How should Black defend?

(Fairly easy) This is a variation from Morphy-Mongredien, 1859. Does Black have any defense that keeps him in the game?  Provide analysis to support your conclusion.

What's the problem with Nd7?

Here is your variation

1. Nd7, Nb3.

That's how i would do it.

That works. What about ...c6? Is that a stronger defense?

no because after 2.dxc6, nxc6 3. nxc6, Qxb5 4. Bxb5, a6

I like white better:)

Good answer. :)

I just noticed that, my bad :/

Id say Nd7 followed by a6 is the best

(Medium Difficulty) Let's up the difficult a bit. In this position from the game, White clearly has an advantage, but can you spot a rapid path to victory?

Qb4 to threaten the black queen. if black takes with ...Qxb4 2. Re8+, Qf8 3. Rxf8#

Excellent. And, of course, 1.Qb4 Qc8!? also doesn't help due to 2.Qxb7. Mongredien resigned as soon as Qb4 was played. The full game:

I think Bxh7 will provide an early firework and if Kxh7 then Qd3+ with Queen moving to Qg6 with threat of Re8. This is an agressive approach and we are down on material with Bishop sacrifice.

Killer move by Morphy (I borrow this term from Mr. Renko's book)

awesome last move by morphy