1999. find morphy's motives final

Copyright © 1999-2002 Prof. Chester Nuhmentz, Jr.
Find Morphy’s Motives!
Exercises for studying the strategies and tactics
behind the moves of a chess master.
Kwww.professorchess.com

There’s plenty of evidence about what Paul Morphy did
when he crushed his opponents, game after game. We
know exactly how he moved in thousands of situations.
But why did he choose one move over all the other
possibilities? What was he hoping to accomplish each time
he moved?
The CIA (Chess Intelligence Agency) has produced
pictures of every move Morphy made in seven of his
games. They’ve also diagramed quite a few possible moves
that Morphy chose not to make!
In this booklet, you can view all of these moves. After
studying each one, can you match it to a possible motive?

How To Use This Book
There are 4 chess diagrams on each page. The diagrams show
positions from the games of the great player, Paul Morphy. The
diagrams are always shown from the side Morphy was playing.
A possible chess move is written above each diagram. These moves
are marked by letters. You’ll use the letters when matching moves
to motives. Most of these moves were actually made in a game
by Morphy. But on every page there’s always a weak move listed
-- a move Morphy did not play.
There are also 4 questions on each page. Each question belongs
with one of the 4 moves on that page. The questions and the
moves are given in random order so a question might refer to any
of the moves listed on that page.
Each question should be answered using a different move. That is,
you should use each move (letter) only once to answer a question.
Sample diagram and move.
Nh3
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Move AA
The Two Steps For Finding Morphy’s Motives:
Spend some time looking at each chess diagram on a page. Pay close
attention to the move written for each position. IMAGINE the move
being made. Do you think each move would be weak or strong? Why?
Now look over the 4 questions for the page. In the answer box beside
each question, circle the letter of the move which you think goes best
with that question. See the last page for info about the answer key!
➊
❷

Morphy’s Moves Were Taken From These 7 Games:
Pages 1 - 6: P. Morphy vs. Duke Karl of Brunswick and Count Isouard (Paris, 1858)
Pages 7 - 14: P. Morphy vs. A. Forde (New Orleans, 1858)
Pages 15 - 24: T. Barnes vs. P. Morphy (London, 1858)
Pages 25 - 30: P. Morphy vs. E. Rousseau (New Orleans, 1849)
Pages 31 - 37: P. Morphy vs. P. Dominguez (Havanna, 1864)
Pages 38 - 48: L. Paulsen vs. P. Morphy (New York, 8th Game of Match, 1857)
Pages 49 - 58: L. Paulsen vs. P. Morphy (New York, 6th Game of Match, 1857)

Moves and Motives From
Game 1cuuuuuuuuC
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The winning position for Morphy (White) in Game 1.
How did he get there?

Game One
Tips about the motives behind Morphy’s moves:
Morphy’s Strategy (Long-Term Game Plan):
Early in the game, Morphy follows his usual plan of focusing
pressure on the weak square f7. Morphy shifts his forces to the
queen-side when Black makes his K vulnerable from that side.
Black fails to develop his pieces (needlessly trading away a
developed B) and then makes a risky pawn attack on Morphy’s
pieces. Morphy ties Black up in knots by not giving him a chance
to castle, by keeping the Black army cramped and immobile, and
by using coordinated moves to build unstoppable pressure on the
queen-side.
Morphy’s Tactics (Short-Term Ambush Methods):
Morphy makes terrific use of pins in this game. He also makes an
amazing Q sacrifice to deflect a N away from defending its K.

Nh3
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Nf3
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e4
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d4
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Move BB
Move CC Move DD
Move AA1
Which move opens 2
diagonals for Morphy
-- one for his king-side
B, one for his Q?
A B C D
Which move attacks 2
center squares -- d4
and e5?
A B C D
Which move is very
weak for White -- a
move Morphy would
never have made!
A B C D
With which move does
Morphy attack the P on
e5 with a second man?
A B C D
Copyright © 1999-2002 Prof. Chester Numhmentz, Jr.
Photocopying for instructional use is permitted.
www.professorchess.com

2
Where does Morphy
make a recapture by
bringing out another
piece (not using a P).
A B C D
Morphy tempts Black
with this move to open
the d-file. If he does,
Morphy will trade Qs.
A B C D
Morphy would NOT
have made this move.
It would have left his
king-side Ps weak!
A B C D
After this move, Black
must be careful.
Morphy could give
checkmate on f7!
A B C D
Bc4
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gxf3
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Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD

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Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD
3
Instead of grabbing the
b7 P, Morphy brings
out another man -- and
guards e4.
A B C D
Which move pins one of
the Black chessmen
against the black Q?
A B C D
A capture Morphy
wouldn’t make. Black
would reply Qb4+ and
take control.
A B C D
Morphy tempt Black by
leaving his own P on
e4 unprotected?
A B C D

Bxb5
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Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD
4
Black wasn’t prepared
for battle, but started a
weak attack using Ps.
White sacrifices his N.
A B C D
Morphy wouldn’t have
done this: trading off a
strong, active B for a
weak, pinned N.
A B C D
Black’s attack by Ps is
finished off by this
capture that also gives
check.
A B C D
Morphy develop a new
man to attack a pinned
N?
A B C D

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Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD
5
White takes a pinned
N. The man Black
uses to recapture will
itself become pinned.
A B C D
Morphy bring his last
major piece into the
battle?
A B C D
Morphy fork the black
K and Q?
A B C D
played this. A Q trade
here would’ve left him
with a weak offense.
A B C D

6
Which move pins the N
on d7 and is a move
Morphy would NOT
have made here?
A B C D
Where does Morphy
clear the d-file for his
R by sacrificing his Q!?
A B C D
Which move gives
checkmate, when
Morphy is down to 2
pieces (a R and a B)?
A B C D
Morphy would never
have used a weak
pawn advance like this
to block an attack.
A B C D
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Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD

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Game Two
Again in this game, Morphy puts pressure on the weak square f7
with his opening moves. Morphy quickly castles on his king-side
and then takes steps to keep Black from castling his K to safety.
To trap the black K, Morphy first draws him out into the open.
Then he pushes the K to the side of the board -- far away from
the black pieces sitting on the queen-side of the board.
Playing this game blindfolded, Morphy demonstrates over and
over how incredibly familiar he is with the terrain of the chess
battlefield. He uses bold clearance moves to open up lines (files,
ranks, and diagonals) for attacks. These tactics are made much
more effective by his use of interference moves, which he uses
to close the lines Black needs to defend his K.

