McConnell – Morphy

The French Defense has the reputation of giving Black a solid yet cramped game. Morphy favored open positions so it comes as no surprise that this is the only example of his defending the French Defense.

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Date: 1850.??.??
Location: ?
Tournament: New Orleans
Round:
Opening:
Submitted by:
Published on: February 9, 2020

[Event "New Orleans"] [Site "?"] [Date "1850.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "McConnell"] [Black "Morphy"] [Result "0-1"] [PlyCount "28"] 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 {The French Defense has the reputation of giving Black a solid yet cramped game. Morphy favored open positions so it comes as no surprise that this is the only example of his defending the French Defense.} 3.e5 {The Advance Variation of the French Defense. White's idea is to play against Black's light squared bishop which is locked out of the game by his own pawns.} c5 {Black follows the general rule that one should attack a pawn chain at it's base.} 4.c3 {The strengthening of White's pawn chain is the logical response to Black's last move.} Nc6 5.f4 {This move is a mistake as White does not need to broaden his pawn chain especially at the expense of his development. Better was 5.Nf3. 5.Nf3 Qb6 6.Be2 Bd7 7.a3 c4} Qb6 6.Nf3 Bd7 7.a3 {Although in a closed position one doesn't have to develop as quickly as in an open position. White has crossed the line in only developing one piece in position moves. 7.Bd3 cxd4 8.cxd4 Nxd4 9.Nxd4 Qxd4 We see the importance of Black's 6...Bd7, otherwise White would have a discovered check with} Nh6 8.b4 cxd4 9.cxd4 Rc8 {Black stands much better due to his large lead in development.} 10.Bb2 Nf5 11.Qd3 Bxb4+ {This sacrifice is made possible because of Black's lead in development.} 12.axb4 Nxb4 13.Qd2 Rc2 {Very pretty especially since most players would jump at the chance to win White's rook by 13...Nc2+.} 14.Qd1 Ne3 {White resigned because his queen has been trapped.} 0-1