Ellen Gilbert

American chess player

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June 29, 2026

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Ellen Gilbert was an American chess player noted for her success in international correspondence matches in 1879. She defeated the strong English amateur George Gossip twice, once by announcing checkmate in 21 moves and again in 35 moves. This achievement highlights women's growing distinction in chess during the 19th century, even as societal norms often limited their participation in public chess venues.1

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chess
Women in chess
An American woman, Ellen Gilbert, defeated a strong English amateur, George Gossip, twice in an international correspondence match in 1879—announcing checkmate in 21 moves in one game and in 35 moves in the other. Edith Winter-Wood composed more than 2,000 problems, 700 of which appeared in a book…
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An American woman, Ellen Gilbert, defeated a strong English amateur, George Gossip, twice in an international correspondence match in 1879—announcing checkmate in 21 moves in one game and in 35 moves in the other. Edith Winter-Wood composed more than 2,000 problems, 700 of which appeared in a book…
Read More