, New York, Wednesday, December 05, 1923
ALEKHINE SETS A NEW BLINDFOLD CHESS MARK
Montreal, Dec. 4.—Alexander Alekhine, the Russian chess master, in his exhibition at the National Chess Club against twenty-one opponents surpassed by one the previous American record by Pillsbury at Philadelphia. Alekhine, without seeing either boards or pieces, conducted the twenty-one games with remarkable accuracy and finished with a score of 12 wins, 5 draws and 4 losses. The opposition included several of the best known players in this city.
During his stay in the United States Alekhine hopes to surpass the world's record of 25, which is credited to Richard Reti of Czecho-Slovakia.
December 06 1923
Brooklyn Eagle, Brooklyn, New York, Thursday, December 06, 1923
Alexander Alekhine Here; Impresses Chess Players
By Hermann Helms
After meeting Alexander Alekhine of Russia, who arrived yesterday from Montreal, not only to tour the United States but to arrange a match for the world's championship as well, one is forced to the conclusion that if this young visitor, in the prime of his manhood, study and robust, with intelligence far above the average, is unable to defeat Capablanca when the opportunity to encounter him offers, then truly may the great Cuban retire on his laurels and forever after be regarded as absolutely invincible. If Alekhine cannot accomplish the seemingly impossible, then, one is very much tempted to believe, no one else can. In other words, the impression the Russian makes is distinctly favorable.
A six-footer, of military bearing, with light hair and clear, blue kindly eyes, which nevertheless reflect the powerful intellect that enables him to play 21 “blindfold” games simultaneously in Montreal, Alekhine has a winning personality that will make hosts of friends for him wherever he goes. His looks betray the unconquerable ambition of youth, and for poise and self-possession he will not be at any disadvantage with Capablanca. The many who will meet him during his stay in our midst and will shake hands with him are hereby duly wanred, for he has an iron grip that will make the unprepared one surly wince.
His straight figure and broad shoulders bespeak the athlete rather than the mental gymnast that he is, but one suspects with good reason that he is a combination of the two. It should be borne in mind that he has had no parlor existence, despite his chess playing proclivities. At Mannheim, in 1904, he was interned by the Germans, and in time made his escape. For two years, as captain of artillery in the Russian army, he saw real fighting, was wounded, laid up in hospitals and later served with the Red Cross at the front.
When the revolution broke out Alekhine left his home in Moscow and went to the south of Russia. Eventually he was imprisoned at Odessa and in peril of execution. The circumstances that he was a chess master and did not harbor counter-revolutionary ideas, he says, were largely instrumental in effecting his release. Under the old regime he was in the legal department of the Foreign Office at St. Petersburg. No ordinary man, therefore, is Alexander Alekhine.
Upon his arrival here yesterday, Alekhine put up at the Hotel Sherman Square, the home of the Manhattan Chess Club, and in the afternoon met many of the prominent members of that club. Dr. Louis Cohn, Leonard B. Meyer and Norbert Lederer lost no time in making arrangements, as a result of which Alekhine will give his first performance there next Wednesday evening.
On Thursday evening Alekhine will be at the Brooklyn Chess Club for the purpose of playing simultaneously against forty opponents. He is prepared to carry on two of the games in “blindfold” fashion. In addition, he will permit his adversaries to name the openings they wish him to play. On the evening of Dec. 15 he will be at the Providence Chess Club, after which he will return in order to fill other engagements here.
Weather permitting, Alekhine expects to make the rounds of the metropolitan chess clubs this evening in order to pay his respects.
Alekhine in Montreal.
While in Montreal, which is now one of the most important chess centers on the North American continent, Alekhine had a hard-fought game with Georges Marechal, a leading expert in the Canadian metropolis, which was largely responsible for the Russian's visit to Canada. It was even all the way through until the French-Canadian made an unfortunate blunder, whereupon he resigned.
Alexander Alekhine vs Georges Marechal
Simul, 37b (1923) (exhibition), National Athletics Association, Montreal CAN, Nov-22
Formation: Queen Pawn Game: London System (D02) 1-0
Le Devoir, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Thursday, December 06, 1923
LE PROCHAIN MATCH DE CHAMPIONNAT ENTRE ALEKHINE ET CAPABLANCA.
Le maître Alexandre Alekhine, champion d'Europe, nous transmet la lettre suivante qu'il a adressée à Jose-R. Capablanca, de La Havane, Cuba, au sujet du prochain match pour le championnat du monde du jeu d'échecs:
Montréal, 29 novembre 1923
Senor José-R. Capablanca,
Champion du monde aux échecs,
La Havane, Cuba.
Cher M. Capablanca,
Je prends la liberté de vous écrire à l'occasion d'un article publié dans la colonne d'échecs du Times Weekly (Londres) le 8 novembre courant, et sur lequel mes amis ont attiré mon attention.
On cite dans cet article un correspondant de La Havane, qui, après avoir déclaré qu'il est en rapports constants avec vous, et qu'il a lu dans les journaux certaines remarques qui me sont attribuées (quelles remarques? il ne le dit pas, préférant ne faire que de vagues allusions), se dit en mesure d'affirmer que je n'ai aucun motif valable de parler d'un match avec vous pour le championnat du monde, attendu que rien n'a été fait ni convenu dans ce sens. Il ajoute que je dois connaître les conditions que vous exigez pour une telle rencontre et qu'en autant que ces conditions n'ont pas encore été remplies il est oiseux de parler d'un match qui n'a pas même été considéré sérieusement.
Il me paraît que ce correspondant est sous le coup de fausses impressions. Et je m'empresse d'ajouter que je n'ai fait aucune déclaration qui ne fût, à mon sens, l'expression de la plus stricte vérité. Les seules déclarations que j'aie faltes, d'ailleurs,
c'est que j'avais entière confiance de pouvoir arranger une rencontre avec vous pour le championnat du monde, et que ma tournée en Amérique avait pour but principal de m'assurer définitivement s'il m'était possible de falre les arrangements nécessaires. Et quand on m'a demandé ce que je pensais des chances que je pouvais avoir, si le match avait lieu, j'ai exprimé simplement mon opinion.
Le correspondant de La Havane, s'il vous a vraiment consulté, doit savoir aussi bien que moi que je ne puis rien faire avant le premier janvier prochain, date que vous avez fixée comme limite extrême à Rubinstein pour compléter les arrangements préalables qui s'imposent pour donner suite à son défi de mai 1921.
Par contre, il doit aussi savoir que je vous ai lancé un défi dès novembre 1921, et que mon défi ayant suivi celui de Rubinstein, je devais naturellement attendre mon tour.
