DRAUGHTS ITEMS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2368, 20 July 1899, Page 48

DRAUGHTS ITEMS.

Victorian Championship. — The tourney for the Victorian, dumpiousluo was opened on the

3rd inst. at the Melbourne Draughts Club's rooms. Prom o\ir exchanges it is not easy to discover the exact nature of the tourney, but it is evidently a "two-life" "knock-out"'ar-rangement, which is perhaps the best that could be adopted for so important an event. Play is to take place only in the evenings, from 8 to 11, so the contest should spread over a long period, a somewhat regrettable circumstance in view of the importance of the event. Such an arrangement would entirely prohibit players from a distance entering the competition on account of the time; but probably Melbourne and suburbs embrace the strongest players of the ' colony. The entries, though not numerous, embrace the most prominent experts of the colony. The following is the list: — Messrs F. Brown, H. Boardman/ F.- Salmon, W. Evans, A. Holton, J. BiperV'JWel-' bourne: J. Moore, F. T. Best, J.-Besft' J&. Eichards, J. Minetti, J. Divetti, S. Piper '"> 5" C. Carter, Collingwood; E. Clark, .• Brighton. After Mi C. Junner, vice-president of the association, had appropriately opened the proceedings, the draws for the first round took place the most interesting draw being between Mr H. Boardman and Mr G. Eichards, Mr F. T. Best and Mr J. Moore being drawn together*" Mr Best resigned in favour of Mr Moore. Mr M. M. Collins • officiated as referee. A round consists of six games ;' in the event of a drawn round another six games; (or more) rare to .'be played on restricted lines, .the openings to be balloted from Robertson's -Guide. ~ - Blindfold Championship of^he World.— Mr W. Gardner has now claimed the title of blindfold champion of the world." • -- ' • ■ - 'Nottingham Championship.— Mr" J. Mitchell has won the champion ship of Nottingham for the fourth time-. - • . . . , „ Draughts World.— The-Draughts World • for -May reached our hands in due course, and being -ihiefly devoted to an obituary of the late Herd Laddie," with some highly interesting reminiscences of his early matches, contributed by Mr J. M'Kerrow, a veteran of 87 years, it forms juite a memorial number, and will be highly valued by, all admirers of the departed champion. Tho number also contains a full account o* the *<scent international match. Publishers: A. Bryson and Sons, 92 Trongate, Glasgow. •

"The Last Battle."— Wo have received from tho publishers, Messrs A. Bryson and Co lrongate v Glasgow, a handy little volume -with the striking title of "The Last Battle," containing the games of the last struggle between the veteran Martina and the late J. Wyllie. It will be remembered this was a subscription match played, in Manchester and Glasgow. Tho 47 games of the match are edited and -fully annotated by Mr James Lees, of Dalmellington, whose name is sufficient guarantee of quality. Besides the games, the book contains a" sketch of the life and career of the "Herd Laddie," and a photc of WylKe and Martins seated- at play. Tho woik is published at tho low figure of 6d, and should find a ready sale.