THE

Our Chess Column.

BY MEPHISTO.

THE SCOTCH GAMBIT.

HE following three examples of the Scotch Gambit are games played last week in the tournament of the Counties Chess Association, at Hereford. Being all played by strong players they will serve as an illustration of the many dangers besetting even the best players in this Opening. We, however, wish our readers to understand that there is a safe way of replying to those particular variations of the Scotch Gambit (the only one which seems to hold out some promise of an attack for the first player is 7. Q to K2). As, however, we have determined only to proceed by way of illus. trations from actual play, we shall wait until such a game has actually been played.

(f) This move gives White a good attack. The possibility of such a move occurring is a weakness which a player ought to avoid if possible, for one can never know how it may suddenly come into operation.

(9) The key move of the situation. Black cannot play Kt to Q2, the Kt on Kt5 being then deprived of protection. If he plays Kt to Q sq., the Kt has no move.

(h) Still more pressing on Black's game and with a view to playing B to K3, which would not only win back the P but also admit of Castling QR with an attack. The whole idea of giving up the P for the advantage of position belongs to the highest form of Chess. P to B5 is not good, on account of 13. B x B, if B x P (ch), &c.

(i) The best. then P x Kt, 14.

ENDINGS FROM ACTUAL PLAY.

THE following position occurred in the late tournament at Hamburg. It is most remarkable, as Black lost in spite of being a Rook ahead against two Pawns. Although, of course, the win is only accidental, yet White's play will be found instructive.

BERGER. BLACK.

9. QxB

10. Kt to Q2 (d)

11. Kt to B3

12. Kt x P, and White won.

NOTES.

(a) This move has given a fresh impetus to this Opening. White threatens Kt to Kt5, as the P on B7 is weak.

(b) Bx Kt leads to an even game. But P to Q4 may also be played.

(c) This move is based on a misconception. If White now plays 10. P to KB4, Black has a valid reply in Kt to Q4. But, as may be seen, White has a better move at his disposal.

(d) Threatening to attack the Q by Kt to B3.

(e) In reply to P to Q4 White would play P to KB4, as the P blocks the square on Q4 for the Kt. In reply to P to B4, White would likewise play 11. P to KB4, for, if Black then plays Kt to Q4, 12. B to B4 follows.

and White won.

(a) This form of attack is not new. White undoubtedly gains time, as the B must move now. It is questionable whether it will be of advantage to White later on to have both his Kt's on the Q side.

(b) White's intention would be thoroughly defeated if Black quietly retires this B to K2.

(c) This is a novelty and creates a weak point in Black's game on account of the threat of P to B5, which must prejudice and embarrass his play.

(d) A premature move. Black intended playing P to B3 to make room for his B, not thinking that White could venture on P to B4, which was always threatened, and then P to K5, attacking the QP, with a view to playing P to QB5.

(e) The advance of this P is the result of a deep and fine com.

bin ation.

K to R6

R to R2

WHITE. SCHALLOPP.

R to B6
R to B sq. (ch)
R to KB4 (ch)
R to Q4
K to B3

R to B5

R to Kt5

Kt to B4 (ch) R to R5

Kt to Q2 (a) R to R7

K to Kt7 and wins.

R to R6 (ch) RxR (ch) (a) A very curious draw could be forced by Black if on his 12th move instead of Kt to Q2 Black plays Kt to K3, then 13. B to R5, Rx B! 14. Px R, Kt to B2. 15. K to Kt7, Kt to R sq. (best). 16. Kx Kt, K to B2. 17. P to R6, K to B sq., stale mate.

WRITING in the Chemical News, Mr. P. T. Austen and F. A. Wilber strongly advocate the use of alum for the purification of water, alleging that it not only clarifies but also removes disease germs and ptomaïnes. By adding 2 grains of alum to 60 litres of a rather turbid drinking water, a precipitate settled, and perfectly clear water was obtained after forty-eight hours. The dried precipitate contained per cent. C 16 50, H 2:02, N 0-77, ash 59-28, the latter consisting of small amounts of silica and alumina, large amounts of iron oxide, and considerable quantities of phosphoric acid. The clear water contained the merest trace of aluminium, and a further addition of alum caused no precipitation in it.

