José Raúl Capablanca y Graupera (1888–1942) was a Cuban chess prodigy. At the age of 12, he defeated the Cuban chess champion, and at 21, he beat the U.S. champion and World Chess title challenger, Frank Marshall. When he entered Europe in 1911, Capablanca demonstrated outstanding chess skills and challenged World Chess Champion Emanuel Lasker, who initially considered resigning without a match but later agreed to play.
In 1921, in Havana, Capablanca defeated Lasker without losing a game. In the following years, Capablanca continued to achieve remarkable results, remaining undefeated from 1916 to 1924.
Throughout his adult career, he lost only 34 games, earning him the reputation of a chess genius and a “chess machine” for his error-free play.
However, in 1927, Capablanca lost his title to another chess genius, Alexander Alekhine, and a rematch between them, much to the disappointment of fans, never took place.
Handwritten by Capablanca
This scoresheet is from Game 7 of the 1927 World Championship Match. After winning this game, the Cuban genius took the lead, but ultimately lost the match.
Capablanca's game resignation note (1927-11-29) by Jose Raul CapablancaInternational Chess Federation (FIDE)
"I give up the game. So you are the World Champion..."
Jose Raul Capablanca resigned the last game of the 1927 World Championship match against Alexander Alekhine with a note. The 34th game was adjourned and defending champion Capablanca, realizing the game was lost, decided not to continue.
Despite his excellent results in the late 1920s and 1930s, Capablanca’s play showed signs of decline. Nevertheless, he won the Moscow International Tournament in 1936 and achieved the best result on the first board at the Chess Olympiad in 1939.
The cover of the 1942 issue of "Chess" features an announcement of the passing of the third world chess champion, Jose Raul Capablanca, along with a dedicated article. Capablanca, who died at just 53, had the shortest lifespan of all the world chess champions.
Autograph of Jose Raul Capablanca by Jose Raul CapablancaInternational Chess Federation (FIDE)
Capablanca's autograph
Capablanca's signature chess combination
Bernstein – Capablanca. St. Petersburg 1914
29...Qb2! and Black resigned.
If White takes the queen, then Black delivers mate with Rd1. If Black tries to protect his hanging queen on e2 and defend from the mate by playing Qf1, Black wins a rook by capturing on c3.
The Chess World Speaks: Opinions on Capablanca
“Capablanca’s play produced, and still produces, an irresistible artistic effect. His games tended towards simplicity, and in this simplicity, there was a unique beauty of genuine depth.” — Mikhail Botvinnik
“Without technique, it is impossible to reach the top in chess. Therefore, we all try to learn from Capablanca’s wonderful, subtle technique.” — Mikhail Tal
“Capablanca really was fantastic. Everyone I’ve spoken to who saw him play still speaks of him with awe.” — Bobby Fischer
The cover of TIME magazine in 1925
Capablanca was a household name even among those who didn't follow chess.
Timeless chess tips from Capablanca
You can learn much more from a game you lose than from one you win. You will need to lose hundreds of games before becoming a good player.
To improve your game, you must study the endgame before anything else.
Have the courage of your convictions. If you believe your move is good, make it.
Dive deeper: explore Capablanca's legacy through these videos
Portrait of Capablanca: Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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