Lorsque, à la suite du congrès de Londres (1922), j'ai, avec plusieurs autres maîtres, souscrit au projet que vous aviez préparé pour régir la question du championnat du monde aux échecs, il a été convenu que Rubinstein, à raison de l'ancienneté de son défi, devait avoir le privilège de la première rencontre et qu'il était raisonnable de lui accorder jusqu'au 1er janvier 1924 pour y donner suite.
J'ai toujours compris que mon tour viendrait ensuite et que vousmême regardiez la question du mème oeil que moi. C'est là, d'ailleurs, ce que tout le monde a compris, si j'en dois juger par les nombreuses allusions qu'on a faites à ce match dans la plupart des revues et journaux. C'est même l'opinion personnelle de l'auteur de l'article du 8 novembre, puisque, après avoir cité son correspondant de La Havane, il déclare formellement que le défi de Rubinstein subsiste jusqu'au 31 décembre de cette année, délai dans lequel celui-ci doit y donner suite ou le retirer, et que vous ne pouvez avant l'expiration de ce délai considérer aucun arrangement avec moi, le prochain sur la liste; qu'un match entre vous et moi, quelque désirable qu'il soit, ne saurait encore être regardé comme une certitude.
Par contre, personne n'ignore qu'il est presque certainement hors de question que Rubinstein donne suite à son défi, et c'est la raison pour laquelle j'ai moi-même décidé de commencer les préparatifs voulus pour assurer à mon projet un meilleur sort, et d'entreprendre dès maintenant, à cet effet, une tournée en Amérique que j'aurais autrement remise à plus tard.
Tout ceci démontre bien que je considère très sérieusement la question d'une rencontre avec vous pour le championnat du monde, rencontre que je désire ardemment et que votre esprit sportif, je l'espère, vous ferait envisager sans déplaisir.
Vous me pardonnerez la longueur de cette lettre, ainsi que la liberté que je prends d'en donner communication aux journaux; mais je ne vois pas de meilleur moyen de faire une mise au point qui s'impose et de dissiper définitivement tous malentendus.
Veuillez agréer, cher M. Capablanca, l'expression de ma parfaite considération.
(Signé) A. ALEKHINE.
THE NEXT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH BETWEEN ALEKHINE AND CAPABLANCA.
Master Alexander Alekhine, European Champion, forwards the following letter to Jose-R. Capablanca, of Havana, Cuba, concerning the next match for the World Chess Championship:
Montreal, November 29, 1923
Senor Jose-R. Capablanca,
World Chess Champion,
Havana, Cuba.
Dear Mr. Capablanca,
I take the liberty of writing to you on the occasion of an article published in the chess column of the Times Weekly (London) on November 8th instant, to which my friends have drawn my attention.
In this article a correspondent from Havana is quoted, who, after stating that he is in constant contact with you, and that he has read in the newspapers certain remarks attributed to me (what remarks? he does not say, preferring to make only vague allusions), says he is in a position to affirm that I have no valid reason to speak of a match with you for the world championship, since nothing has been done or agreed in this sense. He adds that I must know the conditions that you require for such a meeting and that insofar as these conditions have not yet been fulfilled it is idle to speak of a match that has not even been seriously considered.
It seems to me that this correspondent is under the influence of false impressions. And I hasten to add that I have made no statement which was not, in my opinion, the expression of the strictest truth. The only statements I have made, moreover, are that I had complete confidence in being able to arrange a meeting with you for the world championship, and that my tour in America had as its principal object to assure myself definitively whether it was possible for me to make the necessary arrangements. And when I was asked what I thought of the chances I might have, if the match took place, I simply expressed my opinion.
The correspondent from Havana, if he has truly consulted you, must know as well as I do that I cannot do anything before January 1st, the date you set as the final deadline for Rubinstein to complete the preliminary arrangements necessary to follow up on his challenge of May 1921.
On the other hand, he must also know that I challenged you as early as November 1921, and that since my challenge followed Rubinstein's, I naturally had to wait my turn.
When, following the London Congress (1922), I, along with several other masters, subscribed to the plan you had prepared to govern the question of the World Chess Championship, it was agreed that Rubinstein, given the seniority of his challenge, should have the privilege of the first meeting and that it was reasonable to grant him until January 1, 1924, to follow up on it.
I always understood that my turn would come next and that you yourself looked at the question with the same eye as me. This, moreover, is what everyone understood, if I am to judge by the numerous allusions that have been made to this match in most magazines and newspapers. This is even the personal opinion of the author of the article of November 8, since, after having quoted his correspondent from Havana, he formally declares that Rubinstein's challenge remains in force until December 31 of this year, the deadline within which he must respond to it or withdraw it, and that you cannot before the expiration of this deadline consider any arrangement with me, the next on the list; that a match between you and me, however desirable it may be, cannot yet be regarded as a certainty.
On the other hand, everyone is aware that Rubinstein's follow-up to his challenge is almost certainly out of the question, and that is why I have decided to begin the necessary preparations to ensure a better outcome for my project, and to undertake immediately, to this end, a tour of America that I would otherwise have postponed.
All this clearly demonstrates that I am taking very seriously the question of a meeting with you for the world championship, a meeting I ardently desire and which, I hope, your sportsmanship would make you welcome.
You will forgive the length of this letter, as well as the liberty I am taking in disclosing it to the newspapers; but I see no better way to clarify the situation and definitively dispel any misunderstandings.
Please accept, dear Mr. Capablanca, the assurances of my highest consideration.
(Signed) A. ALEKHIN.
December 07 1923
The Age, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, Friday, December 07, 1923
World's Chess Championship.
Alekhine v. Capablanca.
A. Alekhine has announced that his challenge to J. R. Capblanca has been definitely accepted, and he hopes the match will be played during 1924. The match will be one of six games up, drawn games not counting, with five hours' play per day at the rate of forty moves in two and a half hours. The stakes are to be 10,000 dol., of which Capablanca will take 2000, and of the balance the winner will take 60 per cent, and the lost 40 per cent.
In an interview with a Leeds journalist, Alekhine spoke of his prospects. “It will be a conflict of styles,” he said, “and in my opinion the issue will turn on the success with which one of us imposes his style on the other. Capablanca's great strength is in the end game. It may also be his weakness. I have no special pedilection for the middle game or the end game. In each position I try to find the best move.”
Alekhine played last October against 32 opponents at the Leeds Chess Club, and in a little over three hours won 28 games, lost one (to P. Wenman, an ex-Scottish champion), and drew three.
The Montreal Star, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Friday, December 07, 1923
CHESS CHALLENGE
Alexander Alekhine, Russian chess master, who is on a tour of the United States giving exhibition games, has sent a letter to Jose R. Capablanca, chess champion of the world, asking for a match to decide the championship of the world. Alekhine challenged Capablanca two years ago but had to wait until Rubinstein's challenge ran out. His challenge is good until December 31 of this year. Alekhine's challenge commences at the beginning of the year.
