Find the Move — October 31, 2026

Morphy's Opera Game (1858)

White to move. Find the best move.

From Paul Morphy – Duke of Brunswick & Count Isouard, Paris (Opera house) 1858.

Paris, 1858. Paul Morphy, a 21-year-old from New Orleans who was beating Europe's best players, was invited to the opera by the Duke of Brunswick. Instead of watching the show from the Duke's private box, he played the Duke and Count Isouard, who consulted each other on every move. Legend says Morphy kept glancing at the stage and wanted the game over quickly. It is still the most-shown game in chess teaching: a lesson in development, open lines and the power of every piece joining the attack.