"In any case, the <quite consistent> opinion of the chess world">

There is only one justifiable way for us to speak about <Dr. Tarrasch>= which is to mention that by the standard of German society of his time, he was not in fact a doctor.

Then we'd be debunking a legend.

"prevailing opinion"

"quite consistent opinion"

One? The other? Coin toss?

"Kasparov dominated the Linares 1990 Tournament.">

To do so would not only be incorrect, it would be anathema to the entire idea of a chess history in the first place.

It would demean the efforts of actual scholars who have worked hard to find out which these masters was actually a doctor.

I was.

Game Collection: WCC: Alekhine-Bogoljubov Return Match 1934

<We have to tread lightly here. It would not be fair, nor factual, to <mistranslate> a statement solely because we don't like the questionable grammar(akin to the earlier [sic] discussion). I like the sound of "quite consistent", but defer to the German speakers and their consideration of whether that is <accurate>.>

Your point has me leaning to "quite consistent."

I changed it to your choice- now it reads

<And adjusted for English diction, grammar, and idiom:

<"In any case, the quite <<<consistent>>> opinion of the chess world suggests that Dr. [sic] Alekhine will retain the WC title. The people's expectations to see substantial and exciting games will surely be met.">

-'Neue Wiener Schachzeitung'
April 1934
p. 97>

I agree with this:

<<But if we capitalize Tournament and Match in all cases, we don't need to do any magic.> I don't like a capital in this statement:

<In 1920 Alfred E. Neuman played in three major tournaments.>

However, that case is one that is referring irrefutably to a non-name. Once you start referencing "international tournaments", I think you've reached a tipping point where it does suggest a name. So, my opinion would be if "tournament" stands alone and is definitely a non-name reference, it should be lower case. If "international tournament" appears, that hints of a name and should be capitalized.>

Our STANDARDIZATION TEMPLATE now reads

<Standardizations:

-No religious tags. <DECIDED>

-Capitalization? <two votes for Ohio-JFQ formula (see below)>

-Use of non-chess titles? <DECIDED> on the <Karpova formula>:

-------

Non-chess titles <Karpova formula>:

<"I would suggest to use it just once, when the name (well, Dr. Lasker, to call a spade a spade) is first mentioned on a WCC match page."

So no non-chess titles except for Dr Lasker, and then only the first time we mention him.>

--------

Capitalization <Ohio-JFQ forumla>:

We capitalize Tournament and Match in every instance when the word is appended to a specific and discrete event. If "tournament" stands alone and is definitely a non-name reference, it should be lower case. If "International Tournament" appears, that hints of a name and should be capitalized.>

lol I seen that movie even, but years and years ago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMG2...

"Nobody kills Jimmy Stewart's brother and gets away with it..."

Thanks for the audiovisual aid on

<Print the legend, not the fact.>

No matter how faithful we want to be to the original text, the result must make sense in the second language.

"almost unanimous" makes sense though.

At the risk of ruining your day, do you prefer

"quite consistent"

or

"almost unanimous"?

I think "quite consistent" is "cleaner" in some way but I'm having trouble putting into words what I mean by "cleaner."

"almost unanimous" connotes a numerical vote, which is not what the writer is talking about.

<Lasker-Marshall Agreement.

1. The match to he eight (8) games up, draws not to count.

2. The first game to be played on January 4th, 1907..

3. The time limit to be fifteen (15) moves an hour.

4. There shall be six (6) play days per week. No more than three (3) games shall be begun in any one (1) week, and not on consecutive days.

5. There shall be six (6) play hours per day; between one (1) p. m. and eleven (11) p. m.

6. The players shall jointly be the owners of all the games.

7. During the match, each player, by written notice to his opponent served prior to twelve (12) o'clock noon of the regular play day, may postpone the game to the following day, but this privilege can be used by each player no more than six (6) times.

8. Mr. Walter P. Ship ey to be the treasurer.

9. In consideration of the difficulty of obtaining a backing amounting in all to four thousand ($4,000.00) dollars, we hereby agree to ask Mr. Walter P. Shipley, No. 404 Girard Building, Philadelphia, Pa., to declare his willingness to accept contributions for a purse. Each contributor of an amount of not less than ten ($10.00) dollars, shall have the right to witness each game of the match; he shall receive the service of the Match Journal, free of cost, and a memento.