December 09 1923
Brooklyn Eagle, Brooklyn, New York, Sunday, December 09, 1923
The meembers of the Manhattan Chess Club are making arrangements for a simultaneous exhibition on about 40 boards to be given by Alexander Alekhine at the Hotel Sherman Square, Wednesday evening. It is expected that the rooms will be taxed to the utmost.
Brooklyn Eagle, Brooklyn, New York, Sunday, December 09, 1923
Alekhine to Play 40 At Brooklyn Chess Club
Alexander Alekhine, the Russian chess master, after appearing at the Manhattan Chess Club next Wednesday evening, will come to the Brooklyn Chess Club Thursday evening. The famous international expert, who hopes eventually to play with Capablanca for the world's championship, will be opposed by about 40 players at as many boards. Before leaving this country he expects to set a new world's mark for blindfold play, when at present is 25 games. On Thursday he will show what he is capable of doing along this line by conducting two of the 40 games there without looking at the boards or pieces. In other words, he will play them exactly as if he were blindfolded. Another novel feature to be introduced is that his adversaries may name the openings he is to adopt.
Alekhine, who will go to Providence on Saturday, will make this city his headquarters until the first week in January, when he plans to start out on his western tour. He is refraining from all indulgence in so-called “skittle” chess in order to keep himself fresh as possible for the engagements he will be called upon to fill.
The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Sunday, December 09, 1923
Alex. Alekhine is reported to have raised half of the prize money required for a match with Capablanca and hopes to be able to obtain the balance of the fund in the United States. We wish him every success in this undertaking, as a match between these two players would be of great interest to chess players throughout the world, and, judging from the scores made by the leading players within the past year, Alekhine undoubtedly would have the best chance in a match, with the possible exception of the ex-champion, Dr. Emanuel Lasker.
The great Russian player is expected to be in Philadelphia within the next two weeks and will meet at the rooms of the Musical Art Club, under the auspices of the Franklin Chess Club, all comers simultaneously. Players desiring a board should at once communicate with James F. Magee, Jr., Hamilton Court, West Philadelphia, as the number of boards will be limited.
December 10 1923
Le Devoir, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Monday, December 10, 1923
DÉPART DE M. A. ALEKHINE
Monsieur Alexandre Alekhine nous à quittés mardi soir le 4 décembre pour New-York.
L'ont accompagné à le fire du Windsor; mesdames F. A. Belque. G Maréchal et L. Giroux, ainsi que messieurs F. A. Belque, G. Maréchal, L. Blanchard, Dr. Winfrey, A Lamothe, O. Trempe. J. C. Paquin, C. Manseau et S. Seiden.
Nous lui avons tous souhaité bon voyage, succes dans son entreprise et prompt retour parmi ses amis canadiens.
DEPARTURE OF MR. A. ALEKHINE
Mr. Alexandre Alekhine left us Tuesday evening, December 4, for New York.
Accompanying him to the fire of the Windsor were: Mesdames F. A. Belque, G. Maréchal and L. Giroux, as well as Messieurs F. A. Belque, G. Maréchal, L. Blanchard, Dr. Winfrey, A Lamothe, O. Trempe. J. C. Paquin, C. Manseau and S. Seiden.
We all wished him a good trip, success in his enterprise and a speedy return among his Canadian friends.
PARTIE 52
Partie jouée en consultation, ches monsieur Antoine Lamothe, le 3 décembre entre:
PART 52; Game played in consultation, at Mr. Antoine Lamothe's, on December 3 between:
A. Alekhine A. Cartier
A. Lamothe G. Maréchal
L. Blanchard
D. Winfrey
C. Manseau
December 11 1923
Daily News, New York, New York, Tuesday, December 11, 1923
INTRICATE.—F. J. Marshall (left), American champ, and A. Alekhine, Russian champ, worked out new chess moves. News photo.
December 12 1923
December 13 1923
Brooklyn Eagle, Brooklyn, New York, Thursday, December 13, 1923
Two Win From Alekhine; Will Play Here Tonight
By Hermann Helms
Alexander Alekhine of Russia, challenger of Capablanca for the world's championship, who will afford Brooklyn enthusiasts an opportunity to see him in action at the rooms of the Brooklyn Chess Club this evening, made his debut before a New York audience at the Manhattan Chess Club last night. As had been expected, large crowd turned out to greet him and he was formally welcomed by Herbert R. Limburg, president, and Dr. Louis Cohn, charter member of the club. Norbert Lederer, chairman of the entertainment committee, after explaining the rules governing simultaneous play, introduced the famous master to the players and onlookers.
At the start Alekhine introduced a novelty and thereby handicapped himself still more by permitting every one of his opponents to name the opening he desired Alekhine to play against him. This slowed up the proceedings considerably and accounted for the length of the seance, which lasted from 8:20 o'clock to exactly 2 a.m.
Thirty-three players took boards against the Russian, who wound up with a score of 22 wins, 9 draws and 2 losses. Superficially, this does not come up to what Capablanca has done in similar performances at the Manhattan Chess Club, but in this connection the naming of the openings should not be lost sight of. Moreover, no two masters ever play against identically the same position. Thus simultaneous play offers no really reliable basis for comparison.
H. Kabatsky of Brooklyn, captain of the New York University chess team, was the first to win a game. A former college star, F. Worden, one-time Columbia captain, was the other winner. L. Samuels, this year's captain of the Blue and White, drew, after missing a win. A. E. Santasiere and E. Tholfsen, members of the champion City College team, both drew. The other drawn games stood to the credit of James Davey, H. R. Bigelow, Ed Mandel, W. M. Witt, H. Schroeder and I. Witkin.
Other opponents were Reisman, Rendon, Grimley, Malowan, Hoover, Failing, Andrew, George, Maddox, Stokes, Landau, Miss Villa, Meyer, Sternberg, Wild, Chylinski, Rocamora, Wechsler, Roszkowski, Sommer, Falk and A. J. Mandel.
It is expected that Alekhine will be opposed by 40 in a tonight's exhibition at the Brooklyn Chess Club. Two of the games will be contested by him “blindfolded;” that is, he will play these games without looking at the boards or pieces, exactly as though he had a bandage before his eyes. His opponents' moves, of course, will be called out to him.
Times Union, Brooklyn, New York, Thursday, December 13, 1923
Alexander Alekhine, of Russia, noted international chess expert and challenger of Capablanca for the world's championship, this morning, at 2 o'clock, wound up his first American exhibition in which he encountered thirty-three opponents simultaneously at the rooms of the Manhattan Chess Club in the Hotel Sherman Square. Progress was slowed up a bit inconsequence of a novelty. This consisted in permitting each opponent to name the opening he desired Alekhine to adopt. The Russian's final score comprised twenty-two wins, nine draws and two losses, which, in view of the additional handicap, was regarded as a very fine one.
