In Gossip's Manual, where we find this game quoted, Mr. Staunton's opponent is described as “one of the best players of the age.”

1. 4…Nf6 We consider this absolutely disadvantageous. The proper continuation is 5 O—O, 5 KtxP; 6 R—K sq., 6 P—Q4; 7 BxP, 7 QxB; 8 QKt—B3, 8 Q—KR4; 9 KtxKt, 9 B—K2; 10 B—Kt5, with the better game.
2. 8…d3 Black had much the better position and a P ahead. There was not the slightest necessity for giving up the material advantage, and he ought to have proceeded with P—Q3.
3. 12…a5 The “hole” here formed might have been fatal to White toward the end of the game as will be seen, and, at any rate, it exposes him to a strong attack.
4. 16.Kh1 We do not think that the sacrifice of the two Pawns which follows is warranted by the position. He could have established the majority of Pawns on the Queens' side with a very good game on account of his having two Bishops by P—KB3.
5. 18…Rad8 This is loss of time and helps the opponent to force a longer diagonal for his B. Q—K2 was evidently better at once.
6. 23…Nxe5 An excellent coup which qualifies the leader of Black's game as a strong player.
7. 28.Be4+ It is singular that Black should have had here an opportunity of executing a similar mate to that which Morphy had in his celebrated game with Paulsen. Compare Four Knights' Game. The right move was 28....P—KKt3; whereupon after 29 BxP ch. (there is nothing better), 29 QxB!; 30 KtxQ, mate follows by 30....B—B6 ch.; 31 K—Kt sq., 31 R—Kt7 double ch.; 32 K moves, 32 R—Kt8 mate.