The Marshall Attack Debut

Frank Marshall unveiled 8...d5 against Jose Raul Capablanca at New York in October 1918, a pawn sacrifice in the Ruy Lopez that opens the black position for a direct attack on the white king. Popular legend says Marshall had been saving the idea for years specifically to spring on Capablanca, but Edward Winter's research into their earlier meetings found little evidence of a long secret preparation; treat the story as colourful rather than settled fact. What is certain is that the line, now known simply as the Marshall Attack, has since become one of the most respected weapons in the entire Ruy Lopez, despite losing its debut outing.

Marshall's attack looked dangerous for a long stretch, with Black's queen and bishop crashing into White's king around moves 17 to 25, but Capablanca defended with characteristic calm, gave back some material to simplify, and by move 35 had reached a winning position. He converted with a final combination beginning 36.Bxf7+, breaking open Black's king position for good.

Sources disagree on the closing moves: some give the game ending immediately after 36.Bxf7+ on the assumption White's mate was simply demonstrated and Marshall resigned on the spot, while others, including the fuller line used here, continue play through 37.b8=Q+ and 38.Rxh6+ before the point is conceded. Either way White had a forced win from move 36 onward; the exact final moves recorded are a matter of which contemporary source is followed.