This evening, at 8 o'clock, Alekhine will give a similar exhibition at the Brooklyn Chess Club, playing against forty. Two of the games will be conducted by him “blindfolded.”
December 14 1923
The South Bend Tribune, South Bend, Indiana, Friday, December 14, 1923
ALEKHINE WILL PLAY CHESS HERE
FAMOUS RUSSIAN EXPERT COMING TO SOUTH BEND.
Rival of Capablanca For World's Championship to Meet 40 Local Men in Near Future.
South Bend chess players will have the opportunity of meeting Alexander Alekhine, Russian champion, in the near future. Alekhine arrived in New York last week to make a tour of the United States and to arrange for a match with J. R. Capablanca for the world's championship. Arrangements have been made to bring Mr. Alekhine here for a simultaneous exhibition the latter part of January. He will meet 40 players, conducting two of the games blindfolded, and, in addition, give his opponents the right to name the opening they wish him to adopt.
Mr. Alekhine is probably the second ranking player in the world. Mr. Capablanca, when he was in South Bend two years ago, stated that he considered Alekhine the strongest contestant for his title. In London this year at an international congress which Capablanca did not attend, Alekhine won first prize, not losing a game.
Alekhine is described as a man of engaging personality, who has had a remarkable record in addition to the position he occupies in the chess world. In 1904 he was imprisoned in Germany as a Russian spy and while in prison Bogoljubov without board or men, which is considered one of the most remarkable on record. Later he was captain of artillery in the Russian army where he saw real fighting, was wounded, laid up in hospitals and later served with the Red Cross at the front. When the bolshevist revolution broke out, Mr. Alekhine left his home in Moscow and went to the south of Russia. He was captured and imprisoned at Odessa and was in peril of execution, but was released because of his reputation as a chess master and because he did not harbor revolutionary ideas. Under the old regime he was in the legal department of the foreign office at St. Petersburg.
More than other present day masters, Alekhine carries the game “outside the books,” adopting an impetuous style of play. In this respect he more nearly resembles Paul Morphy than any of the great players in the last half century. In addition, like Morphy and Pillsbury he is master of blindfold chess. In Montreal, upon disembarking for his present tour, he played 21 simultaneous games blindfolded.
The match will be held here under the auspices of the South Bend Chess club. The time and place will be announced later. All chess players in the city and surrounding towns are invited to attend but preference will be given to members of the chess club should more apply than Mr. Alekhine will play. Those desiring to meet the Russian master will please notify W. W. Ridenour, secretary of the South Bend Chess club, or S. B. Pettengill, remitting an underwriting fee of $5.
Brooklyn Eagle, Brooklyn, New York, Friday, December 14, 1923
BROOKLYN HOLDS OWN AT CHESS WITH ALEKHINE
Thirty-three games, including one “blindfold,” were contested by Alexander Alekhine, famous Russian chess master, in the second exhibition of his American tour, given at the rooms of the Brooklyn Chess Club, in the presence of 200 onlookers, last night. It was exactly the same opposition, numerically, that faced him at the Manhattan Chess Club the night before. The only difference was that this time he selected his own openings, instead of permitting his adversaries to name them. As an offset, he played only 32 of the games across the boards, while the moves in the 33d game were announced by him and to him without his being able to either that board or the pieces thereon.
This feat created the greatest interest, especially as Alekhine went through the entire 23 moves that were recorded without missing his way once. In fact, this was one of the most accurately played games of the evening, and when he defeated F. J. Le Count Jr., a member of the special class in the club, the applause WAS loud and prolonged.
Of the remaining games, he lost four end drew three. Consequently, he made a total score of 26 wins, 4 losses and 3 draws, equivalent to 27½ points out of a possible 33. The Russian lost two more games than at the Manhattan Chess Club, but drew six less. Play lasted from 8:30 o'clock until 1:40 a.m., at which time Alekhine seated himself for the first time opposite J. E. Wilkinson, the sole survivor, and drew that game.
H. Kabatsky, N. Y. University captain, one of the two to win from Alekhine on Wednesday, again outplayed the Russian and was the first to score his game. A. Kevitz, the club champion; W. S. Pitts and C. A. Ruberl were the other winners in the order named. The drawn games were credited to J. L. McCudden, M. J. Maxfeld and J. E. Wilkinson.
Tomorrow Alekhine will play at the Providence Chess Club, and on Monday at the City Club in Boston. A complete list of the participants in last night's exhibition follows:
G. Massa, 0;
J. E. Wilkinson, ½;
L. U. Reavin, 0;
G. A. Johnston, 0;
P. C. Maas, 0;
H. B. Bohnson, 0;
C. I. Crowell, 0;
G. J. Schweitzer, 0;
J. H. Watson, 0;
Dr. S. T. King, 0;
G. Drogen, 0;
M. Schleifer, 0;
A. Sinkov, 0;
C. M. Fitzgerald, 0;
T. J. Johnston, 0;
F. D. Everett, 0;
M. J. Maxfield ½;
H. Kabatsky, 1;
J. W. Barnhart, 0;
G. Kreines, 0;
A. Kevitz, 1;
B. Zatz, 0;
C. D. Wolff, 0;
J. L. McCudden, ½;
C. A. Ruberl, 1;
G. Scholdberg, 0;
M. Peckar, 0;
W. Belden, 0;
W. S. Pitts, 1;
W. Runham, 0;
M. Ferber, 0;
Leon Raunheim, 0;
F. J. Le Count Jr. (blindfold game), 0.
Burlington Daily News, Burlington, Vermont, Friday, December 14, 1923
THE NUT CRACKER
ALEXANDER ALEKHINE, Russian chess master has arrived in this country demanding recognition and rubles in the order named.
MR. ALEKHINE in admitting that Chess is a pastime for intellectuals, neglects to explain how he overcame the requirement.
Walter Johnson hit 20 batters last season all of whom are still suffering from headaches.
IN order to minimize the brutality of the sport, Mr. Alekhine suggests that chess players in future matches wear 16-ounce gloves and break at the command of the referee.
SURPRISE is expressed that the colleges of the country have failed to take steps to popularize chess as if the students haven't enough frivolous things to do already.
CHESS is supposed to stimulate the brain and the suspicion exists that those who play chess need brain stimulation.
OLD GUS McSWEENEY could do more with chess than anybody we ever know. Once we saw him throw a set half-way across the Mississippi River.
WOMEN do not play chess… Women have their peculiarities, but most of them will only go so far.
