HS

Full Name and Common Aliases


Howard Staunton was born as Howard Morton Staunton on December 5, 1810.

Birth and Death Dates


December 5, 1810 - May 22, 1874

Nationality and Profession(s)


English chess player, writer, and editor. He is considered one of the greatest players of his time.

Early Life and Background


Howard Staunton was born in London, England to a family of modest means. His father was a merchant who worked with textiles. Little is known about Howard's early life, but it is documented that he developed an interest in chess at a young age. He began playing the game seriously around 1822 and quickly became one of the best players in the country.

Major Accomplishments


Staunton was one of the founding members of the London Chess Club and served as its president for several years. In 1845, he organized the first international chess tournament held outside of Europe, which took place in London. He also edited several important books on chess strategy and tactics.

Notable Works or Actions


One of his most notable works is the book "The Chess Player's Handbook," which was published in 1862. This comprehensive guide to chess included strategies, tactics, and rules of play. Staunton was also a vocal advocate for the game of chess and its benefits for players.

Impact and Legacy


Howard Staunton had a significant impact on the development of chess as we know it today. His tournament in London helped establish international competitions as an essential part of the game. He is remembered for his exceptional skill at the board, and many consider him one of the greatest players of all time. His work as an editor and writer also played a crucial role in popularizing the game.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Howard Staunton's quotes and writings are still widely referenced today due to their timeless insights into the game of chess. His quotes often focus on strategy, tactics, and the mental aspects of playing at an elite level. He is also remembered for his advocacy for the importance of practice and dedication in achieving success.

Staunton's legacy extends beyond the world of chess. His writings offer valuable lessons on perseverance, discipline, and hard work that can be applied to many areas of life. As a result, he remains widely quoted and respected today.

Quotes by Howard Staunton

When neither party can give checkmate, the game is drawn.
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When neither party can give checkmate, the game is drawn.
For touching an adversary’s man, when it cannot be captured, the offender must move his King.
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For touching an adversary’s man, when it cannot be captured, the offender must move his King.
The game of Chess is played by two persons, each having at command a little army of sixteen men, upon a board divided into sixty-four squares.
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The game of Chess is played by two persons, each having at command a little army of sixteen men, upon a board divided into sixty-four squares.
The game of chess is the most fascinating and intellectual pastime which the wisdom of antiquity has bequeathed to us.
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The game of chess is the most fascinating and intellectual pastime which the wisdom of antiquity has bequeathed to us.
To play with correctness and skill the ends of games, is an important but a very rare accomplishment, expect among the magnates of the game.
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To play with correctness and skill the ends of games, is an important but a very rare accomplishment, expect among the magnates of the game.
After white's reply to 1.e4 e5 with 2.f4 the game is in its last throes
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After white's reply to 1.e4 e5 with 2.f4 the game is in its last throes
After black's reply to 1.e4 with 1..e5, leaves him always trying to get into the game
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After black's reply to 1.e4 with 1..e5, leaves him always trying to get into the game
Be careful, too, when about to capture a distant Pawn or Piece, that you do not remove your Queen too far from the immediate point of action.
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Be careful, too, when about to capture a distant Pawn or Piece, that you do not remove your Queen too far from the immediate point of action.
A Pawn reaching the eighth square must be at once exchanged for any piece of its own color (except the King) that the player of the Pawn may elect.
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A Pawn reaching the eighth square must be at once exchanged for any piece of its own color (except the King) that the player of the Pawn may elect.
The Rook has the same power in taking as the Queen, forwards, backwards, and sideways, but he cannot, like her, take any man diagonally.
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The Rook has the same power in taking as the Queen, forwards, backwards, and sideways, but he cannot, like her, take any man diagonally.
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