World Chess Championship 1891 — chess match between Wilheilm Steinitz and Isidor Gunsberg
Steinitz retained the World Chess Championship title by narrowly defeating Gunsberg 10.5–8.5 in New York, holding the title until 1894.
Key Facts
- Match dates
- 9 December 1890 – 22 January 1891
- Final score
- Steinitz 10.5 – Gunsberg 8.5 points
- Games won by Gunsberg
- 4 games
- Championship number
- 3rd World Chess Championship
- Steinitz title held until
- 1894 (match vs. Emanuel Lasker)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
After the 1889 American Chess Congress tournament, the tied first-place finishers Mikhail Chigorin and Max Weiss declined to challenge Steinitz for the world title. Steinitz then accepted a challenge from Hungarian player Isidor Gunsberg, who had been performing at the peak of his career in the preceding years.
The third World Chess Championship was contested in New York City over 19 games from December 1890 to January 1891. Gunsberg took an early lead by game 5 and remained competitive throughout, but Steinitz secured a decisive advantage by winning game 18 and drawing game 19, ultimately prevailing 10.5 points to 8.5.
Steinitz retained the World Chess Championship and continued as titleholder until his 1894 defeat by Emanuel Lasker. Gunsberg's career declined sharply after the match, compounded by the death of his wife Jane from tuberculosis, though he continued to contribute to chess through lectures and writing.
Result
at New York City