Wilhelm Steinitz, born on May 14, 1836, in Prague, Bohemia (now the Czech Republic), was an Austrian-American chess player renowned as the first official World Chess Champion. His contributions to chess theory and his strategic approach earned him the title “Father of Modern Chess.”
Personal Information
- Full Name: Wilhelm Steinitz
- Date of Birth: May 14, 1836
- Birthplace: Prague, Bohemia, Austrian Empire
- Nationality: Austrian-American
- Education: Studied mathematics at the Vienna Polytechnic Institute
- Family:
- Father: Joseph Steinitz
- Mother: Anna Steinitz
- Marital Status: Married Caroline Golder in 1869; after her passing, married Flora Wood in 1895
- Children: Two daughters, Flora and Julia, with his second wife
Chess Career Highlights
- Grandmaster Title: While the formal title of Grandmaster was not established during his era, Steinitz was widely recognized as one of the leading players of his time.
- World Chess Champion: Held the title from 1886 to 1894, becoming the first official World Chess Champion after defeating Johannes Zukertort.
- Notable Achievements:
- Pioneered the positional approach to chess, emphasizing the importance of structure and long-term planning over immediate tactical considerations.
- Authored influential writings on chess theory, including analyses of the 1889 New York tournament.
- Engaged in notable matches against contemporaries such as Adolf Anderssen and Emanuel Lasker.
Career Statistics
- Total Games Played: Over 1,000 recorded games
- Win Percentage: Approximately 47%
- Draw Percentage: Around 30%
- Loss Percentage: Approximately 23%
- Notable Opponents: Johannes Zukertort, Emanuel Lasker, Adolf Anderssen
Net Worth and Lifestyle
- Net Worth:
- Exact figures are not available due to the era in which Steinitz lived.
- Earned income through chess matches, journalism, and teaching.
- Lifestyle Highlights:
- Known for his analytical approach to chess and contributions to chess journalism.
- Faced financial difficulties later in life, exacerbated by declining mental health.
- Passed away on August 12, 1900, in New York City.
Legacy
Wilhelm Steinitz’s systematic approach to chess laid the foundation for modern chess strategy. His emphasis on positional play and theoretical contributions have profoundly influenced the development of chess, earning him recognition as a pivotal figure in the game’s history.
