San Sebastián Chess Tournament 1911
Capablanca's International Breakthrough
Tournament Overview
- Date: February 20 - March 12, 1911
- Location: San Sebastián, Spain
- Format: Round-robin
- Participants: 15 players
- Winner: José Raúl Capablanca (CUB)
Historical Significance
San Sebastián 1911 is remembered as the tournament where José Raúl Capablanca announced his arrival on the world stage. The 22-year-old Cuban won ahead of established masters Rubinstein and Vidmar, proving he belonged among the world's elite.
The tournament was one of the strongest of its time, featuring World Champion Emanuel Lasker and leading contenders. Capablanca's victory marked the beginning of a new era in chess, characterized by his seemingly effortless positional play and endgame mastery.
Mieses' Performance
Result: 13th Place
5 points from 14 games (35.7%)
For the 46-year-old Jacques Mieses, San Sebastián proved challenging. The younger generation, led by Capablanca, demonstrated a new style of play that was difficult for the older masters to counter. Despite the difficult result, Mieses' participation in such a strong tournament showed his continued standing in international chess.
The Field of Competitors
- José Raúl Capablanca (CUB) - Winner
- Akiba Rubinstein (POL) - 2nd
- Milan Vidmar (SLO) - 3rd
- Emanuel Lasker (GER) - 4th
- Carl Schlechter (AUT) - 5th
- Siegbert Tarrasch (GER)
- Aron Nimzowitsch (LAT)
- Ossip Bernstein (RUS)
- Frank Marshall (USA)
- Jacques Mieses (GER) - 13th