Carl Schlechter

Born on 2 March 1874 in Vienna, Austria .

Learned to play chess at age 13 , reportedly under the influence of problem composer Samuel Gold .

Largely self-taught as a chess player, he developed his skills in the Viennese chess scene.

One of the strongest players in the early 20th century and a brilliant theorist, journalist, and composer .

Best known for drawing a World Chess Championship match with Emanuel Lasker in 1910; the draw meant Lasker retained the title .

He came within one game of becoming World Champion — a draw in the final game would have given him the title, but he lost.

Already at age 18, he was one of the best players in Vienna and chose the path of a professional chess player .

His health was undermined by World War I, and he died in 1918 at age 44 .

Schlechter earned the nickname "the drawing master" early in his career for his many draws .

His 1910 World Championship match against Lasker is one of the most dramatic in chess history; Schlechter needed only a draw in the final game to win the title but lost after a heroic defense.

He was known for his modest and gentlemanly conduct, and was universally respected.

(No famous personal quotes widely documented; his near-miss for the world title is his legacy.)

Schlechter was a prolific chess journalist and authored several tournament books.