JOSE CAPABLANCA

Jose Capablanca is often considered a candidate for the greatest player in history. He was the World Champion from 1921-1927. He was also the undisputed master of Blitz Chess (5 minutes per side). He won the title from the World Champion Emanuel Lasker and held it for 7 years before losing it to another great Alexander Alekhine. Though he never managed to get the title again but his claim to being a great does not diminish at all. This can be proved by the following points. In 1922, he gave a simultaneous performance against 103 opponents, winning 102 and drawing 1. From 1916-1924, he lost only 34 serious games including a run of 63 games undefeated, an incredible feat. He was not only a great chess player but he also contributed to the game of chess. After winning the World Championship he set about formalizing the World Championship rules (known as the London rules) to which all the leading players agreed to. He retired from serious chess in 1931; however he returned in 1934, determined to regain the title. While he had some good successes and showed he was still a world class player, he never managed to secure another chance at the title.