SOCIETY is funny … It goes out of its way to he kind to animals and yet encourage child chess wonders.
December 15 1923
Le Devoir, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Saturday, December 15, 1923
MAITRE ALEKHINE A NEW YORK
M. Alexandre Alekhine, le fameux expert russe aux echecs, des son arrivée a New York, fut recu a la gare du New-York Central, par MM. J. Cohn, Tenner, Chajes et Janowski, qui lui souhaiterent la bienvenue.
Le programme dé maitre Alekhine est deja tres charge, puisque, durant le cours de la semaine, il devait donner plusieurs seances de parties simultanees aux clubs suivants, savoir: le Manhattan Chess Club, le Brooklyn Chess Club et le Providence Chess Club.
Maitre Alekhine a declare son intention, pour terminer as longue visite aux Etats-Unis, de donner une seance de parties simultanees sans voir, a une trentaine de joueurs, de maniere a battre, sans contestation possible, le record du monde, actuellement detenu par Reti. Et nous croyons qu'il en sera ainsi. Ce sera un evenement sensationnel.
MASTER ALEKHIN IN NEW YORK
Mr. Alexander Alekhine, the famous Russian chess expert, upon his arrival in New York, was received at the New York Central Station by Messrs. J. Cohn, Tenner, Chajes, and Janowski, who welcomed him.
Master Alekhine's schedule is already very busy, since, during the week, he was scheduled to give several simultaneous games at the following clubs: the Manhattan Chess Club, the Brooklyn Chess Club, and the Providence Chess Club.
Master Alekhine has declared his intention, to conclude his long visit to the United States, to give a simultaneous game without seeing each other, with about thirty players, in order to undoubtedly beat the world record currently held by Reti. And we believe that will be the case. It will be a sensational event.
The Boston Globe, Boston, Massachusetts, Saturday, December 15, 1923
TO PLAY 40 CHESS GAMES HERE AT ONCE
Alekhine, Russian Chess Master, Comes Monday
Alekhine, the noted Russian chess master, will be a guest of the Boston City Club on Monday night, Dec. 17, and will give an exhibition of simultaneous play on 40 boards against the strongest ideal talent available. Prominent State and city officials will be present at the luncheon. The chess exhibition will begin at 7:30. Alekhine will undertake to play two of the 40 matches without seeing the boards.
Alekhine has a pleasing personality and striking presence. He stands over six feet tall, is broad shouldered, with light hair and blue eyes. Upon the breaking out of the World War he was at Mannheim, Ger. and was immediately placed in prison. He escaped, and, returning to Russia, served two years as captain of field artillery. Upon the overthrow of the Czar's Government he was arrested and sentenced to be executed, but when it was learned that he was the best chess player in Russia the death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. Later he escaped from prison and from Russia.
His style of play is vigorous and brilliant and the chess world is looking forward to a match between him and Capablanca, the present world's champion. Alekhine won his first tournament in St. Petersburg, now Petrograd, when he was 16 years old, and in 1921 he made the record of winning three tournaments without the loss of a game.
Times Union, Brooklyn, New York, Sunday, December 16, 1923
RUSSIAN CHESS MASTER WINS BLINDFOLDED.
Opposed by thirty-three players at the Brooklyn Chess Club, in the second exhibition of his American tour, Alexander Alekhine, the Russian master, made a score of 26 wins, 4 losses and 3 draws. One of these games was conducted by him "blindfolded," that is, without seeing the board or pieces. This game, in which F. J. Le Count, a first class player, played the defense, was won by the Russian. The winners were H. Kabatsky, New York University captain, who also defeated Alekhine at the Manhattan Chess Club; A. Kevitz, Brooklyn Chess Club champion; W. S. Pitts and C. A. Ruberl. The drawn games were those of J. L. McCuddon, M. J. Maxfield and J. E. Wilkinson. At the Manhattan Chess Club, Alekhine also played thirty-three with a score of 22 wins, 2 losses and 9 draws. On that occasion, the Russian played the opening suggested by his opponents, but not so in Brooklyn.
Omaha World-Herald, Omaha, Nebraska, Sunday, December 16, 1923
Alexander Alekhine.
The American tour of Alexander Alekhine, Russian chess master, being well under way, local players are doubtless interested in his various characteristics. The Brooklyn Eagle representative obtained some impressions that give us a good idea of the man and these we are pleased to offer a follows:
“A six-footer of military bearing with light hair and clear blue kindly eyes which nevertheless reflect the powerful intellect that enables him to play twenty-one games blindfolded at the same time. Alekhine has a winning personality that will make hosts of friends for him wherever he may go. His straight figure and broad shoulders bespeak the athlete rather than the mental gymnast that he is but one suspects with good reason that he is a combination of the two. One is forced to the conclusion that if this young visitor, in the prime of his manhood, sturdy and robust, with intelligence far above the average, is unable to defeat Capablanca when the opportunity to encounter him offers, then truly the great Cuban may retire on his laurels and forever after be regarded as absolutely invincible.
December 17 1923
Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Monday, December 17, 1923
A RIVAL FOR CAPABLANCA.
Since Jose Capablanca dethroned Emanuel Lasker the followers of chess have been waiting for a new master able to give the world champion a real battle. They see in Alexander Alekhine, the Russian player, who has lately arrived in New York on his first visit, a promising candidate. Alekhine may be a bit too uncanny for the tedious job of an extended match. He is another Pillsbury in his feats of blindfold chess. Pillsbury had a record of twenty-four games of chess, a game of checkers and a game of whist, playing all simultaneously and without seeing the chess or checker boards. Alekhine similarly played twenty-one games of blindfold chess this week in Montreal. The world's record of twenty-five games is credited to Richard Reti of Czechoslovakia.
Alekhine did not devote himself to chess until the Bolshevist upheaval took away his livelihood and led him to apply his genius to the game. He has had spectacular success in the recent tournaments of the European masters. His play is brilliantly unconventional, full of surprises. The customary move, the correct move according to the books, is the one he is almost certain not to play. Something of the freedom of the old slashing style when chess was an adventure, as in the, days of Morphy, marks the Russian's game.
The modern way as exemplified by Lasker and Capablanca is never to make a mistake, never to take a chance and to wear out the opponent by attrition. A large number of games are thus drawn. Those that are won are usually decided by some infinitesimal advantage in the pawn formation which a Capablanca can utilize with unerring cruelty.
If the Cuban accepts Alekhine's challenge his magnificent prudence and patience are likely to be hard put to withstand the attack of the Russian, whose ingenuity in threading strange combinations is wonderful. If Alekhine can prove that the highest order of chess can still be exciting he will have done a good service to the game from the spectator's standpoint.—New York Tribune.
