Emanuel Lasker entered the World Chess Championship 1896 – 1897 as the defending champion after decisively defeating William Steinitz in 1894. At just 28 years old, Lasker combined sharp tactical skills with a pragmatic and psychological approach to chess. Since his previous title defense, Lasker had further solidified his reputation as the world’s top player by winning the prestigious St. Petersburg tournament in 1896.
William Steinitz, at 60 years old, was seeking to reclaim his title after losing it to Lasker in 1894. Steinitz earned his rematch by finishing second in the St. Petersburg tournament (1895–1896), ahead of other top contenders like Pillsbury and Chigorin. Despite his declining health and advanced age, Steinitz’s mastery of positional play and theoretical depth remained evident.
The championship followed a “first-to-10-wins” format, with draws not counting toward the score. The match took place in Moscow, where Lasker established dominance early on, winning the first four games consecutively. Steinitz struggled to find his footing, only managing his first win in the 12th game. Ultimately, Lasker retained his title with a commanding score of 10 wins to 2, with 5 draws.
Earlier Encounters
The 1896–1897 championship highlighted the generational shift in chess. Steinitz, the pioneer of positional play, represented the Classical School, while Lasker epitomized a more dynamic, adaptable style. The match underscored the evolving nature of chess as a competitive and psychological game.
Memorable Quotes
“I keep on fighting as long as my opponent can make a mistake.” — Emanuel Lasker
Emanuel Lasker – Wilhelm Steinitz: 10 – 2 (+ 5 draws)
Emanuel Lasker
Sources
All sources, image credits, and content attributions are available on the main World Chess Champions page.