The 1889 World Chess Championship
The 1889 World Chess Championship was a significant event in the history of chess, marking another epic face-off between two of the era's greatest players, the reigning champion Wilhelm Steinitz and challenging Mikhail Chigorin. Held from January 20 to February 24, 1889, in Havana, Cuba.
The match consisted of 17 games, played under the rules of the time, with the first player to get atleast 10.5 points (best of 20) declared the champion. The results of the games were as follows:
All the 17-games in our lichess blogs.
Final Result: Wilhelm Steinitz won the match with a score of 10 wins to 6 losses, and 5 draws games, making him the first official World Chess Champion.
The 10-win games by Wilhelm Steinitz in our GMG Chess youtube channel.
The souvenir of the 1889 World Chess Championship match.
This World Chess Championship had a profound impact on the history of chess for several reasons:
1. Establishment of Formal Competitions
2. Recognition of Chess as a Serious Discipline
3. Development of Chess Theory
4. Rise of Chess as a Professional Career
5. Formation of Title and Rankings
6. International Chess Community
7. Legacy of Competitive Chess
Steinitz applied and revolutionized his approach in the game by emphasizing positional play and solid defense over the romantic and tactical style prevalent at the time. This approach laid the groundwork for modern chess strategies, like strong foundation (strong center), king safety, piece activity, exchange principle, strategica planning and adaptability.
Before we end, let's us see the key games and tactical fireworks in the match:
Game 1: It set the tone for the intense rivalry between the players.
In the diagram above, Steinitz played played 27...Rxa2? overlooking the a1-square is control by Qe5. Chigorin replied 28. Rxd5 +- and converted to win and taking the momentum.
Game 2: Wilhelm Steinitz scored back and get back to his momentum too.
In the diagram above, Steinitz played 24. d6! a good combination and converted to win and equalize the score.
Game 14: After a string of wins and losses, Steinitz began to win unstoppably.
In the diagram above, Steinitz played 18. Qg3!, the Black Knight af f4 was in trouble, then the game continued 18...Ng6 19. Qxd6 +- and converted to win.
Game 17: Steinitz's was in unassailable lead, given in a very cramped and difficult position, he managed to draw the game and retain the title.
In the diagram above, Steinitz played his last chance to capture the b3-pawn and played 36..c5, the game continued 37. Qd5 Rxb6 38. Raa8 Qf8 39. Nc4 Rc6 40. f4 b5 41. Rxb5?! Ba6! equalize the position and draw the game.
The 1889 World Chess Championship not only enriched the professional careers of Steinitz and Chigorin but also enhanced the cultural significance of chess globally, setting a precedent for future world championships.
Chess has always been more than just a game to us; it is a journey of self-discovery, a test of character, and a source of endless fascination and joy.
Thanks for reading and good luck to our chess and life journey.
by Coach Gerald Ferriol