Carl Schlechter

Carl Schlechter (March 2, 1874 - December 27, 1918) was a leading Austrian chess master at the turn of the 20th century.

Related Topics:
March 2 - 1874 - December 27 - 1918 - Austria - Chess - 20th century

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He was born in Vienna. From 1893 onwards he played in over 50 international tournaments, including four wins: Munich in 1900 (shared), Ostend in 1906, Vienna in 1908 (shared) and Hamburg in 1910.

Related Topics:
1893 - Munich - Ostend - Hamburg

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In 1910 he played a match against Emanuel Lasker for the World Chess Championship (in Vienna and Berlin). He needed only a draw in the tenth and last game to win the match, but missed first a win, then a clear draw before losing the game. The match ended tied at 5-5 (+1 -1 =8), and Lasker retained his title.

Related Topics:
1910 - Emanuel Lasker - World Chess Championship - Berlin

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He also played matches with Siegbert Tarrasch in 1911 (drawn) and Akiba Rubinstein in 1918 (lost).

Related Topics:
Siegbert Tarrasch - Akiba Rubinstein

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He died in Budapest of pneumonia and starvation.

Related Topics:
Budapest - Pneumonia - Starvation

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Schlechter was a typical example of a gentleman chess player of old, offering courteous draws to opponents who felt unwell. If his opponent arrived late for a game, Schlechter would inconspicuously subtract an equal amount of time from his own clock. He also mentored many of his rivals, including Oldrich Duras.

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