Nf3
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Bc4
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e3
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e4
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Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD
7
Morphy attack the P
on e5 by bringing out
part of his “cavalry”?
A B C D
Which move was the
favorite way to start a
game for Morphy (and
for Bobby Fischer)?
A B C D
Which move 1) attacks
d5; 2) attacks f7; AND
3) clears the way for
Morphy to castle.
A B C D
Which move is very
timid -- so timid that
Morphy would never
have played it?
A B C D

8
Which move is a gambit
-- White puts a P
where it’s under attack
but unguarded?
A B C D
Morphy move his K to a
safer location AND lead
his R into action?
A B C D
considered this move: it
makes no threats,
develops no pieces.
A B C D
Which move did Morphy
play after the gambit to
scare off the B and to
fight for d4?
A B C D
d3
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0-0
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Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD

Nxf7
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d4
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Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD
9
Which move by a center
P forces Black to
defend the N on c6?
A B C D
Which move forks the
Black Q and R on h8?
Black can save both only
by moving his K.
A B C D
Which move attacks the
weak square f7 with a
second man and
threatens a knight fork?
A B C D
Which move would’ve
filled all 4 center
squares with Ps? (A
poor move, not used.)
A B C D

10
Which move that gives
check is a blunder -- it
gives away a B? (This
move wasn’t played!)
A B C D
Where does Morphy
create a pin, putting a
R on a semi-open file?
A B C D
Morphy attack f8 to
discourage a R attack
on White’s Q?
A B C D
Where does Morphy
attack the pinned N on
d5 with a second man
AND give check?
A B C D
Re1
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Ba3
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Bxd5
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Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD

g4
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d4
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Bxd5
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Rxe5
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Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD
11
Where does Morphy
finally advance his
queen P into the center
-- giving check!
A B C D
Which move wouldn’t
Morphy make? (The
one which would bring
Black’s Q into battle!)
A B C D
Morphy didn’t make a
lot of P moves -- this
one threatens mate
from f5 next move!
A B C D
Morphy give up a R in
order to force the K to
move into the open?
A B C D

12
Where does White win a
man, give check, and
move a man out of
reach of the a5 N?
A B C D
Which move is for
interference -- to block
the black Q from
moving to f6?
A B C D
given this check. It can
be blocked by the Q,
ending his attack:
A B C D
Morphy give a check
that Black can escape
only by moving his K?
A B C D
Qe4
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Bxd5
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Be7
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Qe5
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Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD

Qe5
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g5
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%$NdwdwIW}
v,./9EFJMV
Qg3
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v,./9EFJMV
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v,./9EFJMV
Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD
13
Which move is the only
one here which does
not give check? (Morphy
didn’t play it.)
A B C D
Which move gives a
check which Black can
escape by blocking?
A B C D
Where does Morphy
force K to the edge of
the board, away from
all his major pieces?
A B C D
Where does White move
a P that forces the
black K to leave the
protection of his Ps?
A B C D

14
Which move places the
black K in checkmate?
A B C D
This move would have
been a blunder since it
would’ve let Black’s Q
capture Morphy’s Q:
A B C D
This also would’ve been
a blunder since it would
let Black’s K capture
Morphy’s Q:
A B C D
Which move here does
NOT give check? (But
Morphy used it to set up
checkmate.)
A B C D
Qxg4
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v,./9EFJMV
Qh3
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v,./9EFJMV
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v,./9EFJMV
Qg3
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v,./9EFJMV
Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD

Game 3cuuuuuuuuC
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vMJFE9/.,V
The winning position for Morphy (Black) in Game 3.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Diagrams for Game 3 are shown
from Black’s view of the board.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Game Three
Morphy plays on the black side for this game. Since he starts out
a move behind, he immediately makes sure that White does not
have a chance to build up an advantage. Once his minor pieces
are ready for action, Morphy hits upon a daring but winning
strategy. He lets White chase after one of his Rs which is still
sitting in a corner. While White is out rook-hunting, Morphy’s
mounts a coordinated attack on the defenses around White’s K.
Before long, White’s protection around his K is in shambles.
While White’s men are spread out and unable to work together
for defense or offense, Morphy builds more and more pressure
on White’s broken king-side.
Morphy’s moves in this game repeatedly make double threats.
On several occasions, he moves a man in a way which threatens
a White chessman with capture -- and at the same time
threatens checkmate in the near future.

