Morphy against Mongredien — the sixth game of their 1859 Paris match, an irregular defence to the King's Knight's opening.

1. 2…d5 A line of defence which we are not at all disposed to recommend, as it is certain to give the first player a marked advantage in position.
2. 3.exd5 Correctly played. Taking the Pawn with Knight is inferior.
3. 5.Nd4 We should have preferred Kt. to K. B's 3rd.
4. 7…Qe7 If the Pawn had been taken en passant, White would have exchanged Queens and remained with a Pawn a-head; it was also prudent to decline capturing the Pawn at Queen's 5th with Queen, as White would in that case have gained a fine attack by P. to Q. B's 4th.
5. 8.c4 White has now a Pawn more, and a winning position.
6. 11.Nc3 If P. to Q's 6th, the following variation of interest would probably have occurred:— 11. P. to Q's 6th, P. takes P. (best); 12. Kt. takes K's P., P. takes Kt.; 13. Kt. takes P. (ch.), K. to Q's sq.; 14. Q. takes Q. (ch.), Kt. takes Q. (best); 15. Kt. takes B's P. (ch.), K. to K's sq.; 16. Kt. takes R., &c.
7. 16…bxc4 Had the Knight been taken with Knight, White might have answered advantageously with P. to Q's 6th (dis. ch.).
8. 20.Rhf1 Forcing the game.