Sports and Pastimes.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVLI, Issue 12, 20 September 1911, Page 8

Sports and Pastimes.

CHESS. All communications to be addressed to the Chess Editor, "The Weekly Graphic and Xciv Zealand Mail,” Box 283, Auckland. The. Auckland Chess Club meets on Monday Thursday, and Saturday evenings, at No. 24, Il is Majesty's Arcade, Queen-street (2nd floor). The Y.M.C.A. Chess Club meets on Friday evenings. The Hamilton Chess Club meets in the Public Library, Hamilton, every Friday evening, at 7.30.

Answers to Correspondents. F.K.K. and W.F. —Thanks for news. W.J.H.—-Solution of 108 correct. C'OBt*.—Glad to hear from you again. Your solution of No. 108 is correct. You have not yet disclosed your identity, but we recognise an old hand. We are not aiming at difficulty in the problem department, but rather seeking to encourage those who are shy of entering this fascinating field, where the choicest flowers await them. Do not, however, let this deter you from sending solutions. We can only afford to set up one position each week, but we intend occasionally to give an extra •problem in ordinary and Forsyth notations, and hope you will find some of these worth trying. No. 108 is the only difficult position we have given for some weeks. Try No. 110 below. Position No. 109. (By Emil Pradignat.) Black- 9 pieces.

White—B pieces. White to play and mate in two moves. Forsyth Notation: 2’5; p3p2B; p3p2K : lp2Sp2; IRS2k2; 8; 4PIPP; 21'5. Position No. 110. White: K on QRB, Q on KBI, B on KR3. Kt on K 4. P's on Q 3 and Q 5. Black: K on Kt>, P on K 4. Forsyth notation: KT; 8; 8; 3Pp3; 453; 3 Pk2B: 8; 5Q2. Whit' to play and mate in three (3) moves. An Astounding Game. The following remarkable game, at the odds of Queen’-- rook, was played bv Dr. Tarras. h some eighteen years ago at the Nuremberg t'hc’s Club. The score is from Tarrasrh's column in Frankfurt. Th' London ‘"'Times" justly describes it a< a fine example of brilliant play at odds. R move White', Q R White. Bla«-k. Tarr.ieeh Romberg. 1 P Kt P-K4 2 Kt KB3 Kt—Qß3 3 P QI PxP 4 B yRI B— Bl 0 K f Kts Kt —R3 0 Q- R.> t 'asf les 7 I’ Pt ... Q- K.] * Cnstles P—Qfl eh P K R«| PxP 10. Kt QB3 P—Q.3 >1 P R‘> Kt Kt It K’ QS K Rm» 13. P BO' B —KKt.i 1« P«P eld KxP IS Q»Kt eh' (a» KxQ 10 Kt Kt .is rk K R 4 17 Kt(Q4> 1U eh ( b) K-R3

18. Kt—K2 dis. ch K—Kt3 19. R—B6 eh!! KxR 20. B—Kts ch K—Kt3 21. Kt(K2) —B 4 mate. Notes by the Editor. (aj* A fine stroke: the play from tiha 13th move to the end is of a very high order. J (b) Kt—Kt7 is not good enough, because after KtxQ, White would still be a rook down and his attack would havo fizzled out. It is neck or nothing now. R—BtJ looks sufficient 'but Black can reply QxKt and there is no mate. It is to be noted that no other reply would save the game, e.g.—l7. R—B6, BxKt; 18. R —Rd ch, K—KtS; 19. Kt—Bt> mate; or 17. . . . PxKt; 18. Rook mates; or 17. . . . Kt—Kt3; 18. Kt (Q 5 —B4 ch, Ktxt (if 18. K—R5, P mates; and if 18. . . . K—R3; KtxKt dis ch; K—R4; 19. Kt (KtC) —B4 mate); 19. (KtxKt ch: K—Kt4; 20. Kt—Qs dis. eh, K—R5 (if K—R4, R—RO mate); 21. P—Kt3 ch and mate next move.

