Chess 02 Dec 1923, Sun The Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio) Newspapers.com
Modern Chess Masters Show Spectacular Winning Plays
European Stars Resort to New Tactics and Win
By J. K. Schmidt.
Enthusiasts of chess who have complained that the game as played by the masters is too tame and follows too closely the thoroughly explored tactics, thereby eliminating practically all possibility of brilliant, spectacular tactics, have had little to say since the scores of games played by the younger European exponents in recent tournaments have been available.
Since the arrival in America of Alexander Alekhine, the young Russian wizard, whose strategy almost completely confounds his antagonists, those who have been shouting for “clever tactics” have been unusually quiet. For Alekhine, apostle of the unexpected in chess, is so full of tricks that his playing smacks of the uncanny, even to those who have been clamoring loudest for the spectacular form of game.
Chess players of the United States have been waiting patiently to see Alekhine in action, and their patience is soon to be rewarded. Since his arrival in Montreal nearly two weeks ago, little has been heard of his activities, although it is known that the dominion's chess fans are keeping him busy.
He is to make his first appearance in New York this week, however, and after that will visit other cities in this country. When he will reach Cleveland is not yet disclosed, but probably will be announced in plenty of time.
Another European player who has been displaying tactics of an unusual order is Bogoljubov, another Russian master of remarkable skill. And, of course, there is Akiba Rubinstein, still another Russian who ranks among the best that Europe has to offer. Rubinstein's strategy is of a less sensational nature than that of Alekhine and the question of superiority remains to be decided.
Jose R. Capablanca of Havana, holder of the world title, who has been challenged by Rubinstein, Alekhine and Frank J. Marshall, United States champion, can hardly be accused of lacking in chess brilliancy, even though it be admitted he lacks the meteoric flights of the Russians named.
The future undoubtedly will disclose whether tactics as brilliant as those frequently exhibited by Alekhine are tenable.
