Unveiling the Treasures: Super Grandmaster Chess Sets, Hastings 1895, and Much, Much More! An interview with Fabiano Ferreira
Recently, I had the privilege of connecting with Fabiano Ferreira, a distinguished chess collector from southern Brazil, to embark on a captivating journey through his extraordinary collection. Despite his demanding profession as an Oncologist, Fabiano generously allocated his precious time to provide insights into his cherished chess sets and unravel the fascinating stories behind them. Throughout our virtual encounter, he unveiled a series of intriguing chess sets, each holding its own unique significance. I have included the PGNs (Portable Game Notation) at the end, allowing you to delve into the games played on these remarkable chess sets that Fabiano so graciously shared with me.
A Glimpse into the Past:
Fabiano's collection boasted an array of original chess sets from significant events in chess history. Our virtual encounter opened the doors to the renowned Hastings 1885 chess congress, a historic tournament that witnessed the rivalry between eminent players of the era. As we examined the intricate pieces, Fabiano narrated tales of genius moves and captivating encounters that unfolded on this very board.
 |
| Original Hastings 1895 Chess Set (Courtesy of F. Ferreira) |
The St. Petersburg Tournament of 1914 was another centerpiece of Fabiano's collection. This event brought together the brightest chess minds of the time, including the likes of Capablanca, Lasker, and Alekhine. The chess set, steeped in nostalgia, transported us to a bygone era, where each piece held the weight of chess history within its delicate design.
 |
| Original Saint Petersburg 1914 Chess Set (Courtesy of F. Ferreira) |
With great enthusiasm, Fabiano Ferreira also showcased his cherished Moscow 1935/1936 chess set, a true gem in his collection. The set, meticulously crafted with intricate details, bore the essence of the historic chess tournaments that took place in the Russian capital during that era. Each ornate piece, delicately carved and exquisitely designed, represented a tangible connection to the grandeur of chess history. As the light caught the polished surfaces of the chessboard and the shimmering pieces, the set seemed to come alive, invoking the spirit of the iconic matches and legendary players who once graced the chessboards of Moscow. Fabiano's passion for chess collecting radiated as he shared the stories and significance behind this extraordinary set, making it an unforgettable experience for all who had the privilege of witnessing it.
 |
| 1935/1936 Moscow Original Chess Set (Courtesy of F. Ferreira) |
The Legends' Battlefield:
Our conversation gravitated towards the legendary World Championship match between Emanuel Lasker and Carl Schlechter in 1910. Fabiano recounted the fierce battle between the two titans as we admired the chess set used in that historic encounter. Every move made on this set had an impact on the outcome of the match, and we discussed the profound influence of these games on the chess world.
 |
| Lasker - Schlecter 1910 Original Chess Set (Courtesy of F. Ferreira) |
Next, we explored the Piatigorsky chess set, a collection that ignited the imagination of both players and collectors alike. These iconic sets were used in the famous Piatigorsky Cup tournaments held in the 1960s, where renowned players such as Bobby Fischer and Samuel Reshevsky showcased their brilliance. Fabiano's dedication to preserving these sets allowed us to appreciate the historical significance they embodied.
 |
| Original Piatigorsky Chess Set (Courtesy of F. Ferreira) |
During our virtual tour, Fabiano Ferreira, the passionate chess collector from southern Brazil, delighted me with yet another awe-inspiring addition to his collection—the chess set from the historic US-Soviet Friendship Match. This match, held at a time of intense rivalry, brought together the finest chess players from both nations in a display of sportsmanship and cultural exchange. As Fabiano unveiled the chess set, I couldn't help but feel the weight of the historical significance it carried. The pieces, worn by time and the battles fought on this board, symbolized the bridge built between nations through the language of chess. We immersed ourselves in the tales and strategies employed by the legendary players, appreciating the profound impact that this match had on the development of the game.
 |
| Fabiano Showing his US-Soviet Friendship Match Chess Original Set |
Fabiano's commitment to preserving these iconic chess sets and sharing their stories demonstrated his dedication to celebrating the historical tapestry of chess. His collection serves as a testament to the enduring power of chess, fostering friendship and understanding across borders.
A Rarity Amongst Rarity:
As our virtual tour continued, Fabiano unveiled a gem that left me awestruck—an ultra-rare super grandmaster chess set, one of which is the only one in existence. This extraordinary set had been witness to the battles fought by the greatest chess minds of our time. We discussed the significance of this unique artifact and marveled at the privilege of witnessing such a treasure.
