Chess Items

Otago Witness, Issue 2006, 4 August 1892, Page 36

Chess Items

Cable Match Between Steinitz and Tchigorin. — It is announced that a match by correspondence is to come off between Steinitz and Tchigorin. The openings are the Evans' Gambit with Steinitz 6... Q-B 3, Steinitz only stipulating to reserve his reply to Tchigorin's 7 P-Q 4 ; and a Two Knighta' Defence, on the same lines as in their recent cable match, vix , Steinihs's 9 Kt-R 3. Here, however, is another condition — viz., Steinitz to have the right to play on the previous move 8 B-K 2, or 88-B sq. After his exr/erlence in the last cablo match, it would have hardly been oypectod that SteiniU would again venture to play these, his pet openings. The Dublin Warder says that during the "Reign of Terror" in Paris, there was not much chess at the Cafe de la Regenoo. People had not the heart ; and it was a depressing sight to see through the windows the cars that bore the condemned through the Rue St. Honore to execution. "Robespierre often took a seat, but few had any wish to play with him, suoh terror did the insignificant looking man strike into everyone's heart. One day a very handsome young man sat opposite him and made a move as a signal for a game ; Robespierre responded and the stranger won. A second game was played and won, and thon Robespierre asked what was the stake. ' Tho head of a young man,' was the answer, ' who is to be executed to-morrow. Here is the order for his release, waiting only your signature, and be quick — the executioner will give no delay.' It was a young count that was thus saved, The paper was signed and the great man asked, ' But who are you, citizen f 1 Say citizeness, monsieur ; lam the count's betrothed. Thanks and adieu. 1 "

The Centro Asturiano Club, at whioh Steinitz and Tchigorin played their last match, has 5000 members,