J. Löwenthal, Morphy's Games of Chess (1860)
Game 166 of 203
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Event
Morphy blindfold sim +2-0=6
Site
London (London CC)
Date
1859.04.13
Round
1(5)
White
Black
Greenaway, Francis
Result
1/2-1/2
Board 5 of the London Chess Club blindfold display; an Evans's Gambit against Mr. Greenaway in which, the book notes, Morphy overlooked a forced win and the game was ultimately drawn.
- 8.Ba3 Mr. Morphy entertains a high opinion of this move, being convinced that it gives the first player a tenacious and powerful attack.
- 9…d5 The “Chess Monthly,” in a note to this move, appends the following analysis:— “If, firstly, 9. ... P. takes P.; 10. Q. to Kt's 3rd, Q. to Q's 2nd; 11. R. to K's sq., with a winning attack. If, secondly, 9. ... Kt. to K's 5th; 10. K. P. takes P., Kt. takes Q's P. (or A); 11. R. to K's sq. (ch.), K. to B's sq.; 12. Kt. takes Q's P., with a fine game. (A) 10. ... P. takes Q's P.; 11. R. to K's sq., P. to Q's 4th; 12. Kt. takes P., with an excellent game.”
- 12…a6 Had Black here played Kt. to K's 2nd, then 13. B. takes B. (ch.), Q. takes B.; 14. B. takes Kt., and whether the Bishop be captured with King or Queen, White wins a piece. If, too, on the 13th move, K. takes B., the piece is equally gained by 14. B. takes Kt.
- 13.Bd3 Far stronger than taking the Pawn with Queen. White thereby would certainly have gained a Pawn, but would have lost his advantageous position.
- 15.Rxc6 With Mr. Morphy the sacrifice of the exchange seems to be of no moment, provided that the attack can be maintained. As the game progresses the soundness of thus giving up the Rook for Knight will become apparent.
- 21.Qxc6+ By means of the foregoing diagram it may be proved that Mr. Morphy, in the present instance, missed the road to victory when open to him. Had he played P. to K's 6th he must have won in a few moves; e.g.— 21. P. to K's 6th, B. takes K's P. (best); 22. R. takes B. (ch.), P. takes R.; 23. Kt. to K's 5th — the only move to win, and one overlooked by White in mentally examining the position — with White now threatening to mate by 24. B. to Kt's 6th.
- 28…Rh8 And the game was considered drawn.