Morphy, Paul VS Meek, Alexander Beaufort 1857.10.16

Annotations

Game II of the even-terms Morphy–Meek series — a French Opening, Morphy (White) against Meek, New York 1857. Notes from the 'Book of the First American Chess Congress,' with the Editor's additions.

1. 2…g6 This transformation of the French Opening into a sort of irregular Fianchetto is hardly so commendable as the usual move of 2. P. to Q's 4th.
2. 13…a6 Uncalled for, and therefore a loss of time.
3. 15.g4 Perfectly safe, and in our opinion the best move on the board. It is too much the fashion to denounce this move as risky.
4. 17.Qe1 The gradual development of White's attack is most skilfully managed.
5. 18…Qf8 White's attack undoubtedly looks threatening, and with correct after-play on both sides should determine the day in his favour. Black might, however, have opposed a much firmer and longer resistance. 18. Q. Kt. to B's sq. was probably the best move at his command.
6. 19.Nxg6 From this point White's game is to all intents and purposes won.

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