Game No. 44 in Wilhelm Steinitz’s The Book of the Sixth American Chess Congress (1891), printed pages 57–58; played 1889.05.09. The original descriptive notation and printed analysis are retained.

1. 3.exd5 The sameness of the development on both sides and the tediousness of the greater part of this game ought to show sufficient objection against the old form of continuation which is here adopted. On this ground alone 3 QKt—B3 is preferable, but we believe the first player will obtain at least a little the superior game against any defence that Black can adopt in reply to the latter move.
2. 34…Kg8 So far, the nature of the opening has resolved the play on both sides, as often happens in this debut, into a sort of game of patience, which presents to us no point of interest to comment upon, excepting that Black played the more passive part. Here it is noteworthy that White threatened 35 Kt x P, and, obviously, if 35 . . . P x Kt, mate in three moves would have followed.
3. 47…Qh2 Again, the marches and counter-marches of both parties since our last note left anyhow no impression, and had hardly much object. By the move in the text Black puts his Queen much out of play, but this would not have mattered much but for his next move, which allows the adversary to form a strong centre attack.
4. 48…Nf8 It has been justly said that a counter-attack is generally the best defence, and this holds good in the present case. His right play was 48...P—KB4, and if 49 P—QB4, 49 P—Kt5; 50 P x KtP, 50 Kt—B3; 51 P x P, 51 Kt(B3)—K5 ch.; 52 B x Kt, 52 Kt x B ch.; 53 K—B3, 53 Q—R4 ch.; 54 K—K3, best (if 54 P—Kt4, 54 Q—R6 ch., and wins), 54...Q—Kt4 ch., and draws. The feeble move in the text shows that Black underrated the clever plan of the opponent.
5. 49.c4 White has conducted this dreary game with remarkable patience and perseverance, always having an eye for the remotest chance of an attack, and his endurance is now rewarded with at least the gain of a Pawn.
6. 49…dxc4 There was hardly anything better. White threatened to enter at QR5, and if 49...P— Kt3; 50PxP, 50PxP; 51 Q— Kt4, 51 K— K2; 52 Q— R4, 52 P— R4; 53 Q — B6, and wins a Pawn.
7. 52.Qe4 On this excellent move White had evidently based his previously planned attack, whereby he temporarily gave up a Pawn. Clearly, Black has no escape from the loss of two Pawns in return.
8. 55…Ne6 Best. If K— K2 or — Kt 2, White plays Kt— K3 with still more effect.
9. 58.Qe4 Much better than 58 Q— B6, 58 Q x Q; 59 P x Q, 59 Kt—Q3; 60 P— B7, 60 K— K3; 61 Kt— QB4, 61 Kt— B sq., etc.
10. 58…Nd6 He could not avoid the exchange of Queens, for if he moved the King, he would either be subject to a check from the Knight or would have to allow White's Queen to enter at Kt 6.
11. 68…Ke7 If 68. . .Kt— Q5 ch.; 69 K x P, 69 Kt x P; 70 Kt— K5 ch., and wins.
12. 70…Nd4+ The game could hardly be saved, but 70. . .P— R3; 71 P— Q7, 71 K— K2: 72 P— Q8, queening, ch., 72 KxQ; 73 K x P, 73 Kt— Q5 would have prolonged the fight.
13. 80.Kd6 For Black must advance the BP, which White will take and queen first, with checkmate.