Game I of the even-terms Morphy–Paulsen match — the final round of the First American Chess Congress, New York 1857 — a Sicilian Opening, Morphy (White) winning. Notes from the 'Book of the First American Chess Congress,' with the Editor's additions.
7…O-OWe should have preferred 7. P. to Q's 4th. By castling at this point, Black allows the first player to post his Q's B. in a position which cramps his adversary's movements during the remainder of the game. He would perhaps have done better by now playing P. to Q's 4th, in order to prevent the locking up of his pieces on the Q's side.
9…a6Instead of this Black might have safely played his B. to Q. B's 2nd, and then, if White answered with Kt. to Q. Kt's 5th, followed it up by playing Q. Kt. to Q. R's 3rd, &c. There is also another mode of play for Black, which we should have felt much disposed to venture, although it appears somewhat hazardous, viz.,— 9. Q. Kt. to Q. B's 3rd 10. B. to K's 2nd (we see no better move) 10. Kt. to K. Kt's 3rd, &c.
11…Rf7We should rather have taken off the B., and then if White retook with K's P., played B. to Q. R's 2nd, or Kt. to K's 4th, &c.
12…f4The advance of this P. was unadvisable, and ultimately led to its loss. Besides, it permits White to move his Q's Kt. advantageously.
18.Nf6+Prettily played. It is clear the Kt. cannot be taken, on account of White's afterwards capturing the K. Kt's P., threatening mate and attacking the Rook.
19…Qg5The only method of defending the threatened Kt's P.
24…Ne8Taking the P. with the Rook would have been less disadvantageous; but we doubt whether any skill could possibly save Black's game from this point.
J. Löwenthal, Morphy's Games of Chess (1860) · Public domain · source