Estragon wrote:
That is the Evans Gambit, which was a very popular opening in the 19th Century because it leads to wide-open tactical play.
This was the Romantic Era of chess, when attacks and sacrifices were considered the ideal goal, and gambits (giving up a pawn without getting anything clear in return besides a free move or two) were very common.
Over the years, many defenses have evolved for Black against the old gambits, and they are seldom played at high levels these days, but still are seen at lower levels.
I think the Evan's Gambit is a little more popular than you give it credit for.
And some gambits are still very popular, like the King's Gambit.
Hey All,
I'm studying Paul Morphy games and I can't quite understand why at move 4 Paul Morphy sacrifices (well to me anyway) a pawn. I understand sometimes he played a piece down at the onset, but I'm quite sure there is logic to this as I have seen this in another of his games.
Thanks in advance!
Regards
kbot
[Event "New Orleans m"]
[Site "New Orleans"]
[Date "1849.??.??"]
[EventDate "?"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "1-0"]
[White "Paul Morphy"]
[Black "Alonzo Morphy"]
[ECO "C51"]
[WhiteElo "?"]
[BlackElo "?"]
[PlyCount "29"]
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4 Bxb4 5.c3 Bc5 6.d4 exd4
7.cxd4 Bb6 8.O-O Na5 9.Bd3 d5 10.exd5 Qxd5 11.Ba3 Be6 12.Nc3
Qd7 13.d5 Bxd5 14.Nxd5 Qxd5 15.Re1+ 1-0