La Bourdonnais facts for kids
Louis-Charles Mahé de La Bourdonnais (born 1795, died 1840) was likely the best chess player in the world around the year 1830. He was born on the island of Réunion. La Bourdonnais became the top professional chess player at the famous Café de la Régence in Paris, taking over from another great player named Deschapelles.
A Chess Champion
Louis-Charles Mahé de La Bourdonnais was a very skilled chess player. He became known as a leading player in Paris, which was a major center for chess at the time. His talent and dedication helped him rise to the top of the chess world.
The Famous Match of 1834
La Bourdonnais played a very important series of chess games against a British player named Alexander McDonnell. McDonnell was from Dublin but lived in London. He had learned a lot about chess from William Lewis, who was London's best professional player.
The matches between La Bourdonnais and McDonnell happened at the Café de la Régence in Paris during 1834. This was not just one game, but a long series of 85 games! It was a huge event in the chess world.
What Happened After the Match
Sadly, both La Bourdonnais and McDonnell passed away not long after their famous chess battles. La Bourdonnais died in December 1840 in London. He faced financial difficulties towards the end of his life. He is buried in Kensal Green Cemetery in London.
