Some Lasker Simultaneous Games And A Bit Of History.

Quick (!) bit of self indulgence today. Those who read my last few blogs will know that I have been in my library digging through Lasker's simultaneous games. Of course, many of the recorded ones were losses. At the back of the book I had noted some that had points to go back to and take another look, so I will give them here.

As I have mentioned, Lasker liked to have some fun in such events, and also provide some entertainment and playing to the gallery. However, that was not always the case!

One result strikes you going through the collection. In Philadelphia, December 29th, 1892 he recorded a score of 4 wins, no losses, and fifteen draws! So let's get to that - an example of Lasker with his professional head on - it's a nice little story.

I got the details from John Hilbert's wonderful book on Walter Penn Shipley.

Shipley recalled the events many years later in the Philadelphia North American, Dec 5, 1905.

'' The doctor had nineteen opponents, and among them were about a dozen of the strongest players of The Franklin Chess Club. Before play started the doctor was asked how many games he expected to lose.

He replied that if he took pains and was satisfied with drawn games he might not lose any. This statement was received with astonishment by the Philadelphians, and a small purse was raised to be handed to the doctor in addition to his regular fee for the evening entertainment, on condition that he make good his statement and did not lose a single game.

All the Philadelphia players were informed of the conditions of play, and each one urged to play for a win. Dr. Lasker opened nearly all the games with the Ruy Lopez, the exception being when his opponents avoided this opening by the French, Sicilian, or some irregular defenses.

At the conclusion of the exhibition the score stood: Dr Lasker won 4, lost 0, drawn 15. It was what might be called a checker score''.

According to the Philadelphia Public Ledger of Dec. 30th, 1892 Lasker wagered $10 to $30 on not losing a game, and that no visiting player had ever gone unbeaten there before.

While we are there, another bit of Lasker professionalism. ( I will cut the story short) He already knew that Shipley had made a special study of the Steinitz Gambit, so in the second of his two exhibitions he used that opening against Shipley, and then got him to write out his analysis of the opening for him ( Some was later published in Lasker's Chess Magazine, I think) Useful preparation for a potential match with Steinitz. That game is a fascinating one.

Right, let's get to those games that I found so interesting many years ago. ( I might do a selection of Lasker's best simultaneous games at some point)

A couple where I have engine checked my own thoughts first.

And this bit of playing to the gallery madness - I have no doubt that Lasker must have seen the simple way to win, but chose to play something more spectacular. The game also shows that he was not really a natural gambit player.

And the rest, as they come out of the folder, for you to study for yourselves, or just enjoy.

In the first one he game odds in all the games, I think.

O.K. Thanks for joining me in this little bit of self indulgence. I hoped you enjoyed it, and will join me next time. Take care guys.