A multitude of insignificant advantages

He gives service to his predecessor, Wihelm Steinitz.

Steinitz was world champion from 1866-1894.

Lasker, 1894-1921.

Total-55 years!!

Many that followed Steinitz learned and applied his ideas better than he did, which is a testament to the greatness of his original work.

Lasker wanted to make sure that his (Steinitz’s) contribution was not ignored by the generations that followed.

Coincidentally, Bobby Fischer also marveled at the work of Steinitz.

Here is a quote, from Lasker, about what he called “Steinitz’s Maxim”:

“Therefore his maxim: In the beginning of the game ignore the search for combinations, abstain from violent moves, aim for small advantages, accumulate them, and only after having attained these ends search for the combination- and then with all of the power of will and intellect, because then the combination must exist, however deeply hidden”.