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Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD
15
This weak move (not
used) adds one
defender to the e5 P --
but makes another
defender inactive!
A B C D
Which move is strong
because it forces White
to either attack or
retreat with his B?
A B C D
Which move “opens the
door” for Morphy’s dark-
square B to enter the
game?
A B C D
Morphy defend his P
on e5 which White has
attacked with a N?
A B C D

16
Which move does
Morphy use to force
White to defend his P
on e4?
A B C D
Which move attacks the
man who White is
using to defend the P
on e4?
A B C D
Which move attacks an
undefended White B?
A B C D
Which move is very
weak? It blocks the d2
Pfrom advancing. This
move was not played.
A B C D
Nf6
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Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD

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Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD
17
Which move “opens the
door” for the light-
square B and adds
protection for e5?
A B C D
Which move pins a N
against White’s Q?
A B C D
Black didn’t make this
capture. After this and
Nxe5, Nxe5, Qe2 he
could lose a N.
A B C D
Morphy move a piece
that’s under attack
from a P and a N?
A B C D

18
Where does Morphy
“hang” his a8 R? He
abandons it and starts
a king-side attack!
A B C D
After which move does
Morphy have the ability
to castle in either
direction?
A B C D
Which move would’ve
been weak for Black? It
would give Morphy two
sets of doubled pawns.
A B C D
the e-file become semi-
open for Black? (No
Black Ps on it.)
A B C D
Ne5
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Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD

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vMJFE9/.,V
Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD
19
After which move is the
g-file cleared for a
powerful attack from
Morphy’s Q?
A B C D
Which move gives a
check which can be
escaped by a capture or
by a king move?
A B C D
Where does Morphy set
a trap using a P? If the
white Q takes the P,
Black can force mate!
A B C D
Morphy did NOT play
this -- it would’ve let
White trade Qs, ending
Black’s attack.
A B C D

20
Which move leaves the
g-file open, with the
threat of mate from the
R moving to g8?
A B C D
Which capture puts
Morphy 1 move away
from being able to
make a new Q?
A B C D
This would’ve been a
blunder -- White could
capture the passed P,
giving a nasty check.
A B C D
Morphy escape a check
given by a minor piece
(a N or B)?
A B C D
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Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD

Bxe4
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Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD
21
Which one of these four
moves puts White in
check?
A B C D
Morphy has been
behind by a R. With
which move does he
win a R back?
A B C D
played this move -- it
would lose a bishop if
not the game!
A B C D
Which move is White
unable to challenge
because of the pin on
the e4 P?
A B C D

22
Which very important
move pins the P on f2
against White’s K?
A B C D
Where does Morphy
advance a P to attack
White’s pinned B?
A B C D
made this move -- it
would let White grab
the initiative with his R.
A B C D
Where does Morphy
smash White’s defense
of his king by capturing
the pinned B?
A B C D
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Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD

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Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD
23
White’s P on f2 is no
longer pinned and is
threatening the R.
What does Morphy do?
A B C D
Which move gives a
check, which White can
escape only by moving
his K?
A B C D
When does Morphy
reposition his dark-
square B so it’s ready
to join the king-side?
A B C D
protected his R using
this move -- White can
reply Rf1, and win!
A B C D

24
After which move is the
White K trapped on the
h-file by a pair of
bishops ?
A B C D
Where does Black give
check with a horrible
move, one Morphy
wouldn’t have made.
A B C D
Where does Morphy
deliver mate? (Note
how White’s R and B
are blocked out by Ps!)
A B C D
When does Morphy’s B
surrender control of a7
to help force mate
instead of worrying
about the passed P?
A B C D
Bg3
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Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD

Game 4cuuuuuuuuC
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v,./9EFJMV

Game Four
Morphy uses an extremely aggressive strategy in the following
game. Early in the game, he sees that Black does not
understand how important it is to develop Ns and Bs quickly.
He also sees that his opponent is more than willing to forget
about defense (for the short-lived excitement of attacking the
world’s best player!). Morphy wastes no time punishing Black for
being greedy. He lures Black into tearing down his own wall of
pawns on the king-side, then unleashes a non-stop attack on the
defenseless black K.
Since Morphy plays most of this game with a huge advantage in
development (Black’s only active pieces are his K and Q), he
has many opportunities for tactics. Watch for forks, pins,
discovered attacks and decoys (when Morphy forces a man to
move where he shouldn’t really go!).

Nc3
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%$NGQIBHR}
v,./9EFJMV
e4
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v,./9EFJMV
f4
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v,./9EFJMV
Nf3
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v,./9EFJMV
Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD
25
Which move is the only
one here that clears a
way for one of White’s
Bs to enter the game?
A B C D
Which move invites
Black to move a man
off a center square to
win an unguarded P?
A B C D
played this -- it ignores
Black’s immediate
threat of playing Qh4+.
A B C D
Morphy attack 2 center
squares AND keep the
Q from h4?
A B C D

26
Morphy leap over the
weak infantry into
enemy territory?
A B C D
Where does Morphy
challenge Black to take
a P that’s guarded by a
R and by a N?
A B C D
Morphy fork two of
Black’s men -- a Q and
a R?
A B C D
Which move would have
left Morphy’s N en prise
-- for free capture by
Black’s Q?
A B C D
Nxf7
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v,./9EFJMV
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v,./9EFJMV
h4
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v,./9EFJMV
Ng5
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v,./9EFJMV
Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD

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70p0pdkdw}
6wdwdwdw0}
5dwdwdwdw}
&wdwdP0p)}
3dwdwdwdw}
2P)P)wdPd}
%$NGQIBdR}
v,./9EFJMV
Nc3
cuuuuuuuuC
(rhbdwgn4}
70p0piwdw}
6wdwdw1w0}
5dwdwdwdw}
&wdBdP0Q)}
3dwdwdwdw}
2P)P)wdPd}
%$NGwIwdR}
v,./9EFJMV
0-0
cuuuuuuuuC
(rhbdwgn4}
70p0piwdw}
6wdwdw1w0}
5dwdwdwdw}
&wdBdP0Q)}
3dwdwdwdw}
2P)P)wdPd}
%$NGwIwdR}
v,./9EFJMV
Bc4
cuuuuuuuuC
(rhbdwgn4}
70p0pdkdw}
6wdwdw1w0}
5dwdwdwdw}
&wdwdP0Q)}
3dwdwdwdw}
2P)P)wdPd}
%$NGwIBdR}
v,./9EFJMV
Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD
27
Morphy brings out a
man who now
threatens to fork Black’s
K and Q from d5!
A B C D
Which one of these four
moves puts Black in
check?
A B C D
An early goal in most
games, this move
would’ve failed (a B
would be lost to Qd4+).
A B C D
He’s moved 3 king-side
Ps. He’ moved a N 3
times. And here Morphy
brings out his Q early.
Good grief, what about opening “rules”!
A B C D