THE pure Essence of Beef (Lion Brand) prepared by the London Manufacturing Company, Hatton Garden, is a preparation that we can confidently recommend. The essence is as bright and clear as calf's foot jelly, contains all the most stimulating constituents of meat, and is perfectly free from gelatine or any other adulteration whatever. To the man of business who has no time for lunch it will prove a valuable stimulant, and to the invalid a nutritive delicacy easily borne by the stomach, no matter how irritable. Many physicians, we understand, give it to their patients iced. The Concentrated Beef Tea is another excellent preparation, and when diluted with hot water, and seasoned, tastes exactly like home-made beef tea. The sight of the Turtle Soup put up in glass bottles would, we are confident at once restore the equanimity of an alderman

7

STIES ON THE PLAY.

Card under ned takes the trick and card next below eads next. 1 As the penultimate, hereafter, I exppose, to be called the card of uniformity," from i his long mit.

2. Eads the card of unifor m.ty in trumpe. Z pays the Ace

in order to make sure that a won rand is not at once taken OFL. With a short sut he may be able to get a ruff; and in any case it is the interest of Y-Z to check the extraction of trumps.

3. Z ads the right card from his long wait; with only one smail card the King would have been the correct card.

4. A returns the highest of two trumpe left. B by dropping the Three shows that he had led from five trumps; for the Two has already fallen.

5. Y might perhaps preferably have returned his partner's Diamonds; but he has a re-entering card in Spades, and thought it best to see how Clubs lay. Luckily his Clubs are established at once.

7. If Y heads the Spade King, B must bring in his partner's long suit, unless it so chances that B has no Spades. As the score stands Y cannot afford to chance this; for if B can lead a Spade, A-B must make three tricks and the game. On the other hand, even if B has not a third Spade, all that will happen will be that Y's Spade Ace will draw a trump from A, and it could not be better employed. employed. For Y has the command in Clubs, and knows that Z has the command in Diamonds. Y risks nothing by keeping back the Ace, and ensures his own safety, in what proves to be the actual event.

8. B's command in trumps is nullified; A's long Spades can never now be brought in.

9, 10, 11, 12, 13. However Y-Z play, B can make only his long trumps. Y-Z lose the odd trick only, and the game is saved.

ACE-LEAD. A correspondent calls my attention to another Ace lead which is recognised or rather enjoined in his Club, viz. :-Ace,

=

Through an overnight, the promise to give the solution to the problem which appeared on page 558 of car ist vorme has never been falted The solution, however, will be published in our next isɛbe, together with the names of those who may have Bored the problems.

Each Lecture is profusely illustrated. Arrangements are now being made for the delivery of Lectures by Mr. Proctor from August onwards. Communications respecting terms and vacant dates should be addressed to the Manager of the Tour, Mr. JOHN STUART, Royal Concert Hall, St. Leonards-onSea.

Aug. 13, 14. 18, Brighton; Ang. 20, 21. Eastbourne; Aug. 17, 19, 22, Tunbridge Wells; Aug. 25, 26, Folkestone; Aug. 27, 28, Matlock-Bath; Aug. 29, 31, Burton-on-Trent.

Sept. 1, Burton-on-Trent; Sept. 2, 8, 11, 15, York; Sept. 3, 4, Bridlington; Sept. 7, 9, 10, Scarborough; Sept. 14, 16, 21, 22, Harrogate; Sept. 17, 18, Whitby; Sept. 24, 25, Ilkley; Sept. 28, 29, Derby.

Oct. 3, 17, Malvern; Oct. 31, Marlborough College.

Nov. 4, Burnley; Nov. 9, Stafford; Nov. 12, Middlesbrough; Nov. 17, Darwen.

Dec. 7, 8, 9, Croydon; Dec. 16, 17, 18, 19, Leamington.
Jan. 12, Hull.

Feb. 3, Alexandria; Feb. 6, 20, Malvern; Feb. 10, Walsall; Feb. 15, Upper Clapton; Feb. 18, 25, London Institution.

Part XLV. (July, 1885), now ready, price ls. 3d., post-free, 1s. 6d. Volume VII., comprising the numbers published from Jan. to June, 1885, now ready, price 98.

Binding Cases for all the Volumes published are to be had, price 2s, each; including parcel postage, 2s. 3d.

