Francisco Yepes Barrera 
Afraaz Hussain - https://unsplash.com/photos/a-black-and-white-photo-of-a-chess-board--pjAckEmUnc
This legendary encounter, known as the “Immortal Game,” took place in London on June 21, 1851, between Adolf Anderssen and Lionel Kieseritzky, two of the most celebrated players of the 19th century. Anderssen, a leading figure of the Romantic era, was renowned for his daring combinations and sacrifices, while Kieseritzky was a strong master known for his tactical play. This casual but famous game has since become a symbol of the Romantic style, showcasing bold sacrifices and brilliant attacking vision.
The game begins with Anderssen opening 1.e4 e5 2.f4 exf4 3.Bc4 Qh4+ 4.Kf1 (King’s Gambit Accepted, ECO C33). Kieseritzky tries 4…b5, aiming to gain time by attacking the Bishop, but Anderssen responds energetically with 5.Bxb5 Nf6 6.Nf3 Qh6 7.d3 Nh5 8.Nh4 Qg5 9.Nf5 c6 10.g4 Nf6, gradually developing his pieces while keeping the initiative.
Morphy’s style of rapid development and attacking coordination is fully on display here. Anderssen continues with 11.Rg1 cxb5 12.h4 Qg6 13.h5 Qg5 14.Qf3 Ng8, bringing the Knight and Queen into threatening positions. The central tension increases, and Anderssen is forced to defend awkwardly.
The decisive sequence begins with 15.Bxf4 QF6 16.Nc3 Bc5 17.Nd5 Qxb2 18.Bd6 Bxg1??. Here, Anderssen blunders his Queen, falling into the trap set by Anderssen’s perfectly coordinated pieces. Anderssen responds with 19.e5, opening lines for a lethal attack.
White’s pieces dominate completely, and Anderssen brings the attack to its climax: 20.Ke2 Na6 21.Nxg7+ Kd8 22.Qf6+ Nxf6 23.Be7#. The final checkmate is delivered with a stunning coordination of Queen, Bishop, and Knights, while Black’s King is completely exposed.
This game is celebrated not for material advantage but for the beauty and audacity of Anderssen’s sacrifices and the precision of his attack. Every move demonstrates how initiative and piece activity can dominate material considerations, a hallmark of Romantic chess. It remains a timeless masterpiece, studied and admired by generations of chess enthusiasts.
