Chess Kids Monthly
July 2025 – Famous Games for Young Players
Welcome to Chess Kids Monthly!
Hello chess friends! Each month, we’ll explore an amazing chess game that will help you become a better player. We’ll show lots of board positions so you can follow along easily.
This month, we’re looking at one of the most famous chess games ever played – The Opera Game!
The Opera Game
Players: Paul Morphy vs Duke of Brunswick & Count Isouard
Date: 1858
Location: Paris Opera House
Paul Morphy was one of the greatest chess players of his time. In this game, he played against two noblemen who consulted together against him. What makes this game special is how Morphy demonstrated the importance of quick development and controlling the center!
The Game Begins – Opening Moves
1. e4 – White moves the king’s pawn forward two squares, claiming the center.
Position after 1.e4
1…e5 – Black also pushes the king’s pawn forward two squares.
Position after 1…e5
2. Nf3 – White develops a knight and attacks Black’s pawn.
Position after 2.Nf3
2…d6 – Black defends the pawn, but doesn’t develop a piece.
Position after 2…d6
Key Beginner Lesson #1
In the opening, try to develop your pieces (knights and bishops) and control the center with pawns or pieces. Notice how White has already started developing, while Black is lagging behind.
3. d4 – White pushes another center pawn, attacking Black’s pawn.
Position after 3.d4
3…Bg4 – Black develops the bishop and pins White’s knight.
Position after 3…Bg4
4. dxe5 – White captures a pawn in the center.
Position after 4.dxe5
4…Bxf3 – Black captures White’s knight.
Position after 4…Bxf3
5. Qxf3 – White recaptures with the queen.
Position after 5.Qxf3
5…dxe5 – Black recaptures the pawn.
Position after 5…dxe5
Key Beginner Lesson #2
Look at the position now. White has developed two pieces (knight, which was traded, and queen), while Black has only developed one piece (bishop, which was traded). White is ahead in development!
6. Bc4 – White develops the bishop to a powerful diagonal.
Position after 6.Bc4
6…Nf6? – Black develops a knight but this move is a mistake!
Position after 6…Nf6
7. Qb3! – White moves the queen again, creating two threats: attacking the f7 pawn and the b7 pawn.
Position after 7.Qb3
Key Beginner Lesson #3
When you can make a move that creates multiple threats, it’s usually very strong! Here, Black must deal with two threats at once, which is difficult.
7…Qe7 – Black defends the f7 pawn with the queen.
Position after 7…Qe7
8. Nc3 – White continues developing, bringing another knight into the game.
Position after 8.Nc3
8…c6 – Black defends the b7 pawn.
Position after 8…c6
9. Bg5! – White develops another piece with a pin on the Black queen and knight.
Position after 9.Bg5
9…b5? – Black tries to attack the bishop, but this weakens the queenside.
Position after 9…b5
10. Nxb5! – White sacrifices the knight to open lines for attack.
Position after 10.Nxb5
10…cxb5 – Black captures the knight.
Position after 10…cxb5
11. Bxb5+ – White checks with the bishop, forcing Black’s next move.
Position after 11.Bxb5+
11…Nbd7 – Black blocks the check with a knight.
Position after 11…Nbd7
12. O-O-O! – White castles queenside, bringing the rook into play.
Position after 12.O-O-O
Key Beginner Lesson #4
White is much better developed and has castled, connecting the rooks. Black still has pieces on their starting squares and hasn’t castled.
12…Rd8 – Black develops a rook to face White’s rook.
Position after 12…Rd8
13. Rxd7! – White sacrifices the rook!
Position after 13.Rxd7
13…Rxd7 – Black recaptures the rook.
Position after 13…Rxd7
14. Rd1! – White brings the other rook into play, preparing for the final attack.
Position after 14.Rd1
14…Qe6 – Black moves the queen to protect the d7 rook.
Position after 14…Qe6
15. Bxd7+ – White captures the rook with the bishop, giving check.
Position after 15.Bxd7+
15…Nxd7 – Black recaptures with the knight.
Position after 15…Nxd7
16. Qb8+!! – White delivers another sacrifice with the queen!
Position after 16.Qb8+
16…Nxb8 – Black is forced to capture the queen.
Position after 16…Nxb8
17. Rd8# – White delivers checkmate with the rook!
Final position – Checkmate!
Lessons from This Game:
- Development Matters! – Morphy developed all his pieces quickly while his opponents lagged behind.
- Control the Center – Notice how Morphy’s pieces controlled important central squares.
- Castle Early – Morphy castled to safety, while his opponents never got the chance.
- Look for Sacrifices – Morphy gave up material (knight, rook, and queen) to deliver checkmate!
- Coordinate Your Pieces – All of Morphy’s pieces worked together in the attack.
Resources to Learn More
About The Opera Game:
Books for Beginners:
- “Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess” by Bobby Fischer
- “Chess for Kids” by Michael Basman
- “Winning Chess Strategy for Kids” by Jeff Coakley
Online Learning Resources:
- ChessKid.com – Fun lessons and puzzles for children
- Lichess Learning Tools – Free chess learning resources
- Chess.com Lessons – Interactive chess tutorials