Bird against Morphy, London 1858 — a casual game crowned by Morphy's celebrated Rook sacrifice (Philidor's Defence).
6…e4The centre Pawns are now well established, and Black has the better position.
10…Qe8In embarrassing positions like the present, Mr. Morphy constantly surprises one by his readiness in combining with the best defence some deep-laid scheme for his adversary's destruction. After White's move of Kt. to K's 5th, it seems far from easy for Black to originate a sound defence; but the young American hits on a reply, which combines both the offensive and defensive in their most approved form, and wins a clear Pawn. We represent the position, which is very instructive, on a diagram.
11.g4Evidently a bad move, and a mistake.
16…Rb8The first step of a most masterly manoeuvre.
17.O-O-OThe reply that Mr. Morphy evidently anticipated.
17…Rxf2This brilliant sacrifice is the more admirable as it is perfectly sound. A diagram is added of the position.
18…Qa3A beautiful sequel. White is evidently mated on the move if he take the Queen.
19.c3We see nothing more promising; for Q. to K. Kt's 5th would have been answered with 19. P. to K's 6th, threatening mate again, and if Q. or B. then take the Pawn, Black wins in three moves. The check at Q's 8th after Q. to Kt's 5th were worse than useless.
20.b4If 21. Q. to B's 2nd, Black takes P. with R., and then plays K. B. to B's 6th, mating in a few moves.
24.Qxb4This is forced.
25.Kc2K. to R's 2nd would have given White a 'draw,' if we are not mistaken; as would also K. to B's sq., on his 22nd move, but White evidently played to win.
27.Rd3If the B. were interposed, the piece is lost by Q. to B's 5th (ch.).
29…Qb1+And wins.
J. Löwenthal, Morphy's Games of Chess (1860) · Public domain · source