Draughts in America.

Otago Witness, Issue 1901, 10 July 1890, Page 33

Draughts in America.

The fo'lowing was contributed to the Turf. Field, and Farm by Dr W B Truax, of BatUe Lake. Minn :-I send you two games Dl-yed between myself and a luroVrman. I was attending a Bick man in one of the logging camps, and during one of my visits as I was putting on my overcoat the " boss " of the camp asked me if I was "Truax. the famous cheoker-player." I replied thnt I clayed the game ocaaslonally. SX| »said he, "we have a man here who cmn • skunk'you every game, and I believe he is the best player «n the world." I was somewhat startled, but replied: 'I ssd W to see the gentleman. Then I uave more leisure." He ZSa- "I am 'he man. and will Su W me now?" There wai wav out of it, bo I assented, Jnd we Tere won ife the flnt «*mt.

GUmh 1680—" tod Double Comer." Truax'a move.

a At this Doint I began to think I was " skunked." b During the last few moves he became uneasy; before that he was whittling and singing and playing rapidly, while I was playing slowly and carefully, analysing every move. He here conceded a draw, remarking, " Put youa pieces on again and I'll show you.' 1 Game 1581—" Bristol." Truax's move.

Truax won. a Here my opponent wanted to wager 20dol that he would win the game, but not having the money I told him I would put up my watch against his 20dol, and said that I could win easily. He now looked oarefullv through the game, and said he would bet that. I could not beat him with my side. We plaoed the wager in the hands of the " cook," who was intently watching the game, and it prooceded. b The "big fellow" here gave a despairing look at the board, and another at the "cook," and then said. " You have cheated me." I quietly arose, took ray watch, and leaving the "cook" still in pos session of the money, departed. My opponent shortly afterwards left the camp, and I have not heard of him since. I consider these two games about the fine't I ever played aorosi the board. Time of play-about four hsurs. Draughts in North Otago. At the meeting following the recent Town v. Country ra^toh in Oamaru, Mr Jas. A. tiorehnm proposed that! a draughts' matoh should be played betweeu Oamaru and Timaru, as both towns got a Thursday half holiday. The proposal wai well received, and we hope the movement will not be allowed to lapse for want of energy. The game seems to be progressing rapidly in the Oamaru dlstriot, where, as we announced, a club was formed recently. Wecongratulate the moving spirics on the lucceis of their efforts on behalf of the old game. Our worthy contributor, Mr Jas. Boroham, of Pukeuri Point, is earning the good will of all draughts players by his strenuous endeavours to promote the interests of the pastime in hit neighbourhood. From an Oamaru correspondent's letter we learn that a meeting of the Pukeuri Olub was called three weeks ago to either wind up the club or make a fresh bid for success. The latter course was adopted, and Mr John Watt was elected president. Mr Jas. Boreham secretary, and Mr Isaao Outhbertson treasurer. The members of the club are now at it hammer and tongs playing a handicap tourney to deolde who will possess a " Lyman's Problem Book " presented by Mr Boreham, the donor of the prize being barred. There are 20 competitors, Mr Jos. H. Boreham being the only player on scratch. Mr Jas. Boreham has also given the olub mombers a problem to solve and has generously offered a copy of the SmithJackson matoh games sb a prize for the best solution. Answers to Correspondents. J A Boreham, Pukeuri Point.— Many thanks for problem and interesting letter. were not in letter, however. Supplement to I.D.M. not to hand yet. WB Hutchison, Ngapara.—M'Oullooh's Guide forwarded. Magazines, &0., are best paid a year or, say, six months in advance, though not a ea«e of must. Our respects to Mr J. P. T 8, Nichol, Invercargill.—M'Cullooh's Guide and Parts 1, 2, and 3 of Drummond forwarded. H Oonnolly.-WiU be glad to receive solution to your problem E 8 G, Timaru.—Thanks for problem. Solution to 794 is correot. Can forward you No. 2. Vol. 11, D.P Q.R. for Is post free. J Duncan. Eweburn.—Correction will be examined; many thanks. Pleased to learn this oolumn is appreciated so muoh in the district. See reply last week.

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