Adolf Anderssen vs Jean Dufresne · Berlin, 1852 · Evans Gambit · 1-0
Played in Berlin in 1852, the Evergreen Game earned its name because its beauty never fades. Anderssen accepted a pawn sacrifice early, then launched a ferocious kingside attack. The climax is one of the most stunning combinations in chess history: Anderssen sacrifices his queen on move 19, then follows with a double rook sacrifice and a bishop check to force checkmate. The queen sacrifice on move 19 (Qxd7+!) is completely unexpected — it gives up the most powerful piece to accelerate the attack. Wilhelm Steinitz, the first World Champion, called this game 'evergreen' because it retains its freshness and beauty across the centuries. The final position with bishops controlling the board remains one of chess's most iconic images.