Customer Reviews

New York International Chess Tournament 1924

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Alekhine competed in the 1924 tournament himself, and was therefore ideally placed to record former champion Lasker's stunning victory over the then champion Capablanca. Although Capablanca had previously defeated Capablanca, Lasker's return to form was complete - defeating not only Capablanca, but leaving Alekhine (the future title holder) at a considerable distance as well.
Well worth the buy.

First published in 1925. Few tournaments can boast not only the presence of the past, present and future world champion but also two challengers for the supreme title. New York 1924 was one of this elite group. The old champion Lasker -now in his late fifties - engaged in the most ferocious race for first prize with his victorious opponent from the previous championship match - Capablanca. Although Capablanca won one of their individual games Lasker soared into the lead and never let go. The old maestro thus produced one of the most devastating tournament performances of all time - finishing way ahead of Capablanca himself and the future champion Alekhine.

A further notable feature of the event was the introduction by Richard Reti - the leading hypermodern - of his new theories concerning central control. Even the mighty Capa succumbed to the fresh ideas - which have been likened to parallel cultural developments such as surrealism in art or 12 tone music. Capa's loss to Reti was his first defeat for 8 years!


The notes to the games are by the always entertaining Alexander Alekhine, who took third prize at a respectful distance behind Lasker and Capa, but who went on three years later to deprive Capa of his world crown. This is the fourth book by Alekhine to appear in the Hardinge Simpole series.