With all of us having fun with titles and all I was reminded of a story I
read involving Dr.Ossip Bernstein and Dr.Emanuel Lasker. Here it is.
In the Zurich Tournament, 1934, I had an amusing experience with
Lasker. In the semi-final round, I played the swiss master Gigli. I was
a piece ahead and had an easily won game; but as a result of
carelessness, I let the win slip away; and the game ended in a draw.
Lasker had left the scene before the game was over. In the evening,
we met at dinner. Lasker asked me: "How could possibly draw such a
game?"
I replied- as chessplayers in their chagrin often pass harsh
judgements against themselves- "Because I am a chess-idiot"
"You said a mouthful," answered Lasker
"What?" I replied. "You really believe that? If you do, put it in writing!"
Thereupon Lasker wrote on a postcard in his own hand: "At the
request of Dr.Bernstein, I hereby pronounce him to be a chess-idiot"
The certificate duly attested by him gave me quite a laugh.
Chess Life and Review, July 1955
Lasker never missed an opportunity to pull a funny quip.
Dave