Interesting Capablanca Letter
José Capablanca Letter
May 18, 1923
Norbert Lederer was one of the great chess organizers in the United States in the 1920s.
Among tournaments that he organized were the legendary New York 1924 and 1927
tournaments. In the spring of 1923, he had written to the world champion, José Capablanca,
inquiring about the possibility of Capablanca participating in an upcoming tournament.
Capa’s reply...(Russell Collection #1552)
From: J.R. Capablanca
To: Norbert Lederer
Date: May 18, 1923
Dear Mr. Lederer:
Your letter of the 5th at hand. As a general proposition I do not have any interests in small
tournaments. I have decided not to play except in tournaments of importance provided I get
a large enough retainer. I make of course exceptions to this rule when I think the
circumstances warrant it. I do believe that chess needs to be boosted in the U.S. and to that
effect I shall be willing to play, provided that the first prize be no less than $1,000 and the 2d
$700. My retainer would be $1,000 and I should receive in addition any expenses that may
be allowed to the other players for travelling and living purposes. That would be the
minimum. If you think you can raise the money let me know so as to fix the date as well as
the playing conditions that I would consider necessary for my participation.
Wishing you success in any case I remain
Sincerely yours
/s/ J.R. Capablanca
http://www.chesscafe.com/text/capalet.pdf
