Morphy vs Anderssen • Paris, France (1858) • Sicilian Defense: Taimanov, Szen Variation (B44)

This historic game, played in Paris in December 1858, features Paul Morphy against Adolf Anderssen, two of the greatest players of the 19th century. Morphy, at just 21 years old, was widely considered the strongest player in the world, while Anderssen, famous for his Romantic style and brilliant sacrificial games like The Immortal Game, represented the old guard of open, tactical chess. The match was highly anticipated as a clash of styles: Morphy’s modern emphasis on rapid development and coordination versus Anderssen’s daring attacks.

The game begins with a Sicilian Defense, moving into a sharp line of the Taimanov/Szen Variation (ECO B44l). Both players develop normally, but by 7…f5?!, Anderssen overextends, opening lines and weakening his position without completing development. Morphy responds energetically, and with moves like 8.N1c3 and 9.Nd5, his pieces flood into the center, preparing for a direct assault. The tactical tension escalates quickly, and 10.Nbc7+! demonstrates Morphy’s ability to exploit the opponent’s exposed king before Black can organize defenses.

Instead of taking material immediately, Morphy plays 11.Qf3+, keeping the initiative and forcing Anderssen into defensive concessions. White’s pressure continues with 12.Bc4 and 13.Nxf6+, simplifying the position while opening lines toward the black king.

The critical moment comes at 14.Bxd5+, which opens lines and exposes the Black King. Anderssen responds with 14…Kg6??, walking his king into danger and allowing Morphy to maintain the initiative. White follows up precisely with 15.Qh5+ Kxf6 16.fxe3, coordinating his pieces while Black has no safe squares or defenders. At this point, White’s position is completely dominant.

From there, Morphy systematically drives the attack, capturing key material and keeping the black king in the open. With moves like 17.Ke2, the pressure never lets up, and Anderssen is forced to give up any hope of counterplay. The game concludes with White’s dominance fully established and Black’s King completely vulnerable, leading to resignation.

This encounter is not only a demonstration of spectacular tactical vision but also a model of classical development and coordination. Morphy exploits every weakness efficiently, proving why he was considered far ahead of his contemporaries. The game illustrates the transition from romantic sacrificial play toward a more modern understanding of initiative, development, and piece activity.