Anderssen vs. Dufresne(1852): A Chess Masterpiece 'The Evergreen Game'

                                                The Evergreen Game

Introduction

Evergreen Game ranks among the best-known and highly regarded games played in the history of chess. It is one of a casual game where Adolf Anderssen, a world-leading player then, played out Jean Dufresne, also a highly noted German player as

well as an author on the game. In 1852, they competed in what stands out because of its wonderful mix of strategic maneuvering and stylish checkmating.

German chess Master Karl Ernst Adolf Anderssen

The game was named Evergreen Game by Wilhelm Steinitz, the first World Chess Champion to be officially crowned, who admired its beauty and lasting popularity. This is a superb example of aggressive, romantic-era chess, where spectacular sacrifices and dazzling attacks took precedence over meticulous positional play. Here we will explore the game move by move and analyze the critical moments that make this encounter a masterpiece.

 

German chess player and chess composer Jean Dufrense

Move-by-Move Analysis

Opening Stage: Bishop's Gambit Declined

1. e4 e5

Both start with the classical Open Game, where White and Black both maintain the center at an early point. This is elementary to classical guidelines of chess, aiming to develop the pieces in the optimal way.

2. Nf3 Nc6

Anderssen develops the knight, pinning Black's e5 pawn, while Dufresne shelters it from behind with his knight. This opens up a balanced position where each goes about normal development.

3. Bc4 Bc5

A classic Italian Game setup, with White pushing for an early kingside assault. White's c4 bishop eyes the vulnerable f7 square, a favorite target of early attacks.

4. b4?!

Anderssen uses the Evans Gambit, an aggressive opening that sacrifices a pawn in order to get rapid development and control of the center. The gambit was popular in the 19th century and produced many beautiful attacking games.

4. Bxb4

Dufresne takes the gambit, capturing the pawn that is given. This gains White a tempo and lines for his pieces to open.

5. c3 Ba5

White gains tempo by pushing at the bishop and forcing it to retreat. The idea is to push d4 and control the center in full.

6. d4 exd4

White makes a dynamic bid for the center. Black captures the pawn, but White retains an active position.

This is where the opening phase ends

7. O-O d3

Anderssen castles, with priority on king security and setting up for a rapid attack. Dufresne advances his pawn, attempting to weaken White's pawn chain. But this pawn turns out to be weak later.

8. Qb3 Qf6

White develops his queen boldly, targeting the weak f7 square. Black defends by developing his queen, but this turns out to be a weakness later.

9. e5 Qg6

A strong central push! White attacks the queen and opens up space. Black supports the queen with g6, looking for taking advantage of White's weak kingside.

10. Re1 Nge7

White places his rook on an open file, in anticipation of tactics against the black position. Black develops his knight but blocks his own bishop, limiting mobility.

11. Ba3 b5

White moves the bishop to an open diagonal, with the aim at f8. Black tries to force counterplay on the queenside by advancing the b-pawn.

12. Qxb5 Rb8

White captures the pawn with the queen, and Black hits back. However, White is still in the driver's seat.

13. Qa4 Bb6

Anderssen regains the queen while sustaining pressure. Black develops the bishop, but White's position remains better.

14. Nbd2 Bb7

White develops his knight, while Black fianchettoes his bishop to take greater command of the board. White's attack is imminent, however.

15. Ne4 Qf5
 

White starts tactical show from here

A turning point! White centralizes his knight, searching for tactical ideas. Black moves the queen aggressively, but this piece will soon be in the open.

Tactical Fireworks Begin

16. Bxd3 Qh5

A brilliant bishop sacrifice! Anderssen offers counterplay to initiate an attack. Black's queen emerges to h5, attacking White's king, but the play is still with White.

17. Nf6+! gxf6

A stunning knight sacrifice! White opens Black's king position, assuring a deadly attack. Black must take, and his king remains exposed.

18. exf6 Rg8

Anderssen continues to press, opening the f-file for his pieces. Black tries to cling on with the rook, but his position is ruined.

19. Rad1 Qxf3

Black desperately counter-attacks with a queen sacrifice, but too late. White's attacking force is irreversible.

20. Rxe7+ Nxe7

A brilliant tactical combination! White sacrifices the rook to lure the knight away, making room for the winning combination.

Four more moves to go from here

21. Qxd7+ Kxd7

Now White's queen controls the center. Black must capture, moving into a devastating attack.

22. Bf5+ Ke8

White plays a beautiful intermediate move with a discovered check, further restricting Black's king.

23. Bd7+ Kf8

Another beautiful move! White uses his bishop to push the Black king into a mating trap.

24. Bxe7#

A very beautiful checkmate for White

Checkmate! Anderssen delivers a resplendent knockout punch with a humble bishop move. Black's king is completely bottled up, offering a phenomenal conclusion.


Lessons from the Evergreen Game:

The Power of Gambits: The Evans Gambit provided White with quick development and long-range attacking opportunities.

Sacrifices in Initiative: Anderssen made sacrifices of material to keep up the attack.

Queen's Role: The queen was both an attacking piece and a weak target for Anderssen during this game.

Discovered Attacks and Checks: Anderssen used discovered attacks to 

Discovered Attacks and Checks: Anderssen used discovered attacks to put his opponent in a losing position.

Finishing Net: The mated sequence at the end is a perfect example of careful calculation that results in checkmate.

Evergreen Game Legacy

 This game is a lesson in strategy, tactics, and initiative. It has inspired chess players for generations and is still a favorite among students and grandmasters. Whether you are a novice or master player, you will discover that studying the Evergreen Game will refine your attacking game and encourage you to play aggressive and handsome chess!

Conclusion: Why the Evergreen Game is a Chess Masterpiece

Evergreen Game is an attack chess masterwork, featuring Anderssen at his best. His sacrificial courage and elegant combinations make the game one of the most aesthetically pleasing ever played. Even after over a century, chess players keep looking up to this classic marvel.