Additional Surprises:
Additionally, Fabiano had a few surprises up his sleeve during our virtual encounter. Among his collection were one-of-a-kind score sheets, meticulously preserved with handwritten annotations from iconic chess matches. These score sheets provided a glimpse into the thought processes and strategies employed by the chess masters of yesteryears, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the intensity of their battles.
Moreover, Fabiano proudly presented a sealed envelope, carefully safeguarding a remarkable piece of chess history. Inside, he revealed Petrosian's sealed move in his game against Latkov, a move that remained a mystery to the chess world for decades. The envelope itself seemed to hold the suspense and anticipation of unveiling this hidden gem, further emphasizing the depths of Fabiano's collection.
The joy of unearthing these surprises was indescribable. Each revelation added an extra layer of excitement to our conversation, as we reveled in the opportunity to connect with chess history on such an intimate level.
Conclusion:
My virtual interview with Fabiano Ferreira, a passionate chess collector, was an experience that transported me to the epic battles of chess history. His dedication to preserving these priceless chess sets and sharing their stories was both inspiring and humbling. As we bid farewell, I couldn't help but reflect on the profound impact that chess has had on our world—a timeless game that continues to intrigue, challenge, and unite minds across generations.
Throughout our conversation, Fabiano mentioned some memorable games played on these remarkable chess sets. Here are a few PGNs of the games we discussed:
1. Fischer-Helder Camara (1970)
(4:30 in the interview) Fabiano shared an intriguing anecdote about his conversation with the Camara brothers, Helder and Ronald, who represented Brazil in the 1970 Olympiad. In a memorable encounter, Helder Camara faced the renowned Bobby Fischer from the United States. Prior to the game, Helder revealed a surprise strategy to his brother, a move that would catch Fischer off guard. The audacious plan involved playing the Dragon Sicilian without castling—a decision that proved to be nothing short of "absolute carnage," as described by Fabiano himself. The daring move showcased the Camara brothers' determination to challenge the formidable opponent and left a lasting impression on the chess community.
2. Lasker-Pillsbury Hastings 1895
3. Lasker - Schlecter 1910 game 10
During Fabiano's demonstration of the chess set from the historic 1910 Lasker vs. Schlechter World Championship match, he highlighted a notable game that took place. Game 10 witnessed Lasker facing an unexpected surprise—an opening named after his opponent, the Schlechter Defense. Schlechter boldly expressed his intention to avoid a draw, resulting in a grueling and protracted battle that extended to a staggering 71 moves. Despite the intense struggle, Lasker ultimately emerged triumphant. This game holds significant renown within the chess community, as it has been extensively studied and analyzed due to the strategic intricacies and remarkable gameplay demonstrated by both players.
4. Lasker-Capablanca St. Petersburg 1914
(about 34:00 into the interview) As Fabiano proudly displayed his original St. Petersburg 1914 chess set, he took the opportunity to delve into a remarkable game played by Emanuel Lasker against the formidable chess machine, José Raúl Capablanca. With enthusiasm, Fabiano recounted the brilliance exhibited by Lasker as he triumphed over the highly skilled opponent. The game served as a testament to Lasker's strategic prowess and his ability to outmaneuver the technical prowess of the chess machine. The encounter remains a captivating example of the complexities and ingenuity in chess.
5. Petrosian - Lutikov 1956
(End of interview) Following the interview, Fabiano reached out to me with a sense of urgency, expressing that he had something of importance to share. Intrigued, we reconnected, and he unveiled a sealed move by Tigran Petrosian in the 42nd move of his game against Lutikov in 1956. It was a captivating moment as I discovered that Lutikov had resigned upon witnessing this move, realizing that the game had reached its conclusion in just 42 moves. This sealed move, preserved as memorabilia, encapsulated the significance of a truly remarkable game in chess history.
 |
| Petrosian's Sealed 42nd Move Rg6-g5 (Courtesy of F. Ferreira) |
Full Video:
In addition to showcasing these remarkable chess sets, Fabiano Ferreira's passion for preserving chess history goes beyond the physical artifacts. Through his collection, he seeks to highlight the enduring influence of these games and their impact on the development of chess strategy and tactics. By delving into the historical narratives surrounding these sets, Fabiano not only provides a glimpse into the past but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the game of chess itself. Through his dedication, he connects enthusiasts and players across generations, creating a bridge that transcends time and borders. The insights shared in this article serve as a testament to Fabiano's commitment to celebrating the rich tapestry of chess history and its ongoing relevance in the modern world.
Comments
Post a Comment