1857 – 1st American Chess Congress

Cleveland Public Library

Paul Morphy emerged victorious in the 1st American Chess Congress, which was held in New York City from October 6 to November 10, 1857.  The tournament was organized by the New York Chess Club and attracted many of the leading players of the day, including veterans like Charles Henry Stanley and promising newcomers such as Louis Paulsen.

It was the first major chess competition held on American soil, inspired in part by the 1851 London tournament. Morphy’s dominance throughout the event was so complete that it stunned both participants and observers alike. His brilliant combinations, deep calculations, and graceful style of play marked him as a phenomenon. The Congress also served as a national showcase, not just for Morphy, but for American chess more broadly, and sparked a surge of enthusiasm for the game across the country.

The format for the 16-player event was a 4-round knockout tournament. Morphy won fourteen games while only losing one with three draws. In the final round, he defeated the strong German-American master Paulsen by five games to one, with two draws. He was now considered the chess champion of the United States, and such was his strength of play that many urged him to test his skill abroad.

First prize was $300, which Morphy declined, feeling that taking money for playing chess was somehow very low class. Instead he accepted a prize of a silver pitcher, four goblets, and a salver.

Click HERE For Full Tournament Results

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