Chess: Larry Evans
July 13, 2008
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
“Chess is vanity,” declared Alexander Alekhine, who wrested the crown from Jose Capablanca in 1927. Indeed, chess players are seldom afflicted with humility.
Capablanca once refused to pose with a film star, saying: “Why should I give HER publicity?” He couldn’t raise the purse for a rematch with Alekhine in an era when the world champion imposed conditions and could pick his own challengers.
Efim Bogoljubow was a born optimist whom Alekhine used as a punching bag in two title matches. In his heyday, he boasted: “When I am White, I win because I have the first move. When I am Black, I win because I am Bogoljubow.” In 1929, Bogoljubow lost by a wide margin of six points (15 ½-9 ½) and in 1934 by five points (15 ½-10 ½). He claimed that Alekhine hypnotized him, blithely dismissing his losses to the next generation: “The young demons have read my book. Now I have no chance.”
Ignatz Kolisch was penniless and abandoned chess for banking in the 19th century. He made a fortune and became a great patron of the game. Legend has it that he missed a match with Paul Morphy because the American refused to play for a stake while Kolisch, who claimed to be a professional, refused to play without one.
Wilhelm Steinitz and Johannes Zukertort attended a banquet where a toast was proposed to the world champion. They both rose!
One of Steinitz’s “customers” was Epstein, a wealthy banker who tarried over each move. When Steinitz tried to rush him, Epstein barked: “Just who do you think you are?” Steinitz stiffened: “On the Bourse you are Epstein and I am Steinitz. On the chessboard I am Epstein and you are Steinitz.”
Here is the full article.
This is why I can’t fully respect Alekhine as better than Capa…he never let Capa have a rematch. Capablanca was the better player of the two in my book.
Many players were – and are – of course both honest and gentlemen or gentlewomen. Susan Polgar is certainly one. And others could be named.
Most would agree, though, that at least one player, while for a three period one of the top 100, and who, given the chance might have been much stronger, was and is a humble individual: Boris Gulko.
Crazy chess players! (O_o)!