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Wilhelm Steinitz

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Chess Champ

The Resume

    (May 17, 1836-August 12, 1900)
    Born in Prague, Czech Republic
    First undisputed world chess champion (1886-94)
    Wrote 'The Modern Chess Instructor' (1889)
    Founded 'International Chess Magazine' (1885)

Why he might be annoying:

    He handled his winnings badly and was in poverty all his life.
    He allegedly spat on an opponent during a tournament in Paris (1867).
    Eight years after he became champion, he said he had held the title 28 years 'because I was twenty years ahead of my time.'
    He suffered a nervous breakdown, possibly as a result of syphilis, and was committed to an asylum (1896).
    He challenged God to a chess match; when God failed to show, he offered Him a one pawn handicap.

Why he might not be annoying:

    His emphasis on positional play rather than constantly attacking made him one of the fathers of modern chess.
    He was generous in his praise of great play by even his most bitter enemies.
    Although he had not yet become a US citizen, he insisted on playing in front of an American flag during his first world title match.
    When someone suggested it was time to let younger players have some fame, he quipped, 'I can spare the fame, but not the prize money.'

Credit: C. Fishel


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 4 Votes: 25.00% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 14 Votes: 78.57% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 2 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 1 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 5 Votes: 60.0% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 4 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 12 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 5 Votes: 40.0% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 6 Votes: 83.33% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 8 Votes: 37.50% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 26 Votes: 61.54% Annoying
    In 2009, Out of 19 Votes: 52.63% Annoying
    In 2008, Out of 17 Votes: 52.94% Annoying