Immortal Game
Today, we will analyze the famous game known as the «Immortal Game», played between Adolf Anderssen and Lionel Kieseritzky in 1851 in London.
In this game, Anderssen demonstrated outstanding mastery, sacrificing both rooks, a bishop, and the queen, ultimately delivering checkmate. This game is considered one of the greatest examples of combinational play in chess history.
Watch the Immortal Game, and at the end, we will summarize the key takeaways.
Game Moves with Commentary
- 1. e4 e5 - A standard opening move, controlling the center and opening lines for development.
- 2. f4 - King’s Gambit! White sacrifices a pawn to gain active play and a rapid development advantage.
- 2. exf4 - Black accepts the gambit, taking the pawn and agreeing to play against White’s aggressive style.
- 3. Bc4 - Developing the bishop with a threat to the weak f7 square.
- 3. Qh4+ - Black immediately attacks White’s king.
- 4. Kf1 - The king is forced to move, but White’s attack remains strong.
- 4. b5 - Black tries to push back the active bishop.
- 5. Bxb5 - White accepts the challenge.
- 5. Nf6 - Black develops a knight.
- 6. Nf3 - White develops a piece with tempo.
- 6. Qh6 - The queen retreats but remains active.
- 7. d3 - White reinforces the center.
- 7. Nh5 - Black threatens an attack.
- 8. Nh4 - White prevents Black’s attack.
- 8. Qg5 - Black tries to maintain pressure.
- 9. Nf5 - White attacks weak points.
- 9. c6 - Black tries to push the bishop back.
- 10. g4 - White sacrifices a pawn for an attack.
- 10. Nf6 - The knight retreats.
- 11. Rg1 - The rook joins the attack.
- 11. cxb5 - Black drives the bishop away.
- 12. h4 - White's attack is unstoppable.
- 12. Qg6 - The queen retreats.
- 13. h5 - White continues the pressure.
- 13. Qg5 - Black tries to counterattack.
- 14. Qf3 - White increases control over the kingside.
- 14. Ng8 - Black moves the knight back.
- 15. Bxf4 - White captures a piece.
- 15. Qf6 - Black tries to activate their queen.
- 16. Nc3 - White develops their last minor piece.
- 16. Bc5 - Black attempts counterplay.
- 17. Nd5 - A strong move dominating the center.
- 17. Qxb2 - Black grabs material but loses.
- 18. Bd6 - A brilliant move!
- 18. Bxg1 - Black tries to win material.
- 19. e5 - White launches the final attack.
- 19. Qxa1+ - Black desperately checks.
- 20. Ke2 - White calmly moves the king.
- 20. Na6 - Black develops a knight.
- 21. Nxg7+ - White continues the attack.
- 21. Kd8 - The Black king escapes.
- 22. Qf6+! - A brilliant strike!
- 22. Nxf6 - A forced move.
- 23. Be7# - Checkmate!
Key Takeaways from This Game
- Sacrificing pieces can lead to a powerful attack.
- Development is more important than gaining extra material.
- Black wasted too many moves with the queen and fell behind.
- White used every piece to create a checkmating net.
This masterpiece of chess tactics is one of the greatest games of all time! See you in the next game!