Chess in 1863
by Bill Wall
In 1863, Ignacy Popiel was born. He analyzed the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit.
In 1863, George Mackenzie arrived in America to fight on the Union side during the Civil War.
In 1863, a telegraph match was played between the chess clubs of Hamilton, Canada and St. Catherine’s in Western Canada.
In 1863, Honore Daumier (1808-1879) painted “Les Joueurs d’echecs” (The Chess Players). It shows two men sitting at a chess game, thoughtfully engaged in their play. The Realist painting, oil on canvas, is now located in the Musee du Petit-Palais in Paris, France.
In 1863, the YMCA of Brooklyn introduced chess in their reading room and encouraged their members to spend their evening playing chess. (source: New York Times, March 23, 1863)
In 1863, Basterot wrote TRAITE ELEMENTAIRE DU JEU DES ECHECS, published in Paris.
In January, 1863, the first issue of THE CHESS PLAYER'S MAGAZINE, by Falkbeer and Lowenthal, was published.
In March, 1863, Steinitz apologized in a letter (dated March 20, 1863) to Ignatz Kolisch (1837-1889) for not repaying a loan. While Steinitz was playing a match with Blackburne, Daniel Harrwitz took over as the resident chess pro at the London Chess Club, leaving Steinitz with fewer clients to draw money from.
On July 4, 1863, Samuel Lipschutz was born in Ungvar. He was US champion in 1892.
On August 31, 1863, the 3rd West German Chess Congress was held in Dusseldorf. It was won by Max Lange.
On November 17, 1863, John Brown died in Bridport, England of tuberculosis. He was a chess problemist.
On November 29, 1863, George Marco was born in Czernowitz. He was a chess journalist.