10. In case.by December 10th, it should be found that the purse thus raised falls short of one thousand ($1,000.00) dollars, it will be understood that there is not sufficient interest for the match, which will, therefore, be declared off.

11. In case the purse will be at least one thousand ($1,000.00) dollars, each player will be bound by a forfeit (whose amount will then be fixed) to fulfill all the conditions agreed upon by mutual consent. The winner of he match shall receive one. thousand ($1,000.00) dollars as a prize and the remainder of the purse shall be equally divided between the players to help in defraying their expenses.

12. Messrs. Prof. I. L. Rice, W. P. Shipley, J. H. Watson having kindly agreed, to accept the positions as referees, all points in dispu e between the two contestants shall be submitted to them and the r decisions shall be final and not subject to appeal.

13. In order to give all che=.s lovers, whether they be club members or not, an opportunity to witness the contest, the games shall be played as much as possible in public, and a fee for admiss on charged, except to patrons. These incomes shall be equally divided between the players to defray their expenses and to furnish a purse for the loser.

14. In each city, where games of the match will be played, either of the players shall select from the patrons a second. And a committee shall be selected to declare the series begun, to dec;de minor points of dispute, to order the series closed and to announce where and when the next game is to take place. From the decisions of this committee an appeal to the referees shall be possible but notice of appeal must be served and the appeal must be made in writing.

(Signed) Emanuel .lasker.

Frank J. Marshall. New York, October 26, 1906.>

Obviously, the match started at the end of January 1907 rather than the start.

The reference to six "play" days per week but only three "games" per week was to allow one day to finish off any adjournment without altering the schedule. They mostly played games on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Game 1 -- Thomas Jefferson Hall, Brooklyn

Games 2-6 and 15 -- Everett House, NYC

Games 7-8 -- Franklin CC, Philadelphia

Game 9 -- Arlington Hotel, Washington, DC

Game 10 -- Baltimore

Game 11 -- Sherman House, Chicago

Thank you for correction and for <American Chess Bulletin> statement of conditions.

But now thanks to both of you, we have two sources which are listed.

I also added your last material but I have a question.

If the question sounds dumb it's because I'm dumb- but you did manage to explain those <Johnny Alekhine-Bogoljubov> conditions to me, so I have my hopes up.

It's a two parter!

1. What exactly is the difference between a <stake> and a <purse>?

<We capitalize Tournament and Match in every instance when the word is appended to a specific and discrete event. If "tournament" stands alone and is definitely a non-name reference, it should be lower case. If "International Tournament" appears, that hints of a name and should be capitalized.>

But seriously I'd like these standardizations enshrined in our Profile before I start re-writing a bunch of intros.

I've been looking at Kurt Hamburger's bio of <Steinitz> and it's full of good info from cited primary sources, so I think I can get some Draft Edits done for the "Steinitz" years.

I can't make the same claim for the "Sammy Hagar" years after David Lee Roth left the band, but I'll leave that up to 1980s metal afficianados.

<LASKER – MARSHALL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH>

St. Louis, November 16, 1904

Herr E. Lasker, Chess Champion of the World

Dear Sir:

Some time ago I issued a challenge to you for the championship of the world and in reply you cited $2000 as the stake. I am now prepared to put to put up this amount, leaving it to you to state time, etc., which I hope will be in the near future. Should you favor a forfeit, kindly advise.

My address till the 26th of November will be in New Orleans, or communicate direct with Messrs. Cassel and Helms, who will forward it on.

I am, yours sincerely,
(Signed) FRANK J. MARSHALL

New York, December 5, 1904

Mr. F.J. Marshall

Dear Sir:

In reply to your letter dated November 16th, I beg to say that I accede to your request and that I shall be pleased to play for the chess championship of the world with you.

As conditions I name those which formed the basis of my negotiations for the proposed matches between myself and Messrs. Janowsky and Dr. Tarrasch. You find the principle terms enunciated in the December issue of <Lasker’s Chess Magazine>.

To ensure my ability to carry on negotiations with chess clubs and other institutions in the interests of the match, I beg to ask you to put up a forfeit of $500 with treasurer and at the same time propose Mr. Levino, who is treasurer of the Manhattan Chess Club, as treasurer of the match. This amount will be forfeited in the event of your inability to carry out obligations after you or your second will have attached his signature to an agreement between us.

