The Chess Board.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLIX, Issue 17, 23 April 1913, Page 8

The Chess Board.

The Auckland Chest Club meets on Monday Thursday, and Saturday evenings, at No. 24, His Majesty's Arcade, Queen street (2nd floor).

The Hamilton Chess Club meets in ths Public Library. Hamilton, every Friday evening, at 7.36. Hon. Secretaries of Chess Clubs are invited to furnish items of Club news. Unpublished games, containing special features, notes of critical positions occurring tn actual play, and original problems (with diagram and analysis/ are always acceptable.

Answers to Correspondents.

SCHACH.—No. 206 correctly solved

Problem No. 208. By G. Chocholous.

Black—s pieces.

IQ6, 3pp3, p 7, 3k182, 8, 2Rlp3, 2P5, 4K3. White to play and mate in three moves. Played in the ’New York Tournament. Score and notes from “The Field.” Queen's Pawn opening. ‘Y hite ' Black. Kllne - Capablanca. J' ' Kt—Kß3 2. Kt—Kß3 P—Q3 •j J ~ l!:i QKt—Q2 4. B -B4(a) P—B3 fl p~K4 7. B—KB? 7.7.7. *-• B-Q3(e> .77777 <ast*; !»■ QKt—Q2 p_ R1 ’ }<• B-R4 Q-Kafe) ’«• Kt-KKf) 7.777/ is’ K P Kt—ROeh IH. Ik—K 1 e . p .TGRj. 11). QKt—Kt2 .7. P—KKt4 ST* 1 *;? 3 Kt—Kt3 2.]. Kt—K3 p p22. P—KKt4(g) 7kt(R6)Bs 7 1 ' «-B2 .Ktxß 25. R—QI KR—QI 2d. P—Kt3 Kt—Bs 27. Kt—KKt2 KtxKt(Q3) 28. RxKt RxR 2»- Q*R R—QI 30. Q—K2 P—Rd 31. Kt—K3 p R 4 32. R—Bl ~ p—fßs 33. P-QB4 R—Q5 34. Kt—B2 ~ R Q2 35. Kt—K3 Q —QI 3«- R QI Rxßch 37. Ktxß(h) Q —Q5 38. Kt B2 P—Kt4 39. BPxP RPxP 40. RPxP BxP 41. KtxP . B—QB 42. Q—Bl PxP 43. K— Kt2 P—Kl5 44. Q—Kts P—KtO 45. Q—KBch K—Kt‘2 40. Q—K7 P—Kt7 47. KtxP ‘ B—KtO 48. KtxP BxKt 41). Q—Ktseh K—Bl 61). Q—Rikli K—K2 fil. K—Kl(i) Resigns. Notes.

(a) The B being liable to attack, and the diagonal open for its sortie at any time, Q—B2 might bo substituted, and followed up with P—K4. (b) Black has now the Philidor de-

fence, with a move gained, owing to White’s B—B4.

(c) B—K2, in view of Kt —R 4, would be somewhat better.

(d) Even against C'apablanea he might have ventured Castling QR. (e) In anticipation of White’s intended P—KKt3.

(f) If 16. P—KKt3. B—R6; 17. R—KI, QxKt; 18. B—K2, regaining the piece.

(g) We suggest 22. Kt—Kt4, threatening Q— Kt2. If 22. . . Q—Rl, then 23. K—Kt2, PxP; 24. PxP. Kt(R6) — Bach; 25. PxKt, KtxPch; 26. K—B2, and the king should get into safe quarters. 25. Kt—Bs might also be considered.

(h) If 37. QxR, Q—Kt3; 38. Q—Q3, Q —Q5; and the Q could not be exchanged because of PxQ. a dangerous passed pawn, as Black could bring his K into play. (i) The ending is a masterpiece on the part of C'apablanea.

At the close of the American National Tournament at 'New York, Capablanea, 'Marshall, Janowski, Jaffe, Chajes, and Kupchiek were invited to join two Havana players in a two-round tournament for which the Havana Club is providing a prize fund of £3OO, plus the expenses of the players. The contest was due to begin on February 17th. Auckland Chess Club. The annual general meeting of members of the above club was held on Monday, 14th inst., at John Buchanan’s Cafe, Queen Street, the Bev. H. Barnard M inglield, president, oecuping the chair. Over 30 members were present, and letters of apology were received from several others who were unable to attend.

