Chess history trivia

Historical knowledge and information regarding our great game.
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MJMcCready
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Re: Chess history trivia

Post by MJMcCready » Tue Aug 30, 2016 6:02 am

Correct on every front Leonard, I have the replies to his letter also, which suggest it was not well received!

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Gerard Killoran
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Re: Chess history trivia

Post by Gerard Killoran » Mon Sep 05, 2016 3:49 pm

There was a simul where the chess professional was reported to have played at a rate of more than 300 moves in the first half hour. Who was it?
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Nick Grey
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Re: Chess history trivia

Post by Nick Grey » Mon Sep 05, 2016 6:53 pm

Kasparov

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Gerard Killoran
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Re: Chess history trivia

Post by Gerard Killoran » Mon Sep 05, 2016 10:15 pm

Not Kasparov
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Leonard Barden
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Re: Chess history trivia

Post by Leonard Barden » Mon Sep 05, 2016 10:39 pm

Having found the answer (which I won't reveal) on the internet , I think it is very difficult without a clue as the player concerned does not spring to mind at all as a speed or simul specialist.

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MJMcCready
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Re: Chess history trivia

Post by MJMcCready » Tue Sep 06, 2016 3:47 am

Petrosian?

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Gerard Killoran
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Re: Chess history trivia

Post by Gerard Killoran » Tue Sep 06, 2016 9:37 am

Not Petrosian. Leonard is right, it is too hard a question. I was expecting/hoping to get Susan Polgar as an answer.

The simul took place in London in the 1890s and the professional wasn't Blackburne.
A 'miserable worm' - Nigel Short

Kevin Thurlow
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Re: Chess history trivia

Post by Kevin Thurlow » Tue Sep 06, 2016 10:30 am

"I was expecting/hoping to get Susan Polgar as an answer."

You would have done if I had read this earlier! (With a comment about whether the event took place as claimed.)

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MJMcCready
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Re: Chess history trivia

Post by MJMcCready » Tue Sep 06, 2016 12:12 pm

Steinitz?

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Gerard Killoran
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Re: Chess history trivia

Post by Gerard Killoran » Tue Sep 06, 2016 12:57 pm

Not Steinitz - but very, very close.
A 'miserable worm' - Nigel Short

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MJMcCready
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Re: Chess history trivia

Post by MJMcCready » Tue Sep 06, 2016 8:44 pm

Close in what sense? Alphabetically, style, chronology, severity of mental illness, success, nationality, hat size?

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Gerard Killoran
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Re: Chess history trivia

Post by Gerard Killoran » Wed Sep 07, 2016 12:22 am

Steinitz was Jewish, came to the UK from central Europe, wrote newspaper chess columns, got into rows with other chess writers, played a match for the world's chess championship in 1891...
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IM Jack Rudd
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Re: Chess history trivia

Post by IM Jack Rudd » Wed Sep 07, 2016 12:23 am

Isidor Gunsberg, then.

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Gerard Killoran
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Re: Chess history trivia

Post by Gerard Killoran » Wed Sep 07, 2016 12:45 am

Yes!
London Evening News And Post - November 28, 1891.jpg
London Evening News And Post - November 28, 1891.jpg (77.88 KiB) Viewed 1166 times


The first 15 minutes show a rate of 880 moves an hour.
The Sydney Mail - Jan 16, 1892.jpg
The Sydney Mail - Jan 16, 1892.jpg (52.46 KiB) Viewed 1166 times
A 'miserable worm' - Nigel Short

Nick Grey
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Re: Chess history trivia

Post by Nick Grey » Wed Sep 07, 2016 12:51 am

Battersea's strongest player = earlier question so I ought to have got this.
Obviously was not charging too much for these over the years which is probably why he was bankrupt 20 years later.

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