Game I of Morphy's seven-game match against the English amateur who played under the pseudonym “Alter,” at the St. George's Chess Club, August 1858. Morphy conceded the odds of Pawn and move — Black removes his King's Bishop's Pawn and White moves first — yet scored five wins and two draws. Throughout the match Morphy (“Mr. M.”) is Black.

1. 8.e5 We should have counselled the taking of the Knight with the Bishop.
2. 10…Rh6 The correct play, as by attacking the Bishop the requisite time is gained to bring the King into safe quarters; it may be observed that the second player could not at once have moved away K's Kt. on account of Kt. to B's 7th.
3. 13…e5 Black has now the attack in his hands, and a fine game, which he conducts with his usual skill to the termination.
4. 15.O-O This loses the game immediately, but we do not see how some loss could have been avoided. If 15. Kt. takes Kt., then Q. takes Kt. (ch.), followed by B. takes Kt. (ch.), &c.; and if B. to K's 2nd, the same ill result would have ensued.
5. 15…Qf4 An admirable and accurate method of concluding the game.