28
A weak move (not
used) to escape check.
N would be pinned, and the e-file
wouldn’t become open for White’s R.
A B C D
Morphy take control of
the e-file, forcing the Q
out of the way?
A B C D
Where does White’s K
move out of check,
clearing a square for R
to threaten to pin Q?
A B C D
Where does Morphy
sacrifice a P to lure
Black’s Q to where she
might be pinned?
A B C D
Ne2
cuuuuuuuuC
(rhbdwgn4}
70pdpiwdw}
6wdpdwdw0}
5dwdw1wdw}
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3dwHwdwdw}
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%$wGwIwdR}
v,./9EFJMV
Kd1
cuuuuuuuuC
(rhbdwgn4}
70pdpiwdw}
6wdpdwdw0}
5dwdw1wdw}
&wdBdw0Q)}
3dwHwdwdw}
2P)P)wdPd}
%$wGwIwdR}
v,./9EFJMV
Re1
cuuuuuuuuC
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70pdpdwdw}
6wdpdwdw0}
5dwdw1wdw}
&wdBdw0Q)}
3dwHwdwdw}
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%$wGKdwdR}
v,./9EFJMV
e5
cuuuuuuuuC
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70pdpiwdw}
6wdpdw1w0}
5dwdwdwdw}
&wdBdP0Q)}
3dwHwdwdw}
2P)P)wdPd}
%$wGwIwdR}
v,./9EFJMV
Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD

Re8
cuuuuuuuuC
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5dw1pdwdw}
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3dwHwdwdw}
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%$wGK$wdw}
v,./9EFJMV
Qxf4
cuuuuuuuuC
(rhbiwgn4}
70pdpdwdw}
6wdpdwdw0}
5dw1wdwdw}
&wdBdw0Q)}
3dwHwdwdw}
2P)P)wdPd}
%$wGK$wdw}
v,./9EFJMV
Bxg8
cuuuuuuuuC
(rhbiwgn4}
70pdpdwdw}
6wdpdwdw0}
5dw1wdwdw}
&wdBdw0Q)}
3dwHwdwdw}
2P)P)wdPd}
%$wGK$wdw}
v,./9EFJMV
Qxc8
cuuuuuuuuC
(rhbdkgB4}
70pdwdwdw}
6wdpdwdw0}
5dw1pdwdw}
&wdwdw0Q)}
3dwHwdwdw}
2P)P)wdPd}
%$wGKdwdw}
v,./9EFJMV
Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD
29
Where does White make
a capture AND force the
K onto a square where
N can check him?
A B C D
This check deflects the
K. After this move, the
B attacking Morphy’s Q
will be left unprotected!
A B C D
Where does Morphy
move a man who’s
under attack, and win a
N while doing so?
A B C D
Morphy did NOT defend
his B from the Q by
making this capture --
Black could reply Bd6.
A B C D

30
Which move shows a
checkmate where
Morphy’s Q is protected
by his N?
A B C D
Which move shows a
checkmate where
Morphy’s Q is protected
by his B?
A B C D
Which check would
skewer the Black Q?
(Move not played.)
A B C D
Where does White give
check using a move that
takes advantage of the
pin on the c6 P?
A B C D
Qxf8
cuuuuuuuuC
(rhQdwgB4}
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6wdpiwdw0}
5dw1Ndwdw}
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3dwdwdwdw}
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%$wGKdwdw}
v,./9EFJMV
Nxd5
cuuuuuuuuC
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v,./9EFJMV
Qe6
cuuuuuuuuC
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70pdwdwdw}
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5dw1Ndwdw}
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3dwdwdwdw}
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%$wGKdwdw}
v,./9EFJMV
Qc7
cuuuuuuuuC
(rhQdwgB4}
70pdwdwdw}
6wdpiwdw0}
5dw1Ndwdw}
&wdwdw0w)}
3dwdwdwdw}
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%$wGKdwdw}
v,./9EFJMV
Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD

Game 5cuuuuuuuuC
(rdNdw4wd}
70piwhwdp}
6wdp!Bdpd}
5dwdwdwdw}
&wdw0wdwd}
3dwdwdwdw}
2P)Pdw)P)}
%$wdw$wIw}
v,./9EFJMV

Game Five
Bring out the king-side N and B quickly, to squares where they
can work together. Castle early if the center of the board is likely
to open up. Put pressure on f7. Sound familiar? Morphy starts
out with these recurring themes. Then he builds on this plan by
expanding it -- bringing out even more men, putting increased
pressure on the enemy K, and keeping the opponent’s army as
cramped as possible.
Morphy both threatens and actually executes many tactics in this
game. Watch especially for forks, pins, and discovered attacks.

Bc4
cuuuuuuuuC
(rdb1kgn4}
70p0pdp0p}
6wdndwdwd}
5dwdw0wdw}
&wdwdPdwd}
3dwdwdNdw}
2P)P)w)P)}
%$NGQIBdR}
v,./9EFJMV
e4
cuuuuuuuuC
(rhb1kgn4}
70p0p0p0p}
6wdwdwdwd}
5dwdwdwdw}
&wdwdwdwd}
3dwdwdwdw}
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%$NGQIBHR}
v,./9EFJMV
Nf3
cuuuuuuuuC
(rhb1kgn4}
70p0pdp0p}
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5dwdw0wdw}
&wdwdPdwd}
3dwdwdwdw}
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%$NGQIBHR}
v,./9EFJMV
d3
cuuuuuuuuC
(rdb1kgn4}
70p0pdp0p}
6wdndwdwd}
5dwdw0wdw}
&wdwdPdwd}
3dwdwdNdw}
2P)P)w)P)}
%$NGQIBdR}
v,./9EFJMV
Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD
31
Two of these moves
attack the square d5.
Which is the first way
Morphy attacked d5?
A B C D
Which move is weak for
White -- it blocks White’s
light-square B. (Move
wasn’t played in game)
A B C D
Which move attacks f7,
where there is a P
that’s defended only by
Black’s K?
A B C D
Morphy attack the black
P on e5?
A B C D

