TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2884, 30 June 1909, Page 67

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

G. C. B. —Your -little joke much appreciated. Sorry wo- cannot so far locate owner of initials. L. M. Steaens, U.S.A.—Thanks' for brochure on Correspondence Club. Distance 3end3 enchantment to the view, but dees not facilitate correspondence play. Denny.—(l) The first edition of Lees's Guide appeared in 1892, the second followed quickly, the third in 1896. and the ninth -early last year. It has also been pirated in Ameiloa. (2) Several books had a wide circulation just prior to the advent of Lees's Guide. Dunce's Guide and Companion appeared in 1830. and was well received; Hill's Synopsis made its debut the same year, and sold like " hot oakes; and this was followed by his Manual, with a similar reception. The two last-named catered- chiefly for beginners. There were at the same time a number of works competing for place in the draughts world. •McCnlloch's Guide, as - a serious work, fetcod well; the British Draughts Player was being issued in parts; there were a few periodicals, books on special openings, etc.; some good American works and Robertson's Guide held a high place among the high-priced books. The advent of the two-move restriction produced a sudden check in the sale of standard works in recent years, but neglect of the standard books means disaster to an ambitious player. (3) Your solution of Problem 2636 is not correct. At 10th move play 17 13 in order to fave, if possible, the man on 25. Later on your play admits a White win. In solution of Problem 2655 (the diagram is correct), your Black move in reply to 16 11 loses by a neat device. Can you see it ? Captain Challice, Great Yarmouth —Thanks for yours of May 8. J. A. B. —Thanks for criticism. L. F.. Colyton —We have urged publication of lists for the very reason you suggest. They will appear as soon as permanent e€Cretarv has time to transcribe them Ycur solutions to Problems 2658 acd 2689 are correct. G. C, Seaward Downs. —Thanks for report. R. 8., Cromwell. —Your solutions to Problems 2687, 2658, and 2689 are correct.