What he wrote…

“The Book of the Cambridge International Tournament 1904,” written by Fred Reinfeld and published in 1935, provides a detailed account of one of the key chess tournaments of the early 20th century. Ah, the 1904 Cambridge Springs International Chess Congress—a tournament of remarkable historical significance, especially to those of us who cherish the legacy of chess as both an art form and a pursuit of intellectual mastery. It was, without question, the first grand international chess tournament of the twentieth century to grace American soil, held in an era where chess was as much about strategic brilliance as it was about personal grandeur. This event drew none other than World Champion Emanuel Lasker, who, after a four-year hiatus, returned to the tournament scene for this competition. And yet, after his triumphs here, he would not play in another tournament for another five years.

Lasker, ever the intellectual, soon relocated to the United States and began publishing Lasker’s Chess Magazine, an endeavor that further cemented his influence in the chess world, running from 1904 to 1907. But he wasn’t the only mind shaped by the monumental tournament. Hermann Helms, inspired by the popular Daily Bulletins from the event, founded the American Chess Bulletin, which was destined to outlast Lasker’s own publication. Helms edited the Bulletin from its inception in 1904 until his death in 1963—a true testament to his dedication. The very first issue, naturally, was devoted to Cambridge Springs.

Of course, it wasn’t just the media that saw transformative moments in Cambridge Springs. Frank Marshall’s unexpected victory here was nothing short of a revelation. In besting the likes of Lasker and the seasoned Dawid Janowski, Marshall carved out his own niche in American chess history, one that saw him reign as U.S. Champion for an astonishing twenty-six years.

But, alas, as Marshall’s star rose, Harry Nelson Pillsbury’s illustrious career neared its sorrowful conclusion. Cambridge Springs was his last tournament before illness would claim him in 1906 at the tragically young age of 33. A career cut short, but one that nonetheless left an indelible mark on chess history.

The town of Cambridge Springs itself, though modest, played a key role in this historic gathering. Located in northwestern Pennsylvania, it thrived as a resort town at the time due to its advantageous position on the Erie Railroad line and its famed mineral springs. William D. Rider Jr., the proprietor of the grand Hotel Rider, envisioned this tournament as part of his plan to make his establishment the preeminent hotel between New York and Chicago. And what a venue it was! With over five hundred rooms, a ballroom, a theater, two gymnasiums, and a man-made lake, the hotel was as luxurious as any grandmaster could hope for.

The tournament itself, however, was Rider’s crowning achievement—yet, tragically, his life ended in 1905, and with him went the dreams of an annual Cambridge Springs chess tournament. Still, the legacy of that singular event lives on.

As I reflect on the participants—each a treasured piece in the grand chess set of history—the 1904 Congress stands as a gathering of some of the finest minds of the game. While a few players like Géza Maróczy were absent, the tournament drew a powerful assembly of grandmasters, each vying for glory in this new American battleground of intellect.

The Europeans were led by none other than Lasker, of course, but names like Mikhail Chigorin and Dawid Janowski stand out. Janowski, known for his sharp attacks, and Carl Schlechter, whose epic 1910 match against Lasker nearly saw him crowned World Champion, were in attendance. Not to be overlooked were Jacques Mieses and Richard Teichmann, both formidable opponents in their own right. And on the American side, there was the venerable Harry Pillsbury, Jackson Showalter, and the rising star, Frank Marshall. A particularly interesting note: the American and European competitors arrived on American shores aboard the S.S. Pretoria, as if chess history itself demanded a grand entrance.

(From top to bottom:) H. Helms, H. Cassel, J. Redding, W. Van Antwerp, C. Schlechter, F.J. Marshall, Em. Lasker, M. Chigorin, J. Mieses, G. Marco, I. Rice, D. Janowsky, J.W. Showalter, A.B. Hodges, A.W. Fox, H.N. Pillsbury, T.F. Lawrence, W.E. Napier, R. Teichmann, H. Ridder, E. Delmar, J. Barry

The tournament was a grueling, yet fascinating affair—fifteen rounds of single-round-robin combat where every game contributed to the narrative of this fabled event. Teichmann, after a strong start, fell ill, while Janowski and Marshall emerged as the key contenders. It was a battle not only of strategy but of endurance. By the final round, Marshall’s strength held firm as he clinched first place with a commanding 13/15 points, undefeated. Meanwhile, Lasker and Janowski wrestled for second place, with the champion Lasker ultimately turning the tables on Janowski in their final game, securing a tie for second.

The tournament was a true spectacle of chess artistry, a battle of giants in a setting as grand as the game itself. Cambridge Springs 1904 remains one of the most treasured jewels in the crown of chess history—a tournament that continues to inspire players and collectors like myself. To hold a chess set from that era is not merely to own a relic, but to possess a piece of chess immortality.

My opinion of the book…

“The Book of the Cambridge International Tournament 1904” by Fred Reinfeld is a valuable resource for any chess enthusiast or historian. Reinfeld offers a clear and detailed analysis of the tournament’s most important games, showcasing the strategies of top players like Emanuel Lasker and Siegbert Tarrasch. His commentary provides deep insights into early 20th-century chess, making this book not only a historical account but also a learning tool for improving one’s game. With its blend of thorough analysis and historical context, it remains a respected work for both chess players and collectors. The book highlights both the brilliance and strategic depth of the matches, offering valuable insights for chess enthusiasts. In addition to game annotations, it provides an overview of the players’ performances and the overall competitive atmosphere. The book serves as both a historical record of the event and a rich resource for students of chess looking to study high-level play from that era.