Café de la Régence facts for kids
The Café de la Régence was a very famous coffeehouse in Paris, France. For over 100 years, it was the most important meeting spot for chess players. It opened in 1688 and got its name in 1718.
At first, the café was supported by the Duke of Orléans. Many writers and thinkers liked to visit it. But around 1740, it became the main place for chess players.
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A Hub for Chess Lovers
Many different people came to the Café de la Régence to play chess. These included both everyday players and some very famous people.
Famous Visitors
Some well-known visitors were:
- Voltaire: A famous French writer and philosopher.
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Another important French writer and thinker.
- Maximilien de Robespierre: A key leader during the French Revolution.
- Benjamin Franklin: An American inventor and statesman.
- Napoleon: The famous French emperor.
These important figures enjoyed playing chess at the café.
Top Chess Professionals
The Café de la Régence was also home to the best chess players of the time. Leading professionals like Deschapelles, La Bourdonnais, Verdoni, and Philidor were often there. They played challenging games and taught others.
Historic Chess Matches
Many important chess matches happened at the café.
- In 1843, Howard Staunton played his famous match against Pierre Saint-Amant there.
- Later, in 1858, the American chess genius Paul Morphy visited. He played many games, including a big match against Adolf Anderssen.
The End of an Era
The Café de la Régence moved to a new location in 1855. The special chess room finally closed its doors in 1916. Even so, its history as a central place for chess players lasted for a very long time.
Images for kids
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A painting showing chess masters gathered at the café, by Antti Favén, 1902–1913
See also
In Spanish: Café de la Régence para niños
