Game I. First game between Messrs. Anderssen and Szen (Second Series). French Opening.

1. 8…dxc4 Castling would have been better play, I believe. By taking the Pawn, Black brings the adverse Bishop into immediate action.
2. 18.Qb3 Intending to attack the Kt. with the Q. B. P.
3. 23…Ne4 If Black had taken the Pawn, the following variation would probably have occurred:— 23. Kt. takes Q. P. 24. Q. to K. Kt.’s 3rd. P. to K. Kt.’s 3rd. 25. R. takes Kt. Q. takes R. 26. Q. to her B’s 3rd. K. to B’s sq. White may now recover the lost “exchange;” but in other respects the game would be about even.
4. 30…Re1+ Upon the conclusion of the contest, it was suggested by several players who were watching this interesting game, that Mr. Szen should have taken the R. P. with the Kt., when the game would have been continued thus:— 30. Kt. takes K. R. P. 31. P. takes Kt. Q. takes R. P (ch.) 32. K. to Kt.’s sq. Q. to Kt.’s 6th (ch.), &c. (If Q. be interposed, Black exchanges Queens, and then checks on the K.’s 7th with his R., winning the B.) Mr. Anderssen, however, in reply, observed that had Mr. Szen taken his R. P., he should not have taken the Kt., but have played P. to Q’s 7th, with a won game. The proper play for Black in the above position, I think, was to take the K. B. P. with his Kt. This compels the variation suggested, and gives Black an undoubted advantage. I give a diagram of the situation prior to Black’s 30th move.
5. 34…Qe6 If, instead of this move, he had ventured to take the K. B. P., checking, White might safely have captured the Kt., and, after a few more moves, would have escaped with his King to the Queen’s side, out of all danger.