DRAUGHTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13650, 18 January 1908, Page 4 (Supplement)

DRAUGHTS.

SOLUTION OF PROBLEM -So.: 1453. Position:—Stack men on 1, 4, 13*'. Is. 25. kings on 16, 21, 27, 29; White men on 7, 8, 10. 11, 13, 14, 17, 23, 25. White to move and v.in. 15— 3 I—lo 6— 1 16— 7 I—s 27—18 9— 5 21—14 3-13 4—ll 10— 6 12- 3 7— > 14— 5—23 _ - ■ '• White- wins.

PROBLEM No. 1455. By C. J. Ur.KENSiVOT.r), from the Bradford Ob- . server Budget.) , ' Black. ' -

. White. White 'to play and win-

THE MAKING OF A GOOD DRAUGHTS

PLAYER. Patience, 'courage, courtesy,. and scii-rcliiincc are essential qualifications to the successful pursuit of draught*. Patience to investigate calmly and accurately the consequences attending each move; courage to act with promptitude and decision, and to bear with equanimity the reverses sustained in competition with a player of superior .judgment; courtesy, which implies forbearance to, and the recognition of, equal rights and advantages for, an adversary; and self-reliance which beget independent judgment—the first practical step to mental culture and progress in this an in all other, science. Even in negative features the game of draughts is entitled to our respectful admiration. Totally devoid of chance, its influences are repellent- of the excesses which diefigure and militate against game? in general. The obuse of intoxicating' liquors cannot be associated. with it, the indulgence in which being a. all times preventative to its practical development. Nor can the mischievous and alluring propensity of gambling be justly laid to its charge. In contests for the championship, where the. highest stakes are played for, the players, whatever be their success, are but ill-requited for the. labour involved and the time spent in bringing the match to a conclusion. Theirit is but the honourable ambition to excel in a mental conflict. At this game the ordinary and habitual gambler has no chanec. Truly, " its intellectual grasp lies far beyond his comprehension."—John Medley. GAME No. 863.—"Double Corner." Played at Point Pleasant, N..T., by Mr. Alexander Graham, of Jersey City, and Mr. Blodgett, the latter having the black piece#. The game and notes arc taken from the New ark Bell:— 9—14 12-19 1— 6 13-17 18-22 22-17 25-16 19—16 a2- 6 14—18 11-16 11—15 2— 7b 17—2/ 25—29 24-19 26—23 16—11 c 6-10 18—11 8-11 15—19 7—16 22—29 29-25 25-22 50-26 26 -22 10—17 11—15 1 16—20 10—15 6— 9d 3— 7e 19—24 17—13 17-10 22—15 12— 8 15-19 11—15 7-14 14-18 7-10 24—28 29— 16—12 23—14 8— 3 27—24 15—24 19—24 9—lß 10-15 W. wins, 28—19 13— 9 15-10 3— 7 4- 8 6—13 5— 9 29-25 22-17 32—28 10- 6 7—lo 8-11 15—18 9—14 16—19 19-16 28—19 6— 2 17-14 (a) Up to this point both players have strictly adhered to the recognised moves, the text, however, varies, and enables Mr. Graham to puzzle his opponent. Robertson give* the following 26—22 27—20 31-24 19-16 Drawn. 20-24 18-27 2— 7 14—17 (b) Nothing better. (c) A nice touch that deserves to win. (d) Mr. Blodgett's side of the game looks very bad as to the ultimate outcome, but .we think he should have drawn in this manner :— —7, 22—15, 7-10, 15-11, 10-15, 11-7, 6-9, 7-2, 15—19. In fact, we arc doubtful of White's draw at this stage. (e) The last and desperate chance, unavailing at that. The Daily News gives the following as propositions to lie submitted for consideration by the English Draughts Association :—(1) That the next tourney for the English championship shall be held in London. (2) That if more, than 16 entries bo received the number of players shall be reduced. by rejection of weaker competitors, to 16. (3) That, the " pacing time-limit" shall be adopted, with a fixed time for adjudication of unfinished games. (4) That if it be possible one day, or one half-day, shall be set apart for an open handicap. "An Atwcllian Advice!"— Seek that which is poitive, shun th*t which is npgitive . he 'quick to congratulate, slow to depreciate; ready to confirm; reluctant to condemn ; aim to propose, hesitate to oppose; remember that construction is the higher and nobler law, destruction the lower and baser one. Finally, never be discouraged or surprised when you meet with apathy, envy. -and ingratitude. In every sphere of life there are eiiemies of progress, whose range of intellectual vision does not extend beyond their own insignificant personalities, but, like the pauper* who refuse to be washed, they are eventually forced into the bath of enlightenment and reform—London Chatter.