Paris Opera House · 1858
The Opera Game
White: Paul MorphyBlack: Duke Karl & Count IsouardResult: 1-0 - Paul Morphy wins17 moves
Played in a box at the Paris Opera during a performance. Morphy develops, opens lines and finishes with a queen sacrifice - a perfect lesson in seventeen moves.
The key moments
- 7. Qb3Queen to b3: two threats at once. The nobles are already in trouble.
- 10. Nxb5Knight sacrifice on b5! Morphy opens the files.
- 13. Rxd7Rook takes d7. Another sacrifice.
- 16. Qb8+Queen to b8, check! The final sacrifice.
- 17. Rd8#Rook to d8. Checkmate at the opera.
All moves
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Bg4 4. dxe5 Bxf3 5. Qxf3 dxe5 6. Bc4 Nf6 7. Qb3 Qe7 8. Nc3 c6 9. Bg5 b5 10. Nxb5 cxb5 11. Bxb5+ Nbd7 12. O-O-O Rd8 13. Rxd7 Rxd7 14. Rd1 Qe6 15. Bxd7+ Nxd7 16. Qb8+ Nxb8 17. Rd8# 1-0
Replay it on the living board
In When Kings Fall this game is replayed with living armies: Paul Morphy commands the Light, Duke Karl & Count Isouard the Shadow. Every capture is a duel, the key moments are shown in slow motion with commentary, and the analysis mode shows Stockfish's evaluation after every move.