The Championship Match. R. Jordon v. R. Stewart.

Otago Witness, Volume 11, Issue 2280, 11 November 1897, Page 48

The Championship Match. R. Jordon v. R. Stewart.

The match for the draughts championship of the world and jEIOO, which began in the Social Democratic Hall, 6 Drummond street, Edinburgh, on the 2nd ult., is rendered unique by the fact; that, the contestant s are both youtbfu.l, thoroughly experience ) match nlayers, -tnd completely versed in the subtleties or the pastime. Both young men may be said to bo at the top of their game at pi esent, and probably spectators will be treated to the finest exhibition of cross-board play ever witnessed anywhere. On paper their chances are about equal Mr Jordan, th<*pre3ent champion, has defeated Wyllie, Ferric, and Mr Stewait in matches, and he, in turn, was worsted by Mr Stewart in the Scottish Tournament, though, never in a set match. Mr Stewart has the further distinction of having been twice returned a«-th'e Scottish champion. Mr Stewart is only 23 years of age, while Mr Jordan is two years older. Both are admirable sitters — cool, calm, and collected. Neither moves hurriedly, but having considered the position carefully each plays with deliberation.

The hours of play w«re- be frbmll^a.m- t\ll 2.-30, aud from 5 pm. till 930 p.m. No game was to be begun after 2 p.m. or 9 y p.m. Each player to be allowed two off-days during the match. Be; tween each game there would be a ten- minutes* rest. Each player will appoint his own "timekeeper and doorkeeper. The openinjes in eacb. section will be balloted for. The copyright of the games will go to the winner of the match. , Mr L. Gilbertson ha 3 been appointed ref eree, and stakeholder. After a good deal of controversy, the following mode of restriction, which was suggested by Mr Stewart, was adopted :— Black to open with 9 13, 9 14, 10 14, 10 15, 11 15, 11 16, and 12 16 ; White to have choice of reply, which will make 14 games. The Beven possible openings in reply to 11 15, as follows :— 2l 17, 22 17, S2 18, 23 18. £3 19, 24 19, and 24 20 ; play both Bides, which will make other 14 games. The remaining 12 to bo contested as under :-9 13, 9 14, 10 14, 10 15. 11 16. and 12 16; White to have choice of reply, but: said replies to be different from those in first section.

iSolutions of Problems. Problem 15"8 (No. 15 in Competition).— Black men on 2, 13, 17, k 30 ; White men on G 23, ks 18, 27. White to play aud win. 18 22* 30 25 25 30 17 21 *30 26 .2 9 31 29 9 13 9 6 White 23 18* 13 17 18 14 22 25 wins. ,17 26 29 25 13 17 5 1 27 31 17 22 14 9 25 29 Problem 1539 (No. 46 in Competition).— Black men on 1, 3, 4, ka 14, 30 ; White men on 10, 11, 12, 20, 26, k7. Black to play and White to win. 30 23 23 '16 7 11 11 16 23 26 11 8 20 2 6 10-a 10 15 -14 18 4 11 15 5 9 13 17 26 31 7 16 2 6 8 3 7 10 18 23 14 7 3 7 9 13 17 22 16 20 16 19 12 9 3 7 10 14 15. 19 White win». (a) Thegreat object from the fourteenth moy« is to keep Black from getting on the double check. j Problem 1540 (No. 47 in Competition).- Black ! men on 1. 4. 17, 18, 26, 28, ks 11. 20, 31; White men on 7, 13, 15, 16, 22, 32, ks 2, 5,*. White to play and win. 13 9 20 11 12 8 31 26 15 18 18 25 2 6 4 11 16 19 26 31 .73 110 9 6 26 31 18 22 'Ml 18 3 7 2 9 19 15 White ,8 12 11 2 516 31 26 wins. Problem 1541 (No. 48 in Competition).— Black met on 8, 15, 19, 24, 25, ks 1, 21, 23 j White men lon i 0,13,, 13, 14, 31, ks i, 11, 17. Black lo play and W23W 23 2& 11 18 19 23 13" 6 110 31 22 29 25 18 20 21 16 Black 25 23 4 U 25 9 20 11 wini.