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 P-rlncetoa University

Library

THE

PHILIDORIAN ;
hi

A MAGAZINE OF

CHESS, AND OTHEE SCIENTIFIC

GAMES;

GEORGE WALKER.

COMPLETE IN ONE VOLUME.

LONDON :

G. WALKER AND SON, No. 17, SOHO SQUARE,

SHERWOOD AND CO. PATERNOSTER ROW,
AND SIMPKIN AND MARSHALL,
STATIONERS' COURT.

1838.
 THE

PHILIDORIAN.

No. 1. [DECEMBER] 1837.

NOTE.
In accordance with that custom which invariably prefaces a
new periodical by an Editorial appeal to the tender mercies of the
generous, we had prepared a voluminous statement of our hopes
and fears upon the present occasion. Second thoughts have
changed our views, and we decline the big drum accordingly.
The public is too old a bird to be caught with chaff; either
literal or metaphorical. If they want a thing, they'll purchase ;
if not—all the " soft sodder " in the world will never force a
demand for the commodity.

In consecrating a magazine solely to domestic games, we

open up ground entirely new. We believe and trust the soil
will prove fertile ;—it may turn out unhappily to be but sand.
Either there is room for the Philidorian, or we have anti
cipated the era, and the cause must bide its time for another
generation. Be this averted!—for the sake of the kindlier
feelings of man ; nourished and expanded, as we hold them to
be, by the free use of healthy recreation.

We raise our banner in the name of Philidor, whose

ashes rest in England. As the veterans of the " grande armeV'
are wont to pile the base of Napoleon's column with flowery
wreaths, so do we glory in now paying similar tribute to the
fame of the illustrious dead. May our offering to the memory
of Philidor be indeed twin'd of budding " immortelles."
11

The sports of the field, the turf, the angle, and the wave,
come not within our limits. Similar pursuits are already suffi
ciently represented ; both in, and out of, Parliament. Chess
claims our peculiar, though not exclusive, attention. Philidor
(whose mantle be upon us !) played all games well. The true
Philidorian walks in the path of bis master. He practises
every species of harmless recreation ;—frdta Chess and Whist
—Draughts and Backgammon,—down even to Dominoes and
Speculation. The Philidorian must be an Archer ; for he is
proud of blithe King Hal, who bent the bow at Agincourt.—
He likes Cricket when the sun shines—war,ms himself with
Billiards in the frost,— and disdains not to join his family circle
on a Christmas evening, in a merry round of Pope-Joan, or
Puss-in-the-corner. A wise man can afford to laugh ; while
the gravity of fools is proverbial.

Another word, and then " vogue la galere ;"—indulgence is

claimed for our earlier numbers. No first beginning comes
quite up to the mark. Whether it be a new actor on the
stage — or a new stage on the railroad ;— the wheels want
oil, and the steam is not, as yet, fully lord of the ascendancy.
Give us a fair start, and we hope to " go a-head " ;—growing
as we go, both in size and strength ; —and establishing, in the
Philidorian, a source of permanent amusement to all lovers
of intellectual relaxation.

December 1, 1837. The Editor.

 3

CHESS.—THE COCHRANE GAMBIT.