You are at liberty to name any one of your friends as your second and I expect you to give your representative full powers to negotiate with me. I make only the condition that you shall not select a man on the staff of a newspaper as your second, because it is undesirable that any newspaper should have the preferential treatment in respect to the spreading of news connected with the match and of interest to the public.

Should you agree to my terms I expect that I can arrange all details so as to enable us to commence the match on or about April 1st, 1905.

Yours very truly,
(Signed) EMANUEL LASKER

Following are Dr. Lasker’s conditions referred to above:

1. The stake to be not less than $2000 a side.

2. The match to be eight games up, draws not counting.

3. The arrangement as to time and place of play to be in the hands of the holder of the title, who shall notify the challenger or his second of their perfection at least six weeks before the time fixed for the commencement of the match.

4. All moneys accruing to the match players from contributions of clubs or other institutions and from publication of the games to be equally divided between the two opponents.

5. A journal or bulletin of the match is to be issued daily, the same to contain an account of the moves made and all matters of importance in regard to the match.

6. The journal to be issued at the common risk and profit of the players. The property right for subsequent editions of the journal to accrue to the winner of the match.

Dr. Emanuel Lasker, New York

Dear Sir:

Acknowledging your letter of the 5th, in reply to my challenge of November 16, I beg to take up the terms and conditions you suggest for our championship match as follows:

1. I agree that the stakes be $2000 a side.

2. I agree that the match be one of eight games up, draws not counting.

3. I accept the date for beginning play, viz., “On or about April 1, 1905.

4. Mr. Alexander Levino of the Manhattan Chess Club is entirely satisfactory as treasurer.

5. I am prepared to post a forfeit of $500 at a time to be agreed upon, with the understanding that you place a like amount in the hands of the treasurer. This, I may explain, is in accordance with usage common to all sporting events of similar character and, moreover, I must be equally safeguarded against loss in preparing for the match, after signing of the contract. Should it happen that you are unable or unwilling to carry out your obligations, then I will, to be sure, be in possession of the title, but you must admit that in this case it will be a mere empty honor and practically valueless.

6. The arrangements as to place of play I will leave in your hands, but must be ratified by mutual consent, before the locality is finally decided upon. The selection of the country, I concede, rests with you. You are at liberty to proceed with all negotiations looking to the placing of the match in our mutual benefit.

7. With regard to my second, I must respectively dissent from your dictation in the matter, as I had already selected a newspaper man for that purpose, in whom I have the greatest confidence. I feel convinced he will not be objectionable to you and I guarantee his disinterestedness, except in so far as my rights in the negotiations are concerned, and that there will be no preferential treatment in respect to the spreading of news in connection with the match.

8. I agree to the equal division of all moneys accruing to the match from the contributions of organizations and individuals or other sources of income.

9. As to the publication of a journal or bulletin during the course of the match, I must make it plain that I cannot, in the interests of my backers, engage in any business that may distract my attention from the main point at issue – the determination of the world’s chess championship at chess. I place no restrictions on the use you may choose to make of the scores of the games, but, at the same time, I reserve my rights in said games.

In case of our inability to come to an understanding, I propose the appointment of a court of arbitration to consist of the two seconds and Messrs. Aristides Martinez, president of the Manhattan Chess Club, Simeon B. Chittenden, president of the Brooklyn Chess Club, and Walter Penn Shipley, president of the Franklin Chess Club, to whom all points at issue shall be submitted and whose decision shall be final. Should the necessity arise for such a court, I hereby authorize you to invite the gentlemen named to act for us.

In conclusion, I request that you hasten these negotiations as much as possible to permit me to leave within a fortnight for Paris where I am engaged to meet Mr. Janowsky early in January.

