Bird against Morphy, London 1858 — a casual game crowned by Morphy's celebrated Rook sacrifice (Philidor's Defence).

1. 6…e4 The centre Pawns are now well established, and Black has the better position.
2. 10…Qe8 In embarrassing positions like the present, Mr. Morphy constantly surprises one by his readiness in combining with the best defence some deep-laid scheme for his adversary's destruction. After White's move of Kt. to K's 5th, it seems far from easy for Black to originate a sound defence; but the young American hits on a reply, which combines both the offensive and defensive in their most approved form, and wins a clear Pawn. We represent the position, which is very instructive, on a diagram.
3. 11.g4 Evidently a bad move, and a mistake.
4. 16…Rb8 The first step of a most masterly manoeuvre.
5. 17.O-O-O The reply that Mr. Morphy evidently anticipated.
6. 17…Rxf2 This brilliant sacrifice is the more admirable as it is perfectly sound. A diagram is added of the position.
7. 18…Qa3 A beautiful sequel. White is evidently mated on the move if he take the Queen.
8. 19.c3 We see nothing more promising; for Q. to K. Kt's 5th would have been answered with 19. P. to K's 6th, threatening mate again, and if Q. or B. then take the Pawn, Black wins in three moves. The check at Q's 8th after Q. to Kt's 5th were worse than useless.
9. 20.b4 If 21. Q. to B's 2nd, Black takes P. with R., and then plays K. B. to B's 6th, mating in a few moves.
10. 24.Qxb4 This is forced.
11. 25.Kc2 K. to R's 2nd would have given White a 'draw,' if we are not mistaken; as would also K. to B's sq., on his 22nd move, but White evidently played to win.
12. 27.Rd3 If the B. were interposed, the piece is lost by Q. to B's 5th (ch.).
13. 29…Qb1+ And wins.