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Louis Paulsen, the Blindfold American Chessplayer - from a photograph by Hesler, of Chicago, 1858. Creator: Unknown
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Louis Paulsen, the Blindfold American Chessplayer - from a photograph by Hesler, of Chicago, 1858. Creator: Unknown
Louis Paulsen, the Blindfold American Chessplayer - from a photograph by Hesler, of Chicago, 1858. Child prodigy who emigrated to America from Germany:.to the delight and astonishment of all present, he performed the unprecedented feat of conducting five games simultaneously without board and men, winning four of them, and making a drawn battle of the fifth...in February of the present year he publicly played blindfold seven games at the same time, and won the whole...[in] May, he played at Chicago, Illinois, ten games together, without seeing a chessboard, against ten strong opponents, winning nine and drawing the tenth. During this unexampled match, upwards of nine hundred and twenty moves were made, those considered must have been as many thousands; and not only did Paulsen never make the slightest error, but often during very intricate combinations he corrected the mistakes of his open-eyed adversaries. This is perhaps the most astounding feat of memory the world has ever heard of...His head is the largest of any man in the United States. In temper he is modest, placid, and reserved to a fault. He is very abstemious, using no other stimulant than strong coffee and soda-water, of which he partakes freely during play. From "Illustrated London News", 1858
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Accomplishment Achievement Blindfold Board Game Chess Chess Player Child Prodigy Game Genius German American Memory Skill Success Pastime Young Man
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Louis Paulsen, the Blindfold American Chessplayer: A Feat of Memory Unmatched in History This photograph, taken by Hesler of Chicago in 1858, immortalizes Louis Paulsen, an extraordinary chess prodigy who defied the odds and amazed audiences with his remarkable ability to play the game blindfolded. Born in Germany, Paulsen emigrated to America at a young age, where he quickly gained recognition for his exceptional chess skills. In February 1858, Paulsen stunned onlookers by simultaneously conducting five blindfolded games, winning four and drawing the fifth. This unprecedented feat was followed by an even more astonishing achievement in May of the same year. In Chicago, Illinois, Paulsen played ten games at once against ten strong opponents, winning nine and drawing the tenth. Over the course of this remarkable match, an estimated 920 moves were made, with Paulsen never making a mistake and even correcting the errors of his open-eyed adversaries. The image of Paulsen, with his intense focus and unwavering concentration, speaks to the depth of his mental prowess. The caption from the "Illustrated London News" of 1858 further attests to his prodigious talent, noting his modest and placid demeanor, as well as his abstemious habits. Paulsen's head, described as the largest of any man in the United States, adds an intriguing element to this already fascinating portrait. This photograph offers a glimpse into the life of a true chess master and a testament to the limitless potential of the human mind.
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