1834 Chess Match: La Bourdonnais vs. McDonnell

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June – October | 👑 Louis-Charles Mahé de La Bourdonnais (France)


Reigning Champion: Louis-Charles Mahé de La Bourdonnais

1834 Chess Match: La Bourdonnais vs. McDonnell
Louis de La Bourdonnais Portrait Wikimedia Commons Public Domain

Louis-Charles Mahé de La Bourdonnais, born in 1795 on Réunion, spent his early years on Mauritius, where his mother, Montlezun Pardiac, raised him. His grandfather, Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais (1699–1753), was a distinguished French naval officer and colonial administrator who governed Île de France (now Mauritius). He played a critical role in France’s naval battles against Britain in the Indian Ocean and strengthened the island’s role in the French Empire. His legacy remains well-documented, with a statue in Saint-Malo, France, making his image more widely recognized than his grandson’s.

La Bourdonnais was educated in Mauritius before moving to Paris, where he quickly emerged as one of the strongest chess players of his era. His dominance was solidified in the 1834 Chess Match, a historic encounter that cemented his legacy as a leading force in the game.

La Bourdonnais trained under Alexandre Deschapelles, France’s top player, and in 1821, he defeated his mentor in a match where Deschapelles gave odds of a pawn and two moves. This victory launched his competitive career, where he would become France’s leading chess player.

In 1821, La Bourdonnais played against John Cochrane, a strong Scottish player who was one of Britain’s leading masters. This early encounter, which he won, was a precursor to the great Anglo-French rivalry that culminated in the 1834 Chess Match. Two years later, in 1823, he defended French chess against William Lewis, an English master, securing another 5–2 victory before eventually taking on Alexander McDonnell.

«My pieces shall dance upon the board!» – La Bourdonnais

Sources: Le Palamède, 1836; Walker, William Greenwood, «Records of the 1834 Chess Match.»


Challenger: Alexander McDonnell

Alexander McDonnell, born in 1798 in Belfast, Ireland, was a chess master and a successful merchant. A key figure in British chess, he was mentored by William Lewis and became England’s strongest player. Known for his sharp tactical play and deep calculations, McDonnell challenged La Bourdonnais in what became one of the greatest encounters in chess history.

“A battle of the mind is no less fierce than one on the field.” – Contemporary account

Sources: Hooper, David & Whyld, Kenneth. «The Oxford Companion to Chess.»


Match Overview

The 1834 Chess Match, held in London, was the first major international chess encounter, symbolizing the ongoing rivalry between France and Britain. Over several months, La Bourdonnais and McDonnell played 85 recorded games, split into six matches. The final score stood at 45 wins for La Bourdonnais, 27 for McDonnell, and 13 draws, cementing La Bourdonnais as the strongest player of his era.

This game exemplifies La Bourdonnais’ signature attacking style, featuring a powerful pawn storm and relentless tactical pressure. It remains one of the most celebrated games of early chess history.

Earlier Encounters

Key Moments and Highlights

Sources: Kasparov, Garry. «My Great Predecessors, Volume I.»


Historical and Cultural Context

The 1834 match was more than a chess battle—it was a reflection of the political tensions between France and Britain. The two nations had a deep history of military and economic rivalry, and chess became an extension of that competition. The presence of John Cochrane, an experienced Scottish master who had previously faced La Bourdonnais, added another layer to this symbolic confrontation.

The match was meticulously recorded by William Greenwood Walker, ensuring its place in history. It also inspired the rise of organized competitive chess, leading to the eventual formation of international tournaments. Furthermore, it helped lay the groundwork for what would later become the World Chess Championship structure.

«This was the first great clash of nations on the chessboard.»Historical Analysis

Sources: Murray, H.J.R. «A History of Chess,» 1913; Winter, Edward. «Chess Notes.»


Results Summary

PlayersW–L–DFinal Score
Louis-Charles La Bourdonnais45–27–13Final Winner
Alexander McDonnell27–45–13Runner-up

1834 Chess Match Games

Game 5


Game 15


Game 17


Game 21


Game 30


Game 40


Game 47


Game 50


Game 54


Game 62


Game 78

1834 Chess Match: La Bourdonnais – McDonnell

Louis Charles Mahe De La Bourdonnais, France

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