Board 2 of the Birmingham blindfold display; an Evans' Gambit declined by the Rev. Mr. Salmon, decided by an instructive ending Löwenthal calls a perfect chess study.
4…d5It is a question of some importance, whether the Evans' Gambit should be accepted or declined. In theory we have a satisfactory defence to the regular attack, but in practice this so frequently breaks down, that in matches, where money and reputation are at stake, it would seem as if the evasion of the gambit by the move in the text were more prudent play.
6.O-OMr. Morphy considers this move the best at this juncture.
6…Ne7B. to K. B's 4th is now the proper play.
7…O-OWe should have preferred B. to Q's 5th.
13…Rxa4In making this sacrifice, Black was probably impressed with the idea that his adversary would take the Rook, and thus subject himself to the attack of Kt. to B's 6th and then to K's 7th (ch.); but Mr. Morphy evidently had all the variations in his mind's eye, and declined the proffered bait.
18.Bb2The accuracy and rapidity with which the young American replied to the most difficult moves of his opponents caused universal remark and astonishment, and we were ourselves as greatly impressed with the marvellous ability displayed as were the rest of the lookers-on.
22.d6Finely played, ensuring the advance of the Queen's Pawn, which is almost equivalent to the winning of the game.
22…Bb4Kt. takes P. at Q's 4th, would have been bad play, as the following variations will prove:— 22. Kt. takes P. at Q's 4th; 23. B. takes P. (ch.), K. to R's sq. (best); 24. Q. to B's 4th, R. takes R.; 25. B. takes Kt., and wins. If 23. R. takes B.; 24. R. to K's 8th (ch.), K. to R's 2nd (best); 25. Q. takes R., B. takes B., and White mates in four moves.
36.Re8This end game is a perfect chess study, and as such is deserving of a diagram, and the close examination of every student of the game.
J. Löwenthal, Morphy's Games of Chess (1860) · Public domain · source