Impressing non-players

Is there a favorite game you might show someone who doesn't play chess to impress upon them its interest? For example, in my first book I included the Evergreen Game, a tactical powerhouse that everyone enjoys. How about you? What game do you think people would find enthralling?  

Morphy's Opera game.

That is a great one. I used that game in my 3rd novel, Till Tomorrow.

Good question! While my books are mysteries and meant for all readers, the main character is a chess teacher and he often is playing chess in one form or another. I included portions of some games by real players, usually at a point where something spectacular or unexpected was about to happen (think Queen sac for example) but didn't dwell on it, and explained what was happening on the board. I also added a few graphics so the reader can look at the board. I've had many readers who didn't play chess tell me they became more interested in the game after reading my books. I take that as a great compliment and want to continue the tradition. 

http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1259009

http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1132699

Thanks, @kindaspongey, those are both excellent examples! I particularly like the Lasker game.

Just show them some tactics, such as a smother mate with a double check that walks all around a superior materialed army.

That's basically what I'm doing, but I prefer the tactics come from a real game. I have the notation of the entire game printed at the back of the book so the reader can play through the whole thing if they wish, and I can list who the actual players were.

I remember a time travel SF story where the traveller lost a game of chess playing a Sicilian I belive and went back in time to try various alternate moves.

Unsound Variations by George R. R. Martin

XXX

Maybe try:

Instructive Chess Miniatures

www.gambitbooks.com/pdfs/Instructive_Chess_Miniatures.pdf

^  Same here, that's why I use games played by the greats!

I agree. How can someone appreciate brilliant moves without any chess knowledge.

This is why so many people only see two people pushing wood on a wooden board.

This is not only true for chess but for everything in life. You can't appreciate something until you took your time to understand it.

Perhaps you could write a story of a great battle between 2 kingdoms, probably in medieval times or a fantasy, and base it on a classic game. 32 characters on each side, their sacrifices and adventures, the royal couples and their enforced separation, cavalry attacks, the role of the clergy, the erection of castles/forts in different strategic locations, the everyday peasant fighting for his king etc etc.

I'd just show them Go and say "Actually, this is better."