RAPID CHESS PLAY

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 22, 28 January 1929, Page 16

RAPID CHESS PLAY

Years ago, when two local chess players used to get thrbugh about 16-games at an evening sitting, a not-too-sympathetic onlooker declared that "they are playing with their arms and legs," The quick player was dealt with in a happier and more amusing vein by the "Weekly Mercury" 29 years ago, as follows: — The Rev. Dr. Jordan, of Brooklyn, has secured the record for the greatest number of games played in three months, with the handsome figure of a thousand and eleven, having, moreover, taken the prize lor the greatest number of victories, with 408. None of these masterpieces have been vouchsafed to a hungering world, but there is yet time; humanity need not finally despair. It should be' especially noted that the reverend gentleman played straight on; Sundays and week-days; no bigoted Sabbatarian he, a fact to be well considered by envious emulators of tho above-mentioned noble achievement. Yet, while we have no desire to deprive the excellent doctor of laurels so bravely earned, or to diminish by one jot or tittle the profound admiration of au enraptured world, we believe that this record will not long remain unchallenged. We think it can be beaten, and with one hand, so to speak. We know many chessists able and willing to play from 20 to 50 games a day, merely for recreation. Then how many might we expect when the player is under the spur of a great incentive? May we not rely on the patriotism of this great country? Is Britain to be outdone? Is the American Eagle to sweep with derisive shriek over a desolated land? Once upon a time, in the brave days of old, two members of the Birmingham Chess Club met in deadly fight. There was dispute as to which was the better player, and the president suggested a match, promising the victor a silver matchholder us an appropriate prize. The combatants fell on at once, playing 22 games at the first silting, which took place between lunch and s.o'clock tea. That was indeed chess. They were giants m those days. No doubt the Rev. Doctor has done well, and with his 1011 games m 90 days (including Sundays) has deserved the applause of his country, it would seem that the American clergy are not harassed with overwork, as in England. On tho other hand, it the industrious pastor dodged in the ton hundred and eleven in intervals of his parochial work and the braiding of his perorations, a double meed oh praise is due. Yet we think that 50 games ■i day might be worked oft by a determined ,S and 50 times 00 makes 4500 which ■it once sucgosts 5000. A word to the wjsc is enough. 'Way we hope that the prestige of this great country shall once more be snatched like a brand from the burning. Is tho Rev. Dr. Jordan, of Brooklyn, to "taunt and tantalise us with his 1011? Or will some self-sacrificing patriot arise •md make the figure ridiculous, a fossil, a more starting-point for a new classic era; Surely wo may. hope for this. Surely there will be (in this nutter) no difficulty in getting' on the other side of Jordan.— "Weekly Mercury."