Alekhine Simul Leeds 1938
Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2020 10:00 am
Halifax Evening Courier - Monday 12 December 1938
World's Chess Champion Visits Leeds.
Dr. Alekhine Gives Simultaneous Display. Dr. A. Alekhine, the present chess champion of the world, gave a simultaneous display at the Leeds Chess Club on Saturday against 36 boards played by leading members of the Leeds, Bradford. Halifax, Huddersfield and other Yorkshire clubs. He became champion in 1927 by beating Capablanca, lost the championship to Dr. Euwe in 1935 and regained it last year after a great struggle with Dr. Euwe. Of the 30 games played on Saturday Dr. Aiekhine won 28, lost 2, and drew 0, a magnificent performance. He made nearly every move in a few seconds and made his way from board to board round the room with amazing rapidity. The games continued without break for five hours, when the last player, Mr. L. C. A. Lewis (Sheffield) had to play Dr. Alekhine across the board. Playing white on every board the champion opened alternatively pawn to K 4 and pawn to Q 4, playing wherever possible the well-known Ruy Lopez opening or the Queen Pawn Gambit. The two players to record wins were Mr. W. Batley (Sheffield) and Dr. Cunningham (Bradford) and the draws were obtained by Messrs. A. Green (Sheffield), T. J. Black (Leeds). E. J. Povey and C. Burrows (Bradford). C. North (Wakefield) and E. Gooder (Bradford): It was noticeable that the players who adopted the Sicilian defence and the French defence had the best games. The two Halifax players taking part were Mr. J. Staincliffe and Mr. C. H. Wilson. The latter game was noteworthy through the latest defence to the Ruy Lopez opening being employed. The moves were as follows:-
There were a good number of spectators who thoroughly enjoyed the exhibition and the pleasing personality of Dr. Alekhine. The display was the last which Dr. Alekhine will give in this country before departing to the United States of America where he will probably defend his title.
World's Chess Champion Visits Leeds.
Dr. Alekhine Gives Simultaneous Display. Dr. A. Alekhine, the present chess champion of the world, gave a simultaneous display at the Leeds Chess Club on Saturday against 36 boards played by leading members of the Leeds, Bradford. Halifax, Huddersfield and other Yorkshire clubs. He became champion in 1927 by beating Capablanca, lost the championship to Dr. Euwe in 1935 and regained it last year after a great struggle with Dr. Euwe. Of the 30 games played on Saturday Dr. Aiekhine won 28, lost 2, and drew 0, a magnificent performance. He made nearly every move in a few seconds and made his way from board to board round the room with amazing rapidity. The games continued without break for five hours, when the last player, Mr. L. C. A. Lewis (Sheffield) had to play Dr. Alekhine across the board. Playing white on every board the champion opened alternatively pawn to K 4 and pawn to Q 4, playing wherever possible the well-known Ruy Lopez opening or the Queen Pawn Gambit. The two players to record wins were Mr. W. Batley (Sheffield) and Dr. Cunningham (Bradford) and the draws were obtained by Messrs. A. Green (Sheffield), T. J. Black (Leeds). E. J. Povey and C. Burrows (Bradford). C. North (Wakefield) and E. Gooder (Bradford): It was noticeable that the players who adopted the Sicilian defence and the French defence had the best games. The two Halifax players taking part were Mr. J. Staincliffe and Mr. C. H. Wilson. The latter game was noteworthy through the latest defence to the Ruy Lopez opening being employed. The moves were as follows:-
There were a good number of spectators who thoroughly enjoyed the exhibition and the pleasing personality of Dr. Alekhine. The display was the last which Dr. Alekhine will give in this country before departing to the United States of America where he will probably defend his title.