Chess From 1910-1919

This period featured important chess matches, tournaments, and World Championship play. Two significant books of the period were Modern Chess Openings by British players, Richard Clewin Griffith (1872-1955) and John Herbert White (1880-1920) published in 1911 with an enlarged edition in 1913. It has been called “the first scientific study of the openings in the twentieth century” and “for over forty years was regarded as the main book on the openings throughout the world” (H. G. Golombek, ed., Golombek’s Encyclopedia of Chess [New York: Crown Publishers, 1977], 202).

The second volume was H. J. R. Murray’s (1868–1955) magisterial A History of Chess published in 1913. It “at once became the standard book on the subject” (Golombek, 206).

On August 1, 1914, a major tournament was stopped with the beginnings of hostilities leading to World War I. With the declaration of war, eleven “Russian” players were interned in Rastatt, Germany. When the war ended, a ‘Special Victory Congress’ was held (1919).

This Crossword brings to mind important players and chess events through this very volatile period.

Be sure to check the great resources here at Chess.com for insights on events and chess players of this period.

I hope you enjoyed reflecting on this historic period in chess.

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