New York 1924

The New York 1924 tournament was one of the best! Andy Soltis, in the Foreword to the 21st Century Edition of this tournament book (Russell Enterprises, 2008), wrote that “New York 1924 was a super-tournament that was truly extraordinary” (4).

The roster of players displayed the strength of the field. One can begin with Emanuel Lasker, then Capablanca, Marshall, and Alekhine…and the appetite is whetted for replaying these fantastic games and entering into the ethos of the tournament. Soltis writes: “Three world champions—undisputed world champions, mind you—fulfilling their destiny” (4).

The wider context of the tournament is marvelously unfurled in Edward Winter’s: ‘Chess in 1924’ (https://www.chesshistory.com/winter/extra/1924.html). The tournament is discussed by GM Dejan Bojkovat (dbojkov) at  https://www.chess.com/article/view/the-great-tournaments-of-the-past-new-york-1924 .

Alekhine wrote the tournament book, presenting “deep annotations,” and what Soltis calls “clearly the best tournament book in English for half a century” (5). It belongs in all libraries.

Important games emerged. Réti vs. Bogoljubow’s (the spelling in the tournament book) First Brilliancy Prize game has been “immortalized” by a tee-shirt!

The Crossword below presents different aspects of the tournament. I hope this will stimulate your further scouring for resources to enhance your appreciation of this famous and remarkable chess tournament!

For the Answers to the Crossword, please click on the Solution button below.

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