World Chess Championship 1889

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January 20 – February 24 | ⭐William Steinitz (USA)


Reigning Champion: William Steinitz

William Steinitz AI generated

William Steinitz, born on May 17, 1836, in Prague, Bohemia, and later a U.S. citizen, is celebrated as the 1st Official Chess World Champion. By the time of the World Chess Championship 1889, Steinitz had cemented his place in chess history with his revolutionary approach to positional play. After immigrating to the United States, he adopted the name William, reflecting his new nationality and life. His methodical approach contrasted sharply with the Romantic flair of his opponent, making this match a clash of chess philosophies.


Challenger: Mikhail Chigorin

Mikhail Chigorin, born on November 12, 1850, in Gatchina, Russia, entered the World Chess Championship 1889 as the challenger after his strong performances in various tournaments. Known for his bold and tactical style, Chigorin sought to unseat William Steinitz and claim the title. His aggressive play reflected the Romantic school of chess, where imaginative attacks often dominated strategic considerations.


Match Overview

The second World Chess Championship took place in Havana, Cuba, and was contested in a first-to-10½-points format. Steinitz triumphed over Chigorin with a final score of 10½–6½, including 10 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw (+10 −6 =1). This match highlighted a stark contrast between Steinitz’s calculated positional play and Chigorin’s aggressive tactics.

Earlier Encounters

William Steinitz and Mikhail Chigorin had crossed paths before this historic match. Notably, their games in the World Chess Championship 1886 and 1883 London Tournament showcased their contrasting styles. These encounters laid the foundation for the dramatic clash in Havana, with both players refining their approaches in preparation for the 1889 showdown.

Quotes and Insights

William Steinitz humorously reflected on his opponent’s style and the philosophical clash of their match:

«The young master of the old school sacrificed pawns and pieces, but the old master did more—he sacrificed whole games to prove what he understands by sound rules.» This vivid observation underscores the dramatic differences between Chigorin’s bold, sacrificial play and Steinitz’s groundbreaking positional approach. (The New York Times)


Historical and Cultural Context

The 1889 World Chess Championship held in Havana underscored the growing international appeal of chess, with Cuba emerging as a prominent hub for major chess events. Steinitz’s innovative approach and Chigorin’s romantic spirit embodied the evolution of chess strategy and its enduring appeal.


Wilhelm Steinitz – Mikhail Chigorin: 10 – 6 (+ 1 draw)


World Chess Championship 1889 Games

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Game 17


World Chess Championship 1889
William Steinitz AI generated

World Chess Championship 1889

William Steinitz

World Chess Championship 1889 | Steinitz – Chigorin | Games

Quote Sources

The New York Times

Sources

See the main page for all image and content credits.