World Chess Championship 1890 – 1891


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


Reigning Champion: William Steinitz

World Chess Championship 1890 - 1891
William Steinitz AI generated

William Steinitz, born May 17, 1836, in Prague, Bohemia, and later a U.S. citizen, was the first official Chess World Champion, having claimed the title in 1886. This match marked his second successful title defense in the World Chess Championship 1890 – 1891. Steinitz’s influence on the evolution of chess was profound, as he pioneered positional play and steered the chess world away from the Romantic style of aggressive, tactical sacrifices. By 1890, he was firmly established as a dominant figure in chess, blending strategic depth with practical strength. Steinitz’s ability to outmaneuver opponents in the endgame became a hallmark of his reign.


Challenger: Isidor Gunsberg

Isidor Gunsberg, born in 1854 in Budapest, Hungary, in this match representing England, earned his place as challenger through a series of impressive victories against contemporaries such as Joseph Blackburne and Henry Bird. Known for his creativity and tactical brilliance, Gunsberg’s dynamic style contrasted sharply with Steinitz’s methodical approach. Gunsberg’s qualification highlighted the increasing international nature of chess, as players from diverse backgrounds competed at the highest level.


Match Overview

The championship, held in New York City, followed a first-to-10-wins format or most wins after 20 games. William Steinitz narrowly defended his title with a final score of +6 −4 =9. The match was a microcosm of the ongoing transition from Romantic to Modern chess. Steinitz’s positional mastery and endgame precision repeatedly outshone Gunsberg’s aggressive and tactical approach. One pivotal moment came in Game 16, where Steinitz, from a seemingly inferior position, demonstrated his remarkable endgame skills to secure a decisive victory. The match emphasized the growing professionalism in chess, with standardized formats and time controls further solidifying the sport’s structure.

Earlier Encounters

While Steinitz and Gunsberg had competed in European tournaments prior to this championship, this marked their first meeting in a World Chess Championship. Their previous games showcased a clash of styles, with Steinitz’s calculated positional play countering Gunsberg’s tactical ingenuity.

Quotes and Insights

Reflecting on the significance of this championship and Steinitz’s contributions to chess, Siegbert Tarrasch later noted:

“He showed us that chess is not for intuition alone but for logical thinking, a science as much as an art.”

Another contemporary reflection came from Chess Monthly (March 1891):

“This little man has taught us all how to play chess.”

These sentiments capture Steinitz’s lasting influence in redefining the approach to chess as a disciplined and strategic pursuit rather than one reliant solely on flair and intuition.


Historical and Cultural Context

The 1890–1891 championship underscored chess’s growing global appeal, particularly in the United States, where Steinitz had become a symbol of chess excellence. His immigrant background resonated in a country known for its diversity and opportunities. The match highlighted the increasing professionalism in chess, as formalized rules, time controls, and structured formats became integral to the sport’s progression. It also marked a moment when chess began to transition into a global competition, uniting players from varied cultural and national backgrounds.


Wilhelm Steinitz – Isidor Gunsberg: 6 – 4 (+ 9 draws)


World Chess Championship 1890 – 1891 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


Game 15


Game 16


Game 17


Game 18


Game 19


World Chess Championship 1890 - 1891 William Steinitz
William Steinitz AI generated

World Chess Championship 1890 – 1891

William Steinitz

World Chess Championship 1890 – 1891 | Steinitz – Gunsberg | Games

Quote Sources

Siegbert Tarrasch, «The Game of Chess,» 1931

Chess Monthly, March 1891

Sources

See the main page for all image and content credits.