Emanuel Lasker, born on December 24, 1868, in Berlinchen, Prussia (now Barlinek, Poland), was a German chess player, mathematician, and philosopher. He was the second World Chess Champion, holding the title for 27 years from 1894 to 1921—the longest reign of any officially recognized World Chess Champion.
Personal Information
- Full Name: Emanuel Lasker
- Date of Birth: December 24, 1868
- Birthplace: Berlinchen, Prussia (now Barlinek, Poland)
- Nationality: German
- Education: Studied mathematics and philosophy at the universities of Berlin and Göttingen
- Family:
- Father: Adolf Lasker
- Mother: Rosalie Israelssohn
- Marital Status: Married to Martha Cohn in 1911
- Children: None
Chess Career Highlights
- World Chess Champion: Held the title from 1894 to 1921, defeating Wilhelm Steinitz to become the second World Chess Champion.
- Notable Achievements:
- Successfully defended his title multiple times against challengers such as Frank Marshall, Siegbert Tarrasch, and Carl Schlechter.
- Known for his psychological approach to chess, often adapting his style to unsettle opponents.
- Authored several works on chess, including “Common Sense in Chess” and “Lasker’s Manual of Chess.”
Career Statistics
- Total Games Played: Over 1,000 recorded games
- Win Percentage: Approximately 66%
- Draw Percentage: Around 22%
- Loss Percentage: Approximately 12%
- Notable Opponents: Wilhelm Steinitz, José Raúl Capablanca, Siegbert Tarrasch
Net Worth and Lifestyle
- Net Worth:
- Exact figures are not available due to the era in which Lasker lived.
- Earned income through chess matches, teaching, writing, and his work in mathematics and philosophy.
- Lifestyle Highlights:
- Lasker was a polymath with interests spanning mathematics, philosophy, and games.
- He made significant contributions to mathematics, particularly in commutative algebra.
- Known for his friendship with Albert Einstein, who wrote the introduction to his biography.
- Faced financial difficulties during World War I, leading to a temporary relocation to the United States.
Legacy
Emanuel Lasker’s dominance in chess, combined with his intellectual pursuits, has left a lasting impact on both the chess world and academic circles. His interdisciplinary approach and longevity in competitive chess continue to inspire and influence players and scholars alike.
