The chess game played between Adolf Anderssen and Jean Dufresne in 1852 in Berlin is often referred to as the “Evergreen Game.” It’s a famous and spectacular game, celebrated for its brilliant and daring sacrifices, as well as for the concept of the “Evergreen Gambit” played by Anderssen. The game is considered a masterpiece of attacking chess and is cherished by chess enthusiasts for its tactical fireworks.

Here’s the key moment in the game that makes it special:

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. d4 exd4
4. Bc4

Up to this point, the game follows standard openings. But here, Anderssen, playing White, initiates the “Evergreen Gambit” by sacrificing his knight:

4… Nf6
5. O-O Nxe4
6. Re1 d5
7. Bxd5 Qxd5
8. Nc3

Anderssen now sacrifices his second knight, leaving his own king exposed:

8… Qa5
9. Nxe4 Be6
10. Bg5

Anderssen is now offering a rook in exchange for a powerful attack:

10… h6
11. Bh4 g5
12. Nf6+ Kd8
13. Bg3 Bg7
14. Nxd4

Anderssen sacrifices his rook to go for the king:

14… Ke7
15. Rxe6+ fxe6
16. Qd7+ Kxf6
17. Qxe6#

This sequence of moves results in checkmate, with Black’s king exposed and unable to escape the threats from White’s pieces. The “Evergreen Game” is renowned for the audacious sacrifices, dynamic attacking play, and a beautiful concluding combination that led to checkmate.

This game is a testament to Anderssen’s tactical brilliance and his willingness to take risks to launch a fierce attack against his opponent. It has been studied and admired by chess players for generations and is considered one of the classic games in the history of chess.