The committee's report for the year ended 31st March, of which a copy is appended, showed that the dub had‘had a very successful year, and that indications pointed to the forthcoming year being in all probability equally progressive. The treasurer's statement showed ✓the finances to be in a sound condition. The receipts for the year had been £75, and the expenditure £72 15/6, the balance in hand being £27 17/1, as against £25 12/7 at the beginning of the year. The balance-sheet showed that the club was free from debt, the assets, after writing off depreciation, standing at £9B 1/8. The report and balancesheet were adopted amid applause. The prizes won in the various tournaments held during the year were then presented by the chairman. These were as follows: —Level tournament: Mr E. J. Miles 1, Mr A. W. O. Davies 2. Handicap tournament: Mr T. Coulthard T, Mr Jas. Moir, jun., 2, Mr A. W. O. Davies 3. Brilliancy prize: Mr J. Sim. Summer tournament, Section A (for Claeses 11. and III.): Mr A. Wright; section B (for Classes IV. and A 7.): Mr C. E. Hayward. It may be mentioned that throughout the proceedings the table was graced by the New Zealand championship Silver Rook and the “ Gambit ” Cup, both of which were much admired.

In presenting the first prize for the handicap tournament, the chairman took occasion to congratulate Mr . Coulthard on his being the first to have his name engraved on the “ Gambit ” Cup. Before proceeding to the election of officers for the year, the president said it was his pleasure and privilege, as chairman, to make a small presentation on behalf of the club to Mr J. C. Grierson in commemoration of his having won, for the second time, the championship of New Zealand. The club had determined to make some present to Mr Grierson to mark the occasion, but had been much exercised as to what form it should take. After lengthy consultation, they had chosen a life-size half-length photograph of Mr Grierson, and a full set of the Chess Year-books from 1907 to date. The books, he believed, were on their way out from England, and would be handed over on arrival. In the meantime, on behalf of the club, he presented and asked Mr Grierson's acceptance "Of the portrait as a token of their esteem and regard, and a mark of their pleasure and pride in his honourable chess record culminating in this fine achievement. .(Prolonged applause.).

Mr Grierson, on rising to respond, was greeted with a further burst of applause. He said that he had now for many years fought for this coveted honour—the championship of New Zealand. Only once, previously to this occasion, had he been successful, and that was 10 years ago, at Dunedin. Twice since then victory had been snatched from him at the last moment—once at Auckland, and once at Napier. Some people thought there was no such thing as luck in chess, but he could assure those present of the contrary. There were various ways in which luck would creep in, such as" feeling specially fit at one time, or finding one's opponent not quite up to the mark at another time, and so on. He attributed his win on this occasion to some extent to luck. He paid a graceful tribute to the efforts of Messrs Davies, Miles, Howe, and Jowitt, and the late Messrs Lelievre and Percy Smith (Glen Var) to bring the championship to Auckland, and remarked that though Mr Davies had twice been champion, he had had the bad luck on both occasions to represent some other place! In conclusion, he assured the members of the club that he valued and heartily appreciated their gift, and the kind feeling which prompted it. The books would be of the greatest assistance to him in his preparation for future contests. In regard to the handsome portrait of himself, he asked the chairman to accept it, together with a photo group of the competitors and officials at the Nelson Congress, on behalf of the Auckland Chess Club, as a token of his own goodwill towards the club, and as a lasting memento of the present happy occasion—one of the happiest in his life. Referring to the silver rook before him, on which 25 names were already engraved, he hoped that among the 175 yet to come would be found the names of many members of the club, including some of those present. (Loud and prolonged applause.) The president then, amidst renewed applause, formally accepted, on the -club’s behalf, Mr Grierson’s gift, and expressed the gratification of the members. The portrait, he said, would adorn the walls of the clubroom for all time, and would be one of the club’s most cherished possessions.

