DRAUGHTS ITEMS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11917, 15 December 1900, Page 11

DRAUGHTS ITEMS.

Sergeant F. W. Slade, R.E., Madras, writes to the Draughts World: -The players "of India are in v 'unusual state of bustle getting through the rounds of the Army Championship tourney. In spite ot the temperature being lOOdeg in the shade in the stations where some of the players arc sweltering, the tourney promises to be :m exciting one, and the present owner of the title will have to ploy up to championship form to maintain his position."

Several of the well-known English draughts players were candidates at the recent general election, prominent among whom were Mr F. Handel Booth, president of the Manchester City Draughts Club; Mr W. Belcher, presidwiti of the London Draughts Association and Mr John Wilson, president of the Durham City Draughts Club. Mr Wilson was the only successful candidate.

The Draughts World.—The October number of the " evergreen " is promptly to hand. Each and all of the various departments maintain their high standard of excellence, and every grade of player will find more than the moneys worth in the magazine. The "Dundee" is the opening dealt with in the games department, A. Bryson & Co., 92 Trongate, Glasgow. The Virtue of Patience.—The mutch between Messrs Drury and Leo was won by the former with seven wins to four and nine draws. After winning this match Mr Drury challenged Mr M'Beth. one of the lending players of the Alexandria Club who accepted, and play began during the week, 12 games (restricted) to be played. Mr M'Beth recoives two points start. The score to date stands one win each with two drawn. In the last mutch there was no time limit, and Mr Drury sat Mr Lee out. Mr M'Beth has put the watch on and plnys to time, as should be done in all matches.—Sydney Mail.—[The Mail does not leave much room for credit to Drury for his win against Lee, and certainly, if " wearing-out" tactics were adopted, the implied censure is deserved. —Dr. Ed. O.W.] His Confidence Failed.—Quoth the confident man, who can always tell everybody the best move the moment he glances "at the board,

" Some folk say that the game of draughts culls for a considerable amount of intellectual exertion, but I don't think so." "Yet you think sometimes when you are playing," rejoined one of the old hands, " and I can tell the exact moment when you put on the considering cap. You always begin to consider when you see that you are forced to lose a man." " Yes, that is so," the confident man admitted. " Well," continued the old 'un, quietly, " don't you think it would be better to have a little intellectual exortion a few moves earlier?" A faint sigh of "yes was heard, and a. much less confident man wended his way homewards.—The Bohemian.