The Opening designated as the Cochrane Gambit is less

interesting in some respects than certain other modes of mar
shalling the forces ; but is second to none, as to the brilliant
positions of the pieces it cannot fail to elicit. Its chief draw
back is that it cannot be forced on the adversary by either
party ; since the first player is not compelled to play the Gam
bit, and the second player cannot be made to push the Pawn on
the Knight. Still this objection applies with equal force to
many other " debuts," as well as to that of which we are about
to chalk an outline, relieved by many new features.
We are strong advocates for the propriety of classifying the
various openings as minutely as possible, no matter by what
names, as the most definite ideas are thereby conveyed to the
student, with regard to their construction and origin. Still, in
ascribing an opening to its supposed inventor, we should be
careful to sail as near the wind as possible, lest the laurel should
be awarded to the wrong competitor. The Gambit, or rather
defence to the Gambit, of which we now write, was first christ
ened after that celebrated player, Mr. Cochrane, by M. de la
Bourdonnais, in our contemporary, the Palamede. La Bourdon-
nais appears to have no doubt on the subject, as we gather from
his own words : (Palamede, vol. II. p. 86.) " C'est a M. Coch-
" rane, 1' un des meilleurs joueurs d'echecs de la Grande Bre-
" tagne, que nous sommes redevables d'une bonne defense du
"gambit."* * * C'est ce coup ingenieux dont l'invention ap-
" partient a M. Cochrane, &c. &c."
In the testimony here borne to Mr. Cochrane's profound skill
as a Chess player we heartily join. When that gentleman went
out to India, some fifteen years since, our circle felt his loss as
a heavy blow. We cannot, however, agree with our Parisian
friend, that Mr. Cochrane invented the move in question. The
assumption appears to have been too hastily founded on the
fact of Mr. Cochrane's having given some specimens of the
opening, in his Treatise, printed in 1822, being games actually
played by himself, and, we believe, Mr, Brand. Mr. Cochrane,
however, attempts nothing like analysis, and the move had been
previously in common use by Sarratt, and even earlier players.
The first regular analysis of this move appeared in Mr. Lewis's
Lessons of Chess, and certainly of the two, " the Lewis Gam
bit" were a much more applicable title than the name it bears.
 4
We waive, however, controversy on the point ; and for the sake
of unanimity, cheerfully agree in acknowledging "the Coch
rane Gambit." In either case the palm is awarded to an
Englishman, and eke a member of the London Club ; and Mr.
Cochrane will doubtless receive the compliment as a tribute of
remembrance on the part of his* European friends, to his trans
cendent powers of Chess calculation.
In all Mr. Lewis's writings on the game, there is nothing, we
affirm, more masterly than his variations on this mode of de
fending the Gambit. He was heartily convinced of the truth
of the case he pleaded, and went into the subject "con amore."
He has been followed in the same track by Messrs. Walker and
La Bourdonnais ; each of whom appears to coincide in the
opinion of Lewis, Cochrane, Sarratt, and most great players,
that the defence in question is a sound, if not the soundest,
answer to the attack of the King's Gambit. It is with some
diffidence we are now about to impugn the judgment of a host
so mighty, but it is only by contradiction that truth is elicited,
and as experience is still leading to further discoveries in every
branch of science as well as Chess, so we must not hesitate
at testing our most favourite theories by its ever burning light.
After sketching the preliminary moves, we shall come at once to
the point at issue.

Opening of the Cochrane Gambit.

WHITE, BLACK.
1. K. P. two sq. 1. The same.
2. K. B. P. two sq. 2. P. takes P.
3. K. Kt. to B. third. 3. K. Kt. P. two.
4. K. B. to Q. B. fourth. 4. P. attacks Kt.
5. Kt. to K. fifth. 5. Q. checks.
6. K. toB. sq. 6. P. to K. B. sixth. This
is the move on which Cochran e's defence is founded, and which
we think has been too hastily received as sound. It is the
object of our present essay to prove that if adopted, White will
not want resources to enable him to win the game.
On taking a view of the board with the pieces in their pre
sent condition, we find that White has his King's Bishop and
Knight admirably planted, while Black has but his Queen in
play. It is true that White has been compelled to move his
King, which in itself is a disadvantage. This, however, we
fancy to be counterbalanced by the attack bearing on the
adverse King's Bishop's Pawn.
If the defence wins through thus advancing the Pawn,
they must make short work of it, as it is manifest that in
thus breaking their left wing, they will have little resource to
 *

