Morphy, Paul VS Loewenthal, Johann Jacob 1859.04.16

Annotations

Morphy against Löwenthal, London 1859 — the first of three casual games, an Evans Gambit drawn after Morphy sacrificed a piece for the attack. Notes by Löwenthal.

1. 16…d5 White contemplated the capture of the Rook's Pawn with Kt., which would have utterly broken up Black's game. Black's move is the best for warding off the threatened danger.
2. 17.Bxg7 Had White played 17. B. takes Q's P., Black's reply of Q. to Q. Kt's 4th would have been decisive. The position is one of difficulty, and extreme care is requisite for the defence.
3. 17…Rxf7 This wins a piece; but, as taking the K's P. with B. would have equally gained one, and left Black with a superior position to the one he acquired, the move made was not the best play.
4. 24.Qg5 The manner in which Mr. Morphy (with a piece minus) conducts this portion of his game is admirable, and shows what vast resources the real chess master has at his command.
5. 24…Rd5 Despite the advantage of the piece, Black has no easy game to play, owing mainly to the exposed position of his King, and he makes the sacrifice here in order to play for a draw.
6. 25.Rxe7 The pieces again are singularly situated, as will be gathered from the accompanying diagram.
7. 29.Nd2 The game is now quite even, and, with careful play on both sides, must end in a draw.
8. 37.Bc1 The importance of this step subsequently becomes apparent.
9. 40.Bxa3 This fine sequel to White's 37th move ensures a drawn game.

J. Löwenthal, Morphy's Games of Chess (1860) · Public domain · source