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Frank Marshall, of the United States, is considered to be one of the greatest American Chess players ever. He was the United States Chess Champion from 1909-1936, a reign of 27 years that is unlikely to ever be equaled. Frank was one of the original Chess Grandmasters, a title that was granted by Russian Tsar Nicholas II in 1914.
In the 1930's, Marshall captained the US team to four gold medals at four Chess Olympiads. After one round, he returned to the board and found that his comrades had agreed to three draws. After he finished his own game, he gave each of them a stern talk individually on how draws don't win games or matches. They received the message and went on to achieve tremendous Olympic success. The U.S. team has never repeated the great successes of Marshall's teams.
Marshall was best known for his great tactical skill. One aspect of this was the "Marshall swindle", where a trick would turn a lost game around. Not so well known now, but appreciated in his day, was his endgame skill. He is one of the few players who defeated 3rd World Champion Jose Raul Capablanca with the black pieces, in a game that is considered one of the finest displays of endgame mastery ever played. |