Criticisms.

Otago Witness, 5 December 1900, Page 56

Criticisms.

"Tommy Atkins" writes under date November 30: — "Czar's" last, is notable only for its strong bounce and -weak-play. "Czar," above all, to talk aboxit anyone's "cheek" is too much. No, "Czar," it won't do; a true-born British Tommy is not to be bounced out of his rights by a Eussian, even if he is a Czar. He insists that my 22 17 is wrong; only after he shows me play to prove it will I believe it. I pointed out his four blunders, but if he will confess he cannot find' them, after this discussion is over, I shall show him play for them.

For abcut the last two months "Czar" has been trying to correct my play, and has failed, and now begins in a new place, which proves about as weak an attempt to needlessly prolong this discussion as one can imagine. Where he leaves it as a draw it is no more a draw than at his first move 8 12 ; besides whioh, 22 26 early in his play would be much stronger. I have nc intention to prolong this fruitless discussion over this position, which is not necessary to establish my win, as even after all, should , it in the end be found a draw, my win would still hold good by the alternative- given by me. Were Ito adopt the same tactics towards the "Czar's" voluminous play as he has toward mine, this discussion could be prolonged indefinitely.

He says I only give 11 moves to prove my win on my 3 7 line, which is quite enough, as my note says anyone can find the win after that, which has proved true.. "Czar," at -the same position, in his var. 4, gives just 10 sound moves (on the 3 7 line), and blunders at the eleventh, and gives over 50 useless moves. He gives no 3 8 move at all, which is fatal to his claim for a win, as it is just as necessary for him to show it as for me, and his play is no good without it.

Whether "Czar" copied my play or not is not the question at issue, but to whom does the play belong? .Certainly to the one who first published it, and that is not "Czar," consequently I claim to have the prior right. I still maintain my moves, and then 3 7 or 3 8 lines for White is correct play, and also original, being copied from no one. To end this discussion, I am willing to submit the whole matter to be decided by Mr Brodie, who is the most fit person I can think of, he being champion, and having taken no sides in the matter. Should this be agreed to, I .would suggest that we both submit our case to you to be forwarded to Mr Brodie, your being satisfied that the case has been fairly put <from both sides. Failing this or some similar arrangement being come to, I intend to let the matter rest as it stands, as it would serve no good purpose to prolong it. —TOMMY ATKINS.,