The President then moved a vote of thanks to the mysterious being known as “Gambit” for hie generous gift to the club of the handsome cup bearing his (“Gambit's") name, which members saw before them. This was the first annual meeting held since the cup was given, and he considered he would be wanting in his duty if he allowed the occasion to pass without some expression of the club’s gratitude and appreciation being placed on record. He could assure “Gambit” —whoever he might be —that the handsome gift had been of very great benefit to the club. It had attracted new members, had doubled the interest in their annual handicap tournament, and, in fact, had infused new life into the club. The motion was warmly seconded by Mi' Grierson. Several other members endorsed the chairman’s remarks, and the motion was carried by acclamation.

The election of officers then took place, and resulted as follows:—Patron, Mr Arthur M. Myers, MJ. (re-elected); President, Mr J. C. Grierson; Vice-Presi-dents, Messrs A. Ashton and C. Little; hon. treasurer, Mr Pi N. Stewart; hon. secretary, Mr A. E. Layland (re-elected). The chairman proposed a special vote of thanks to the hon. secretary (Mr ■Layland) and the retiring hon. treasurer (Mr Harvey) for their valuable services to the club. This was also carried by acclamation. There being eleven nominations for committeemen, and only six vacancies, a ballot was taken, which resulted in ■Messrs Wingfield, Harvey, Miles, McNair, Wright, and Morgan being elected. The usual votes of thanks to the Press and to the chairman were passed and duly acknowledged. At the close of the formal proceedings the members partook of light refreshments. The meeting was the most enthusiastic that the club lias yet held, which augurs well for the prospects of the coming year. ‘Following is the annual report, above referred to:— ANNUAL REPORT, 1012 1913. The committee beg to present the following record of the doings of the club during the year which closed on 31st March, the present being the 29th annual report. They were able to state last year that very considerable interest Lad been

taken te. the club and its affairs by the, members, and this can now be re-stated regarding the year just past, and with additional emphasis. A number of causes have contributed, to this, among which may be mentioned the succession of tournaments, by which the attendance of a large number of members on ciub nights was secured, and the ladder games, of which there has been an unpredecented number during the year. Detailed reference to these events will be made a little later.

The annual meeting of the duh was held on the 18th of April, and the eessiort was formally inaugurated by the usual “open” evening, which took place on Saturday, May 11th. A “lightning” handicap tournament was held, for which there were 21 entrants. The final round was played between Messrs Davies and Wilson, the former winning. These gentlemen were recipients of the first and second prizes. Apart from this, three tournaments have been held during the year—a level tournament, a handicap tournament (handicapping by pieces), and a summer tournament.

The level tournament, which naturally only attracts the strongest players, was contested by six members, who each played two games with the other competitors. Mr Miles, who takes first prize, made the excellent score of 8 points out of a possible 10, being beaten only by Mr, Grierson, while Mr Davies, with 7j points, secured second prize, Mr Griersoii being third with 7 points. The handicap tournament obtained the record entry of 29 competitors, a fact doubtless largely due to the gift tp the’ club of a silver challenge cup of the, value of ten guineas to be played for iii this competition. This valuable trophy, was presented anonymously, and, while the club cannot thank the donor personally, this meeting will doubtless be glad at a later stage to pass “Gambit” a vote, of thanks for his generous present. It may not be out of place to recall to your minds and to record here the conditions attaching to the gift. These were: (1) The cup to be won twice, not necessarily in succession, by a member before it becomes his absolute property. (2) No member who has won the championship of New Zealand, or has entered for, or enters for, the championship of New Zealand, shall be eligible to win the cup. Should such a member win the handicap tournament in any year, then the one among the eligible players scoring the most points in the tournament shall be deemed to be the winner of the cup for that year. (3) At the expiration of ten years, should the cup not havq been finally won, those winners of thd cup who are still members of the club, shall play oft’ for its absolute possession, at such time and on such conditions as the management of the club may direct, (4) The cup to be kept in the possession) of the president of the club for the timei being, and to be produced at each annual meeting of the club until it is finally won.

With so large a number of entrant<s the tourney had to be played in two sections, and it was decided that the occupants of the first three places in each’ sectioxr should play a final tournament among themselves to decide the winnes of the trophy and of the other prizes offered. The players in the final were — Messrs Coulthard, Davies, and Sim, from Section A, and Messrs Myers, Moir, and Wilson from Section B. The final result was that Mr Coulthard became the first winner of the Gambit Cup—and his name has been engraved upon it, with the dato of his victory—Mr Moir occupying second place, and Mr Davies third.

