Savielly Tartakower: The Grandmaster of Wit and Strategy

Savielly Tartakower was one of the most intriguing figures in chess history. Born on February 22, 1887, in Rostov-on-Don, Russia (then part of the Russian Empire), he later became a Polish citizen and spent much of his life in France. A grandmaster, writer, and chess theorist, Tartakower is best remembered not only for his imaginative play but also for his witty aphorisms, known as "Tartakowerisms."

Early Life and Chess Career

Tartakower's journey in chess was shaped by his studies in law and philosophy in Vienna, where he was influenced by leading players of the time. His first major tournament victory came in 1906 in Nuremberg. Throughout his career, he played in nearly all of the major European tournaments and competed against the strongest players of his time, including Capablanca, Alekhine, and Lasker.

Tartakower was also an innovative chess thinker. He contributed to chess theory with new ideas in various openings, including the Tartakower Variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined. He was an advocate of hypermodern chess principles, which emphasized control of the center with pieces rather than direct pawn occupation.

Surviving War and Continuing to Play

World War II deeply affected Tartakower. Being of Jewish descent, he fled to France and joined the Free French forces under Charles de Gaulle. After the war, he continued his chess career and represented France in Chess Olympiads.

The Legacy of Tartakower

Apart from his contributions to opening theory, Tartakower's greatest legacy might be his writings and aphorisms. His book 500 Master Games of Chess (co-authored with J. du Mont) remains a classic study of positional and tactical play. Among his famous quotes is: "The mistakes are all there waiting to be made." His humor and insight have made him one of the most beloved figures in chess history.

A Brilliant Game: Tartakower vs. Réti, Vienna 1910

One of Tartakower’s most remarkable games was played against Richard Réti in 1910. This game demonstrates his tactical brilliance and deep understanding of positional play.

Savielly Tartakower vs. Richard Réti, Vienna 1910

1. d4 d5

2. c4 e6

3. Nc3 Nf6

4. Bg5 Be7

5. e3 O-O

6. Nf3 Nbd7

7. Rc1 c6

8. Bd3 dxc4

9. Bxc4 h6

10. Bh4 Nd5

11. Bxe7 Qxe7

12. O-O Nxc3

13. Rxc3 e5

14. Qc2 e4

15. Nd2 Nf6

16. a3 Bf5

17. Ba2 Rfe8

18. Rc5 Bg6

19. Nc4 Nd7

20. Ra5 b6

21. Ra6 Nb8

22. Ra4 b5

23. Ne5 Bf5

24. Bxf7+ Kh7

25. Bxe8 Qxe8

26. Ra5 a6

27. Rc1 Ra7

28. Qc5 Re7

29. Qb6 Re6

30. Rc5 h5

31. a4 h4

32. axb5 axb5

33. Ra7 Rf6

34. h3 Kh6

35. Qc7 Qf8

36. Ng4+ Bxg4

37. hxg4 Rxf2

38. Rf5 Rxf5

39. gxf5 Qg8

40. f6 gxf6

41. Qf4+ Qg5

42. Qxe4 h3

43. Rh7#

This game is a fine example of Tartakower’s attacking prowess and his keen eye for tactics. His pieces coordinate beautifully, culminating in a striking checkmate.

Conclusion

Savielly Tartakower’s contribution to chess extends far beyond his tournament victories. His insights into chess philosophy, his opening innovations, and his sharp wit have left a lasting imprint on the game. He was a man who blended deep strategic understanding with a sense of humor, making him one of the most memorable figures in chess history.

Even today, players and enthusiasts remember him for his famous saying: "Chess is a struggle against one's own errors."