1866 London Match
July 11 – August 10 | ⭐Wilhelm Steinitz, Austria
Reigning Master: Adolf Anderssen
Adolf Anderssen, born in 1818 in Breslau, was regarded as one of the strongest players of his time. His victory at the 1851 London tournament and brilliant games, such as «The Immortal Game,» solidified his reputation as a leading figure in chess. By 1866, at 48 years old, Anderssen was a celebrated master known for his attacking style, entering the 1866 London Match against Wilhelm Steinitz as an experienced and respected competitor.
Challenger: Wilhelm Steinitz
Wilhelm Steinitz, born in Prague in 1836, had established himself as a rising star in chess by 1866. His aggressive and tactical approach, honed through success in Vienna and his international debut in London 1862, set him apart as a formidable opponent. Known for his tenacity and adaptability, Steinitz entered the match against Anderssen with determination to prove himself. The contest not only tested their skills but also highlighted the strategic evolution Steinitz was beginning to pioneer, marking a shift from romanticism to positional play.
Match Overview
The 1866 match between Wilhelm Steinitz and Adolf Anderssen, held in London, was a pivotal moment in chess history. Played under a first-to-eight-wins format, with draws not counting toward the score, the match showcased the contrasting styles of the two players. Anderssen, a master of the romantic attacking style, faced Steinitz, whose positional approach was beginning to take shape.
After 12 games, the score was tied at 6–6, but Steinitz triumphed by winning the final two games, claiming an 8–6 victory. This match was one of the first to employ mechanical chess clocks, using sandglasses for time control. The contest marked Steinitz’s rise as a leading figure in chess and symbolized a shift in the game’s strategic evolution.
Quotes and Insights
Known for his sharp wit, Steinitz has often been associated with the phrase, that humorously captured the response to uninformed opinions about chess:
«Have you ever seen a monkey examining a watch?»
(ChessHistory.com)
The phrase, however, was originally spoken by Ludolph Schüll of the Liverpool Chess Club and later reported by Amos Burn in International Chess Magazine (February 1890). While Steinitz’s connection to the quote remains debated, its association with him reflects the enduring intrigue surrounding his personality and the era’s evolving understanding of chess.
Historical and Cultural Context
The 1866 London Match between Adolf Anderssen and Wilhelm Steinitz marked a turning point in chess history. Anderssen embodied the romantic era of bold attacks, while Steinitz introduced a positional approach that hinted at the future of chess strategy. Held in London, a growing chess hub, the match also featured the early use of sandglasses for time control, symbolizing the game’s professionalization.
Adolf Anderssen – Wilhelm Steinitz: 6 – 8
1866 London Match Games
Game 1
Game 2
Game 3
Game 4
Game 5
Game 6
Game 7
Game 8
Game 9
Game 10
Game 11
Game 12
Game 13
Game 14
1866 London Match
Wilhelm Steinitz
1866 London Match | Wilhelm Steinitz | Games
Sources for Quotes
- ChessHistory.com – Historical commentary and context for the 1866 London Match.
- Amos Burn (via ChessHistory.com) – Reported Ludolph Schüll’s original remark, later attributed to Steinitz.
Sources
See the main page for all image and content credits.