Chess Career Outside Competition.
Blackburne began earning fees from chess in 1862. He was prolific in
giving ordinary and blindfold simultaneous displays but his skill at the
latter was widely known. In the late 19th and early 20th
centuries these displays lasted much longer than today and were often
adjourned to another day. (A blindfold display at Liverpool in 1870
lasted 9½ hours with a one-hour interval during which Blackburne
performed the ‘Knight’s Tour’ blindfold, starting from any square
named.) After adjournments, Blackburne often called out details of
positions in order that tellers could check for misplaced pieces – a
practice that also impressed audiences.
The amount of travel involved in earning a living in this manner was
phenomenal. Blackburne benefited from the expansion of the rail network
during the second half of the 19th century. He wrote just one
book – Mr. Blackburne’s Games of Chess – which was published in 1899.
The author of the work being reviewed makes reference to a variety of
errors which it contains. The obvious conclusion is that simultaneous
displays offered greater remuneration than writing books!
Tournaments and Matches.
During the final quarter of the 19th century Blackburne was
one of the top few players in the world – in a group that included
Steinitz, Zukertort, Chigorin and Tarrasch. However, his results in
tournaments are in stark contrast with his performances in matches.
Regarded by many contemporary authorities as ‘World Champion of
Tournament Chess’, he was one of the final members of the ‘Romantic
Chess order’. His tactical style was supported by a deep understanding
of the endgame.
At Vienna 1873 Blackburne tied for first with Steinitz but lost the
playoff. This is where opponents coined the expression ‘der Schwarze
Tod’ (the Black Death). At Berlin 1881 he finished first, three points
clear of second placed Zukertort, With Winawer, Chigorin, Mason, etc.
further behind. Despite regularly securing prize money when the top
places eluded him, I believe that he lost more games against players
weaker than himself than might be expected.
Blackburne’s record in head to head matches was no better than fair,
losing heavily in contests against Steinitz (twice), Zukertort and
Lasker. Possibly his best match result was an 1887 defeat of Zukertort
(+5 =8 -1), who less than a year earlier had lost the first recognised
World Championship Match to Steinitz.
Later Years.
Blackburne played tournament chess into the early part of the 20th
century, his final major event being the 1914 British Championship,
which took place during the early weeks of World War One. After tying
for first place with Fred Dewhirst Yates, he was not fit enough to
contest a playoff match and had to concede the title. Both Amos Burn and
John Watkinson considered this decision of the British Chess Federation
too strict, having regard to Blackburne’s age and health, not to mention
the hostilities in Europe. Burn wrote to this effect in ‘The Field’ on 8th
May 1915 and Watkinson also suggested in correspondence to the British
Chess Federation that they should be joint champions.
Records show Blackburne continued to give exhibitions and play
consultation games into his 80th year, scoring heavily –
often against strong opposition. A rare picture of him appears on page
502 of Harding’s work, giving his final simultaneous display at the
Imperial Chess Club in December 1921. In the remaining years of his life
he adjudicated unfinished games sent via the post. Visitors to his
address included Capablanca and Alekhine.