The Story of Paul Morphy: The First Chess Prodigy

Paul Morphy (1837–1884) was one of the most talented chess players ever. A native of New Orleans in Louisiana, he was born on 22 June 1837. From a young age, he acquired the ability to play chess, and trust me when I tell you that he played it well.

Early Successes

He learned chess purely by watching the games between his father and other chess players. Once the family was aware of Morphy's talent at around the age of 10, his family provided him with lessons from the best chess teachers around.

Morphy climbed up the ladder pretty early, at the age of 12 beating all but the best chess players in the city of New Orleans. He participated in several informal matches and local tournaments, consistently outplaying anyone in front of him. The word quickly spread, Morphy's natural talent and unique understanding of the game became apparent.

First American Chess Congress

Seven years later, at 20, he won the First American Chess Congress, held in New York in 1857, scoring six victories, including three against established masters: Louis Paulsen, Adolf Anderssen and Johann Löwenthal. Following his win, Morphy was quickly recognized as the top chess player in the United States. However, he seemed unperturbed by his newfound fame. In the December 1857 edition of Chess Monthly, it was noted that "his friendly nature, humble demeanour, and polite manners have made him popular among all those who know him."

European Tour

After winning the American Chess Congress, Morphy embarked for Europe in 1858 to challenge the leading European players. Morphy decisively defeated many of the game’s most notable European players, including Adolf Anderssen, Europe’s strongest player of the day and unofficial World Chess Champion, and Howard Staunton, England’s leading chess player. Morphy’s triumphs in Europe cemented him as the greatest chess player in the world, but his story didn't continue as anyone was expecting.

Unexpected Retirement

Even though Paul had just arrived to the top of the mountain, he decided to end his career as a competitive chess player. He retired from tournament play at the age of 21, returning to the US to pursue a law career.

Based on records, Morphy made three attempts to open and promote a law office, but ultimately abandoned each effort. Some believe that his fame as a chess player hindered his legal career. Morphy, financially stable due to his family's wealth, spent the rest of his days in leisure. Despite fans urging him to return to chess. People say that in 1883, Morphy, while walking in the street, saw future world champion Wilhelm Steinitz in New Orleans, but chose not to talk with him about chess. During that era, Morphy viewed chess as a hobby and not a serious profession, considering the game unworthy of pursuit and calling it "a waste of time".

The End

If the previous paragraph wasn't depressing enough for you, Morphy was discovered dead in his bathtub in New Orleans on July 10, 1884, at the age of 47. The autopsy revealed that Morphy had a stroke after immersing himself in cold water following a lengthy stroll in the midday heat.

His Famous Opera Game

Paul Morphy delivered many good chess games. Most of them are rich and full of logic, but if I had to choose the best it would be the Opera Game.

I've made an in depth analysis of this game where I explain the ideas behind it in my YouTube channel, have a look. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOOVPJcfva4&t=7s

Summary

Even though the end of his story is not so positive, the impact he had on chess was. His games are still studied and emulated by all chess players, and his contribution to chess theory. His ideas from the world of practical chess have founded nearly all modern chess strategy.

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