5
fall back upon. To foil an attack at Chess, we must beware of
moving a Pawn, unless at a certain advantage, when we can,
instead, expend that move in bringing out a Piece. We believe
that Salvio's defence, playing out King's Knight at Move 6, is
far better than advancing the Gambit Pawn.
In the present posture of affairs^ reverting to the board before
us, we find that White possesses a choice of moves, the great
extent of which is alone sufficient to produce very considerable
embarrassment. Mr. Lewis's analysis of these moves, as far as
memory serves us, occupies something like fifty pages, and
would not bear shortening by a single variation. We fully agree
with Mr. Lewis that White ought to lose if he play either of the
moves which he supposes probable ; but we deny that White's
choice is to be thus shaped out for him. We think White can
now play a move unequivocally superior to either of those
analyzed by Mr. Lewis, and accordingly we suppose White to
move :—
7. Q. P. two sq.—This, as far as we can see, will preserve the
attack, and lead to the winning of the game, through Black's
having, at Move 6, injudiciously broken his own position.
With this belief, we shall not dwell on any one of the other
moves White may play, since we only require to win the game
ONCE.
Mr. Lewis passes over the move of Q. P. two squares, with
the following brief notice ; from which it is clear he thought it
inferior to those he has examined so patiently and minutely.
" If he play Q. P. two, you take Pawn with Pawn, Checking,
"(Black); on his retaking, you check with Queen at Rook's
" sixth, and then bring out K. Kt. to K. B. third, having the
" better game."
We will then adopt Mr. Lewis's moves, and see to what they
lead. Black plays as directed by him
7. P. takes P. ch.
8. King retakes. 8. Q. to R. sixth, ch.
9. K. to Kt. sq.—This appears to be the best square on which to
retreat the King.
9. K. Kt. to B. third. This is
the Move advised by Mr. Lewis, and we cannot find Black a better.
10. Kt. takes K.B.P.—The following diagram represents the.
situation of the pieces at the present juncture :—
 6
BLACK.

WHITE.

There is a great deal in observing the general face of a posi

tion, before entering upon details. Black has now the move,
and his King's Rook is attacked. This is the first consideration
suggested. Looking further, we find that Black's men are for
the most part crowded up at home in their original quarters,
while White commands three fourths of the field. The latter's
King is shielded from every danger by the situation of the ad
verse King's Knight's Pawn, and Black's Queen will soon find
her position too warm for comfort. White's centre Pawns are
admirably planted, and contrast strongly with those of the
Black.
Supposing Black in the situation before us, to play what
Chess writers well term " an indifferent move," (that is, a move
which bears not upon the question,) it is clear White will cap
ture the Rook gratuitously. We cannot find more than four
moves on Black's part worthy of consideration at the present
crisis, and these are
1. Rook moves.
2. Knight captures Pawn.
3. K. Kt. P. advances.
4. Q. P. two squares.
Let us glance at these moves in their order.
 7
No. 1.
10. R. moves.—Black plays the
Rook, to place it, simply, out of danger.
11. Kt. attacks Q.—Should Rook take Kt., you (White) win
the exchange, and the subsequent advance of K. Kt. P. falls
harmless. Should Black, on the other hand, retreat Queen,
say to K. R. 5, you take Rook with Bishop ; having it must be
allowed, on all sides, enough to win. Be it remembered we
only profess to be " sketching."
No. 2.
10. Knight takes P.
11. Black's last move is "worser" than the former. You
reply by pinning his Knight with Queen, and evidently ought
to win the game ; barring subsequent blunders, against which
we could not insure Solomon himself.
No. 3.
10. K. Kt. P. on.—By this move
Black threatens to advance P. to Kt. seventh, which would
win the Rook. He has not, however, time for this.
11. White has two moves, both good. The first, and proba
bly "fastest," is to attack Queen with Bishop, as this insures
the winning of Rook for Kt., and" the Bishop is ready to move,
if required, to Kt. second. Or, White may play
Kt. attacks Q. 11. Q. to K. R. fifth.
12. P. takes P. 12. Q. takes P. ch.
13. K. to B. sq., and our cry be " White for ever !"
No. 4.
