His story
The pride and sorrow of chess
A meteor across the 19th-century chess world: unbeatable for two years, then gone from serious play for good.
-
1837
Born in New Orleans
Paul Charles Morphy is born on June 22 into a prosperous Louisiana family. Nobody teaches him chess: he picks it up by watching his father Alonzo and uncle Ernest play.
-
1846
A child beats a general
At nine, Morphy faces General Winfield Scott, the famous military commander, and wins both games. In the second he announces a forced mate six moves ahead.
-
1850
Twelve years old vs a European master
The Hungarian master Johann Löwenthal visits New Orleans and plays the twelve-year-old. Morphy does not lose a single game.
-
1854–1857
Scholar first
He graduates from Spring Hill College, then earns a law degree from the University of Louisiana in 1857, before he is even old enough to practise.
-
1857
Champion of America
At the First American Chess Congress in New York he sweeps the field and beats Louis Paulsen in the final, 5 wins to 1 with 2 draws.
-
1858
Conquering Europe
He sails to Europe and beats its best: Löwenthal in London, Harrwitz in Paris, and finally Adolf Anderssen, widely considered the strongest player in the world. In Paris he plays eight opponents at once, blindfolded, and plays the immortal Opera Game. The famous English master Howard Staunton never agrees to a match.
-
1859
A hero's return, then silence
America celebrates him as a national hero. Soon after, at just 22, Morphy walks away from serious chess. His law career never takes off, and he lives quietly in New Orleans.
-
1884
A legend at 47
Morphy dies in New Orleans on July 10, aged 47. His games, fast, open and ferociously logical, are still studied by every serious player today.