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Emanuel Lasker, 1921-27

Lasker is considered by many to be the most successful chess master of all times. He published a chess magazine, wrote several important chess works, and won many important competitions even after eventually losing his title. He was an active competitive player into his 67th year, which is almost unheard of.

Lasker was such a dominant force in chess for such a long time, that opponents often accused him of hypnotizing them, casting spells upon them, playing badly on purpose, and even of relying upon sheer luck. In truth, he was just a good chess player, a fighter who was unafraid.

Lasker had a doctorate in mathematics. He was also devoted to philosophy, writing, and teaching. He was an aficionado of the endgame -- in New York, he once drew a tournament game with only a knight against rook and pawn.