Italian Game: Evans Gambit

PAUL MORPHY vs. ALONZO MORPHY
New Orleans, 1849

1. e4, e5
2. Nf3, Nf6
3. Bc4, Bc5
4. b4, Bxc4

The Evans Gambit, with the intention of controlling the d4 square.

5. c3, Bc5
6. d4, exd4
7. cxd4, Bb6
8. 0-0, Na5
9. Bd3, d5
10. exd5, Qxd5
11. Ba3, Be6
12. Nc3, Qd7
13. d5!! ....

A poisoned pawn, intending to drive away the Bishop, but Black accepts the bait....

13. .... Bxd5
14. Nxd5, Qxd5
15. Re1+, Resigns

Black's King cannot go to d7 because of 16. Bf5+ Kc6, 17. Be4 and White wins.

If 15....Kd8, then 16. Bb5 c6, 17. Qxd5 cxd5, 18. Re8+ and White wins material.

Superb play by Paul Morphy!