32
Which move is for K
safety and to prepare a
new man for a future
charge down file e.
A B C D
Morphy intentionally
sacrificed his d4 P. So
he didn’t use this move
to try to win the P back.
A B C D
Which move is a pawn
thrust on the e-file
which challenges Black’s
N on f6?
A B C D
Morphy places a P
where it can be taken.
This will help clear the
e-file for an attack.
A B C D
d4
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(rdb1kgw4}
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3dwdwdNdw}
2P)P)w)P)}
%$NGQIwdR}
v,./9EFJMV
e5
cuuuuuuuuC
(rdb1kdw4}
70p0pdp0p}
6wdndwhwd}
5dwgwdwdw}
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3dwdwdNdw}
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%$NGQdRIw}
v,./9EFJMV
Nxd4
cuuuuuuuuC
(rdb1kgw4}
70p0pdp0p}
6wdndwhwd}
5dwdwdwdw}
&wdB0Pdwd}
3dwdwdNdw}
2P)Pdw)P)}
%$NGQIwdR}
v,./9EFJMV
0-0
cuuuuuuuuC
(rdb1kgw4}
70p0pdp0p}
6wdndwhwd}
5dwdwdwdw}
&wdB0Pdwd}
3dwdwdNdw}
2P)Pdw)P)}
%$NGQIwdR}
v,./9EFJMV
Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD

Bxc6
cuuuuuuuuC
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3dwdwdNdw}
2P)Pdw)P)}
%$NGQdRIw}
v,./9EFJMV
Bd5
cuuuuuuuuC
(rdb1kdw4}
70p0pdp0p}
6wdndwdwd}
5dwgw)wdw}
&wdB0ndwd}
3dwdwdNdw}
2P)Pdw)P)}
%$NGQdRIw}
v,./9EFJMV
e5xf6
cuuuuuuuuC
(rdb1kdw4}
70p0pdw0p}
6wdndwdwd}
5dwgB)pdw}
&wdw0ndwd}
3dwdwdNdw}
2P)Pdw)P)}
%$NGQdRIw}
v,./9EFJMV
Bg5
cuuuuuuuuC
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70p0pdw0p}
6wdndwhwd}
5dwgBdwdw}
&wdw0wdwd}
3dwdwdNdw}
2P)Pdw)P)}
%$NGQdRIw}
v,./9EFJMV
Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD
33
Which move might
seem at first to be
written incorrectly? (It’s
an en passant capture!)
A B C D
Which move attacks
both enemy Ns (a fork)
and prevents Black from
playing d7-d5.
A B C D
played this: capturing a
weak N but giving up a
very strong B.
A B C D
Morphy pin a N against
the black Q?
A B C D

Bxf6
cuuuuuuuuC
(rdb1kdw4}
70p0pgw0p}
6wdndwhwd}
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&wdw0wdwd}
3dwdwdNdw}
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%$NdQdRIw}
v,./9EFJMV
Ne5
cuuuuuuuuC
(rdb1kdw4}
70p0phw0p}
6wdwdwgwd}
5dwdBdwdw}
&wdw0wdwd}
3dwdwdNdw}
2P)Pdw)P)}
%$NdQ$wIw}
v,./9EFJMV
Re1
cuuuuuuuuC
(rdb1kdw4}
70p0pdw0p}
6wdndwgwd}
5dwdBdwdw}
&wdw0wdwd}
3dwdwdNdw}
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%$NdQdRIw}
v,./9EFJMV
Bb3
cuuuuuuuuC
(rdb1kdw4}
70p0phw0p}
6wdwdwgwd}
5dwdBdwdw}
&wdw0wdwd}
3dwdwdNdw}
2P)Pdw)P)}
%$NdQ$wIw}
v,./9EFJMV
Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD
34
Where does Morphy
take full control of the
e-file, by bringing out a
“battering ram” unit?
A B C D
This would’ve been
pointless. The man
doesn’t need to move.
His “attacker” is pinned!
A B C D
After this move, Black
will take the N or B. If
he takes the B, then
Nc6+ will win Black’s Q.
A B C D
Which move defends
the mighty B on d5 by
capturing the man
who’s threatening it?
A B C D

Qh5
cuuuuuuuuC
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6wdwdwdwd}
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3dwdwdwdw}
2P)Pdw)P)}
%$NdQ$wIw}
v,./9EFJMV
Qxe5
cuuuuuuuuC
(rdb1kdw4}
70p0phwdp}
6wdwdwdpd}
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3dwdwdwdw}
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%$Ndw$wIw}
v,./9EFJMV
Rxe5
cuuuuuuuuC
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3dwdwdwdw}
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%$Ndw$wIw}
v,./9EFJMV
Nd2
cuuuuuuuuC
(rdb1k4wd}
70p0phwdp}
6wdwdwdpd}
5dwdB!wdw}
&wdw0wdwd}
3dwdwdwdw}
2P)Pdw)P)}
%$Ndw$wIw}
v,./9EFJMV
Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD
35
At this point, Morphy
has tied Black up in
knots. To finish the job,
he readies a N.
A B C D
Which move is a
blunder (which our hero
wouldn’t have made)
that loses a Q?
A B C D
Instead of immediately
making a capture
(RxB), where does
Morphy fork K & B?
A B C D
Where does Morphy
1) capture a man;
2) line up his Q and R;
3) threaten Qxh8 mate?
A B C D

