How Did Morphy Attack? Ask Coach Jessica

Hi, ChessKids!

Today we will look at some of the most exciting and instructive games in chess history!

Paul Morphy was the first unofficial world champion, and he makes winning look easy.

How does he do it? After developing, he finds a target. Once his opponent had a weakness, he pounced!

We will look at a few games and puzzles by Morphy to answer both MahoganyMouse, who wonders how to "start an effective kingside attack," and MagentaCart, who wants to know how to "launch an attack."

Morphy is a classical chess player during the time of "romantic chess," when people would clap and throw gold coins to the players for beautiful sacrifices and stunning winners.

But in order to get to such positions, Morphy made sure he always developed and was able to castle quickly if he needed.

Watch this miniature, where Morphy eschews (that means purposely avoids) material (he starts down a rook!) for a quick checkmate!

Did that game not blow you away? The target is usually f7 when Black is not castled.

He was a relentless attacker, but used seemingly simple ideas, like putting pressure on the pinned piece. Try to maintain the initiative like Morphy -- keep attacking!

Do you recognize the smothered pattern coming up? Try it!

Morphy kept bringing in his pieces closer and closer! Every move had purpose. He made sure Black never got a chance to castle, and then made forcing moves every turn!

Now you play like Morphy! Here's a position where you and Morphy have Black. The rook on e8 is pinning the bishop on e2. The pawn on d5 is totally hanging! Should Black take the pawn?

You can win with White or Black! Just develop and attack like Morphy!