Pierre Charles Fournier de Saint-Amant

Pierre Charles Fournier de Saint -Amant (* September 12, 1800 at Castle Latour at Monflanquin, † October 29, 1872 at Castle Hydra in Algiers ) was one of the most famous chess champion of France.

Life

He has worked professionally in the civil service and tried to breath at various jobs as an actor, journalist and wine merchants. He spent his free time mostly in Paris's famous chess café Café de la Regence, where he developed his skills in chess for high mastery.

After the death of Louis -Charles Mahé de La Bourdonnais in 1840 Saint -Amant was considered the best chess player of France, although he never reached his class and skill level.

In 1836, Saint -Amant traveled to England, where he defeated a number of British Chess Champion in competitions. In 1843 he also played a match against Howard Staunton, the strongest English champions. The competition in London he won 3.5: 2.5. The second competition in Paris, who was regarded as the unofficial world championship, he lost 8:13. Thus the supremacy of France went over to England in chess.

In the years 1841 to 1847 was Pierre Saint -Amant editor of the chess magazine Le Palamede. Then he gave up the game of chess completely and re-entered the civil service. For a time he was consul in California.

When in 1858 the American Paul Morphy came to Paris Saint -Amant recognized at the superior skill level and honored him at a banquet than is currently the best chess players in the world. Both played several private games with each other.

His best historical Elo rating was 2603rd This he achieved in August 1846. He lay thus for three years in second place in the world.

1861, Saint -Amant went to Algeria, where he spent his twilight years. In 1872, he died after an accident.