
Adolf Anderssen ... once was a ??!
Adolf Anderson was born in Breslau, Germany (now Wroclaw) in 1818. At the age of 9, young Anderson played chess with his father and learned the rules of chess. Afterwards, he eagerly read the basic chess books of the time: the works of Greco and Felidall. Although Anderson learned chess very early, he didn't participate in chess for the first time until he was 30 years old. Anderson is obsessed with chess, but his family is not optimistic about it, thinking that nothing will be achieved if this continues. Reluctantly, Anderson can only devote himself to studying mathematics, and only plays a few games of chess during the holidays.
Anderson's chess has two notable characteristics: fierce and full of fantasy, so he has become a representative of the romantic school of chess. In the 20th century, only Marshall Tal could match him. When Anderson played chess, as long as his opponent slackened slightly, he would attack, bombarded with artillery fire, and a series of discarded pieces, which made the audience amazed. Due to his late participation in international competitions, he worked as a mathematics teacher in Breslau and could only participate in competitions during holidays. His results fluctuated greatly.
In 1848, he played against Harwitz and kicked off his chess career. The game ended in a tie. In 1851, he participated in the London Competition and achieved brilliant success. In 1857, he participated in the Manchester Competition, with poor results. In 1958, he faced Murphy, which was even worse. In 1861, he defeated Kolish. The following year, he won the 2nd London Competition and tied with Paulson. Since meeting and losing to Steinitz, Anderson's chess has started to decline. In 1871 and 1876, he lost to Chuker Tot and Paulson. The romantic school of chess came to an end, and Steinitz's position school prevailed.
Although Steinitz's chess is more effective, people still prefer Anderson's brilliant tactical combination. Even the unfortunate opponent was overwhelmed by his chess skills and lost willingly. The Frenchman Kiselitz is the best example. He made Anderson's "unfamiliar game" at the 1851 London Competition. He happily mailed the game to his friends at the Paris Club to share with Anderson. There is no shortage of beautiful words.
Anderson is a world champion, but he has no enemies, which is rare. He never suffers from failure. He loves to play chess, regardless of whether he wins or loses. He is a true gentleman, and people describe his broad face, smiles on the corners of his mouth, and clear and serene eyes. Fayin believes that this math teacher leads a peaceful life. He doesn't like changes in life, but he is full of adventurous spirit in chess. On the face of seriousness, Anderson sometimes has no shortage of humor.
It is said that during a trip across Austria, Anderson stayed in a country hotel. As soon as he entered the door, he saw the innkeeper sitting in front of the chess board with a solemn look. After dinner, Anderson stepped forward to talk and asked the boss if he would like to play a game of chess. The boss said solemnly: "You can play chess, but it must be done on my terms. I usually play handicapped chess, so that both sides have equal opportunities. I will make you a queen." Anderson agreed without saying a word. In the first set, Anderson lost. The boss told Anderson smugly that he was the local champion. In the second set, Anderson lost again. When putting the chess back on the board, Anderson said: "You make me very awkward after you let me have one queen. I don't know how to use the queen's advantage of such a big piece. Once I let you one queen as well, we will come to a game of chess."
The boss thought this suggestion was ridiculous, and was about to refuse it, but when he thought about it, it would take no more than 10 moves to convince the customer to lose. But something incredible happened. Suddenly, the guests rejuvenated and fell like flying. The boss was dizzy and dumbfounded by Anderson's successive attacks from abandoned pawns. After more than 10 games in a row, the boss lost all games. In the end, he dejectedly said to Anderson: "Now I don't understand chess at all!".
Chess players all over the world seem to have played Anderson's "unfamous game", or at least heard of it. This is a real monument, the "Mona Lisa" in chess. Just like a literary masterpiece, people appreciate it and praise it. But over time, in the 1970s, people found through analysis that the game was dramatic on the surface, but lacked precision. Anderson does not need to abandon his two rooks, he can win the game in a more concise way. Regardless of these criticisms, let us appreciate this monument!
Anderssen,Adolf - Kieseritzky,Lionel
London 'Immortal game' London, 1851,1-0
After Anderson abandoned the double-carriage tie, he would kill his opponent, while the entire strength of black chess was almost intact. Anderson has another game called "Keep Your Youth", and his final tactical combination can be described as dazzling. This masterpiece was made in Berlin in 1852 and represents the end of romanticism. This time, the unlucky opponent is the German chess theorist Dufresnes.
Adolf Anderssen vs Jean Dufresne
"The Evergreen Partie" Berlin GER 1852,1-0
Abandoning heavy pawns and using leptons to create checkmates is Anderson's skill.