Steinitz, Wilhelm

Steinitz, Wilhelm (vĭl`hĕlm shtī`nĭts), 1836–1900, German chess player. In 1866 he won a match from Adolph Anderssen, the leading player after Paul Morphy's retirement, and became world champion, although the title did not officially exist. Until 1892, when he lost to Harry Nelson Pillsbury, he defeated all the leading players. In 1894 he lost the world championship to Emanuel Lasker. The closed position, characterized by fixed pawns on both sides and the establishment of lasting positional values, was Steinitz's forte. He edited (1885–91) the International Chess Magazine in New York City and wrote The Modern Chess Instructor (2 vol., 1889–95).