36
Black’s N is no longer
pinned. How does
Morphy use the man
that the N threatens?
A B C D
Which move tempts
Black to proceed with
his threat to take the B,
(allowing Nd6 mate!)?
A B C D
Which checking move
can Black escape only
by moving his K or by
giving up his Q?
A B C D
White’s style is based on
maintaining great
pressure. This would
have helped Black.
A B C D
Be6
cuuuuuuuuC
(rdb1w4wd}
70pdkhwdp}
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5dwdB!wdw}
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3dwdwdwdw}
2P)Pdw)P)}
%$wdw$wIw}
v,./9EFJMV
Qxd6
cuuuuuuuuC
(rdb1k4wd}
70pdwhwdp}
6wdp0wdpd}
5dwdB!wdw}
&wdw0Ndwd}
3dwdwdwdw}
2P)Pdw)P)}
%$wdw$wIw}
v,./9EFJMV
Ne4
cuuuuuuuuC
(rdb1k4wd}
70pdphwdp}
6wdpdwdpd}
5dwdB!wdw}
&wdw0wdwd}
3dwdwdwdw}
2P)PHw)P)}
%$wdw$wIw}
v,./9EFJMV
Nxd6
cuuuuuuuuC
(rdb1k4wd}
70pdwhwdp}
6wdp0wdpd}
5dwdB!wdw}
&wdw0Ndwd}
3dwdwdwdw}
2P)Pdw)P)}
%$wdw$wIw}
v,./9EFJMV
Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD

Nb5
cuuuuuuuuC
(rdb1w4wd}
70piwhwdp}
6wdpHBdpd}
5dwdw!wdw}
&wdw0wdwd}
3dwdwdwdw}
2P)Pdw)P)}
%$wdw$wIw}
v,./9EFJMV
Qxd6
cuuuuuuuuC
(rdNdw4wd}
70piwhwdp}
6wdp1Bdpd}
5dwdw!wdw}
&wdw0wdwd}
3dwdwdwdw}
2P)Pdw)P)}
%$wdw$wIw}
v,./9EFJMV
Qa5
cuuuuuuuuC
(rdNdw4wd}
70piwhwdp}
6wdp1Bdpd}
5dwdw!wdw}
&wdw0wdwd}
3dwdwdwdw}
2P)Pdw)P)}
%$wdw$wIw}
v,./9EFJMV
Nxc8
cuuuuuuuuC
(rdb1w4wd}
70piwhwdp}
6wdpHBdpd}
5dwdw!wdw}
&wdw0wdwd}
3dwdwdwdw}
2P)Pdw)P)}
%$wdw$wIw}
v,./9EFJMV
Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD
37
A weak double check
which Black can escape
only by moving his K.
(Not played in game.)
A B C D
A discovered check
which Black can escape
only by blocking the
check.
A B C D
Which move puts Black
in checkmate?
A B C D
Morphy didn’t make this
weak check which Black
can escape by blocking
or by moving his K.
A B C D

Game 6cuuuuuuuuC
%Kdwdw$B4}
2dPdwdpdw}
3PdPdwdwd}
&dwdwdwdw}
5wGw)p0wd}
6dwdbdwdw}
7pdpdwdwd}
(dkdwdwdr}
vMJFE9/.,V
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This game ended when White
resigned in the position shown.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Game Six
Morphy played from the black side of the board in this game
against one of his strongest competitors. Since he knew that his
opponent, Louis Paulsen, was a very careful (and incredibly slow)
player, Morphy’s style in this game was to gradually gain small
advantages. As opposed to the previous games, Morphy does
not come crashing through the other player’s defenses in
dramatic fashion. Instead, he picks up an advantage in material
here, an advantage in position there. The outcome is eventually
the same as in the other games!
Morphy wins a R for a N using a fork. He gains another
advantage by setting up a discovered attack. To strengthen his
position, he takes control of an open file, doubles his Rs, and
creates and advances passed Ps.

Bc5
cuuuuuuuuC
%RdBIQGw$}
2)P)w)P)P}
3wdNdwHwd}
&dwdPdwdw}
5wdw0wdwd}
6dwdwdndw}
7p0pdp0p0}
(4ngk1bdr}
vMJFE9/.,V
e5
cuuuuuuuuC
%RHBIQGN$}
2)P)w)P)P}
3wdwdwdwd}
&dwdPdwdw}
5wdwdwdwd}
6dwdwdwdw}
7p0p0p0p0}
(4ngk1bhr}
vMJFE9/.,V
Nc6
cuuuuuuuuC
%RdBIQGN$}
2)P)w)P)P}
3wdNdwdwd}
&dwdPdwdw}
5wdw0wdwd}
6dwdwdwdw}
7p0pdp0p0}
(4ngk1bhr}
vMJFE9/.,V
Nf6
cuuuuuuuuC
%RdBIQGw$}
2)P)w)P)P}
3wdNdwHwd}
&dwdPdwdw}
5wdw0wdwd}
6dwdwdndw}
7p0pdp0p0}
(4ngk1bdr}
vMJFE9/.,V
Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD
38
Which move does
Morphy use to attack
two center squares: e4
and d5?
A B C D
Where does Morphy
bring out a piece
(not a P)
to defend his P on e5?
A B C D
Morphy avoided this line.
White would’ve created a
center fork (against N &
B) by Nxe5, Nxe5, d4.
A B C D
This P move holds the
balance on the board,
preventing White from
building an advantage.
A B C D

39
A blunder which Morphy
wouldn’t have made.
This move loses a N for
a P:
A B C D
Which move gives
support to a N who has
entered enemy territory?
A B C D
Where does Morphy
bring out his third piece,
using it to pin a N?
A B C D
Morphy capture a P
whose protector has
been pinned?
A B C D
Nxe4
cuuuuuuuuC
%RdwIQGw$}
2)P)wdP)P}
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6dwhwdndw}
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vMJFE9/.,V
Nxe4
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vMJFE9/.,V
Bb4
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2)P)wdP)P}
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vMJFE9/.,V
d5
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&dwdn)wgw}
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6dwdwdndw}
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(4wdk1bdr}
vMJFE9/.,V
Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD

Bxc3
cuuuuuuuuC
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2)P)wdP)P}
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&dwdndwgw}
5wdw)pdBd}
6dwdwdwdw}
7p0pdw0p0}
(dk4w1bdr}
vMJFE9/.,V
Nxe5
cuuuuuuuuC
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2)P)wdP)P}
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&dwdn)wgw}
5wdwHpdBd}
6dwdwdndw}
7p0pdw0p0}
(dk4w1bdr}
vMJFE9/.,V
Re8
cuuuuuuuuC
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6dwdwdndw}
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vMJFE9/.,V
0-0
cuuuuuuuuC
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2)P)wdP)P}
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5wdwHpdBd}
6dwdwdndw}
7p0pdw0p0}
(4wdk1bdr}
vMJFE9/.,V
Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD
40
Morphy was a fan of
pins -- but he would
NOT have played this. It
again pins his own N!
A B C D
Where does Morphy
trade off his N for an
enemy N which has
invaded his territory?
A B C D
White threatens Nxc6
then Bxc6+, forking
Morphy’s K and R.
What’s the defense?
A B C D
White’s N is unpinned
now and a dangerous
threat to the center!
When is it captured?
A B C D

41
Which move gives
backup support to the
P on d5 and attacks a
B who’s unwelcome?
A B C D
Which unplayed move is
a weak fork against the
Q + B that would
actually help White?
A B C D
Morphy win a P and
attack the R on a1?
A B C D
Morphy attack both an
unguarded B and a
doubled, isolated P?
A B C D
c6
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Move CC Move DD

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Move CC Move DD
42
Which move sets up a
possible discovered
attack on Q and gives
support to the e4 N?
A B C D
This P advance is safe
because if White plays
Bxg5, Morphy can trade
Qs then take the B :
A B C D
This move by Morphy is
forced. He must make
this re-capture or lose
much material.
A B C D
Even at age 2, Morphy
wouldn’t have made
this blunder which
hangs the black Q!
A B C D

43
Where does Morphy
give up a N to take a
R, winning the
exchange?
A B C D
Where does Morphy
take control of the semi-
open e-file, using the
correct R?
A B C D
played this move to
attack the e5 P -- this
blocks in his other R.
A B C D
Morphy make a great
fork -- giving check and
attacking a R?
A B C D
Nxc1
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Move CC Move DD
44
How does Morphy
protect his d5 P from
the B so his c6 P may
be moved?
A B C D
Morphy would have
seen that it was too
early to play this -- it
gives away the d5 P.
A B C D
After this P move,
Morphy threatens to
trap White’s B on b3
on Black’s next turn:
A B C D
Morphy’s queen-side
Ps are an advantage
for him. This move
starts a P storm!
A B C D

45
Morphy didn’t attack the
B with this move. The
B could retreat, leaving
the a-file blocked.
A B C D
After this move, Black is
once again threatening
to trap the b3 B on the
next turn.
A B C D
This clears the a-file for
Morphy’s R and takes
a2 and a4 away from
the B as safe squares.
A B C D
This move challenges
White’s isolated P on
the a-file.
A B C D
b4
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Move CC Move DD
46
Where does Morphy use
the very powerful
strategy of doubling Rs
on an open file?
A B C D
In this blunder (not
played) a R is put en
prise when it attacks an
unprotected B.
A B C D
White‘s been forced to
use a B to block a
passed P. Morphy puts
pressure on the B.
A B C D
After this capture, Black
instantly has 3 passed
Ps -- no P can stop
any of them!
A B C D

Ra1
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Move AA Move BB
After Paul Morphy played Move B shown above, Louis Paulsen
resigned. Morphy had been gradually collecting advantages
in material and in position. Paulsen realized the dam was
about to break loose.
The moves on the next page were not actually part of the
game. They’re included to show how Morphy could have
proceeded to take White’s R and one of his Bs off the
board. This would leave Black with overwhelming control of
the queen-side -- the side where Morphy had already
created passed Ps!
47
Which move attacks a B
which has been pinned?
A B
Which move offers a R
trade -- but not an
equal trade since it will
leave Black with control
of the board!
A B
White must surrender material after
Morphy pushes his P to c2 to attack
the B.
On page 48, you’ll see how Morphy’s
clever coordination of his troops gave
him unstoppable power on the chess
battlefield -- even against the best
opponents of his time. (White in this
game was played by an opponent who
developed strategies still used today.)
Louis Paulsen could see that complete
demolition was just ahead in this
game. He spared himself the agony
of watching his ship go down to a
true master of the board. Here’s
what probably would have happened
next if they had continued ...

Rxc1
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Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD
48
With this move, Black
would’ve removed
White’s defenseless
dark-square B:
A B C D
would’ve begun
advancing his passed
Ps toward promotion:
A B C D
Black would’ve made
this pin on B so that
White can’t prevent its
capture next move:
A B C D
would’ve removed
White’s last R:
A B C D

Game 7cuuuuuuuuC
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* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This game ended when White
resigned in the position shown.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Game SEVEN
This game is from the same match as Game 6. Morphy and
Paulsen are again fighting to be the champion at the First
American Chess Congress (held in 1857, shortly before the
American Civil War). Early in this game, Morphy gains a huge
positional advantage by taking control of the two center files.
Once Morphy brings his Q into play, things get really interesting!
At first he uses the Q to crush White’s chances of gaining some
influence in the middle of the board. Then he makes a stunning
sacrifice with the Q, after which White is unable to repair the
gaping hole in front of his K.
Especially toward the end of this game, notice how Morphy
chooses moves which are as forceful as possible. He gives very
good demonstrations of ways to use discovered checks, to clear
lines, and to create interference.