10. Q. P. two sq.—This is Black's
strongest mode of play. To move the Pawn one square only, is
unworthy of our consideration.
11. Variations almost innumerable spring from this point,
but White has, to our mind, a clear winning game. To take
the offered Pawn is perhaps less forward play, than
K. B. home, attacking Queen.—
11. Q. toK. R. fifth.
12. Kt. takes R. 12. Kt. takes K. P.
13. Q.to K. second.—We give these moves rather as supposi
tious, than as the best for White. We mean those subsequent
to Move 11, at which we should prefer dismissing the Game as de
cidedly in White's favour. In going over this opening with a
friend, a player of a very high order, he continued it for Black
as follows :—
13. P. to K. Kt. sixth.
14. P. takes P. 14. Q. takes P. ch.
 15. B. covers. — It must be admitted Black has hardly a
leg left to stand upon.
We have now " said our say" thus far, respecting the Cochrane
Gambit ; and if wrong in our deductions, shall be glad to be set
right. Truth is our aim, and we court alike criticism and correc
tion. Until better informed we must assume our premises to be
well founded. The Cochrane defence to the Gambit will not do.
Few questions in Chess are more difficult of solution, than the
best method of defending the King's Gambit. All writers agree
as to the propriety of taking the offered Pawn at the second
move, and then resting victory upon an obstinate defence of the
acquisition ; but as to the surest modes of effecting this, there
prevails much difference "of opinion. The point is rendered
more difficult of decision, from the talent arrayed on both
sides of the question. One party, including the unrivalled
Philidor and Ponziani, are for prudently holding on with their
gains; and, placing the King's Bishop at King's Knight's
second square, at the fourth move, await the rush of the foe, like
the Andalusian tauridor resting on his lance. Others, including
Salvio, Sarratt, and chiefs of similar repute, scorn to remain in
their intrenchments, and boldly endeavour to wrest the attack
from their adversary, by advancing the Pawn on the Knight.
We candidly state it as our own opinion, that either of these
plans is good if judiciously followed up ; but we hold that if
the Pawn be pushed on the Knight, the second player can only
with safety, shape his defence, subsequently, in the mode termed
" Salvio's Gambit." If you suspect yourself to be stronger than
your adversary, you should, of course, push on the Pawn to
attack Kt. at Move 4, but it is assumed that we are addressing
players of comparatively equal force.
The advantage White gains from giving up his K. B. P. in
the Gambit, can only be founded on these circumstances. 1 .—
By diverting the adverse King's Pawn from his proper file, he
is enabled to push his own Queen's Pawn two squares, without
putting it en prise. 2. The King's Pawn thus diverted, is to the
adversary's own hindrance, as regards his shapeing an early
attack. 3. Black must either give up the said Pawn, on which
you will have sustained no numerical loss, and will have made
a good exchange,—or else, in defending it, he must push his
King's Knight's Pawn, and thereby open up the field on his
King's side ; to the detriment of his Castling, &c. It were
needless to lengthen these details for the present. We shall
not lose sight of the subject.
 9
STUDIES IN POLISH DRAUGHTS.
Under the above title, it is our intention to give a series of
Problems in this beautiful game ; and we shall take an early op
portunity of explaining its elements and constitution ; supposing
them for the present to be known to our readers. The solutions
of the positions will appear at a subsequent period. The White
men we shall invariably assume to have occupied originally the
lower half of the board, and to be therefore moving upwards, from
the student. White, too, is always understood to have the
move. We shall take care to specify such situations as have
occurred in play ; giving, when possible, the actual names of the
parties. Such positions will of course be found easier of solu
tion, than those framed expressly to present the greatest possible
difficulties. We possess many of this latter description, which
we do not hesitate to proclaim will be found intensely hard to
discover, if not altogether impracticable, without a clue. We
shall generally, however, prefer printing problems of moderate
difficulty.

