THE CHECKER PLAYER.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9253, 2 November 1895, Page 3

THE CHECKER PLAYER.

Mr Henry Spayth, author of the " American Draught Player," has just published a new work with the above title. The sixteen standard openings are arranged like the " American Draught Player," with some improvements. On these games approved lines of play have been selected. The strongest Lines of attack and defence are given, amounting to about 700 variations on the sixteen openings. There are also 221 variations given on irregular openings. These contain play on the "Paisley," "Double Corner Dyke," "Kelso," "Edinburgh," " Dundee," " Denny," " Switcher," " Black Doctor," " Bristol Cross," " Centre," and "Alma," also play on several other openings not named. There is a very interesting section of the book devoted to "Traps and Shots," in which are given 100 celebrated stroke positions showing the games in full by which they are formed, and they show how " traps " are set for the unwary, which beginners and amateurs, as well as advanced players, often walk into with their " eyewide open." There are eighteen elementary positions, with solutions, and 12 without solutions, of which one is given above as Problem No. 461. We have only had time to glance through the book, and so far as we have examined, find the play of a high order of merit; and, with a few exceptions, the improvements are up to date. Among the exceptions are the " Defiance," var. 5, at the 7th move, instead of 10—15. Mr J. Leggat, Wellington, gave play for a Black win by 6—9 in this column on January 10th last. And several years ago we gave play on the " Cross," showing a draw on var. 28 by 21 17, instead of 30 26 at the 7th move, and later at the 2nd move gave play by Messrs Taylor, Lees, Dunne, &c. for a Black win by 11 —15 instead of 2—7. " Laird and Lady," var. 8, at the 20th move, Mr Spayth plays 25 21, resulting in a draw, whereas Mr W. C. Belden and other American players make a win for White by 15 10 at this point. And so far as we know still holds good. The book is well got up in every respect; clear type, good paper and handsomely bound, but the price (8s 4d post free) we are afraid will be a stumbling block in the way of its extensive circulation among working men, many of whom are ardent devotees of the " dambrod." ♦Published by Henry Spayth, 125, Hoyt street, Buffalo, U.S., America.