Maybe the much-derided Mr. Staunton gave odds because he knew he couldn't be criticised for losing, whereas if he lost WITHOUT giving odds, then his reputation would be on the line.

Although Lowe was considered a strong player, Staunton agreed to give him odds of Pawn and two moves. Staunton then announced with a flourish the forthcoming match in the "Chess Player's Chronicle". He stated he would publish the results of the match.

Staunton did publish the first five games of the match, but omitted to publish the last two games. He did not even report who won the match.

Staunton ended his coverage of the match by stating that Mr. Lowe was, <"unquestionably inferior to the great body of English players to whom Mr. Staunton gives the odds of Pawn and two">.

Naturally after this behavior there was a lot of criticism leveled at Staunton. One Thomas Beeby felt so strongly, that he published in 1848, "An Account of the late Chess Match between Mr. Howard Staunton and Mr. Lowe". In this 28 page book, Beeby used, according to D. Levy in his book "Howard Staunton", <"a brand of vitriol far stronger than anything Staunton himself had ever employed">.

Beeby's book provided an account of the match and the game scores for the seven games of the match. Those who are interested in reading Beeby's book will find it on Google Books.

Interestingly, in 1858 Edward Lowe again played an interesting role in the history of chess. In "Paul Morphy, The Pride and Sorrow of Chess", by David Lawson, we read that in 1858, Edward Lowe was the proprietor of Lowe's Hotel in London. This was the hotel Morphy stayed at when he first arrived in London.

The next day, June 22nd, Lowe would become Morphy's first chess opponent in England. Lowe and Morphy played a series of six games. Morphy won all six games. Lowe then rushed off to the Grand Chess Divan to tell of Morphy's arrival, and what others may expect when they meet him at the chessboard.

Remember that White was the one getting odds from Black (Staunton). White very sensibly wanted to make utterly sure he killed any and all chances for him to lose this won game by a momentary fit of carelessness. With the Rook not there, he can't suffer a sudden mate.

[Site "London, England"]
[Date "1847.??.??"]
[Result "1-0"]
[White "Edward Lowe"]
[Black "Howard Staunton"]
[SetUp "1"]
[FEN "

click for larger view

"]

On second thought, I tend to agree with <zb2cr>. On 56.h8Q immedately, Black can play ...Re7 and then White may actually have to put some thought into the winning process. After 56.Qxe5 dxe5 57.h8Q, White is simply threatening to trade queens and promote the g-pawn. Black, who has no effective checks, cannot avoid this without running trouble on b7. It's simpler and cleaner than playing "the best" move.