Classic Game: Louis Paulsen vs Paul Morphy, 1857

source: chessbase.com

Paul Morphy was an American chess player who is considered as the strongest chess player in the world during the late 1850s. Many historians consider him the unofficial world champion of his era although there was no world championships at that time.

In 1858, Morphy traveled to Europe and defeated many of the continent's best players, including Adolf Anderssen, who was regarded as Europe's strongest player at the time. His dominant results convinced many that he was the best player of that era.

Louis Paulsen vs Paul Morphy

The most famous game between Paul Morphy and Louis Paulsen was played during the final match of the First American Chess Congress in New York in 1857. It was famous because it showcased Morphy's style: rapid development, control of the center and a stunning tactical finish.

The game started with 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bb5 Bc5 5. O-O O-O 6. Nxe5 Re8 7. Nxc6 dxc6 8. Bc4 b5

Right at the opening, Morphy already has the advantage in space. 9. Be2 Nxe4 10. Nxe4 Rxe4 11. Bf3 Re6 12. c3 Qd3

White's position is already cramped. Most of his pieces are still undeveloped. 13. b4 Bb6 14. a4 bxa4 15. Qxa4 Bd7 16. Ra2 Rae8 17. Qa6

White offers a queen trade. It's a sound strategy when your opponent has a lead in development. But Morphy has other plans. 17. ...Qxf3!

A queen sacrifice that opens up White's position. The remaining Black pieces are enough to mate the White King. 18. gxf3 Rg6+ 19. Kh1 Bh3 20. Rd1 Bg2+ 21. Kg1 Bxf3+ 22. Kf1 Bg2+ 23. Kg1 Bh3+ 24. Kh1 Bxf2

Morphy made a mistake and lost the forced mate. He was still winning though inspite of the opponent's lead in material. 25. Qf1 Bxf1 26. Rxf1 Re2 27. Ra1 Rh6 28. d4 Be3 0-1

Game link: https://lichess.org/study/khc4h368/XY5d9wsR

An exciting game showcasing Morphy's style at his best.