The Cafe de la Regence. _ This week we print a few extracts from a chatty article on this famous chess resort of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, which appeared in “Fraser’s Magazine” in 1840, under the signature “G.W.” The article is too long and discursive to reproduce in full. We content ourselves with such items as are likely to interest chess-players. It will be seen from these what a famous place the eafe once was, and what a history it has. In another issue we propose to give further extracts showing a glimpse of a typical pettifogging professional player—a race now happily almost, if not quite, extinct. We can remember meeting one or two of these some thirty years ago at eafes in London, but with the pulling down of Purcell’s in Cornhill —their favourite resort—thev seem to have disappeared. After that we will give a graphie sketch, from the sains pen. of Boneourt, St. Amant and the great De La Bourdomiais— contemporaries of Staunton—all celebrated habitues of the Regence. The Cafe de la Regence. in its outward man, is soon disposed of. Large, low, and in shape resembling a parallelogram of toasted cheesed the very antithesis of the graceful fid or lovely, our salon presents nothing in its personal appearance which may compete with the glittering eafe of modern times—stove-heated to suffocation—-gas-lighted to oppression—the black hole of Calcutta was its elder sister; though the Regen.-e has mirrors in abundance and slabs of marble to top its tables, ■Seven days in the week, from morn till midnight, the crowd pass over its sanded floor, like the waves of the sea on the Brighton beach; the said floor doing double duty on Sundays. Then do the pekins and ealieots —Anglice “snobs’’— pour their myriads into the Regence, thicker than ever eame suitors to Corinthian Lais. After three or four o'clock on a winter’s Sunday, happy is the man who has formed his partie; room to place another chessboard, even o-n your knees, being out of the question. All keep their hats on, to save space; and an empty chair is worth a monarch’s ransom. The din of voices shake the roof as we enter. Can this be chess’—the game of philosophers—the wrestling of the strong minded—the recreation of pensive solitude—thus practised amid a roar like that of the Regent’s Park beast show at feeding time! Laughter, whistling. singing, screaming, spitting, spouting, an t shouting—tappings, rappings, dramming*, and hummings, disport in their glory around us. Have we not made a blunder, and dropped into the asylum of Charenton? Stunned with the riot, we sigh for cotton to stuff our ear'; and fight our progress into a faraway corner, in order to recover on; bewildered senses. Coffee is brought \Ve sip. and -san the scene la-fore us; resolving it« discordant element* by slow degrees info one vast tableau. Man gets Used to every thing except tire tootha.h. I know a Londoner dwelling next door to a who wuAes in the night when the artisans cease hanwnoring! Sw is it with me at the present moment. The noise is bearable, an.l presently may become even agreeable. Manners are to be noted, and • Less men to ft* sketched. The good city of Paris, be it known,

holds four thousand cafes; of which the Cafe Procope, and the Cafe de la Regenee are unquestionably the Adam and Eve. The Regenee was established as a rendezvous for the literati of the day, under the government of the Duke of Orleans; and, like Will's in London, became, from its eligible position, the haunt of the most celebrated esprits of France during the eighteenth century. Voltaire, the two Rousseaus, the profligate Due de Richelieu, Marshal Saxe, Chamfort, St. Foix, Benjamin Franklin, Marmolite!, Philidor, and Grimm, are but a few of the men of note who constantly frequented the Regenee in early times. The very cihairs and tables acquired name and fame from classical association; and, till quite recently, the master of the establishment might be heard commanding his attendants, in tones of pride, to “>Serve Jean Jacques,”—“l<ook to Voltaire,” — the identical tables at which this pair of philosophes were wont daily to play chess, being still at that time in existence, named after the departed great. These sacred shrines are now superseded by marble slabs; coal-gas sparkles in sun-like lustres; and Voltaire could hardly recognise his favoured lounge, save from the low ceiled room unaltered in its proportions. A dingy portrait of Philidor yet hangs, I am glad to sec, against the wall. To a chess antiquary, the relic would be worth purchase at its weight in gold.

Jean Jacques Rousseau was wont to play daily tn the Regence, attired (poor creature!) tn a fur cap and flowing Armenian robe; and we read in Grimm’s "Letters,” that the crowd at last so eagerly pressed around to get a peep at the author of "Emile," that it -was feared the glass of the front would be driven in; the nuisance being only averted by a guard of the city police mounted on the spot matitudinally. During the next generation, the cafe was for a time nearly deserted, in consequence of its having become a favoured resort of Robespierre. The lair of the tiger is dangerous, even when he sleeps. Robespierre was passionately fond of chess. (To be continued.) ITEMS. We are indebted to the "Evening Post” for the following condensed -current news of Wellington chess. South Wellington ▼. Working Men's Clnb.

The sixth annual match between the above elubs took place on Friday evening, Sth inst., at the former elub's rooms in the Newtown Public Library, and proved most enjoyable. There was an excellent attendance, thirty-two players taking part in the contest, the result of which was in doubt until after 11 p.m. Tire tally was then—South Wellington 9 wins, Working Men’s Club 6 wins, and one game unfinished—viz , that at board No. 1, between Messrs. B. B. Allen and R. J. Barnes, the respective captains. This was submitted to Mr. W. E. Mason (the present New Zealand champion) for adjudication; after giving the position an exhaustive analysis he awarded a win to white (Barnes). Refreshments were provided by the home team and greatly appreciated. South Wellington have now won three matches, the Working Men’s Club two, and one ended in a tie. The full score of Friday’s contest is as follows: — South Wellington Working Men’s C.C. Club.

Wellington Chose Club.

