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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
William Steinitz
Quote Sources
Siegbert Tarrasch, «The Game of Chess,» 1931
Chess Monthly, March 1891
Sources
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