CHESS

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 83, 2 January 1929, Page 6

CHESS

NEW ZEALAND CHAMPIONSHIP THE TWO LEADERS MEET (Specially written for the “Dominion.”) Nothing ol u startling nature happened in the - fifth round of the chess championship tourney, which was finished on Munday evening. Linet niteiest was centred a in the game between the two leaders, Erskine (Melbourne) and Aliller neither of whom had suffered a loss’up to that point. Erskine played a very steady game of n high order. Lilis is his third visit to his native soil to take part in these contests, and those who saw him pln.v in his first efforts say that he is now a much-improved player, a fact which may readily be admitted. His games with Kelling will be a test on that point, though Kelling has not yet shown his best form in this contest. . Monday's games are described below: Erskine v. Miller (Englash opening). It was clear from the beginning that Miller is not as conversant with analysis of this opening as lie is with some others. Advancing both his knights too early 'without necessary attention to the development of other pieces, his position became somewhat restricted after the first dozen moves. Tlie position of his knights too, was unfavourabl'-. and of this Erskine took fullest advantage, driving back the knights with the advance ot his queeu-side pawns, and inflicting loss of valuable time upon his opponent, who was never afterwards permitted to iirtiate an attack. Though the position at this stage looked to be quite even at first glancO, it soon became evident that Miller's forces were not too well placed. In the circumstances, he fought bravely and well, but Erskine’s careful and sound play overcame the defence and secured Miller’s resignation after the thirtieth move.

'Hicks v. Scott (irregular opening.) — Hicks intended to proceed with Reti’s opening, but Scott played his own defence, compelling, or should one say inducing, Hicks to depart from bookprecedent. . With very good position judgment Scott worked up 'to u_ very even mid-game position where, witli his 19th move, he obtained a very slight advantage—both sides being well placed for either attack or defence. Hicks soon dissolved the threat, and with one bishop each of opposite colours, supported only by rook and pawns, a draw was the legitimate outcome with the best play. By a strange oversight Scott allowed his bishop to be captured without compensation and might then at once have resigned, but he played on for a stalemate, which was not permitted him. McCrea v. Kelling (Bird’s Opening). —McCrea seems to have a particular liking for this invention of an Englishman who was one of the best chess players and also one of the greatest “jokists” of his time; but neither he nor his opponent imported the least tinge of that spirit into the game, which proceeded evenly for a time, neither side showing a disposition to attack. McCrea, possibly obsessed ' by the well-known resourcefulness and virility of his opponent. adopted a purely defensive attitude, allowing Kelling to march his advance guards into his territory. Then followed a protracted end-game, the outstanding features of which were caution and weariness. Bird could not have played tlie game as Kelling did. It is not often that he does not follow the shortest route when the opportunity happens in a chess game, even though he lias to clear a course through his opponent's timber: but, after all, it may be true that ‘‘the longest way round is the safest way home,” and he got there in the end. Fairburn v. Severne (Queens Gambit declined). —Once more Fairburn was allowed the opportunity to make things lively for his opponent, but neglected to do so, allowing Severne to win a pawn with a menacing position, resulting in the further gain of a piece and. a few moves thereafter the game as well. Sixth Round. Tlie sixth round was played yesterday. The feature was the fine game played by Hieks until the resourceful Kelling sprang one of his useful stock of surprises on him. Surprise was manifested, also, m the very much improved play ot hairburn, and his defeat of Miller. Gyles, too, seems to be recovering his lost form, though Severne contributed to his advantage by making a weak move. 1‘ olloware are the results: — Scott v. Erskine (English opening).— “It is often said that if you want to beat h plnyer who knows the book, require him to defend his favourite opening.’ Seeing that Erskine played this opening against Miller in the previous round, perhaps Scott was wise to adopt it against him. But his fifth move clearly demonstrated that he was not conversant with tlie analysis. This movd led to trouble, allowing Erskine to initiate a strong attack against very inadequate defence, and Erskine won the, shortest game played, so far, on the 20th move. Miller v. Fairburn (1! rench Defence). — Contrary to expectations, Miller did not play 1 i’KB4.. and Fairburn opposed him with the defence he knows best, and he played it well. As the game progressed, there was little to choose between the players, very slight advantages alternating almost with each move until the 45th move was reached with only rook, bishop and four pawns each left on the board. Here Fairburn missed winning the exchange which should have afforded him a win by B.RGch instead of B.KLS, which he played, allowing Miller to exchange rooks for a draw with bishops of opposite colours. Fairburn, however, outplayed his opponent, getting a pawn on the seventh rank, Miller having blocked his own bishop from protecting the queening square, and Fairburn scored his first, win.

Kelling v. Hicks (Ponziani’s Opening).—Keiling developed on book lines, but Hicks defended soundly, reaching the middle game with an even position. A series of exchanges left Hicks with a fine though intricate position, capable of developing into a fine attack. He carried out this manoeuvre with judgment and skill, winning a pawn and a few moves later forcing the exchange of queens and forking Kelling’s rooks with his knight. Thus he won the exchange and had five pawns and two rooks against Kelling’s two pawns, rook and bishop. Witli this overwhelming force Hicks ought to have won easily, but well-sea-soned wood is far stronger than green Stuff, ns Kelling cleverly demonstrated by offering the constant sacrifice of his rook, which, if Hicks captured, stalemate was the forced result. Severne v. Gyles (Caro Kami ’ Defence). —After securing an orthodox development of this defence, both nlaycrs adopted a somewhat defensive policy for the reason Hint solid combination had been secured bv each, and the chances for enterprising plav were not too alluring. Tn a close position, where there were risks both in advance and retreat. Seyerne’.s premature advance of his bishop’s pawn led to some trouble for him. and cost, him a knight for two pawns. Forces were reduced to queen and three pawns, r'-niiist Severnc's queen nnd five pawns. With the exchange of queens. Severnc's entire force was soon dissipated, and lie resigned. Following is the draw for the seventh round :— Gyles plays Miller. Fairburn plays Scott. Erskine plays Kelling. Hicks plays McLaren. Severne, a bye.