Notes by J. Mason.

1. 6.Ne2 Regarding the opening, so far, with his first move Dr. Tarrasch starts on a line of defence which has latterly incurred some critical condemnation. On the other hand, Mr. Steinitz does not adhere very closely to any of the approved forms of attack; especially in taking this post with his Knight, apparently intending P to K 4, and an open game. However, this being the first contest between these great players, it may be assumed that the strategy of each was adjusted partly on the do tit des principle; in order that issue might be the sooner joined, and a decisive result eventually recorded.
2. 11.Nd5 What should be the effect of Kt x Kt can be only vaguely surmised; but it seems feasible, considering that White leaves a Pawn en prise.
3. 16.c5 But here the Pawn is no good gift! Because of 17. Q to Kt 3, threatening check, and winning a Piece in consequence.
4. 20.Qc7 The advantage, if any, is with White. Yet to make an appreciable impression is very difficult. His best chance is in exchanging Queens, relying upon the then remains of his superior position to produce a winning ending.
5. 22…Bd8 The precarious nature of the defence may be inferred from the manoeuvres, more or less forced, all along here.
6. 29…b5 Getting the Pawn out of attack and keeping the adverse Knight out from B 4, whence he might do much harm.
7. 31.a5 Probably it would be better to defer this in favour of advancing the King's Knight's and Rook's Pawns; opening the King's Rook's file, or getting in with R to B 7—a fatal move in the circumstances.
8. 32.h4 An attempt at the foregoing, i.e. to get in R to B 7. But the momentary delay makes all the difference. There is risk now, where there was none before—a Pawn's a Pawn for a' that!
9. 45…Bg4 The Pawn should be got rid of, it is really so very dangerous. White would, perhaps, have a little the best of it then; whereas, as it happens, he soon finds himself fighting a losing battle.
10. 46.Bh1 Taking the lead, which is maintained to the end. White's unsupported Bishop is in jeopardy.
11. 46…Bd7 Most of White's play hereabouts is forced; absolutely or to avoid something worse.
12. 48.Rxc8 Important—to prevent the backing up of the Rook's Pawn.
13. 57…a5 Winning soon resolves itself into a question of time. Even reduced to Bishops of opposite colours, with a passed Pawn on each side, Black's way should be fairly certain. It comes to this at move 60, when the manner of winning is much less difficult than it is interesting.