8/3/2023 – Howard Staunton (April 1819 – June 22, 1874) stands as a controversial figure in chess. Not only did he establish himself as the strongest player in the 1840s, but also elevated the comprehension of the game as the most prominent analyst and author of his generation. His influence as a player and organizer contributed to the standardization of the chess pieces and to the development of international competition. Yet, he was also a complex character who made foes out of his competitors and friends alike. | Picture source: World Chess Hall of Fame.

7/14/2020 – Vlastimil Fiala's second love, besides his duties as a professor of political science, is chess history. In his Moravian Chess Publishing House he presents, in various series, relatively unknown events of chess history with astonishing depth.

4/24/2014 – In part one of his article Paul Lillebo claimed that the list of “official” world champions of chess, which begins in 1886 with the Steinitz-Zukertort match, does not do justice to the several earlier masters who were acclaimed by their contemporaries as the champion of chess. To the two masters from part one, Philidor and La Bourdonnais, he adds three more who were supreme in their time.

2/28/2009 – The Editor of Chess Notes presents a compilation of photographs, engravings and sketches of Howard Staunton (1810-1874). They include art-work by Sam Loyd and a group photograph taken at Redcar, 1866 which has come to light only recently. Much of Staunton’s life is shrouded in mystery, and the origin of some of the pictures is unknown. Enjoy a rich compendium of historic illustrations.

7/21/2007 – The first international tournament ever was held in London in 1851, but nowadays Britain organises few international chess events. That will all change in August, as London plays host to its strongest international event for 20 years, the Staunton Memorial. Two weeks later, the city of Liverpool will hold a summit match between Great Britain and China. ChessBase will have full coverage.