Adolf Anderssen

Karl Ernst Adolf Anderssen (July 6, 1818 - March 13, 1879) was a famous German chess master, one of the most renowned of the classic masters of 19th century chess. He had a long and distinguished chess career, at times considered the leading player in the world, and world famous for his sparkling play even today.

London 1851

In 1848 Anderssen drew a match with the professional player Daniel Harrwitz. On the basis of this match and his general chess reputation, he received an invitation to be the standard-bearer for German chess at the world's first international chess tournament, London 1851. Anderssen was reluctant to accept the invitation, as travel costs were a substantial issue to his limited pocketbook. However, Howard Staunton offered to pay Anderssen's travel expenses out of his own pocket if necessary, should Anderssen fail to win a tournament prize. This was a generous offer, and Anderssen made the trip. At that tournament, Anderssen defeated Lionel Kieseritzky, József Szén, Staunton, and Marmaduke Wyvill, winning the tournament to everyone's surprise.

Related Topics:
Daniel Harrwitz - Howard Staunton - Lionel Kieseritzky - József Szén - Marmaduke Wyvill

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Anderssen was celebrated as well for two of his casual chess games in which he was victorious through combinations involving heavy sacrifice of the pieces. In the first, called the Immortal Game, as white against Lionel Kieseritzky in 1851, he sacrified a bishop, both rooks and finally his queen. In the second played in Berlin, in the year 1852, as white against Jean Dufresne, the total sacrifice was more modest, but still exceeded a queen and a minor piece. That game has since been called the Evergreen Game.

Related Topics:
Immortal Game - Lionel Kieseritzky - 1851 - Berlin - 1852 - Jean Dufresne - Evergreen Game

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

For the next few years he was considered by many people to be the world's premier player, but as he needed to earn for living, he had to go back for teaching again after the competition. Then in 1858 he was beaten by the American star Paul Morphy in a famous match held in Paris, France, losing by a score of two wins versus Morphy's seven, with two draws.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Anderssen played the curious initial move of 1. a3 in the match against Morphy, and this opening move is now referred to as "Anderssen's Opening." The opening has never been popular in serious competition.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~