The annual handicap tourney of the above elub, which was commenced in Way, with nineteen entries, is rapidly approaching completion. The finals, which eomprioe five rounds and are limK

eil to tlw six competitors who qualified in the preliminary section-play, were commenced a fortnight ago. ’ln tho second round Gyles defeated Cimino, and Fouhy beat 1 licks through making excellent use of the odds—viz., pawn and two moves. Round three was commenwd last Wednesday, a five hours’ struggle between Messrs. Hicks and Kelling ending in favour of the latter. Great interest centred in the game Carman v. Gyles, as the winner should have an excellent chance of annexing the first pr'ze and taking over the custody of the handsome Petherick trophy from Mr Barnes the present holder. Mr Gyles was a pawn up when hostilities ceased on Saturday night. Mr Cimino was tinalU to attend to play Mr. Fouhy. The ladder match between Mr H \s (defender) and Mr James (challenger) is providing an interesting contest. I'ha first game was scored by Mr James, the second was drawn, and the third was won by Mr Hicks, who put in some very line pawn play. The scores being even, further play became necessary to tlecide the rung involved. The fourth game was accordingly commenced on Saturday, evening, and was adjourned at II p in. for continuation at a second sitting. Mr H>eks is a pawn up. having rook, knight, and four pawns to his opponent’s rook, knight and three pawns.

Working Men's Club. Good progress is being made in this club’s annual handicap tourney. Mr Barnes, the club champion, is leading, having won all tire games played by him to date. Messrs. Wild. Burgess, and Dalrymple are also well to the fore. The best tallies to date are as follows: — Won. Lost.

South Wellington Chess Clnb. This club’s annual handicap tourney is expected to finish in a month's time. Mr B. B. Alien is at present leading with a score ot 8 wins. 1 loss, and 4 games to play. Messrs Welton. Purehas, and Perrot arc, however, still "in the hunt,” as will Ise seen from the following statement of leading snores: —

Stanley Chess Club. Thi< clnb. which was onlv recently termed on the initiative of r r J. \V. Davidsen, promises well. At the inaugua-ral meeting Air Davidson -vas elected president. and Mr W F-'lJpa hon. secretary and treasurer, will; Messrs. AV. F. Stevenson, C. F. Gieson. and E. Jones as members of comm it tee. The president and secretary and treasurer are. of course, ex clTkio members of the committee. The <dnb entered the arena at a very early stage of its existence, and challenged the Auckland Chess Club. Die resulting match, which was noticed in our issue of June 21st, was played at the -clubroom of the latter. Nine boards were engaged, and the issue was a substantial win for the older club. Nevertheless, the visitors acquitted themselves well, and some of the endings were 1-p. There is some talk of a return ma I eh. This is a verv health? sign. We understand that the match has given cho*s agood fillip on the North Shore, and that several old campaigners have thrown in their lot The club now meets regu’arly at half-past seven every Tuesday evening at the Stanley Bowling Cl paviiTinn. anti the attendance is good and still frowing. These social reuni rH are much enjoyed bv the members. By all accounts the new club will soon be able to put a strong team in the th Id. A “ladder” has been formed, and some contests have resulted, but no dela.ls are to hand. Wp cordially wish the e snec-pss. Bn far as we know it is now the nnlv srnburban r -hejw chib in this part of the Island. Anrklaixt Workingmen s Club. The Thesiw an<] Draughts’ F?eMiOi'.at CVnnmiftae hnve derided to hold a Mar rap Chess Tonmament. Entries <H on W,h Instant. Mr. Bn del ph BarmK has been appointed handicapper. Snlntlnn to Position Me. 1<» t Erl in. J ••■*- — Wey more- X—Xtt.

.. 0 Barnes . J* Hicks .. 1 Killing 0 Welton .. 1 Rvder ........ . o Purehaa .. 0 Wild . t Ha rwr .. 1 Mow tell ....... . 0 Loney .. 1 Fast on . 0 < 'lark .. 1’ Grey ....<-»■... . 0 Weine .. 0 ■T Reid ....... . T Low . I Belt . O Perrot t . 1 Koster . 0 Cortis . . 0 Larkins' ....... . 1 Thomnson ... .. o Dalrymple .... . 1 Littlewood . . .. 1 Wilson . 0 I .•> n«rhton ... .. 0 Fton .......... .. 1 Tall .. 0 C. Reid .. 1 Smart .. 1 M'Lennan . ... . 0 Total . . 0 Total ....... . 7

Bftrnw. Class I . . 7 0 Wild. Class V . 61 u Burgess, Class V . . 71 24 Dalrymple, Class VI . . »' I Keliing, Class 1 . 7 3

Won. Tjost B. R Alien, Class T. S I Welton < l«w>s II 7 Purchas ('las* III. .. •3 Perret f. Class IV. . . 4 Ilieks, Class I 6 4