December 18 1923
The Boston Globe, Boston, Massachusetts, Tuesday, December 18, 1923
RUSS CHESS MASTER SHOWS RARE SKILL
Wins 35, Draws 3 of 40 Games With League's Best
Alekhine, the Russian chess master, gave a wonderful exhibition of simultaneous play at the City Club last night. Playing against of the best players in the Metropolitan Chess League, he won 35 games, two of which he played "blindfolded," lost two games and drew three. Play began shortly before 8 and it was 1 this morning before the last player was disposed of, which happened to be Stone of Harvard.
The winners were Mott-Smith of Harvard and Hewins of the City Club, and draws were Daniel of Boylston. Putzman and Norwood of Boston Chess.
Bliss and Cragie of the City Club were the opponents against whom Alekhine played without seeing the board. The latter resigned after about 15 moves, but Bliss carried the Russian marvel along till about 10 before he, too, was forced to resign. A large number of spectators were present.
Alekhine is only 31 years old. He was born in Moscow, learned to play chess when he was 7 years old, was a good player at 11, and a master at 16. The following participated against him in simultaneous play last night:
Player, club, final score Bliss City 0 Cragie City 0 Mott-Smith Harvard 1 Daly Boston 0 Daniel Boylston ½ Jacobs Boston 0 Hewins City 1 Cummings Boylston 0 Putzman Boston ½ L. Kramer Boston 0 Allen Boylston 0 Ekwurzel City 0 O Taylor City 0 W. Kramer City 0 H. Taylor Boston 0 Franklin Harvard 0 Drake City 0 Winsor Boylston 0 Hudnut Boylston 0 Hill Boston 0 Lane Beverly 0 Hingston M I T 0 Menzel Harvard 0 Gring Boston 0 Seaver City 0 Hirshman Boylston 0 Sulik Harvard 0 Ball Boston 0 Aston Boston 0 Newt City 0 Case City 0 White City 0 Weidhorn City 0 Sherburne Boston 0 McGreggor Boylston 0 Wiley Boylston 0 Gambet Harvard 0 Stone Harvard 0 Howe Boston 0 Norwood Boston ½
Buffalo Courier Express, Buffalo, New York, Tuesday, December 18, 1923
ALEKHINE MEETS 33 AT CHESS; WINS OVER 26
New York, Dec. 17—Opposed by over 33 players at the Brooklyn Chess club, in the second exhibition of his American tour, Alexander Alekhine, the Russian master, made a score of 26 wins, four losses and three draws. One of these games was conducted by him blindfolded, that is, without seeing the board or pieces. This game, in which F. J. Le Count, a first-class player, played the defense, was won by the Russian.
The winners were H. Kabatsky, New York university captain, who also defeated Alekhine at the Manhattan Chess club;
A. Kevitz, Brooklyn C. C. champion;
S. Pitts and C. A. Ruberl. The drawn games were those of J. L. McCudden, M. J. Maxfield and J. E. Wilkinson. At the Manhattan Chess club, Alekhine also played 3 with score of 22 wins, two losses and nine draws.
The Boston Globe, Boston, Massachusetts, Tuesday, December 18, 1923
WONDERFUL DISPLAY OF CHESS BY ALEKHINE
Alexander Alekhine, Russian chess master, gave a wonderful exhibition of simultaneous play in the auditorium at the City Club last night. Playing against 40 boards at the same time and against two of these boards without seeing them, he won 35, lost two and draw three.
The exhibition began at 7:55 and it was after 1 o'clock before the last game was decided.
Those to win against the Russian marvel were Mott-Smith of Harvard and Hewins of the City Club. Cragie and Bliss of the City Club were the ones against whom Alekhine played blindfolded, and while Cragie was forced to resign about 11 o'clock, Bliss held out until about 1 o'clock.
Those to get draws were Pulzban, Daniel and Norwood.
Brooklyn Eagle, Brooklyn, New York, Tuesday, December 18, 1923
Alekhine Scores 35 Wins at Chess Play
Boston, Mass., Dec. 18—Alexander Alekhine, Russian chess master, last night played against 40 opponents on a simultaneous exhibition at the City Club. After five hour and ten minutes of play, he finished with a score of 35 wins, including two games played blindfolded, two losses and three drawn games. The winners were Mott-Smith of Harvard and Hewins of the City Club. The drawn games were scored by Norwood, Putzman and Daniel.
December 19 1923
The Times-Tribune, Scranton, Pennsylvania, Wednesday, December 19, 1923
Winning In the Dark.
Boston, Dec. 19.—Forty player took boards against Alexander Alekhine, Russian chess master, in his exhibition of simultaneous and blindfold play before the members of the City club. The performance lasted five hours and ten minutes, at the end of which the International expert came through with a score of thirty-five wins, two losses and three drawn games. He won both of the games conducted by him “blindfolded.”
K. O. Mott-Smith, of the Harvard varsity team, was successful in winning his game from Alekhine, J. Hewins, of the City club, being the other winner. The drawn games were scored by C. E. Norwood, victor in the minor tournament at Atlantic City, A. W. Daniel and J. Pitzman.
December 20 1923
Brooklyn Eagle, Brooklyn, New York, Thursday, December 20, 1923
Alekhine Back From Trip; Ready For More Conquests
By Hermann Helms
After a short trip to New England, which took him to Providence and Boston, Alexander Alekhine, none the worse for wear, is back at his headquarters in the Hotel Sherman Square, Manhattan. In Providence he won 25 out of 28 games and drew 3. In Boston he was opposed by as many as 40, of whom 35 were defeated, 2 won and 3 drew. In both places he played two of the games “blindfolded.” He won all four.
The Russian master's next simultaneous performance will be at the Marshall Chess Club on Dec. 27. In addition, he expects to participate in two consultation games at the Manhattan Chess Club on Dec. 27. In addition, he expects to participate in two consultation games at the Manhattan Chess Club, scheduled for Dec. 23 and 30. The Franklin Chess Club of Philadelphia will have him as its guest on Jan 5. Soon thereafter he will proceed West. Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago and South Bend, Indiana among other places, are all eagerly awaiting his coming.
A summary of his play, since his arrival from the other side, is appended:
Battling With Alekhine
A selection of the games played by Alekhine in his recent exhibition includes two conducted by him “blindfolded,” one each at the Brooklyn and Providence Chess Club; the two wrested from him by H. Kabatsky of New York University on successive evenings, and a fifth, strange to say, most cheerfully submitted by the loser!
Thomas J. Johnston, former secretary of the Brooklyn Chess Club, in submitting the score of his game with Alekhine remarks:
“This is a very instructive little game to amateur players of only moderate skill, like me. It may be noted that the expert, who may be said to be at least one of the strongest players in the world and is capable of holding any one to an equal battle, at no time sought gain of material, but only to establish a certain positional advantage, with complete flexibility, enabling him to shift his attack from one side to the other, almost at will. Indeed, at the end, he was the exchange and a pawn down—but with a win! Mr. Alekhine's delightful personality made the evening a real pleasure.”
