The main line of the Urusov Gambit is reached after 1.e4 e5 2.Bc4 Nf6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nf3. Documented by Ponziani in the 18th century, the gambit was first analyzed in 1857 by Prince Sergei Urusov, friend of Tolstoy and one of the best Russian players of the mid-nineteenth century after Petrov.
The Urusov has been popular among attacking players for nearly 150 years. Adopted by, Schlechter, Tartakower, Caro, and Mieses, the opening claimed victims among the best defenders of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including Steinitz and Lasker. By 1924 there was enough interest in the line that a thematic tournament was organized in New York featuring Marshall, Torre, and Santasiere known as the Dimock Theme Tournament. With that the opening fell into disfavor at the highest levels of master competition, and today it is mostly seen in club play, where it racks up quick scores against inexperienced or unprepared opponents.
The line for round nine’s game was taken from Schlechter v Neustadtl & Tietz, consultation game, Carlsbad 1901
1 e4 e5 2 Bc4 Nf6 3 d4 exd4 4 Nf3 Nxe4 5 Qxd4 Nf6 6 Nc3 Be7 7 Bg5 c6
Hamilton Chess Club 