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Stamma rallied from defeat by Philidor to become not only a master, but also to be acclaimed the pioneer in modern chess technique. He was a native of Aleppo, Syria, and was an interpreter of Oriental languages for the King of England stationed in London. Near the middle of the 18th Century, he published a book in which he outlined 100 artificial end positions, and this, with his later notations, increased interest in the game because it put the greater stress upon strategy.

Chess dates its great advance in popularity from the era of Stamma, whose feats determined others to try to eclipse him, or, at least, equal him.

Another Frenchman-Louis de la Bourdonnais-succeeded Philidor as a champion of France. He won the international title by defeating Alexander Macdonnell, the greatest in England, in a series of matches. After de la Bourdonnais, who died in 1840, had passed his peak, Alexandre Deschapelles (1780-1847) became recognized as the champion.

In 1843, Pierre de Saint-Amant, a pupil of de la Bourdonnais, and Howard Staunton of London were matched in Paris "for the international championship." Staunton won. He scored later victories over some remarkable players from other parts of Europe and became the promoter of the first real international chess tournament. He staged it in connection with the World's Exhibition in London in 1851, which year marked the beginning of a new era in the sport.

The championship was won by Prof. Adolph Anderssen of Germany, but Staunton continued to acclaim himself "European Champion." He proceeded to issue challenges as European champion and in 1858, Paul Morphy (1837-1884) of New Orleans, one of the greatest chess masters of all ages, accepted and sailed to Europe to test Staunton's skill.

Morphy had won the American championship in 1857, in the first United States tournament, held in New York. In one match, Louis Paulsen devoted 14 hours 28 minutes to thinking before making one move. Morphy defeated him, anyway.

Morphy never gained the opportunity to meet Staunton. The "European Champion," upon Morphy's arrival, told him he would meet him "at some later date." Morphy toured Europe while awaiting Staunton's action. Morphy defeated Anderssen, the conqueror of Staunton, and a score of others of international fame. He won so easily that the matches bore no resemblance to contests. Europe joined America in declaring Morphy champion of the world, whereupon enthusiasts of both continents demanded that Staunton meet Morphy or retire. Staunton replied by announcing his retirement in 1858. He never played in a tournament again. He died in 1874.

Morphy returned to the United States in 1859. His health broke in 1860. He retired from play and died in 1884.

Upon Morphy's resignation as champion, Professor Anderssen reclaimed the title. He was disputed by Wilhelm Steinitz. They met in 1866, Steinitz winning. Steinitz, an Austrian, became a resident of the United States in 1883. He retained the title until 1894, when he was conquered by Dr. Emanuel Lasker of Berlin. Lasker was champion from 1894 until 1921, when he was defeated by Jose R. Capablanca of Havana, Cuba. The latter reigned until 1927, when he was dethroned by Dr. Alexander A. Alekhine of Paris. In 1935, Alekhine was defeated by Dr. Max Euwe of Holland. On Dec. 7, 1937, Dr. Alekhine regained the crown by defeating Euwe at The Hague.