Emanuel Lasker, born on December 24, 1868, and passing away on January 11, 1941, was a remarkable figure renowned for his prowess in chess, as well as his contributions to mathematics and philosophy. Holding the prestigious title of World Chess Champion for an unprecedented 27 years, from 1894 to 1921, he holds the record for the longest reign of any officially recognized World Chess Champion in history. During his prime, Lasker’s dominance in the chess world was unparalleled, earning him the reputation as one of the most formidable and skilled players to have ever graced the game. Even to this day, his legacy endures, and he continues to be widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the annals of chess history.
In addition to his aforementioned accomplishments, Emanuel Lasker’s name became immortalized through a groundbreaking chess study, widely recognized as one of the most brilliant ever conceived. This exceptional study on rook endgames has left an indelible mark in the history of chess and has been repeatedly reprinted in countless endgame books, attesting to its enduring significance and influence in the realm of chess strategies and tactics.