Steinitz-Sellmann, 1885

This first-round game from the Baltimore tournament of 1885 shows Wilhelm Steinitz at his most characteristic in the French Defense, Classical (Steinitz) Variation. From the opening, Steinitz adopts a solid, methodical setup, aiming for long-term central control and a flexible pawn structure rather than immediate tactics.

Black plays reasonably in the early stages but begins to drift with several inaccurate decisions, notably 9…Nb4?!, 14…f5?!, and later queenside and kingside pawn moves that weaken coordination without creating real counterplay. Steinitz calmly improves his position, completing development, castling, and centralizing his pieces while steadily restricting Black’s activity.

The middlegame is a textbook demonstration of positional pressure. Steinitz exploits weak squares, poor piece placement, and Black’s lack of harmony, gradually increasing the advantage through superior maneuvering. Black’s defenses collapse further after inaccurate rook and queen moves, allowing White to dominate the open files and penetrate the seventh rank.

In the final phase, Steinitz converts his large positional edge with precise play, winning material and transitioning smoothly toward a winning endgame. Black is left with no effective resistance, and the game ends in resignation. Overall, this is a classic example of Steinitz’s strategic style: patient buildup, exploitation of small inaccuracies, and flawless conversion of a long-term advantage.