5 Times N.N. Upset a Chess Legend
On Tilt!
In 1620, immortal Nomen Nescio (N.N.) lost 65 chess games in a row against Gioachino Greco! In an act of humiliation, Greco published every game in The Royall Game of Chesse Play. Hell-bent on restoring honor to his no name, N.N. embarked on a centuries-long campaign to defeat the strongest chess masters of the day.
❌ François-André Danican Philidor
"Bonne nuit, mon ami"
In 1790, N.N. traveled to Café de la Régence to challenge Philidor. Although past his prime, Philidor was still widely considered the unofficial world chess champion. Can you find N.N.'s killer line that dropped the guillotine?
"Das kaput"
In 1842, N.N. played Jaenisch in a simultaneous exhibition held in Berlin. Perhaps he is a no name to you, but Jaenisch was one of the strongest chess players in the world during the 1840s. How did N.N. launch a blitzkrieg against the Black king?
"Cheerio, old chap"
In 1857, N.N. played Staunton in a simultaneous exhibition held in London. From 1843 to 1851, Staunton was considered the unofficial world chess champion. Can you find N.N.'s defensive sequence that made the Englishman drown his sorrows at the local pub?
"Strike three, you're outta here"
In 1900, N.N. played Pillsbury in a blindfold simultaneous exhibition in London. Pillsbury was still a tremendously strong player blindfolded thanks to his extraordinary memorization skills. How did N.N. make this a game to forget for the American prodigy?
"The bigger they are, the harder they fall"
In 1908, N.N. played Lasker in a simultaneous exhibition held in London. As the reigning second world chess champion, Lasker was a household name. In the game, Lasker made a thematic sacrifice on f7 with his knight. Do you see how N.N. refuted the world champion's play and won a 14-move miniature?
Thanks for reading my blog! Which N.N. game is your favorite? Have you ever played a master in a simultaneous exhibition? Leave your comments and questions below!
