Chess Chess History and Famous Players

Question 1

Who was the first officially recognized World Chess Champion?

Accepted Answer

Wilhelm Steinitz

Answer

Wilhelm Steinitz became the first official World Chess Champion in 1886 after defeating Johannes Zukertort in a match, and he held the title until 1894.

Question 2

Which player was nicknamed 'the pride and sorrow of chess' and dominated the 1850s-1860s?

Accepted Answer

Paul Morphy

Answer

Paul Morphy, the American prodigy, was nicknamed 'the pride and sorrow of chess' for his brilliant play and tragic personal life; he dominated the chess world in the late 1850s before retiring young.

Question 3

Who defeated Bobby Fischer to become World Chess Champion in 1972?

Accepted Answer

None — Fischer defeated Boris Spassky to become champion

Answer

Bobby Fischer defeated Boris Spassky in Reykjavik, Iceland in 1972 to become World Chess Champion, in what became known as the 'Match of the Century.'

Question 4

Who is known as 'the magician from Riga' and won the World Championship in 1960?

Accepted Answer

Mikhail Tal

Answer

Mikhail Tal, born in Riga, Latvia, earned the nickname 'the magician from Riga' for his wild sacrificial attacks; he became World Champion in 1960 at age 23.

Question 5

Which World Champion held the title the longest in chess history?

Accepted Answer

Emanuel Lasker

Answer

Emanuel Lasker held the World Chess Championship for 27 years (1894–1921), the longest reign of any world champion in chess history.

Chess Practice Test

Chess Practice Test

Chess Chess History and Famous Players