Walter Lovegrove. Giant Killer and Ratings Anomaly.

Good afternoon everyone. Apologies for my absence - real life again rears it's ugly head!

Lots here - but believe me I have cut it short. Normal thing with my blogs - dip in and out when you have time to spare.

Those wishing to dig further can find the San Francisco Chronicle( from here 'sfc' with no chicken involved. I remember the great John James telling the story of how Sonny Terry hated coming to England because we didn't do American fried chicken.. That was a wonderful night - go google the incredible John James. O.K. While I am here, this was the first time I saw him - watched it live on a lunchtime television program. Lovely guy!)

archives online. I just did some digging to the point where I had enough for a blog - much more there to be looked at.

So. Recently GM Serper posted a nice article.  https://www.chess.com/article/view/why-did-carlsen-blunder   It reminded me of some games - including one of my own. One game ( I will give it last) was central to a blog that I never got round to - lots of those in my files - so here it is.

I don't take too much notice of ratings - particularly in the historical context. They are what they are - bits of statistical analysis. Today's impossible quiz question - which 20th century player is in the top 10 of his time without playing a single international event? The edoratings for 1904.

So who is that at number 9, ahead of some legends??

The relevant edochess info - the site is an indispensable go to for anyone writing seriously on chess history. You get the numbers, event details and primary source references - everything you need to start digging.

Well, Lovegrove was a fascinating figure. One of those guys who seem to have been good at everything he turned his attention to! ( a bit like George Thomas and my late friend, the wonderful Keith Richardson) I have found references for whist, tennis and cycling - a link from my file which is a joy - https://www.wooljersey.com/wiki/Walter_Romain_Lovegrove  

His wife - there is sfc coverage - seems to have been something of a socialite. There are also references to a notorious nightclub owner of the time who may or may not have been related! He got sued for divorce for adultery with a dancer, iirc.

The obituary from Chess Life, in 1956.

Let's give some stuff of relevance from over 60 years earlier. sfc November 18th, 1893.

An interesting column with a forgotten game. sfc Dec 30th 1893.

Some chess!

O.K. As  usual with me there is no meticulous planning here! Just posting things as they come out of the folder. Having just shown that nice picture of the young Pillsbury, let's give Lovegrove's exhibition game win against him. It's a beautiful game!
sfc. April 12. 1904.

Having mentioned Marshall, let's give a couple of games. The first one might seem strange, but back then when masters gave simultaneous exhibitions the clubs involved took it seriously and put out the best team possible. So Marshall has to face Lovegrove in a simul. 

At that time Lovegrove was quite capable of taking on Marshall on level terms. This is a proper battle.

So, from a simul game to a consultation game. On these exhibition tours the masters did all sorts to provide entertainment and earn a living. (these days they would just play an online blitz tournament sitting at home and stream it!) Alekhine did everything. Blindfold simuls, ordinary simuls, clock simuls, consultation simuls and ordinary consultation games. Masses of all of them. Here's a consultation game against the best San Francisco could put forward - Lovegrove's partner was his main rival in local circles.

Samuel Factor - originally from Poland - was a fascinating chess figure in his own right. Although his main contribution to American chess was as an organiser, he was a fine player. 

A game against the notorious Norman T. Whitaker. Not one of chess' good guys!!

So, let's get to the game which set me off on this road. For a local player to beat the world champion was quite something. Lasker - in a dead drawn position - sacrificed his Rook in the expectation of promoting a Pawn, only to fall victim to a study-like idea. 
Lots in the press of the time.

I won't give notes to the game - instead I will let you go over it for yourselves as I first did over 40 years ago - from the bare score in a book, with no engines etc ( some notes above to help you!) Feel free to give your take on things in the comments.

And some other bits still in the folder. Have included a picture of a 13 year old from Chess Life!

https://bcchesshistory.com/cablematches.html  

That's all folks! I hope you enjoyed another of my looks at one of 'the forgotten'. (with apologies for the lack of organisation and my typos Take care.