Alexander Alekhine vs Francis J Le Count
Simul, 33b (1923) (blindfold), New York, NY USA, Dec-13
Spanish Game: Exchange. Keres Variation (C68) 1-0
December 22 1923
The Springfield Daily Republican, Springfield, Massachusetts, Saturday, December 22, 1923
Chess Champions Play Quiet Game
Alexander Alekhine (left), champion of Russia, engages in unofficial contest with Frank J. Marshall, American champion. (Wide World.)
December 23 1923
The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio, Sunday, December 23, 1923
City Club Asks Terms Alekhine Would Consider
By J. K. Schmidt.
WITH the announced object of securing the Cleveland appearance of Alexander Alekhine, the Russian chess wizard who is regarded by many as the logical challenger of Jose R. Capablanca for the world title, Charles B. Ryan, secretary of the City Club, last week wired Herman Helms of New York, Alekhine's American manager, asking the Russian master’s terms for his proposed engagement here next month.
“Noting the interest chess enthusiasts of Cleveland are taking in Alekhine's coming, I am asking Mr. Helms to give us his terms and the kind of exhibition he would be willing to stage here,” said Mr. Ryan, “After this information from Mr. Helms, I shall lay it before the games Committee of the club. This committee will decide if the terms can be met. Should they be accepted, the committee will haven entire charge of arrangements.”
While Alekhine usually is willing to meet all comers, chess devotees of the city feel that the most interesting exhibition would be insured if from ten to thirty of northeastern Ohio’s best players were to engage the Russian who then would play one or more of his opponents blindfolded while at the same time playing all the other boards simultaneously.
In his exhibition before the Manhattan Chess Club, New York, last week, Alekhine asked his thirty-three antagonists to choose their own openings and despite this handicap lost but two games and permitted but nine draws. The same number of players engaged him at the Brooklyn Chess Club where he played one of the boards without once looking at it. Alekhine won the blindfold game in twenty-three moves and won all but seven of the other games of which three were losses.
The playing of the blindfold game during the course of a simultaneous exhibition was a novelty which impressed the 400 or more spectators at the Brooklyn chess club's exhibition. When it was announced that the Brooklyn expert who was playing the blindfold game was ready to resign the clubroom's usual quiet was shattered by prolonged applause.
Alekhine this week is playing in New England and is not expected to start on his westward jaunt until after the first week in January. Helms, who is editor of the American Chess Bulletin is expected to give Secretary Ryan the date when the Russian master will be in Cleveland.
The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Sunday, December 23, 1923
Alexander Alekhine, the Russian player, will be at the rooms of the Musical Art Club, 1811 Ranstead street, on Saturday, January 5, and give a simultaneous exhibition under the auspices of the Franklin Chess Club that evening. Chess players not members of the Franklin Chess Club, who may desire to play, should at once notify James F. Magee, Jr., Hamilton Court, and they will be advised as to the terms of admission, as well as the charge for a board.
While in Montreal Alekhine gave a remarkable simultaneous blindfold exhibition, playing twenty-one games.
December 26 1923
December 27 1923
Brooklyn Eagle, Brooklyn, New York, Thursday, December 27, 1923
Excepting only the blindfold performance in Montreal probably no more difficult task has been proposed to Alexander Alekhine of Russia than the one which awaits him this evening at the rooms of the Marshall Chess Club, 135 W. 12 st Manhattan. It is planned to line up 35 opponents against the challenger of Capablanca.
Already over 30 have signed up and some of the best talent in the club will be in evidence. The Manhattan Chess Club has been invited to send representatives and naturally this does not tend to ease up the situation for Alekhine in any appreciable way. The Russian welcomes stiff opposition and as he has an inkling of what is in store for him he will be on his mettle and ready for the fray. Play is scheduled to begin at 8 o’clock.
December 27 1923
Brooklyn Eagle, Brooklyn, New York, Friday, December 28, 1923
Russian Down Twenty-Eight At Fast Chess
Alexander Alekhine, Russian chess master, made his third appearance in this city last night, when he fulfilled an engagement with the Marshall Chess Club and encountered 35 opponents in a simultaneous exhibition at its rooms, 135 W. 12th st Manhattan. Included in the array of talent that had been chosen for the occasion were a dozen prominent league players, among them State Champion Smirka, Club Champion Tholfsen and EA number of former champions.
Alekhine wound up rounds at 1:30 o'clock this morning, after playing his last game face to face with F. F. Russell, erstwhile Oxford University star and a son of Judge Isaac Franklin Russell of Brooklyn. Russell was one of four who drew against the Russian. The latter's final score comprised 28 wins, 4 draws and 3 losses. Capt. L. Rodney Berg, who announced the score, declared that, in view of the strength of the opposition, this was the best record the challenger of Capablanca a had made since his arrival in America.
Chief honors for the adversaries quite appropriately fell to E. Tholfsen of Brooklyn, champion of the Marshall Chess Club, who is also a member of the invincible City College team, which is carrying all before it in the pending tournament of the Intercollegiate Chess League at the Brooklyn Chess Club. Tholfsen was the first to win his game from the international grandmaster. Next in the order named, came F. F. Parker and Bruno Forsberg, both ex-champions of the club, who defeated Alekhine. In addition to Russell, Max Jacobs, Richard Stutz and G. S. Edmondson drew their games.
Cadet Virgil M. Kimm of the United States Military Academy, came all the way from West Point to cross swords with the Russian champion. Uncle Sam's future officer made a gallant fight against Alekhine's favorite Queen's Gambit and lasted for 30 moves. Alrick H. Man, president of the club, Col. William C. Cornwell fought sight by side, but, after stout resistance, tendered their resignations.
Hyman Kabatsky of Brooklyn, New York University champion, who had to his credit two against Alekhine in similar exhibitions at the Manhattan and Brooklyn Chess Clubs, succumbed last night for the first time.
Others among the defeated were: Horace Ransom Bigelow, another Oxford University champion; Orrin Frank Jr. and L. Samuels, both of Columbia University; A. E. Santasiere, City College and ex-champion of the Marshall Chess Club; Rudolph Smirka, State champion; Walter Frere of Newark; Samuel Katz, secretary of the Manhattan Chess Club; A. H. Gerwig, W. J. Garlock, George Wildey, W. H. Turner Jr., Leslie Hoover, Charles B. Kelley, A. Dimock, Paul Bertrch, William J. A. Beck, W. Freedolin, M. Frothingham, Miss H. Kenyon, Herbert P. Wirth, George B. Sturrock, E. L. Russell. H. M. Hartshorne and H. Garfinkel.
