CHESS
THE HISTORY OF LEEDS CHESS CLUB
THE EARLY DAYS
Leeds Chess Club was founded in 1834, which is about the time that slavery was abolished in Britain. In the early days, chess was a game only for the very rich. Working people were too busy staving off starvation and wouldn't have been able to afford the subscriptions. The lucky few, however, met in sumptuous coffee houses to pursue their passion for the royal game. Inter-city matches were difficult at first. A match with Huddersfield, for example, would have involved a three day round trip by coach and horses. But with the advent of the railways and the Penny Post in the 1840s, communications were greatly improved. Leeds CC was instrumental in bringing the clubs of Yorkshire together. Matches became elaborate annual events, with lavish dinners laid on, speeches made and laurels given. The Yorkshire Chess Association grew directly out of the friendships made at these events. In 1873, the Chairman compared chess players to boxers whom, he said, "First shake hands before they box, then give each other plaguey knocks." Alderman Edwin Woodhouse (Lord Mayor of Leeds and President of the Leeds CC) presented a silver trophy to the county Association in 1885 and an annual league was formed. The league and the trophy continue to this day - as the Woodhouse Cup.
THE GLORY YEARS
Leeds Chess Club dominated the competition from its inauguration until the First World War came along and spoiled everything. FD Yates (British Champion 1913, 14, 21, 26 & 31) played top board for the club as we won the Woodhouse Cup five times in a row from 1911 to 1915. Joseph Blackburne (who lost to Steinitz 7-1 in a World Championship match) gave simultaneous displays at the club on several occasions, although his five guinea fee was thought excessive by many members. The club met at the Grand Cafe on Park Lane and was so successful that the venue soon changed its name to the Gambit Cafe. The club's magnificent silver trophies mostly date from this period. For example, when Mr CW Jeffrey died unexpectedly at the age of 30 in 1910, subscriptions were raised to 7/6d to pay for a memorial trophy in his honour. It is solid silver, about the size of the FA Cup and is still in the club's possession along with several other beautifully crafted trophies.
THE GREAT WAR
After the Great War some of the spirit seems to have gone out of the club. Membership was down - understandable as there were several million less people walking around - and finances were less assured. In 1919, to try to get things going again after the slaughter, the great Capablanca (World Champ 1921-27) was invited to give a simultaneous exhibition. Over 40 boards, remarkably, he won all 40 games! Alekhine (Champ 1927-45) came in 1923 scoring +28=3-2; while Maroczy came in 1924 scoring +19=6-2.
THE GREAT DEPRESSION
As the Great Depression bit in the 1930s, this was reflected at the club. There is little to report from the minutes. Even the centenary celebrations of 1934 were low key. The most notable event was the first ever telephone match between Leeds and Hampstead in 1935. By the late-30s, the club was in poor shape and there was trouble getting the subs in. This time, the Second World War came as something of a relief. In 1939, the minutes record that the club had to stop playing evening matches due to the blackout.
MODERN TIMES
In modern times, chess has changed from a game for the few into a game for the many. There was a chess explosion after the Fischer-Spassky match of 1972 and the game has thrived at grass roots level since then. Other clubs grew until there was enough support for an evening league under the auspices of the Leeds Chess Association. Leeds Chess Club remains one of the oldest clubs - not just at chess, but at anything! - in the world and we are very proud of our heritage and tradition.
LEEDS CHESS CLUB
(founded 1834)
photo-file
An early Committee Meeting
Alderman Woodhouse
(Lord Mayor of Leeds)
in the Chair
Mr FD Yates
British Champion
(1913, 14, 21, 26 & 31)
The Unknown Chess Player
Two of our most promising juniors from the Depression era. Sadly, both died of TB before reaching adolescence
"Chess today is in safe hands." Steve Davies (President of the British Chess Federation)