DRAUGHTS ITEMS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2556, 11 March 1903, Page 59

DRAUGHTS ITEMS.

In criticising the article on "Draughts" in the new edition of the ""Encyclopedia Britanxrica," the Leeds Mercury says:—There is another aspect of the subject which calls for the treatment of a- full and accurate description from a duly qualified writer—viz., the varieties of the game as played by different nationalities. .So far as we can learn, the Spanish method of playing the game is the earliest recorded in print or MS., and differs considerably from our own, the most important particular being thai the "king" (or queen, as the crowned piece is called) can jump from corner to corner of the board, its capturing power being also con- j siderably enhanced, in like manner. Then there is the French game, "Dames,", invented during the eighteenth century, and which is, in its main features, but an adaptation of tho Spanish game to a larger field—viz., a board of 100 squares, "instead of 64, as in the more ancient game. .There aro also the Italian and Turkish methods of playing the game, widely different'from' each ■ other. *nd from the other forms of the game, but still the game of draughts. 'A full description of theeedifferent varieties of 'the game would have added greatly to the interest of the article in the "Encyclo--pedia," and, in fact, is demanded to complete the subject in such an important work of reference. . * A game of draughts has (says the Draughts "World) been played under weird circumstances between two Cornißh families for the past 40 years, and is not finished yet. Whenever a -member of either house dies the relatives repair to the deceased's home as soon as the funeral rites are over, whereupon the two eldest members continue" tho game, until one of the pl«yerr loses a man. Tho positions of the draughtsmen on.the board are then recorded, and the game postponed until death gives Jihe signal for reopening the uncanny tussle. Altogether nine different players have so far participated in the game.