Mr Coulthard thoroughly deserved the honour of being the first member of the club to have his name inscribed on thq Cup, as he was not defeated during thd whole tournament, scoring 13$ points out of a possible 14 in the section play, and 4} out of a possible 5 in the final rounds. The committee congratulate, him on his excellent play throughout •the competition, and not the less that ho is only a year-old member of the club. The brilliancy prize offered in connection with this tournament was won by Mr J. Sim, with his game played against Mr Myers. The games were adjudicated upon by Messrs Barnes, Mason, and Still, appointed as an adjudication board by, the New Zealand Chess Association.

The Summer Tournament was played in two sections, formed from Handicap Classes 2 and 3, and 4 and 5, respectively. Each player was required to play not less than two, and not more than nyq games with, each other competitor Id dissection, the player from each section with the highest percentage of wins to take the prize. Mr Wright, with a percent-

age of 73.21, wine the prize of the Class 2 and 3 section, and Mr Hayward, with a percentage of 72.72, the other.

In connection with the ladder eompettitione, no fewer than 62 challenges were issued during the year. Of this number ■three have not yet been completed from a variety of -"’■ses, four were withdrawn, and seven w tl won by default. Among the uncompleted games are those to be played in the challenge issued by Mr Miles to Mr Grierson for Rung 1. This challenge was delayed until very late in the year—it was really accepted during the clo.se season —and. upon the result of its games the title of club champion and the allocation of Mr Myers’ gold medal for the holder of that title, depends. Mr Miles has successfully resisted challenges for Rung 2 from Mr Miller and Mr Davies. Mr Morgan has made the most progress during the year, having ascended from Rung 17 to Rung 12. Mr Moir has been the champion challenger, haying issued no less than 9, being successful in 5 of this number.

By a rather singular coincidence, challenges were successful in 24 cases, and the challenged players maintained their right to their positions in an exactly similar number of instances.

While on the subject of competitions, it must not be omitted to mention a fact familiar to everybody present, and particularly gratifying to this club, viz., that it includes amongst its members the ehampion of New Zealand. Mr Grierson, for the second time, has honoured himself and his club by taking first place at the Annual Tournament of the New Zealand Chess Association, held this year at Nelson, and in commemoration of this a presentation will be made to him in the course of to-night’s proceedings.

A Smokers’ v. Non-smokers’ match .was played during the year, and fortunately for the Non-smokers —or the Smokers, according to the point of view —resulted iu a tie.

The reading of the minutes of the final meeting of the club, held on March 20tb, will remind you that shortly the club will enter into occupation of a new clubroom. The committee regret that there was not a larger meeting to discuss and decide this step, but they hope that the larger, airier, and less noisy room, which it has been decided to occupy, will please the members and conduce to the increased success of the club.

The membership of the club at the end of the year was 60, 47 full, and 13 honorary members. The committee regret to record the less to the club by death of Mr J. O. Barnard, and by resignation of Mr Vincent Rice, and Rev. A. Miller. Mr Riee was an old member and officer of the club, and Mr Miller an enthusiastic and skilful player.

Application has been made for the forthcoming congress to be held at Auckland during the Exhibition period, and there is little doubt but that this request will be acceded to. It is hoped that entrants will be attracted from Australia, and that the tournament will be a memorable one.

Your committee has met on 12 occasions, the following being the attendance of members:—

Rev. H. B. Wingfield, 7; Mr Grierson, 7; Mr Harland, 1; Mr Harvey, 12; Mr Miles, 7; Mr Wilson, 7; Mr Morgan, 11; Mr Wright, 10; Mr Sachs, 3; Mr Freeman, 5; Mr Layland, 12.

The prospects of the club for the session entered upon are excellent the treasurer will present a satisfactory bal-ance-sheet presently —and the committee hope that all the members will work together for the good of the club, and that its flourishing condition may be maintained. Signed on behalf of the Committee, 11. BARNARD WING FIELD, President. A. E. LAYLAND. Hon. Secretary. April 14tb, 1913. Solution of Problem No. 206. By Arthur Mosely, Brisbane. Position : 2Q5, 5p2, 3K2bl, lpP5, pPSR, qSlk2pl, 2S3Rp, rßssßlbl. Key move: 1. Q —Kt4.