Morphy, Paul VS Loewenthal, Johann Jacob 1858.08.06

Annotations

Morphy against Löwenthal — the tenth game of their 1858 London match (French Opening).

1. 7…c6 Most authorities recommend P. to K. R's 3rd here, but no disadvantage seems attendant on the move adopted in the text.
2. 18.Ng3 A very good conception. The object of this move was to plant the Kt. at B's 5th, where its action, combined with that of the Q., becomes most threatening and formidable.
3. 18…Re8 Black dare not attempt to gain the Bishop by P. to Kt's 4th, on account of White's playing Kt. to B's 5th, menacing mate in two moves if the Pawn capture the Bishop; the move actually made was a good one, as it secured a free range for the Rook.
4. 20.Bg3 The best possible play.
5. 23…h5 A weak move: it was not likely that Mr. Morphy would take the P. with Q., seeing that such capture would cost him the Kt.
6. 24.c4 This is a very strong move, and gives White the advantage.
7. 24…Nf6 A sad and unaccountable oversight, at once losing a Pawn and the game.
8. 28…Rxc4 R. to Kt's 5th would perhaps have been better, but the game was altogether beyond recovery.
9. 29…Rg4 Had Black played R. to K's 5th, White must have won through his Pawns.

J. Löwenthal, Morphy's Games of Chess (1860) · Public domain · source