Emanuel Lasker

Emanuel Lasker, born on December 24, 1868, in Berlinchen, Prussia (now Barlinek, Poland), is regarded as one of the greatest chess players in history. Lasker held the World Chess Championship title for a record 27 years, from 1894 to 1921.

He was known for his psychological approach to the game, his ability to adapt and his fiercely competitive spirit. He also made significant contributions to mathematics and philosophy, furthering his legacy beyond the chessboard.

Beyond the board, Lasker was also a generous individual, often helping his fellow chess players both financially and personally.

Early Career

• Lasker learned to play chess at the age of eleven and rapidly improved his skills. He moved to Berlin in 1888 where he joined the Berlin Chess Club and quickly established himself as one of the strongest players.

World Chess Champion

• In 1894, Lasker challenged Wilhelm Steinitz for the World Chess Championship and won, becoming the second official World Chess Champion. He successfully defended his title several times over the next 27 years, against opponents such as Frank Marshall, Siegbert Tarrasch, and David Janowski.

Later Career and Contributions to Chess Theory

• After losing the title in 1921, Lasker remained active in the chess world, although he never again reached the same level of success. He made significant contributions to chess theory and authored several books on the subject.

International Chess Master

• Lasker played in many international chess tournaments throughout his career, achieving impressive results. He won the London tournament in 1899, one of the strongest tournaments of the time, and the St. Petersburg tournament in 1914, among others.

• Style: Lasker was known for his aggressive and unpredictable style of play, often choosing unorthodox and complex lines to confuse his opponents. He was also known for his tenacity and resourcefulness, often turning seemingly lost positions into draws or even wins.

• Family: Lasker was married to Martha Cohn Lasker. He did not have any children.
• Philanthropy: Lasker was known for his generosity, often assisting his fellow chess players in times of need.

• Emanuel Lasker is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his contributions to chess theory, mathematics, and philosophy. His impact on the game and his status as an icon extend beyond the chessboard, inspiring countless chess players and enthusiasts around the world.

World Chess Champion:

• Held the title for a record 27 years

International Tournament Victories:

• Won several major international tournaments, including London (1899) and St. Petersburg (1914)

Contributions to Chess Theory:

• Authored several books and articles on chess theory

Books

• Whyld, K. (1998) The Collected Games of Emanuel Lasker. The Chess Player.
• Soltis, A. (2010) Emanuel Lasker: The Life of a Chess Master. McFarland.

Websites

• Chess.com: Information about Emanuel Lasker’s career and achievements. Available at: https://www.chess.com
• World Chess Hall of Fame: Details about Lasker’s career and contributions to chess. Available at: https://worldchesshof.org

Articles

• ChessBase: Emanuel Lasker: Career in numbers. Available at: https://en.chessbase.com
• The Guardian: Emanuel Lasker’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/emanuel-lasker