Carl Schlechter

The gentle champion who came within one game of taking the title. Drew his 1910 match with Lasker 5-5 but was denied by the two-point victory clause. Died of malnutrition during World War I at age 44.

The Narrowest Miss

Carl Schlechter was born on March 2, 1874, in Vienna. He was known as a player of exquisite technique and sportsmanship, popular with his peers and respected for his deep understanding of the game. His tendency to draw games (a reflection of his balanced style rather than timidity) earned him the nickname "the drawing master," but this overlooked his genuine chess strength.

The 1910 World Championship match with Lasker was played in Vienna and Berlin. The match conditions, reportedly insisted upon by Lasker, required Schlechter to win by two clear points to take the title. A drawn match or a one-point victory would mean Lasker retained the championship. Schlechter won the fifth game to take a 5-4 lead. He needed just one more win from the final game to clinch the title. He drew the last game. The match was tied 5-5. Lasker kept the crown.

Schlechter's death in December 1918, from starvation and illness during the privations of World War I, was a quiet tragedy that received little attention in a world convulsed by conflict. He was 44 years old.