No. 1. Won by M. Blonde of a celebrated player, termed in Paris, " le HollandaU."

C
No. 2. Won of the " Hollandais," by Philidor, the Chess-player.
 11

WHIST;—BY A MELTONIAN.
The game of Whist is in truth a noble sport, and its proper
ties are duly appreciated by an admiring world. Some of my
friends believe the division of the year into fifty-two weeks arose,
originally, from the intense love of Whist in its fifty-two bodily
elements, thus publicly manifested on the part of early quid
nuncs. The theory is curious and probable ; and could it be pro
ved, would tend to show that our ancestors were not the brutes
I take them to have been. At any rate the pack of fifty-two
cards was pre-ordained "par excellence" for Whist ; and it were
sin indeed to sunder them ; the parties constituting in their
union, a high and holy harmony.
There are some points about the games of both Boston and
Quadrille, of a presentment exceedingly " Whistish" ; and, not to
speak it profanely, there have been moments when I fancied
that certain of their constituent parts were finer than Whist
itself. But this opinion has not endured, and was merely the
transient passion awakened by beauty in a novel form. " The
nightingale," says the poet of Persia, " stoops over the bright
flowers of the garden, but is still constant to the rose." When
a man drinks gooseberry-wine in hot July, he thinks at the mo
ment Champagne can hardly match it. Whist is the Cham
pagne ; aye, and the Cogniac too, of the ripe vine's richest
produce.
The chief superiority of Whist over Quadrille and its fellows,
lies in the exact simplicity of its constitution; all the parts of which
are so evenly balanced, that they may be said, to use a bold
trope, to have been fashioned of British Oak itself. The rudi
ments of Whist are acquired (somehow) in ten minutes ; and
should your friends be "merciful of mood" you may then at
once sit down, and begin to resolve your newly acquired know
ledge into practice. You have but to learn the order of the
cards,—to know that you must follow suit—that the ace knocks
down the king, and a few similar leading points, and then play
away like old Kentucky. On the other hand, the elements and
preparatory essentials of Quadrille require a week's hard fag at
least; and this I assume to be the chief cause why that really
fine game has gone " to grass." The technicalities of Quadrille,
too, once overcome, little ultimate superiority is gained by skill;
whereas in Whist the case is just (and justly) reversed ; for like
Chess, its profundities are too deep for perfect exploration. The
best players in the best clubs occasionally stumble, and every
acknowledged first-rate I have ever looked over, was capable of
losing a trick at least once in how shall I fill up the blank ?
Whist is, then, the prince of card games, but never was
 12
monarch more scurvily treated by his subjects. Of the hundred
thousand persons who crouch daily on the earth's surface to play
Whist, how few are worthy of even rubbing themselves against
the portals of the temple ? They may, parrot-like, pour out
the slang terms of the science;—utter much flippancy about
" cutting " the diamond, and taking " five half-pounds to four ;"
—they may tell, and swear, " how" they lost last Monday sixty-
seven points in succession ; and how they kept their legs under
the same green baize, twenty-five hours in succession, "by Shrews
bury clock." They may, in a word, "talk ' Whist enough to
strike a modest man, like me, dumb : but in their whole bushel
of " chaff,"—Winchester measure, there is seldom even one poor
grain of wheat.
What capital fault-finders are some Whist torturers ! How
hard they fight the battle over between the deals ! How they
" pitch it in" to their partners for not " running" the Queen, or
for " taking out" the Heart. How " politefully" they tell the
innocent sufferer who faces them, that he is little better than a
fool, inside and out, and not fit to hold a card in their most
sweet company t To think he should have held the ace, and not
put it on !—the wretch ought to be consigned to immediate per
dition. Here were they, " sitting with" the Lord knows what,
and he (Innocent) such a blind beast, he could not distinguish
what treasures they possessed, through the backs of the cards !
O the eloquence, say I, of similar spouting rhetoricians! How
well they would lecture on Whist at the Tloyal Institution ;—but
as to its practice, " Mangling done here" were their fitting
motto. The scientific player is silent, and findeth fault good
humouredly and rarely, or more in sorrow than in anger ; doing
it ever with an air of quiet modesty, as if rather anxious to seek
truth for its own sake, than actuated by that empty, vulgar,
spirit, which blames, but praises never. Many of the com
pany of shallow Whist-mongers, are so greedy and keen upon
the scent, that even when not playing themselves, they cannot
hold their tongues ; but favor the party with a running fire of
yelping criticism while the cards are dealing. Such persons
have moreover this advantage, that, as they gape over two or
three hands at once, they are thus better qualified to play Ther-
sites ; and hence their admonitions become doubly or trebly
insupportable. You foolishly condescend, perhaps, to defend
the unsuccessful finesse, and they demonstrate that you must
have known (for they knew) that your left hand adversary held
second best. If you ask Gander how you could have known
what he assumes to have been so clearly legible, you draw
