MORPHY, PAUL CHARLES

born June 22, 1837, New Orleans died July 10, 1884, New Orleans U.S. Chess master who, during his public career of less than two years, became the world's leading player. Acclaimed by some as the most brilliant player of all time, he was first to rely on the now established principle of development before attack. Morphy learned Chess at the age of 10. At 19 he was admitted to the Louisiana bar, on condition that he not practice until coming of age. After winning the first American Chess tournament at New York City in 1857, he travelled to Europe, where he defeated Adolf Anderssen of Germany, the unofficial champion, and every other master who would face himEnglish player Howard Staunton avoided a match. In Paris Morphy played blindfolded against eight strong players, winning six games and drawing two. He returned to the U.S. in 1859 and issued a challenge, offering to face any player in the world at odds of Pawn and move. When there was no response, Morphy abandoned his public Chess career. After an unsuccessful attempt to practice law, he gradually withdrew into a life of seclusion, marked by eccentric behaviour and delusions of persecution.