Subscribers' numbers bound (including title, index, and case) for 3s. ach Volume; including return journey per parcels post, 3s. 9d. Remittances should in every case accompany parcels for binding.

C. A, 8, 6, 3.

Score:-A-B, 2; Y-Z, 0.

3

3

of of of

[]

NOTES ON THE PLAY.

Card underlined takes the trick and card next below leads next. 1. A leads the penultimate, hereafter, I suppose, to be called "the card of uniformity," from his long suit.

2. B leads the card of uniformity in trumps. Z plays the Ace in order to make sure that a second round is not at once taken out. With a short suit he may be able to get a ruff; and in any case it is the interest of Y-Z to check the extraction of trumps.

3. Z leads the right card from his long suit; with only one small card the King would have been the correct card.

4. A returns the highest of two trumps left. B by dropping the

Three shows that he had led from five trumps; for the Two has already fallen.

5. Y might perhaps preferably have returned his partner's Diamonds; but he has a re-entering card in Spades, and thought it best to see how Clubs lay. Luckily his Clubs are established at once. 7. If Y heads the Spade King, B must bring in his partner's long suit, unless it so chances that B has no Spades. As the score stands Y cannot afford to chance this; for if B can lead a Spade, A-B must make three tricks and the game. On the other hand, even if B has not a third Spade, all that will happen will be that Y's Spade Ace will draw a trump from A, and it could not be better employed. For Y has the command in Clubs, and knows that Z has the command in Diamonds. Y risks nothing by keeping back the Ace, and ensures his own safety, in what proves to be the actual event.

8. B's command in trumps is nullified; A's long Spades can never now be brought in.

9, 10, 11, 12, 13. However Y-Z play, B can make only his long trumps. Y-Z lose the odd trick only, and the game is saved.

ACE-LEAD. A correspondent calls my attention to another Ace lead which is recognised or rather enjoined in his Club, viz. :-Ace,

from Ace, Knave, Ten, Nine. This lead of the Ace is now so thoroughly out of date that I did not think it worth while to consider it. It is contrary to all Whist principles now in vogue, belonging to the old style of play which enjoined the making of all sure tricks in a suit, as a more important point than securing the command of the suit. By leading the nine, the proper lead, either King or Queen is surely brought down, possibly both. If King falls on the left of the leader, he can safely play the Ten on the return of the suit, as Queen does not lie on his left (unless a false card has been played); in any case there is a good chance of making two tricks safely and keeping the command. But if Ace is led originally, and the enemy hold King and Queen, command is lost at once. If the enemy do not hold King and Queen the Nine is obviously the best lead. Very few players in Europe now lead the Ace from Ace, Knave, Ten, Nine; the few that do are found among the last lingering fogies of the old school.

Through an oversight, the promise to give the solution to the problem which appeared on page 558 of our last volume has never been fulfilled. The solution, however, will be published in our next issue, together with the names of those who may have solved the problem.

Each Lecture is profusely illustrated. Arrangements are now being made for the delivery of Lectures by Mr. Proctor from August onwards. Communications respecting terms and vacant dates should be addressed to the Manager of the Tour, Mr. JOHN STUART, Royal Concert Hall, St. Leonards-onSea.

Aug. 13, 14, 18, Brighton; Aug. 20, 21, Eastbourne; Aug. 17, 19, 22, Tunbridge Wells; Aug. 25, 26, Folkestone; Aug. 27, 28, Matlock-Bath; Aug. 29, 31, Burton-on-Trent.

Sept. 1, Burton-on-Trent; Sept. 2, 8, 11, 15, York; Sept. 3, 4, Bridlington; Sept. 7, 9, 10, Scarborough; Sept. 14, 16, 21, 22, Harrogate; Sept. 17, 18, Whitby; Sept. 24, 25, Ilkley; Sept. 28, 29, Derby.

Oct. 3, 17, Malvern; Oct. 31, Marlborough College.

Nov. 4, Burnley; Nov. 9, Stafford; Nov. 12, Middlesbrough; Nov. 17, Darwen.

Dec. 7, 8, 9, Croydon; Dec. 16, 17, 18, 19, Leamington.
Jan. 12, Hull.

Feb. 3, Alexandria; Feb. 6, 20, Malvern; Feb. 10, Walsall; Feb. 15, Upper Clapton; Feb. 18, 25, London Institution.

NOTICES.