This week I continue my homage, during the London Classic which finishes this coming week, to great players who have achieved outstanding things in London. In 1866 Wilhelm Steinitz defeated Adolf Anderssen in what was, to all intents and purposes, a World Championship clash. Steinitz marked it as the beginning of his World Championship tenure, which lasted until 1894.
Anderssen-Steinitz: London (Game 13) 1866; Ruy Lopez
1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bb5 Nf6 4 d3 d6 5 Bxc6+ bxc6 6 h3 g6 ‘Preparation for an assault by a mass of pawns as taught by Philidor. For this purpose it is essential to maintain many obstructions in the centre. The bishop which aides the centre from g7 is there well placed.’ (Lasker) 7 Nc3 Bg7 8 0-0 0-0 9 Bg5 h6 10 Be3 c5 11 Rb1 Ne8 Making way for the f-pawn. 12 b4 cxb4 13 Rxb4 c5 14 Ra4 A dangerous rook journey; 14 Rb2 f5 15 Nd5 Nf6 etc was a quieter alternative.
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