World Chess Championship 1934

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The World Chess Championship 1934 was a rematch between Alexander Alekhine (France) and Efim Bogoljubov (Germany), held across twelve German cities. Alekhine successfully defended his title with a dominant score, reaffirming his position as the world’s strongest player during a politically charged time in Europe.

World Chess Championship 1934, Dr. Max Euwe vs Efim Bogoljubov, Amsterdam (1928) — **Note** *This game is **not** from the World Chess Championship match between Alekhine and Bogoljubov*
📷 *Dr Max Euwe vs Efim Bogoljubov Amsterdam 1928*
**Spaarnestad Photo Unknown Author** Public domain License Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

World Chess Championship 1934, Alexander Alekhine, Efim Bogoljubov — 📷 **Library of Congress George Grantham Bain Collection** Public domain License Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

Winner/Reigning Champion: Alexander Alekhine

Born: October 31, 1892, Moscow, Russian Empire
Died: March 24, 1946, Estoril, Portugal

Alexander Alekhine, the reigning World Champion since defeating Capablanca in 1927, was at the height of his powers in 1934. Renowned for his aggressive style, deep combinations, and meticulous psychological preparation, Alekhine had already overcome Bogoljubov once in 1929. In the years leading up to this rematch, he further established his dominance in tournament play. His preparation was meticulous, and he used the match to demonstrate both strategic depth and tactical sharpness.

Despite growing personal complexities, including controversies around his political alignments and drinking habits, Alekhine’s 1934 performance solidified his place in history. The match revealed a player still in command of his game and capable of repelling all challengers.

«One must prepare not only the mind but the spirit. In chess, as in war, strategy decides the outcome.» – Alexander Alekhine

Challenger: Efim Bogoljubov

Born: April 14, 1889, Stanislavchyk, Russian Empire (now Ukraine)
Died: June 18, 1952, Triberg im Schwarzwald, West Germany

Efim Bogoljubov, a former Soviet citizen who became a German representative, was among the most energetic and charismatic players of his time. He was known for his tactical creativity, flamboyant attacks, and risk-taking playstyle. Since his previous title match loss in 1929, he had maintained strong form, especially on the German tournament circuit. Bogoljubov earned another shot at the title largely due to support from German chess circles and his continuing visibility in elite play. However, despite bursts of brilliance, he struggled against Alekhine’s disciplined technique and opening preparation. The match further emphasized the gap between the two, though Bogoljubov’s resilience and fighting spirit were widely respected.

«Against Alekhine, even the best preparation feels insufficient. His depth in calculation and understanding is unmatched.» – Efim Bogoljubov

Match Overview

🗓️ Match Dates: April 1 – June 14, 1934
📍 Location: Multiple cities across Germany, including Berlin, Bad Aachen, and Leipzig
✅ Format: Best of 30 games, first to win 6 games
⏱️ Time Control: 40 moves in 2.5 hours, then 16 moves per hour
💰 Prize Fund: Estimated winner’s share around 10,000 Reichsmarks (equivalent to ~$85,000 today), structured as a majority-wins reward
📄 Main Sponsors: German Chess Federation, regional clubs, and state-supported cultural organizers

Historical and Cultural Context

The 1934 match took place in Nazi Germany, amid growing state control over public events. Though the match itself remained largely apolitical, it was held under a regime that saw chess as a vehicle for national pride and intellectual discipline. The games were hosted across cities with strong cultural backing and reported in both German and international press. While Capablanca’s exclusion was controversial and questioned by many, especially in the West, the rematch was well-attended and widely publicized. Alekhine’s continued dominance reinforced the image of chess as a symbol of elite mental mastery.

World Chess Championship 1934 Rematch, Alexander Alekhine (FRA), Efim Bogoljubov (GER)

World Chess Championship 1934 Games

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Game 2

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Game 6

Game 7

Game 8

Game 9

Game 10

Game 11

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Game 13

Game 14

Game 15

Game 16

Game 17

Game 18

Game 19

Game 20

Game 21

Game 22

Game 23

Game 24

Game 25

Game 26

World Chess Championship 1934

Alexander Alekhine, France

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World Chess Championship 1934 Sources

Quote Sources

Alexander Alekhine: My Best Games of Chess 1908–1937 – (Dover Publications, 1985)
Efim Bogoljubov (translated): Deutsche Schachzeitung, 1934 – (translation confirmed via ChessHistory.com)
Chess Monthly (1934): Various match reports and commentary – (archive-only)

General Sources

Wikipedia: FIDE World Chess Championship 1934
Wikipedia: Alexander Alekhine
Wikipedia: Efim Bogoljubov
ChessBase: Historical Overview of World Championship Matches
ChessHistory.com: Match summaries and analysis
Edward Winter: Chess Notes
Shakhmaty v SSSR: Soviet reporting, 1934 issues – (translated excerpts)
New in Chess Archives: Issue references to Alekhine’s reign – (NIC Magazine)
HathiTrust Digital Library: Search: «Schach 1934» – (archival content)
BritBase: UK correspondence and reviews of Alekhine’s match – saund.co.uk

Photo Credits

📷 Dr. Max Euwe vs Efim Bogoljubov, Amsterdam (1928)
Spaarnestad Photo / Unknown Author: Public domain (License: Public Domain) via Wikimedia Commons

📷 Alexander Alekhine (portrait, possibly 1924)
Library of Congress (George Grantham Bain Collection): Public domain (License: Public Domain) via Wikimedia Commons

Sources, image credits, and attributions for this championship are listed on this page. For general information about the World Chess Champions timeline, visit the main page.