The Damiano Mystery
Third article by José Garzón on major changes in chess during the Renaissance.
The full text, in Spanish, can be downloaded at the end of this summary.
The Damiano Mystery
by José Garzón
Rome, 1512 – When a Portuguese Pseudonym Revealed Modern Chess
In 1512, a small bilingual book appeared in Rome, printed in Italian and Spanish: Questo libro e da imparare giocare a scacchi et de le partite. Its author called himself simply Damiano Portugese — “Damiano the Portuguese.”
That modest volume became the first true bestseller in chess history, reprinted throughout the 16th century and cited by every later theorist.
A Success Born in Spain
Modern research by José A. Garzón and others has shown that the Damiano’s contents were not original.
Its 72 problems, “subtleties,” and descriptions of the new rules all came from an earlier source: the Llibre dels jochs partits dels scachs printed in Valencia in 1495 by Francesch Vicent.
In other words, the Damiano was not an Italian invention at all, but rather the Roman transmission of the Valencian revolution — the moment when the Queen, the modern Bishop, and our familiar game of chess were born.
The Book That Changed the History of Chess
This is the second article by José Garzón.
The full text, in Spanish, can be downloaded at the end of this summary.
Valencia, 1495 – When Francesch Vicent Brought the Game into the Modern Age
by José Garzón
In 1495, in a busy Valencian printing shop run by Lope de la Roca and Pere Trincher, a small book appeared that would forever transform the world of chess: the Llibre dels jochs partits dels scachs en nombre de 100, written by Francesch Vicent, born in Segorbe and living in Valencia.
This long-lost volume was the first printed treatise on modern chess — and arguably one of the most influential books in the history of the game.
Scachs d’amor: The Poem That Gave Birth to Modern Chess
José Garzón has sent several articles to complement his lecture given in Valencia on 5 September, which was entitled: Spain as the cradle of modern chess
These fascinating articles will be published in several instalments, with a summary in English and the full text in Spanish. Here is the first one.
Many thanks to José for allowing us to publish these texts.
Valencia, 1475 — when poetry invented the Queen
by José Garzón
In the twilight of the fifteenth century, in the brilliant humanist city of Valencia, three poets — Bernat Fenollar, Narcís Vinyoles, and Francí de Castellví — created a remarkable work titled Scachs d’amor (“Chess of Love”).
Behind its courtly allegory lies nothing less than the birth certificate of modern chess.
Read more … Scachs d’amor: The Poem That Gave Birth to Modern Chess
The Stories, Games, and Intrigues of Capablanca & Alekhine
Last June [New Capablanca and Alekhine book in Spanish] Luis Fernández Siles announced the release of his book in Spanish on the relationship between Capablanca and Alekhine.
His book is now also available in English.
You can find it here:
Read more … The Stories, Games, and Intrigues of Capablanca & Alekhine
Seville 1987 – Kasparov v. Karpov
The final lecture on Saturday 6 September, in Valencia, Spain, was given by the president of the Chess History and Literature Society, Frank Hoffmeister.
He recounted the World Chess Championship played in Seville in 1987 between Kasparov and Karpov.
Madrid 1973 – Karpov on the way to the throne
Continuation of the lectures on Saturday 6 September in Valencia, with Spain in the spotlight.
Jesús Seoane gives a detailed presentation of the highly competitive 1973 Madrid tournament.
A major victory for Karpov on his way to the world title.
Alekhine escapes to Spain
The second presentation on Sunday, 6 September, was devoted to Alekhine.
Denis Teyssou, an Alekhine specialist, recounted the final years of the fourth World Chess Champion's life, focusing mainly on his flight to Spain during the Second World War.
St. Sebastian 1911 – Capablanca's triumphant entry into Europe
On Saturday 6 September, the first presentation was given by Georges Bertola on the 1911 San Sebastian tournament. This was Capablanca's first tournament in Europe, and he made a big impression.
Georges is a Capablanca specialist, and I also refer you to the first volume of the biography of the brilliant Cuban player:
Capablanca, the prodigious ascent (1888-1920) - by Georges Bertola
Read more … St. Sebastian 1911 – Capablanca's triumphant entry into Europe
New essay on Spanish chess bibliography
The programme for Friday 5 September included a title that was somewhat mysterious to me:
Collector's Corner: NEBEA, Spanish Chess Bibliography: Genesis, contributions and curiosities
With a presentation by José A. Garzón.
In fact, it allowed me to discover a remarkable work on the origins of modern chess in Spain. The acronym NEBEA finally found an explanation: Nuevo Ensayo de Bibliografia Espanola de Ajedrez 1238-1938, or in English, New Essay on Spanish Chess Bibliography.
Co-authors: Miquel Artigas, José A. Garzón and Josep Alió.
Rodrigo (Ruy) LÓPEZ DE SEGURA and his reception in Europe
The second speaker on Friday, 5 September 2025, in Valencia (A memorable meeting in a historic location – CH&LS annual meeting in Valencia) was Herbert Bastian with his presentation on Ruy Lopez.
Read more … Rodrigo (Ruy) LÓPEZ DE SEGURA and his reception in Europe