I was asked to look up some smothered mates missed or played.
I found a game I blogged five years ago. Even if you may have
seen it before, it's well worth another viewing. It's just incredible.
andy m - DeepThought RHP 2006
This was a Sicilian Defence. After this game was published the
people of Sicily put the final position of this game on their flag.
1. e4 c5 2. d4 cxd4 3. Qxd4 {Not a good idea to bring the Queen out too early. Black will develop on her.} 3... Nc6 {I told you they would.} 4. Qc3 {Always dodgy putting a King and Queen on the same open diagonal.} 4... e5 {Threatening Bb4 winning the White Queen.} 5. Bc4 Bb4 {White missed the threat. Normally they would resign here but please play on...} 6. Qxb4 Nxb4 7. Bb3 Nf6 8. f3 d5 9. Ne2 O-O 10. O-O dxe4 11. fxe4 Nxe4 12. Na3 Qb6+ 13. Kh1 Nf2+ 14. Kg1 Nh3+ 15. Kh1 Qg1+ {Black thought this would be mate next move.} 16. Nxg1 {It would have been with 16.Rxg1 Nf7 but now Black is just a piece down.} 16... Nxg1 17. Rxg1 Be6 {Do not stop here - play on.} 18. Bxe6 fxe6 19. Bd2 Nd5 20. c4 Nb6 21. c5 Nd5 22. Nc4 e4 23. Rae1 Nf6 {Black is making the White win as difficult as possible.} 24. a4 e3 {Setting a diabolical trap.} 25. Rxe3 {25.Bxe3 would have broke Black's heart.} 25... Ng4 26. Rxe6 {OOPS! 26.Re2 would have avoided....} 26... Nf2# {If at first you do not succeed.}