The Immortal Game

This immortal game was played just prior to the first international chess tournament. The tournament was organized by the foremost player of his day, Howard Staunton. The tournament coincided with the Great Exhibition in London. It was 1851 at the height of England's imperial glory.

The following casual game was played at a London cigar and coffee Divan called Simpson's in the Strand. The place remains a favorite hang out for chess devotees today.

The two players were very much different in personality. Adolph Anderssen was a quiet friendly mathematician from German. Lionel Kieseritsky was an irritable chess tutor from France.

The vanquished Kieseritsky was so impressed by the brilliant execution of Anderssen's attack that he telegraphed the moves of the game to his favorite haunt in France, Cafe de la Regence. From then on, this game has come to be known as The Immortal Game. Enjoy.

White: Anderssen, Adolph/unknown
Black: Lionel, Kieseritsky/unknown
Event: Casual Game
Date: 1851.??.??
Opening: C33: King's Gambit Accepted: 3 Nc3 and 3 Bc4
Result: 1-0

Green move-links below show comments on the right.

White (Anderssen, Adolph) Won

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