Hastings, Round IV, 9 August 1895 (Giuoco Pianissimo). A model of Steinitz's method: though Black obtains the initiative from the opening he never finds a plan, while Steinitz, true to his style, presses one small advantage after another, his two Bishops finally winning a Pawn and the game. Notes by Dr. Tarrasch.
8.Bc2To prevent the exchange of the King's Bishop after Kt to Q R 4.
8…d5In consequence of the two Bishop's moves on the part of White, Black gets now the initiative, but does not know how to make use of it.
9…Bd6Much stronger was Kt to Q 2 and P to K B 4.
10…a6Black shows clearly that he does not know what to do with his good position; Steinitz, on the other hand, true to his method, tries to obtain one advantage after another. This game offers a good example of his method of play.
11…Qd7Black should not allow the exchange of the Bishop, but should withdraw it to Q 2. Perhaps he was afraid of the continuation 12. P x P, Kt x P; 13. Kt x R P (K x Kt [?]; 14. Q to K 4, ch, and Q x Kt), but after 13. ... R to K sq, White would have been very much embarrassed by the threat of Kt to B 5.
12…dxe4It is again evident that Black has no definite plan.
17.g4So that the Knight should not establish itself at B 5.
18.Bxe3White has now with his Bishops a far superior game.
25.Bd5The advance of the Pawns has prepared this move, and White now wins a Pawn and with it the game.
28.Bd5The Bishop is indefatigable.
34.Bc5This hastens the end.
Horace F. Cheshire, The Hastings Chess Tournament 1895 (1896) · Public domain · source