Chess History and Famous Players Flashcards
6 cards from real Chess practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Chess History and Famous Players flashcards as text
Who was the first officially recognized World Chess Champion?
Answer: Wilhelm Steinitz
Wilhelm Steinitz became the first official World Chess Champion in 1886 after defeating Johannes Zukertort in a match, and he held the title until 1894.
Which player was nicknamed 'the pride and sorrow of chess' and dominated the 1850s-1860s?
Answer: Paul Morphy
Paul Morphy, the American prodigy, was nicknamed 'the pride and sorrow of chess' for his brilliant play and tragic personal life; he dominated the chess world in the late 1850s before retiring young.
Who defeated Bobby Fischer to become World Chess Champion in 1972?
Answer: None — Fischer defeated Boris Spassky to become champion
Bobby Fischer defeated Boris Spassky in Reykjavik, Iceland in 1972 to become World Chess Champion, in what became known as the 'Match of the Century.'
Who is known as 'the magician from Riga' and won the World Championship in 1960?
Answer: Mikhail Tal
Mikhail Tal, born in Riga, Latvia, earned the nickname 'the magician from Riga' for his wild sacrificial attacks; he became World Champion in 1960 at age 23.
Which World Champion held the title the longest in chess history?
Answer: Emanuel Lasker
Emanuel Lasker held the World Chess Championship for 27 years (1894–1921), the longest reign of any world champion in chess history.
What was the 'Immortal Game' played in 1851?
Answer: Adolf Anderssen's brilliancy against Lionel Kieseritzky featuring stunning sacrifices
The Immortal Game was Adolf Anderssen's 1851 victory over Lionel Kieseritzky, featuring dramatic queen and rook sacrifices followed by a bishop and knight checkmate.