keypusher: Courtesy of Chessical, from the “London Daily News” of August 4, 1891:CHESS AT THE GERMAN EXHIBITION. Herr Emil Lasker, of Berlin, made his first appearance yesterday in a very spacious and commodious room at the German Exhibition, and played chess there against all comers in order to demonstrate the great excellence to which Germans have attained in this scientific game. There was no charge for admission, and the management placed the services of this eminent chess player at the disposal of the public merely to show, in the words of Mr. Whitley, how cleverly chess is played in Germany.
In the centre of the room a space was roped off in which there were placed four chess tables, and at 2.30 Herr Lasker stepped into the ring, and after a brief introductory speech by Mr. Gunsberg, who acted as umpire, a challenge was issued to any chess player present to try conclusions with the German champion. The room was very crowded, and from those standing immediately adjacent to the ring a number at once volunteered, but only, four players could be accommodated at a time. These sat down amid the cheers of the audience, and Herr Lasker played them simultaneously, moving quietly and calmly, but nevertheless swiftly, from one player to the other. Those of the public who did not understand chess amused themselves by watching the countenances of the players, whose features assumed a more serious and troubled look as Herr Lasker succeeded in making an impression in the position of their respective games. In the wonderfully brief space of twenty minutes all the four players who bad accepted the challenge had to strike their flags before the invincible German master.
Great crowds continued to pour into the room to witness the play. As each individual player suffered defeat another volunteer, undaunted by the general fate of his predecessors, was willing to fill up the breach. By five o'clock twelve players had matched themselves against the single player, but the Champion defeated them all.
At that time Mr. Muller, a well-known strong professional player, volunteered to do battle with the German representative. In order to do justice to himself against such a strong opponent, Herr Lasker of course sat down to play Mr. Muller single-handed. The game proved a very interesting one, and although Mr. Muller played very carefully, he could not prevent his formidable opponent obtaining a decided advantage soon after the opening moves. At 5.30 the game had to be adjourned, and on being resumed at 7.30 Herr Lasker speedily increased his advantage, and finally scored the game which is given below.
In the evening ladies played some games with the German master, and play continued till 10.30, and proved an uninterrupted success for the single player. Today play will proceed from 2.30 till 5.30; said from 7.30 to 10.30, Herr Lasker playing against all comers free of charge.
Kibitzing
