Paul Morphy: A Family Affair
1850 - Solved 88🧩 Times
In a quaint private French courtyard, surrounded by a merry assortment of pots and plants, sheltered from the intense heat of midsummer New Orleans, a 14 year old chess prodigy perched, considering which opening would be best to humiliate his father next. Alonzo Michael Morphy, the Attorney General of Louisiana, had faced his son many times through the years, witnessing Paul’s rapid development first hand. He was proud of his son’s talents, whilst at the same time cautious to ensure he maintained a balanced education.
As the young Paul Morphy removed his left hand rook from the board, providing his father a rare opportunity to best him, the stage was set for one of his most impressive wins yet.
Welcome to A Family Affair.
Paul Morphy.
Paul Morphy learnt chess at a very young age by watching his father Alonzo and uncle Ernest competing in friendly matches at home. By the age of 14, Paul was already considered a chess genius and one of the best players in New Orleans.
This game is a fantastic example of Paul’s strong romantic style of play. Despite starting without a rook, he forms a relentless attack and doesn't shy away from sacrificing material to gain initiative.
Can you find the checkmate, as Paul Morphy did in 1850?
a
8
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
a
1
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1
SOLVED
a
8
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
a
1
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1
SOLVED
Analysis