Frank J. Marshall, the United States champion, will give a similar exhibition and, if possible, against the same opponents, at the Marshall Chess Club, on the evening of Jan. 10.
December 28 1923
The Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, Ohio, Friday, December 28, 1923
Chess Star
ALEXANDER ALEKHINE, Russian chess master, is thrilling U.S. chess experts and ethusiasts with his playing these days. Recently at the Brooklyn, N.Y. chess club he played 33 opponents and defeated 26 of his opponents. He played one of the games “blindfolded”—without looking at the board or pieces.
December 29 1923
Le Devoir, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Saturday, December 29, 1923
And, the last but not the least, nous avons été assez fortunés pour avoir parmi nous, pendant plus de quinze jours, le célébre maître russe, Alexandre Alekhine qui, après nous avoir donné plusieurs remarquables séances de parties simultanées, termina son séjour à Montréal par une extraordinaire séance de parties simultanées sans voir contre vingt et un de nos meilleurs joueurs de Montréal, et s'en tira par le brillant résultat de 12 parties gagnées, 5 nulles et 4 parties perdues. Et en ce faisant, maître Alekhine créât un nouveau record américain pour parties sans voir.
Ces grandes performances de M. Alexandre Alekhine resteront un souvenir impérissable à tous ceux qui y prirent part. Et ce sont tous ces facteurs, tant ordinaires qu'extraordinaires, qui ont fait de cette année 1923, une année exceptionnelle au point de vue échiquéen, et nous permettent d'espérer, d'après l'enthousiasme qu'ils ont créé parmi les joueurs d'échecs, une autre année exceptionnellement bonne, remplie de mouvement et d'ardeur, qui sera la récompense de tous ceux qui s'occupent du développement du jeu d'échecs parmi les Canadiens français.
And, the last but not the least, we were fortunate enough to have among us, for more than two weeks, the famous Russian master, Alexander Alekhine. After giving us several remarkable simultaneous games, he concluded his stay in Montreal with an extraordinary session of simultaneous games without sight against twenty-one of our best Montreal players, resulting in a brilliant result of 12 games won, 5 drawn, and 4 lost. In doing so, Master Alekhine set a new American record for games without sight.
These great performances by Mr. Alexander Alekhine will remain an unforgettable memory for all who took part. And it is all these factors, both ordinary and extraordinary, which have made this year 1923 an exceptional year from a chess point of view, and allow us to hope, based on the enthusiasm they have created among chess players, for another exceptionally good year, full of movement and ardor, which will be the reward of all those who are concerned with the development of the game of chess among French Canadians.
December 30 1923
The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio, Sunday, December 30, 1923
Alekhine's Latest Victories.
Alexander Alekhine, the Russian master who is scheduled to visit Cleveland next month in his tour of this country, is playing a brand of the royal game which is amazing his admirers.
Terms which Alekhine asks to stage an exhibition here by Charles B. Ryan, secretary of the City Club, from Hermann Helms of New York, editor of the American Checker Bulletin, who is acting as Alekhine's manager during the Russian wizard's American tour.
“The terms have been turned over to the club's games committee, which may be expected shortly to announce disposition,” said Mr. Ryan.
“Chess fans who would like to see Alekhine play here are asked to write me to that effect and their letters will be turned over to the games committee which wants to see what interest there would be in his appearance before they take action.”
Here is the score of the blindfold game which he won from Henri Le Count while playing simultaneously thirty-two other members of the Brooklyn Chess Club recently:
Alexander Alekhine vs Francis J Le Count
Simul, 33b (1923) (blindfold), New York, NY USA, Dec-13
Spanish Game: Exchange. Keres Variation (C68) 1-0
The game which he played with T. J. Johnston, another Brooklyn opponent, was replete with the brilliancy which marks the Russian master's strategy. Here is the score of that game.
Alexander Alekhine vs Thomas J Johnston
Simul, 33b (1923) (exhibition), Brooklyn CC, New York, NY USA, Dec-13
Queen Pawn Game: Symmetrical Variation (D02) 1-0
The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Sunday, December 30, 1923
Alexander Alekhine, the great Russian player, will visit the Musical Art Club, 1811 Ranstead street, under the auspices of the Franklin Chess Club on Saturday, January 5. In the afternoon he will play single handed against S. T. Sharp and Walter Penn Shipley in consultation and in the evening he will give a simultaneous exhibition against all comers.
All members of the Musical Art Club desiring boards should promptly notify James F. Magee, Jr. Hamilton Court, Philadelphia, and chess players not members of the Musical Art Club, by applying to Mr. Magee, will be advised as to the terms of admission and there will also be a few boards reserved for chess players not members of the clubs.
Alekhine's first exhibition given in the United States was at the Manhattan Chess Club, where he was opposed by thirty-three players. Alekhine handicapped himself considerably by allowing each of his opponents to select the opening which Alekhine should play, the final score being 22 wins, 9 draws and 2 losses, an excellent score considering the unusual conditions.
December 31 1923
Passaic Daily News, Passaic, New Jersey, Monday, December 31, 1923
May Arrange Match.
Alexander Alekhine, the Russian chess champion, before completing his arrangements for a world's championship match with Jose R. Capablanca, if willing to contest a match with Frank J. Marshall, the United States champion, who also has challenged Capablanca, according to a statement made by Alekhine at the Manhattan Chess Club recently. Of course, no title will be at stake, but such an encounter would be of world-wide interest.
Related Links
- Wikipedia, Alexander Alekhine
- Alekhine Biography
- Alexander Alekhine, Chessgames index
- Britannica, Alexander Alekhine
- World Chess Hall of Fame, Alexander Alekhine
- The Best Chess Games of Alexander Alekhine
- Chessbase, Alexander Alekhine
- Ten Things to Learn From Alexander Alekhine
- Agadmator on Alexander Alekhine
- Alexander Alekhine
- Alexander Alekhine
- NIC Podcast: Alexander Alekhine, the Paris Years
- Alexander Alekhine, Wikipedia
- Google Art and Culture: Alexander Alekhine
- Alexander Alekhine
- Chessbase Investigates Alekhine
- Alexander Alekhine, Master In Chess
- Spark Chess: Alexander Alekhine
- Alexander Alekhine, Chess Genius
- Alexander Alekhine Attacking Rules
- Triumph and Tragedy of Alexander Alekhine
- Talk with Alexander Alekhine (Gab AI)
- Open Chess: Alexander Alekhine
- RChess: Alexander Alekhine
- Britannica, Alekhine
- Alekhine Memorial
- Alexander Alekhine--Attacking Chess
- ChessMate: Alexander Alekhine
