DRAUGHTS ITEMS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2467, 26 June 1901, Page 63

DRAUGHTS ITEMS.

As this co'umn goes to press oa Monday night tins week, we are unable to give account of the Town v. Country match. So far things have turned out very badly for the town team, and a large liiaruber o£ strong pUycr* are n.ipble to bs present. We already know of about 20 intending town players thus affected, winch is most unfortunate, as, under favourable chcumstances, to-moriow's gathering would prcbab y have created a record for New Zealand.

A short time ago, while a Colerame baker vas arranging his faits. etc., for show in the window, he was thus mteriogated by a youth who had entered the shop "What are you mixing them things for?" "Oh," says thb baker, "I'm ]ust playing a game of draughts. The youth stood in silence while the baker continued his work. Seeing a tart that had escaped the observation of the baker, the boy says, "Ycu didn't take this one, so I'll huff yon. ' Suiting the action to the wo^rd, the boy pocketed his prize, and decamped. — Coleraine Constitution.

It is -with sincere regret we have to record the death of Mr Harry Smith, of Stenhousernuir, one of our best known country players. The sad event took place at C&mbuslang on March 27. The deceased was in his 77th year. It may be said that during the past 40 years no draughts match of any importance took place in the district but was enlivened by the presence of the late Mr Smith. Whilo his reminiscences of the days of Diummond were eagerly listened to by those of a younger generation, his standing as a player commanded the respect of both old and young alike. One of the founders of the East Stirling Club, close on 30 years ago, he was one of its most prominent members, and up till the last tvo years took part in almoat the whole of its numerous encounters. His name will alway. be linked with a kindly feeling by all with, whom he came m contact. — Falkirk Mail.

A quick and simple method of deteirnining two moves by ballot for the standard restriction is described in the Leeds Mercury Supplement as follows : — Call the players A and B. Let A wi'ite down on paper, out of is's sight, tvo numbers, neither gieater than 7. Let B name two numbers, neither exceeding 7. Let the sums of the pairs be found, and if either sum be greater than 7, let 7 be subtracted, and let the remainder be retained. Then A's figures, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, G, 7, are to be taken to represent m order the opening moves, 12 16, 11 IG, 11 15, 10 15, 10 14, 9 14, 9 13; and B's figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 7 are t( be taken to represent in order the replies 21 17, 22 17, 22 18, 23 18, 23 19, 2-4 19, 21 20. For example, let A write 6 and 2, and let B name 2 and 1. Then A's number will be 1, B's number will be 3, and the opening will be 12 16, 22 18. Again, let A write 7 and 4; and le B name 5 and 6. Then A's number will be 4, and B's number will bs 4, and the opening will be 10 15, 23 18, and so on.