DRAUGHTS ITEMS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2626, 13 July 1904, Page 71

DRAUGHTS ITEMS.

HitAUfcsMiO XX\E/JM.O. The Draughts "World. — The June number of tlie "World is promptly lo hand, and is in no •wav behind its predecessors in. point of interest and all-round excellence. Biographical sketches are -given of Messrs Herbert MorraJl (champion tff England), and Fleming Brown (champion of Lanarkshire). Good judgment is displayed throughout the rest of the literary matter, and fhe Games Department is particularly interesting. W-e notice more play m ■the "World on "Cross" game between Messrs JMorr and Stewart, Scottish experts, in -which Mr Bower, in the Witness, suggested a Black draw by 5 9 at a critical stage. The play m the World gives a "White win, but we have seen no play so <ar an Mt Bower's suggestion, •which we believe our critics will finally demonstrate to he a diaw for Bla^k. Joshua Slurges, the author of a book on draughts published in 180 D, kept -the "Blue Posts" in Han-way street, Tottenham Court load. He was buried in St. Pancras churchyard and Iris long epitaph, now obliterated, in-cluded-the following: — "Sacred to ihe memory of Mr Joshua Sturges, many years a respectable licensed victuallei in this parish, who departed this life the 12th of August, 1813, aged 55 years. He was esteemed for the many excellent qualities he possessed. . . ft . His genius was also eminently displayed to create innocent and rational amusement to mankind in his production of the difficult game of draughts, -which treatise received the approbation of his Prince and many other distinguished characters. . . . His example is •worthy of imitation m this -world . may his • virtues be rewarded in the next. Peace to his Soul, and respected be his memory." — Leeds Mercury. The entries for the London junior chr.mpionship tourney closed with 64, which constitutes a record, the previous record being exactly one-half. The Championship Cup wilL bs solid silveT, and will be held by the winner for one year. It will bicome the absolute property of ihe player who succeeds in holding it for three years in succession, or five ; years collectively. In addition the fol'owing ] prizes are offered: — Firs 6 prize, gold ru-cda 1 , ] presented by Mr' v F. W. Lewis; aecond, silver j medal, presented by Mr T. G. JBlundell ; special prize for brilliancy, -gold centre medal, presented by Mr R. Atwe'l. j Look Before You Leap. — We noticed a couple of endinsrs in the club roc-m on Saturday last which illustrate ihe necessity for constant cars in piloting one's pieces e\cn when everything seems plain sailing. Here is one: Black— 2, IS. 19 , : White— 2l, 28, king 20. Black, feeling secure, here played 2 6 without troubling to think, and White played 20 24, and gained a man ior nothing, winning. Here is the other, having the same number of pieces: Black— 9, 18 20, While— l 7, 28, king 27. White moved 28 24, when B'.sck replied and lost by 18 23, 27 18, 20 27, 17 13. "Oh!" said Black, "I wasn't looking ; 1 should have gone 18 22." "All right," said White, and replied 27 32, 20 27, 32 23. Black now examined it more carefully, gave a grunt o£ disgust, and plnyed 9 13, when White moved 23 18. "Well, I'm Tiegered!" said Blpck; ' "that -wins too. Put it back and let me have a. look at it." Tha pieces were rep'aced after White moves 28 24. Black koked at it in earnest just a moment, then played 9 13, 27 32, 18 22 32 27, 13 23, drawn. Black was quite capable of this first attempt if Jie had tried.