Yours very truly,
(Signed) FRANK J. MARSHALL

Yet another farce has been enacted in connection with the world’s chess championship. Eight years have flown by without witnessing a contest for premier honors! Surely there must be some reasonable explanation for this lamentable state of affairs, which, nevertheless, it is difficult to furnish. Either the masters of the present day entertain a wholesome respect for, if not fear of, Emanuel Lasker or else the conditions regulating this important matter are of such a character as to constitute an effectual stumbling block to the amicable culmination of negotiations. Fear is an unknown quality with Frank J. Marshall, yet this intrepid and untamed player, prior to his departure for Paris on January 7, ceased all efforts and abandoned his intention of arranging a match. His backers, he asserted, had declared their unwillingness to abide by terms laid down by Dr. Lasker. Whether the suggestion made in Marshall’s last letter to the champion will bear fruit remains to be seen. Such concerted action on the part of the authorities mentioned would undoubtedly have the welcome effect of eliminating the many misunderstandings which in the past have made the preliminaries so tedious and disappointing. The correspondence that has taken place between Dr. Lasker and Marshall since the appearance of the December <Bulletin> is herewith appended:

New York, December 15, 1904

Mr. Frank J. Marshall

Dear Sir:

In your letter dated December 7, several questions are raised to which find answer in what follows:

As to the forfeit of $500. I demand it from you as proof of the earnestness of your intentions. Otherwise I could not entertain your challenge in face of your impending match with an opponent by whom you may be beaten.

I notice with regret that you do not wish to aid me in issuing an official bulletin on the ground that you do not wish to have your attention diverted from the essential purpose of the match.

From your letter it appears that you have not carefully read my letter of December 5, as to the time of meeting and I must, therefore, request you to read that letter again.

The selection of place of meeting rests and has always rested with the holder of the championship title. If you wish my power of selection restricted, you must state now which places would not be acceptable to you. Arrangements already completed cannot underlie your sanction or consent.

As a general rule, a man whose business it is to sell news to the newspapers should, in my opinion, not be one vitally interested in this news. The public has a right to expect a reporter of events to be an impartial critic and chronicler, serving not his friends or his own interests, but the public. However, in view of your strong predilection for appointing a particular friend journalist as your second, I waive my objection.

If you deposit a forfeit of $500 and appoint a second with full power to act for you, all questions pertaining to the match might be settled by our respective seconds, and in case of disagreement might be decided by a committee of umpires, and I shall be greatly pleased if the gentlemen proposed in your letter would act in this capacity.

It rests, therefore, entirely with you whether the match is to be played or not.

Dr. Emanuel Lasker, New York

Dear Sir:

Having awaited the instructions of my backers in the matter of the proposed championship match between us, I am now able to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of December 15 and to reply the same.

My friends are of the opinion that your conditions are arbitrary and unnecessarily obstructive and I am, therefore, forced to the conclusion that, for the time being, our negotiations must cease.

While perfectly willing to risk the full amount of the stakes you suggest, viz., $2000 a side, and believing a deposit not unreasonable, my backers, nevertheless, take exception to your dictation in the premises. Furthermore, they are not willing to place the sum of $500 in the treasurer’s hands without a similar guarantee being deposited by you, assurance of which I have been unable to give them.

Your plans, also, concerning the locality of the match are much too indefinite to warrant our proceeding on any serious business basis and I have decided to go abroad for my match with Mr. Janowsky without closing with you.

I do not think you will question my desire to play you for the world’s championship. At the same time, if we cannot come to an agreement, I am confident of being able to establish a reputation, by meeting the other masters of the first rank, that will answer my purposes fully as well as though I had actually won from you.

In the meantime, I beg to suggest to you the desirability of your inviting the endorsement of leading authorities (such as the British Chess Federation, the City of London Chess Club, the Pillsbury National Correspondence Chess Association, the German Chess Association, the Cercle Philidor, the Vienna Chess Club and the St. Petersburg Chess Club) of the stand you have taken in relation to the championship or of altering your conditions to conform to the consensus of opinions thus obtained.

This I consider a fair proposition. If you think differently, I will be in no haste to return, but will endeavor to arrange matches with the European experts I have alluded to and who, probably, hold ideas on the subject less exalted than those entertained by yourself.

In view of my determination as above set forth, I have appointed no second, thereby saving, possibly, a luckless newspaper man from the ban of your displeasure.

Hoping to at least have the opportunity of meeting you at Ostend next summer, I remain

I have the print copy of <ACB 906> and will see what is in there.

A purse is raised by (often small) contributions. The loser may expect to get some money, although less than the winner.