King's Gambit Accepted, Cunningham Variation

PAUL MORPHY vs. JAMES MCCONNELL
New Orleans 1849
King's Gambit Accepted, Cunningham Variation

1. e4, e5
2. f4, exf4
3. Nf3, Be7

The Cunningham Variation.  The Bishop intends to wreck havoc at White's kingside position.

4. Bc4, Bh4

5. Kf1 ....

Another main line of the King's Gambit is 4. g3 and castle afterwards. Obviously, Morphy has other plans.

5. .... d6
6. d4, Qf6?

A useless move.  It invites danger for the Queen.

7. e5!, dxe5
8. dxe5, Qe7
9. Bxf4, Bg4
10. Nc3, c6
11. Ne4!!, Resigns

The resignation may come as a surprise, but clearly White has a strong advantage after 11. Nd6+ threatening the f7 pawn and Black's Rook at h8.

If 11......Kf8, then 12. e6!! f6, 13. Bd6 and White wins.

If 11....Be6, then 12. Bxe6 fxe6, 13. Nxh4 Qxh4, 14. Bg5! Qxe4, 15. Qd8 mate.

One of the shortest of all brilliant chess games !!