 Game One: La Bourdonnais-McDonnell, London 1834 I approve strongly of rational games for they serve to perfectthe art of thinking.This fiery bombast is a spectacular--but not atypical--example of the maniacallyferocious strategies employed during early 19th century Chess games. Theseencounters, which remind the studious observer of nothing so much as a madgame of schlagschach, were perhaps the first series of formally arrangedmatches to be preserved and published--for our amusement, no doubt. LouisCharles de la Bourdonnais went on to win this bloodbath--the 21st game ofthe series--by checkmating Alexander McDonnell on the 38th move. (La Bourdonnaiswas reported by George Walker to have "talked and laughed a good dealat intervals, when winning, and swore tolerably round oaths in a prettyaudible voice, when fate ran counter to his schemes.") The match--suspendedto allow La Bourdonnais to return to Paris on business--was never completed,leaving La Bourdonnais the de facto victor +45=13 -27. The unfortunateMcDonnell developed a severe kidney ailment and died of Bright's diseaseon 14 September 1835. This auspicious tournament marked the highlight ofLa Bourdonnais' Chess career; after selling all of his possessions--includinghis clothes--he died penniless on 13 December 1840. La Bourdonnais and McDonnellare buried near each other in London's Kensal Green cemetery. |
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