The Immortal Game
London, informal (during the first International Tournament)
Anderssen sacrifices both rooks, his bishop, and his queen — then checkmates with three minor pieces in the most dazzling 19th-century attack ever played.
The Immortal Game (1851) — Anderssen sacrifices queen, two rooks, and a bishop. Three minor pieces deliver checkmate.
📖 The Story
Played informally between rounds of the 1851 London tournament, this game was dubbed 'The Immortal Game' by Austrian journalist Ernst Falkbeer. Playing the King's Gambit, Anderssen threw every piece at the Black king. Kieseritzky greedily accepted a queen and two rooks — and was still checkmated by three minor pieces. The game defined an entire era of romantic-style attacking chess.
⚡ Key Moment — Move 18
After 18.Bd6!, Anderssen has sacrificed both rooks and a bishop. Black has captured massive material — but three minor pieces (Nd5, Nf5/g7, Be7) weave an inescapable mating net.
🎯 Tactical Themes
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called the Immortal Game?
Austrian journalist Ernst Falkbeer coined the name after witnessing the game, recognizing the combination of sacrifices as something never seen before or since.
Who won the Immortal Game?
Adolf Anderssen (White) won, despite sacrificing both rooks, his bishop, and his queen. He checkmated with only three minor pieces remaining.
What opening is the Immortal Game?
It begins with the King's Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.f4), an aggressive romantic-era opening that offers a pawn for rapid development and attacking chances.
Do you make similar mistakes in your own games?
Scan your Lichess or Chess.com games and see exactly which tactical patterns you miss — powered by Stockfish 18, free.