World Chess Championship 1935

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The World Chess Championship 1935 took place across thirteen cities in the Netherlands. The reigning champion, Alexander Alekhine (France), faced challenger Max Euwe (Netherlands). In a historic upset, Euwe won the match and became the ★5th Official World Chess Champion★. This was the first time a Dutch player claimed the title and marked the beginning of modern, team-based match preparation.

World Chess Championship 1935, Alexander Alekhine, Max Euwe

📷 Euwe–Alekhine match, 1935
Unknown Photographer: Képes Pesti Hírlap (License: Public domain) via Wikimedia Commons

Winner/Challenger: Max Euwe

Born: 1901, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Died: 1981, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Max Euwe was a respected mathematician and top-tier amateur who stunned the world by winning the 1935 title. Known for his logical style and deep positional understanding, Euwe was a disciplined competitor who relied on careful preparation and a strong team of seconds, including Salo Landau. Despite being underestimated, he demonstrated exceptional endgame skill and a cool temperament under pressure. His use of adjournment analysis was innovative and signaled a new, scientific approach to championship play.

“Alekhine’s real genius is in the preparation and construction of a position, long before combinations or mating attacks come into consideration at all.” — Max Euwe

Euwe’s victory transformed chess culture in the Netherlands, inspiring a surge in national enthusiasm and laying the foundation for his later role as FIDE President (1970–1978).

Reigning Champion: Alexander Alekhine

Born: 1892, Moscow, Russian Empire
Died: 1946, Estoril, Portugal

Alexander Alekhine had dominated the chess world since defeating José Raúl Capablanca in 1927. By 1935, he was revered for his aggressive play, deep tactical foresight, and opening preparation. However, personal instability and possible alcohol-related issues plagued him during this match. Despite leading at several stages, he struggled with inconsistency. His reliance on intuition occasionally failed against Euwe’s methodical resistance.

“I have never in my life played the French Defence, which is the dullest of all openings.” — Alexander Alekhine

Alekhine’s loss shocked the global chess community, though he would later reclaim the title. The match revealed the limits of individual preparation in an era transitioning to team-supported competitive chess.

Match Overview

🗓️ Match Dates: October 3 – December 15, 1935
📍 Location: Thirteen cities across the Netherlands (including Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam)
✅ Format: Best of 30 games
⏱️ Time Control: 40 moves in 2.5 hours, followed by 16 moves per hour
💰 Prize Fund: 10,000 Dutch guilders (5,000 to the winner)
📄 Main Sponsors: Dutch Chess Federation, Dutch press

Historical and Cultural Context

The Euwe–Alekhine match became a national sensation in the Netherlands, with radio broadcasts and front-page newspaper coverage. Euwe’s win, viewed as the triumph of scientific chess over romantic aggression, galvanized Dutch interest in the game. This was the first World Championship where both players had full-time seconds, ushering in a new professional era. International observers praised the organizational efforts, and public enthusiasm set new records.

World Chess Championship 1935, Max Euwe (NED), Alexander Alekhine (FRA)

World Chess Championship 1935 Games

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Game 30

World Chess Championship 1935

Max Euwe, Netherlands

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World Chess Championship 1935 Sources

Quote Sources

General Sources

Photo Credits

📷 Euwe–Alekhine match, 1935
Unknown Photographer: Képes Pesti Hírlap (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.