The first of six games at the odds of the Queen's Knight between Morphy and Mr. James Thompson, of New York. Löwenthal drew these games and their notes mainly from the American “Chess Monthly,” and reckoned Morphy's winning of the match at such odds “one of the greatest feats of Chess skill ever performed.” Here Thompson defends with great care and carries the ending to a win.
2.f4This, otherwise exceptionable move, we believe to be the best reply to 1. P. to Q. B's 4th, or 1. P. to K's 3rd, when giving the odds of the Kt. or R.
5…d4A very good move, preventing the advance of P. to Q's 4th, and consequently impeding the development of White's game.
15…e5Well conceived; whether White take or not, Black obtains a fine situation. In fact, the whole of this game is played with great skill and care by Mr. Thompson.
18…Bb5Black clearly understands the mode in which such a contest as this should be conducted, where every exchange strengthens his own game and weakens his adversary's.
34…Nd5Very well played; if White capture the P. with R., Black takes the Q. Kt's P. with Kt., at once compelling an exchange of Rooks. The whole of this end-game is excellently managed by Black.
J. Löwenthal, Morphy's Games of Chess (1860) · Public domain · source