You can get more 19th century than this wild chaotic game! I'm giving the whole game because one look at the diagram and it's natural to wonder how in the world they got to that position, and on only move 12, no less! You also get the diagram when Black initiates his attack. See if you can work out the whole line. It's a good way to appreciate the attacking skills of players from a hundred years ago.

1. e4 e5 {Here's a hint for when you're asked to come up with a plan: This pawn on e5 will mate the white king who will be sitting on d1.} 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 exd4 4. e5 Ne4 5. Qe2 Bb4+ 6. Kd1 {This was all recommended by world champ Steinitz at the time. It certainly puts life into the dull Petroff!}6… d5 7. exd6 f5 8. Ng5 (Better was developing another piece with the attack on the black knight with 8. Nbd2) 8... O-O 9. Nxe4 fxe4 10. Qc4+ Kh8 11. Qxb4 (Better was 11. dxc7) 11... Nc6 (Black should have tried this one move earlier: 11... Bg4+) 12. dxc7?? {But White shouldn't have tried this at all! Much better was 12. Qe1 Qxd6 13. Bd2 Re8 14. h3 e3 15. fxe3 dxe3 16. Bd3 Nd4 17. Bc3 Bf5 and anything can still happen.) SEE DIAGRAM!! 12... Bg4+ 13.Be2 (Just about as dismal is 13. f3 Qxc7 14. fxg4 [14. Qe1 exf3 15. gxf3 Bxf3+ 16. Be2 d3 17. cxd3 Nd4) 14...Nxb4) 13... Bxe2+ 14. Kxe2 Rxf2+!! {Did you see that in your planning? Partial credit for 14...d3+.} 15. Ke1 Qh4! 16. g3 Rxh2!! (Equally effective for winning the queen was 16... Re2+ 17.Kxe2 [17. Kd1 Qg4] 17... Qg4+) 17. Rg1 (17. gxh4 Rxh1+ 18. Kf2 Nxb4) 17... Qg4 18. Qc4 {and now mate is unstoppable.} 18… d3 19. Nc3 Re2+ 20. Kd1 dxc2#

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