down a redoubled scream of cackle ; which lasts until you lift
your next hand, when your persecutor takes himself off, for the
moment, to peck, hop, sniff, and flutter, once more round the table.
 13
Other players of this school affect the pedant. " Let me
look at that trick, Sir,"—in order to know whether their
partner played the tray or the deuce ;— such nonsense, I know,
plays the deuce with my patience. Many, rather more advanced,
are able to play their own cards tolerably, but never acquire the
more difficult art of reading their partners' hands. The conse
quence is, they study their own particular cards alone ; and,
with perhaps a very weak set, persist in their own stupid path ;
forcing their partner, instead of giving him a trump, or vice
versa, as the case may be. I believe in the existence of men
who fancy a knave, or ten, in their own hands, more than a
queen, or king, in the hand of their partner. It is astonishing
these worthies do not oftener play the correct card—by mistake !
And what are the reasons Whist is played so badly ?—for I
am not bigotted enough to deny that a moderate knowledge
thereof is really easy of attainment. One of the chief causes
I take to be a disregard of the importance of studying its theory,
but a more obvious reason is, that bad play is so frequently
concealed from the practitioner himself, by the cloak of Dame
Fortune. If the bungler wins, no matter how. He makes two
by cards, and is satisfied ; not having perception to become
aware that his hand presented capabilities of making the game ;
by scoring three for the cards, instead of a couple. The cutting
in, too, of players of every grade, in succession, at the same
table, keeps men, otherwise sensible souls, in the dark as to
their deficiencies ; to say nothing of the habit of betting largely
with all comers, before the tyro is well out of his spelling-book.
If two bad players would agree to sit down in partnership, and
play a match of a hundred rubbers against two acknowledged
masters of the game, the secret would be found out. Foolish
men frequently win exclusively through the cards, and of course
attribute it to their skill ; " for," say they ignorantly, " how can
I play badly, if I win ? " And it must be owned, that we often
see the cards run provokingly cross in this respect ; showering
their choicest favours on those who so little deserve the boon.
Unskilful players form bad habits, through starting originally in
an erroneous track, and can never retrace their steps. Were it
any thing else but a game, they would probably study it seriatim ;
but they are content to jog on; risking sums of money on so
sandy a foundation, that their superstructure is constantly totter
ing in the wind. One remark of a contemporary writer on Whist,
comes here pat to my pen :—
" Thousands sit down to play Whist, and millions of pounds are
" made to change hands yearly by its powers of transfer. Nine
" persons out of ten, however, would lock their doors if they sat
" down to study the principles of the game (which cannot be
" done effectually without the cards before them), from a dread
 14
" of being caught ; as if they were ashamed of being seen to
" learn, what they are not ashamed of being seen to practise."
Major A. on Short Whist, p. 40.
1 have played in my lifetime many hundreds of rubbers at
Whist, with players of every grade and country ; and hope yet
to live to play some hundreds more. With much experience
should come understanding. To puff my own personal skill is
far from being my present aim, but I may be permitted to say
in a few words that as I have not been an inattentive observer,
so I have a number of curious points noted down in my Whist
Scrap-book, which, when in due order unfolded, and laid before
the " board of green cloth," will not, 1 am proud to think, be
found without their use. Be not deceived with sound without
sense. A large bell rings louder, but is as empty and hollow as
the smaller one. The best play at Whist is that which approx
imates the closest to the playing of what is termed " dumby."
All the world admit this to be the truth, but all the world fre
quently sin against their own conviction. Weak players adopt
a wild course ; finessing cards against all reasonable probability.
The thing tells perhaps once in five times, and the practitioner
chuckles over the skill developed in his splendid " coup ;" but
respecting the four times it fails, he does yet more wisely, for he
holds his tongue ; and should his partner murmur, cuts him
short by telling him decidedly it was the game. All this is sheer
humbug. Others, with perhaps a couple of trumps, lead them
off, to bring in some prodigious " long suit," as they term it ;
as if with wo trumps they could draw eleven; and, as may be
expected, sit sometimes, with four or five trumps, and to save
their lives, would scorn to lead one. On these and similar points,
I shall have a few words hereafter in detail, with the readers
Of THE PHILIDORIAN.
How many different ways, friendly reader, do you think the
thirteen cards you take up can be produced by a pack ? If you
are fond of arithmetic, calculate for yourself. If otherwise in
clined, take it from me that the combinations " formable" of
thirteen cards in each, are simply expressed in figures thus :—
635,013,559,600. Oh! that a tithe of this respectable total
were in the shape of shillings to call me master ! But, seriously,
there are certain things afloat, to which the application of figures
