Emanuel Lasker

     Emanuel Lasker was a true master. He is one of my favorites. He was born on December 24, 1868 and died on January 11, 1941. He is recognized by most as one of the greatest players in the history of chess. He was a German mathematician and philosopher who was the world chess champion for 27 years, by far more than any other player. He was said to have a more psychological approach to chess, by sometimes playing inferior moves just to confuse his opponents. Lasker published several magazines and 5 books on chess. In 1893 Lasker had traveled to the United States and challenged one of the top players at the time (Siegbert Tarrasch who had won 3 consecutive international tournaments) to a match. Tarrasch declined and told Lasker to improve his skills and first try and win an international title. Lasker frustrated by Tarrasch challenged the reigning world champion at the time (Wilhelm Steintz) to a match. Lasker beat Steintz to become world champion by winning more than half of the matches played around the country (his final score was 10 wins 6 losses and 4 draws). To prove beating Steintz wasn't a fluke they played again and Lasker won again with 10 wins 2 losses and 5 draws. In 1908 he finally got to play Tarrasch who had declined him earlier. Lasker beat Tarrasch to keep his title as world champion with a score of 8 wins 3 losses and 5 draws. Tarrasch claimed the weather was the reason for his defeat.
I will possibly go into more detail about Lasker in the future.