Hastings, 1895
Italian Game Classical Variation, Greco Gambit
1. e4, e5
2. Nf3, Nc6
3. Bc4, Bc5
4. c3, Nf6
5. c4, exd4
6. cxd4, Bb4
7. Nc4, d5
The Greco Gambit allows the e4 pawn to be taken in return for an open file. In this game, however, the gambit was declined.
8. exd5, Nxd5
9. 0-0, Be6
10. Bg5, Be7
11. Bxd5, Bxd5
12. Nxd5, Qxd5
13. Bxe7, Nxe7
14. Re1, f6
Black blocks 15. Re5 followed by 16. Qe2 pinning the e7 Knight.
15. Qe2, Qd7
16. Rac1 ....
Bringing the other Rook into an open position.
16. ... c6
17. d5!!, cxd5
18. Nd4, Kf7
19. Ne6!, Rhc8
20. Qg4, g6
21. Ng5+!!, Ke8
Defending the Queen. The White Knight could not be taken.
22. Rxe7+!! ....
22. .... Kf8
If 22....Qxe7, then 23. Rxc8+ Rxc8, 24. Qxc8+ and White wins.
King takes Rook exposes the King to enemy attack, as in: 22.....Kxe7, 23. Re1+ Kd8, (if 23....Kd6, then 24. Ne4+ dxe4, 25. Rd1+ ...) 24. Ne6+ Ke8, 25. Nc5+ and White wins.
23. Rf7+ ....
The Black Queen is still untouchable because of Black's mating threat at c1.
23. .... Kg1
24. Rg7+, Kh8
If 24....Kf8, White continues the attack with 25. Nxh7+ followed by 26. Qxd7+....
25. Rxh7+, Resigns
Mate can only be averted if Black sacrifices his Queen. Analysis: 25....Kg8 26. Rg7+ Kh8 27. Qh4+ Kxg7 28. Qh7+ Kf8 29. Qh8+ Ke7 30. Qg7+ Ke8 31. Qg8+ Ke7 32. Qf7+ Kd8 33. Qf8+ Qe8 34. Nf7+ Kd7 35. Qd6 mate.
