The Opera House Massacre

Chess game of Paul Morphy versus the Duke of Brunswick and Count Isourard at the Paris Opera House, 1858. Philidor Defense

1. e4, e5
2. Nf3, d6
3. d4 .....

A developing move.

3. ..... Bg4
4. dxe5, Bxf3
5. Qxf3, dxe5
6. Bc4 ...

Threatening Qxf7 mate.

6. ..... Nf6
7. Qb3 .....

This move forks b7 and f7.

7. ..... Qe7
8. Nc3 .....

White decided against Qxb7 because of 8. ... Qb4; 9. Qxb4 Bxb4. A simple line leaving Black with an active Bishop.

8. ..... c6

Black defends the b7 pawn and secures the b5 and d5 squares.

9. Bg5, b5
10. Nxb5!!, cxb5
11. Bxb5+, Nbd7
12. 0-0-0 .....

Adding pressure on the d7 Knight...

12. ..... Rd8

13. Rxd7, Rxd7
14. Rd1!! .....

Adding another pressure...

14. ..... Qe6
15. Bxd7+, Nxd7
16. Qb8+!!!, Nxb8
17. Rd8+ mate.

A beautiful finish!