The match began on January 11, 1886 in Cartier’s Hall, Fifth Avenue, in New York. The New York leg ended January 20, when Zukertort scored 4 consecutive victories after losing the first game. Play was resumed on February 3 in St. Louis.The games were played during the day in the Harmonie Hall and at night in the Chess, Checkers and Whist Club.The umpires were Ben R. Foster for Steinitz and William Duncan for Zukertort.The St. Louis leg ended on February 10 after Steinitz scored 3 wins and a draw.After a rest of almost 2 weeks, the New Orleans leg began on February 26. Charles Francis Buck was the referee. The umpires were Fernand Clairborne for Steinitz and Charles Maurian for Zukertort.Play took place in the New Orleans Chess, Checkers and Whist Club at the corner of Baronne and Canal Street.Carnival activities led to a suspension of the match for a few days. After a draw, Steinitz pulled ahead with 2 wins. Zukertort struck back with a win, but managed only 3 draws and another loss in the next games. Steinitz then went on to win the last 3 games, becoming the first official world champion on March 29, 1886 with a final score of (+10 -5 =5).
Game 1 : Johannes Zukertort vs Wilhelm Steinitz
Game 2 : Wilhelm Steinitz vs Johannes Zukertort
Game 3 : Johannes Zukertort vs Wilhelm Steinitz
Game 4 : Wilhelm Steinitz vs Johannes Zukertort
Game 5 : Johannes Zukertort vs Wilhelm Steinitz
Game 6 : Wilhelm Steinitz vs Johannes Zukertort
Game 7 : Johannes Zukertort vs Wilhelm Steinitz
Game 8 : Wilhelm Steinitz vs Johannes Zukertort
Game 9 : Johannes Zukertort vs Wilhelm Steinitz
Game 10 : Wilhelm Steinitz vs Johannes Zukertort
Game 11 : Johannes Zukertort vs Wilhelm Steinitz
Game 12 : Wilhelm Steinitz vs Johannes Zukertort
Game 13 : Johannes Zukertort vs Wilhelm Steinitz
Game 14 : Wilhelm Steinitz vs Johannes Zukertort
Game 15 : Johannes Zukertort vs Wilhelm Steinitz
Game 16 : Wilhelm Steinitz vs Johannes Zukertort
Game 17 : Johannes Zukertort vs Wilhelm Steinitz
Game 18 : Wilhelm Steinitz vs Johannes Zukertort
Game 19 : Johannes Zukertort vs Wilhelm Steinitz
Game 20 : Wilhelm Steinitz vs Johannes Zukertort
