Paul Morphy
Paul Charles Morphy was born in New Orleans on June 22, 1837. He is considered the most important player of his time.
Morphy was a child prodigy, although he did not learn to play chess until he was 10 years old. At the age of 12 he already defeated the most important players in his city.
In 1849, he faced Eugene Rousseau, played with him 50 times, winning 90% of the games. One of the games played against Rousseau was submitted by his uncle to the most famous chess magazine of the time ("La Regence" in Paris), and was published with much praise for Morphy.
After these initial successes, he manages to beat the most prominent North American players. He even defeated the great Hungarian player Johann Jacob Loewenthal. His dominance in the United States was confirmed by winning the New York Tournament in 1857, where the strongest players in the country gathered, in addition to Louis Paulsen.
After defeating all the top opponents in the United States, he decides to travel to Europe in search of the best chess players on the continent.
Morphy's passage through Europe was devastating, both in results and the greatness of his game. He beat all the rivals that crossed his path in matches: Von der Lasa, Jacob Loewenthal, John Owen, Daniel Harrwitz.
He also faced Adolf Anderssen who was another of the most revered players of the epoch, defeating him categorically.
The last match Morphy played in Europe was against Augustus Mongredien, with 7 wins and 1 draw.
He died in New Orleans on July 10, 1884, at the age of 47.
Last tournaments played
Paul Morphy Repertoire with White pieces (most played)
Paul Morphy Repertoire with Black pieces (most played)
United States
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