Frank Marshall – "The Great Swindler"

Frank James Marshall (1877–1944) was the dominant force in American chess before Bobby Fischer. He was one of the original five Grandmasters and founded the historic Marshall Chess Club in NYC.

Marshall was the ultimate Romantic in the modern era. He loved gambits, attacks, and sacrifices. He famously said, "I like my position. I can attack!" even when he was objectively losing.

Yes. He prepared the pawn sacrifice in the Ruy Lopez specifically to beat Capablanca. He famously kept the analysis secret for nearly 10 years before unleashing it in 1918.

After holding the title for 27 years, he voluntarily retired in 1936 to allow a tournament to decide the new champion, paving the way for Samuel Reshevsky.

Against Levitsky, Marshall placed his Queen on a square where it could be captured by two pawns. The move was so stunning that the audience reportedly showered the board with gold pieces.

He introduced 8...d5! in the Ruy Lopez against Capablanca in 1918. Though Capablanca defended brilliantly and won, the opening remains a top-tier weapon today.

His breakout performance. He won the tournament undefeated, finishing two points ahead of World Champion Emanuel Lasker and Janowski.

He held the US title from 1909 until 1936, defending it in match play and dominating the American circuit.

He was one of the five players (along with Lasker, Capablanca, Alekhine, and Tarrasch) to be awarded the original title of "Grandmaster" by Tsar Nicholas II in 1914.

He founded the club in 1915. It remains one of the most famous chess venues in the world, having hosted Fischer, Nakamura, and Carlsen.

Marshall published a book titled Marshall's Chess "Swindles", celebrating his ability to trick opponents in lost positions.

He won this strong international tournament ahead of Duras, Schlechter, and Chigorin.

He invented the chaotic "Marshall Gambit" in the Semi-Slav Defense, a line so sharp that theory is still being written about it today.

He led the USA to four consecutive Olympic Gold Medals in the 1930s (Prague, Folkestone, Warsaw, Stockholm).

He possessed incredible "board sight." He could spot tactical shots instantly, often sacrificing material on intuition alone.

He challenged Emanuel Lasker for the World Championship in 1907. Though he lost heavily, he remained one of the world's elite.

Known for his dapper dress style, cigar smoking, and friendly demeanor, he was a beloved ambassador for the game.

He finished 2nd in Havana, solidifying his rivalry and friendship with Jose Raul Capablanca.

He actively mentored young American players, including Reuben Fine and the young Bobby Fischer (who played at his club).

He played the French Defense aggressively, often using the McCutcheon variation to create complications.

Like Chigorin, Marshall hated short draws. He played for the public, believing chess should be exciting entertainment.

This famous quote is attributed to him (or Capablanca about him), referring to his uncanny ability to survive bad positions.

He also has a variation in the Queen's Gambit Declined named after him, characterized by active piece play.

Every time a Super-GM plays the Marshall Attack today (like Aronian or Ding Liren), they are paying tribute to Frank Marshall's genius.