1836–1900 · Austria / USA

Wilhelm Steinitz

The beginning of modern strategy

Wilhelm Steinitz became the first official world champion in 1886. He explained that an effective attack should result from positional advantage, and not from the mere desire to attack.

For beginners • one practical idea

Illustration

The most important lesson

Small advantages

Reap the small benefits: a better field, a healthier piece structure and a more active piece. Only their sum justifies the attack.

Try applying this principle to a real game. The game will run without an account.

Try it in game

Play the idea

One move to start

Make the first move that best fits the lessons of this profile. This simple exercise allows you to immediately put history into practice.

Select a pawn or piece and then the target square.

Connections

Rivals and contemporaries

Sources and scope

Biographical facts were checked based on the material: FIDE – world champions. The description of the style and the lesson are Szachmaty's own educational material. The portrait is a marked illustration and does not imply cooperation or authorization of this person.

Last update: July 24, 2026.