Nf6
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Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD
49
Which move leaves a
key center P hanging --
played this?
A B C D
Which move threatens
White’s P on e4 and
also fights for some
influence over d5?
A B C D
Morphy responds to the
threat against his P by
developing one of his
pieces:
A B C D
Morphy open lines for
possible use by his Q
and king-side B?
A B C D

50
Where does Morphy
make a developing
move which frees his
c6N of a future pin?
A B C D
Morphy pass up a
capture of a P to gain
control in the e-file?
A B C D
Which move attacks
White’s weak square of
f2, and clears the way
for castling?
A B C D
played this move. It sets
White up to play the
center fork, d2-d4:
A B C D
Re8
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Move CC Move DD

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Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD
51
Morphy recaptures on
c6 using a move that
gives him great power
on both center files.
A B C D
A tricky trap! If B runs from
this advancing P by going to
b3 (instead of to e2), Black
will play Bg4 then b4, winning
material -- maybe even a Q!.
A B C D
Even Morphy’s 107 year
old aunt wouldn’t have
given up this piece to
make this capture!
A B C D
Morphy use his control
over the e-file to win
back a center P?
A B C D

52
White has allowed a
hole in his defense at
d3. Morphy’s move kills
White’s chance to free
himself through d2-d4:
A B C D
After this move, there
won’t be a single man
left from White’s army
on ranks 3 through 8!
A B C D
Where does Morphy
move his attacked R so
that the c6 P won’t be
lost to a skewer?
A B C D
moved his B into such
cramped quarters.
A B C D
Bb7
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Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD

Bb6
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Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD
53
Where does Morphy
retreat his B, keeping it
aimed at the square of
the white K?
A B C D
Morphy make sure that
White doesn’t trap his B
with a4-a5?
A B C D
Which move does Black
use to clear the back
rank for his a8 R and to
support his c6 P?
A B C D
Even without sleep for 9
days, Morphy wouldn’t
have been caught
hanging a R like this:
A B C D

Qxf3
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Qxa6
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Rg6
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Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD
54
After which move is
Morphy threatening
checkmate with these 2
moves: Qxf1 then Re1?
A B C D
This move may look like
a blunder at first, but it’s
a famous Q sacrifice to
expose White’s K!
A B C D
White’s problem is his
men are on the wrong
side. Morphy refused to
help White make trades:
A B C D
Morphy give a check
that White can escape
only by moving his K?
A B C D

Bg2
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Re8-e6
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3bdPdw)wd}
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Bxf3
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2)b)w)wdR}
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&dwdwdw)w}
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Bh3
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Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD
55
Which move 1) gives a
discovered check; 2)
captures a man; and 3)
attacks a R?
A B C D
There’s no chance
Morphy would’ve made
this blunder, which gives
White a chance to force
a checkmate.
A B C D
Where does Morphy
fork 2 men and win
control of the long light-
square diagonal?
A B C D
Morphy positions a B
so it stops White from
creating room (luft) for a
K escape along file h:
A B C D

56
Morphy didn’t use this
chance to win a R
because it would’ve let
the Q join the battle.
A B C D
Which move gives a
discovered check and
forces the K into the
corner?
A B C D
This check is an
in-between move
that forces the K back
onto the g-file:
A B C D
Morphy threaten to
give checkmate on his
next turn by Bg2?
A B C D
Bxf2
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Bh3
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Bg2
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Bxd1
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Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD

Rh6
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Bh4
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Re2
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Bxf1
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(dkdrdwdw}
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Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD
57
Earlier, Morphy sacrificed
a Q to break the
defense. White was
forced to lose a Q here.
A B C D
Where does Morphy
place a ‘hog on the
7th’. (Chess slang for a
R on the 7th rank.)
A B C D
Morphy has 1 ‘hog on
the 7th’. He prepares
his second R to move
to h2. (Black’s 7th rank)
A B C D
A sloppy move, not
used. It lets White play
Rxa7, which threatens a
back rank mate!
A B C D

58
Where does Black move
the wrong R, missing a
chance to give mate?
(Not played.)
A B C D
Which move leaves
White with only 1
possible reply: moving
the K to g1?
A B C D
White resigned after
this move. It protects
the R on h6; it clears
the 7th rank for 2 hogs!
A B C D
Which move puts White
in checkmate? (Because
White had resigned, this
move wasn’t played.)
A B C D
Be3
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Rh2-g2
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Rh6-h2
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Re2-g2
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Move AA Move BB
Move CC Move DD

Find the Solutions!
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v,./9EFJMV
9 I A W 7 G E U
/ X 8 H S V 6 F
J R @ S T W
Y O T I D I E 5
“ K D N S 4 S
N Z M , E R : D
L . 1 O B 3 Q
0 N ! A 2 P C ?
g6
T
c8
h6
The answers to the problems in this
book are hidden in a secret file at my
web site. To find the file, use the
chess board on the right to complete
the coded message. Good Luck!
Prof. Chester Nuhmentz, Jr.
d7
H
c5
d8
e3
E
b6
h6
f6
S
d7
f1
b6
g6
b2
g8
E
b8
f3
g1
C
h4
d2
c6
R
e6
h7
g5
E
f5
g8
c5
T
a3
e4
f2
g6
h4
h7
F
g5
b5
d5
f3
c6
a2
d4
g1
e3
e3
d7
e6
c5
e3
g1
f2
f6
d1
d1
e4
b1
e5
b2
g4
c4
g1
e2
c6
d2
g5
g5
a7
f2
e7
c3
h7
f6
h2
b5
g3
h8 d4 h3
e8 h5 g2 b2 d7 c5 c3
Finish Decoding
From Here!

1999. find morphy's motives final

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1999. find morphy's motives final