Game III of the even-terms Morphy–Paulsen match (First American Chess Congress, New York 1857) — an Irregular (Three Knights) Opening, Paulsen (White) winning. This was Morphy's only defeat of the match. Notes from the 'Book of the First American Chess Congress,' with the Editor's additions.
3…Bc53. K. Kt. to B's 3rd is the proper play.
4…d6Again, he should have played out the K's Kt.
16.b4Very finely played.
16…Bd6Black cannot take the P.; for if— 16. B. takes Kt's P. 17. R. takes B. 17. K. takes R. or (A.) 18. Kt. to Q's 5th 18. Q. to Q's 3rd 19. Q. to K. R's 3rd (ch.) 19. K. moves 20. Kt. takes B. 20. Q. takes Kt. 21. B. takes B's P., and White must win the exchange back with a fine position. (A.) 17. K's B. takes Kt. 18. Q. R. takes Q. B's P., having a much superior game.
19…Rd8If the moves are correctly recorded, Black, it appears, might have improved his game considerably by now playing P. to Q. R's 4th, &c.
23…Be7Essential, because White threatened to capture the Bishop with the Rook, and then play B. takes Q. B's P.
27…f5He scarcely has any move much better; his position is very crowded.
29.Nf4This is very well played, forcing Black to give up at least a Bishop for a Pawn.
30.Rxd7White vigorously avails himself of his advantage in position.
J. Löwenthal, Morphy's Games of Chess (1860) · Public domain · source