Capablanca v James E Lewis (manhatton Chess Club1941)

Andrew Smith · Post by **Andrew Smith** » Wed Mar 20, 2024 2:57 pm

This game popped up on my phone's youtube channel from Gotham Chess. I thought it was interesting because Capa lost, and I have never heard of his opponent. I had a quick look online but couldn't see any info on him. There seemed to be errors on both sides bur overall, James Lewis seemed to play very well and wasn't overawed by his illustrious opponent and checkmate him! There couldn't have been much at stake for Capa, as he casually sacrifices his queen. In fact, you would never guess that it was Capa who was playing, judging by the style of play!

Roger de Coverly · Post by **Roger de Coverly** » Wed Mar 20, 2024 4:02 pm

Andrew Smith wrote: ↑
Wed Mar 20, 2024 2:57 pm
I thought it was interesting because Capa lost, and I have never heard of his opponent. I had a quick look online but couldn't see any info on him.

Some databases attribute the game to a James E Lewis of the Dominican Republic. That is in error as this James E Lewis was born in 1961 and has played in Olympiads.

Capablanca and Manhattan chess club experts may know more. The 1941 Manhattan championship seems to have had some famous names. As well as more games by Capa, there's also Reinfeld, Marshall, Reshevsky, Fine, Emanuel Lasker, Denker, Weaver Adams etc.

John Upham · Post by **John Upham** » Wed Mar 20, 2024 4:16 pm

See https://players.chessbase.com/en/player ... 20E/149107

Roger de Coverly · Post by **Roger de Coverly** » Wed Mar 20, 2024 4:21 pm

John Upham wrote: ↑
Wed Mar 20, 2024 4:16 pm
See https://players.chessbase.com/en/player ... 20E/149107

Not the guy that beat Capa though.

Jon D'Souza-Eva · Post by **Jon D'Souza-Eva** » Wed Mar 20, 2024 4:41 pm

The Brooklyn Daily Eagle on Thursday, 13th November, 1941, gave his name as Joseph Lewis:

John Upham · Post by **John Upham** » Wed Mar 20, 2024 4:47 pm

Roger de Coverly wrote: ↑
Wed Mar 20, 2024 4:21 pm

John Upham wrote: ↑
Wed Mar 20, 2024 4:16 pm
See https://players.chessbase.com/en/player ... 20E/149107

Not the guy that beat Capa though.

Indeed. Had he known HG Wells...

Roger de Coverly · Post by **Roger de Coverly** » Wed Mar 20, 2024 4:59 pm

Jon D'Souza-Eva wrote: ↑
Wed Mar 20, 2024 4:41 pm
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle on Thursday, 13th November, 1941, gave his name as Joseph Lewis:

So a moment of glory in a simul.

Christopher Kreuzer · Post by **Christopher Kreuzer** » Wed Mar 20, 2024 8:59 pm

Er, yes. Not really notable at all. Sadly.

Christopher Kreuzer · Post by **Christopher Kreuzer** » Wed Mar 20, 2024 9:00 pm

Miss Karff may be interesting. Anyone?

Matt Mackenzie · Post by **Matt Mackenzie** » Wed Mar 20, 2024 10:08 pm

Mona May Karff?

A reasonably well known US female player, if that's who it is.

Christopher Kreuzer · Post by **Christopher Kreuzer** » Wed Mar 20, 2024 10:15 pm

Matt Mackenzie wrote: ↑
Wed Mar 20, 2024 10:08 pm
Mona May Karff?

A reasonably well known US female player, if that's who it is.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mona_May_Karff

Goodness. That will teach me to post without checking first! Very well known (certainly to her contemporaries).

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Capablanca v James E Lewis (manhatton Chess Club1941)

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