★★★ INTRO ★★★

The 1921 World Chess Championship was between 32 year old Jose Raul Capablanca of Cuba who was the "challenger" and 52 year old Emanuel Lasker of Germany who was the "defending champion".

★★★ BACKGROUND ★★★

As early as 1911, Capablanca wanted to challenge Lasker for the title. However, Lasker did not like Capablanca's terms, and responded with his own. Negotiations would continue for about a decade, and then World War I came. In the meantime, Capablanca got the upper hand of the world's leading players, and then Lasker resigned the title. Capablanca, however, still wanted to play and try to win without forfeit.

★★★ CONDITIONS ★★★

The winner would be the first to reach 12 1/2 points OR win eight games (not including draws). If the match ended with a 12-12 tie, Lasker would retain his title. The match took place in Havana. Game 1 was played on March 18th, 1921. Note: The total score is shown, while the wins are in brackets.

★★★ NOTABLE GAMES ★★★

Game 5:

Game 10:

Game 11:

★★★ FINAL ★★★

Lasker ended up resigning the match on April 28th, 1921, meaning that Lasker finally lost his title after 27 years. Capablanca was already leading 9-5 (4-0 in wins). This meant that Capablanca was the third official world chess champion.

★★★ MINI TABLE ★★★

Capablanca 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2 1 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2 1 1 1/2 1/2 1 (4 wins, 10 draws, 0 losses) <64.3 % score>

Lasker 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2 0 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2 0 0 1/2 1/2 0 (0 wins, 10 draws, 4 losses) <35.7% score>

★★★ OTHER LINKS ★★★

See also: Lasker - Capablanca World Championship Match (1921)

Head to Head Record Prior to 1921: http://www.chessgames.com/perl/ches... (1 win, 2 draws, 0 losses in favour of Lasker)

Previous World Championship: Game Collection: 1910 World Chess Championship (second one)

Next World Chess Championship: Game Collection: 1927 World Chess Championship