RANDOM REMINDER

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29842, 7 June 1962, Page 21

RANDOM REMINDER

CHECK MATES.

We heard the other day about a young man, a carpet layer, who made himself a most attractive patchwork carpet. Being a carpet layer, he could probably afford it. The idea of carpet squares may not be new, but it does seem that the full possibilities of such a design may have been overlooked by those with families. One of the most difficult tasks is to curb the energies of exuberant young children kept inside on wet days. A patchwork carpet might be the answer—one which could be used as a chess board. There you are, mothers —chess at home, with human pieces. What could afford the children more amusement? They would of course,

have to a good many of their friends to come to make up the numbers. But after that, it would simply be a matter of pushing back the furniture and letting the little ones have the time of their lives.

The ritual of picking sides might give rise to rancour, for even the most modest young player might be offended at being asked to play as a pawn, but mother can always iron out those difficulties. It is not actually necessary for the players to dress up, but it certainly adds to the fun, even if there might be the danger of some unepiscopal language from a bishop with a sack over his head. It must be made clear from the outset, however, that a knight must forget his horse

and become parfait, gentil, etc. The physical tackling of pieces en pris should be strictly forbidden.

It is unlikely that human chess in these conditions w’ould lead to the problem which beset a famous European chess master engaged in a similar match with a note opponent It was a game in which reputations were very much at stake. But the chess master fell in love, almost at first sight, with his queen. At a vital stage of the match, it was necessary for him to force an exchange of queens to gain a decisive advantage. To his eternal credit, he refused to give her up, and lost the match instead. History does not relate whether he lived to regret it.