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Curt Von BardelebenGerman chess player
Date of Birth: 04.03.1861
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Early Life and Chess Career
- Education and Journalism
- Eccentric Personality
- Allegations of Matrimonial Alliances
- Personal Life and Tragedy
- - Hedwig Beyer (1902-1903)
Early Life and Chess Career
Curt Carl Alfred von Bardeleben was born on March 4, 1861, in Berlin, Germany. From a noble family, he inherited a significant fortune from his father, a director in the Prussian Ministry of Literature. At age 10, he learned chess and quickly became the top player in Weimar, where his family had moved.
Education and Journalism
Despite commencing legal studies at Leipzig University, von Bardeleben abandoned law for chess. He briefly paused his chess career to complete his education and earn a degree in law in 1880. From 1887 to 1891, he edited the chess magazine "Deutsche Schachzeitung."
Eccentric Personality
Von Bardeleben was known for his eccentricities, which fueled speculation and gossip. He often wore an outdated black tailcoat, leading some to believe he was financially struggling. However, he had inherited a substantial fortune that allowed him to pursue chess full-time.
Allegations of Matrimonial Alliances
Rumors circulated that von Bardeleben married wealthy women for their fortunes. He divorced multiple times, with each subsequent marriage reportedly providing him with significant financial compensation. By the time he received these sums, his debts often exceeded his gains, leading to further financial hardship.
Personal Life and Tragedy
Despite his eccentricities, von Bardeleben was unlucky in love. He married thrice, and all three marriages ended in divorce:
- Hedwig Beyer (1902-1903)
- Katharina Kastenmayer (1906-1906)- Elisabeth Böhncke (1907-?)
Downfall and Inspiration
After inflation decimated his fortune, von Bardeleben committed suicide by jumping out of his fourth-floor apartment window on January 31, 1924. His life and death inspired Vladimir Nabokov's novel "The Defense," which was later adapted into a film. Nabokov became friends with von Bardeleben and imbued his protagonist with many of the German grandmaster's traits.