produces results of a complexion approaching the ridiculous ;
and this is one of them. By way of climax, it is worth putting
on record, that to represent the whole of the possible combi
nations of the pack of fifty-two cards, requires no fewer than
forty-seven figures ; which said cyphers array themselves in
sober earnestness before us thus:—16,250,563,659,176,029,962,
568, 164,794,000,749,006,367,006,400. There is a bit of " Cam
bridge" you won't find in Hoyle !
 15
What would the worthy Mrs. Battle (Charles Lamb's Mrs.
Battle) say, could she have lived to witness the coming in of
short whist ? Happily for her, she was spared the shock.
Never had Whist a more enthusiastic admirer. Did she not
reprimand her partner for laughing while playing?—observing,
so truly and emphatically, that "cards were cards;"—and did
she not send ten miles once over the snow to ask the Curate
to dinner, because in his morning's lecture he had made so
many allusions to "the last trump?" After the lamented death
of Mrs. Battle, there was found among her papers the sketch
of a new variety of Whist, which, had she lived, would ere this
have been put in motion. The exact details I forget, but it
hinged on these chief preliminaries. Twenty-five instead of ten
were to make game, and the rubber was to comprise five, instead
of three games. Three honours were to reckon for one point
only, instead of two ; and the four honours to be bagged as a
brace, in lieu of four. Surely to this good lady, Short Whist
would have been an abomination unendurable. There are many
Mrs. Battles. From my own narrow circle, I could pick half a
dozen dowagers who would each give her right hand, to ascertain
the author of this revolutionary innovation on the sacred aris
tocracy of Whist. Poor devil! were his name made public, his
life for the next three months would hardly be insurable at any
office in the metropolis.
A convert to the light of truth, I am not ashamed to acknow
ledge that on the first introduction of Shorts, I was heathen
enough to side with the legitimates, and was strongly prejudiced
against the new game. My opinion is now altogether as much
biassed in favour of Short Whist over Long Whist. The question
is fair matter of argument, and I append a brief summary of the
pros and cons, major and minor.
The conservatives, or followers of Long Whist, say that Short
Whist was merely introduced to make the stakes in effect higher, and
the excitement of play consequently greater, owing to the events
being more frequently determined. That the money circulates
faster, and that the game is thereby more nearly allied to
gambling, than its graver progenitor. That the fewer the points
to be gained, the greater is the advantage to unskilful players.
That the honours tell for too much at Short Whist, in proportion;
and that an increased weight has been thereby thrown into the
scale, on the side of luck versus science. That some of the
chief beauties of -the game are destroyed through the goal of
victory's thus being brought nearer to the competitors ; in the
same manner that the rail roads will tend to injure the pleasure
of travelling, owing to the rapidity with which they whirl you
across the country. " where can be the use," say the Longs,
" of exercising fine play to bring in a strong suit, and thus make
" two or three by cards, when the odd trick will of itself be
 16
" sufficient to land you at the mark of five ? "—But let the public
advocates of the cause plead for themselves, and call Matthews
first : speaking of the introduction of Short Whist, he says,
" There have been, I presume, two inducements for this alte-
" ration ; the one to promote a quicker circulation of the cash,
" and make the play deeper; the other to reduce the advantage
" of the good over the bad player, by approximating a game of
" skill still nearer to a game of chance. That it has both these
" effects is evident, for Short Whist is much higher play at a
" guinea, than Long Whist at two-guinea points; and I am con-
" vinced that the fewer the points to be played for, the greater
" the advantage to the inferior player. On the supposition that
" the honours, on an average, are four in the Long, and two
" each game in Short Whist, I think the good player has double
" the advantage in the former, to what he has in the latter
" game, having twice the number of points to play for," &c. &c.
Matthews on Whist, P. 61, Sfc.
The sentiments here expressed are repeated with increased force
in the last editions of Hoyle ; witness the following quotations :—
" From the brevity of this new game, there is little scope for
" manoeuvre, stratagem, and plans, which form the chief beauties
" of the old game ; and the most successful way of playing it is,
" in general, by pressing forward in double quick time, making
" as many tricks as the hand will apparently admit of, seldom
" risking a finesse : in other words, to carry every thing by a
" coup-de-main, rather than a ruse-de-guerre, in the way of what
" is termed in derision Whitechapel play. And if the name
" of Whitechapel Whist had been given to the game itself, it
" could scarcely have been deemed a misnomer. Its main at-
" traction would seem to be the quick return of the stakes ; no
" unimportant attribute to the gamester."—See Hoyle's Games,
by Charles Jones, Esq. London, 1826.
" Five, instead often, constituting the game at Short Whist,
" brings it much more within the sphere of chance than Long
" Whist, for by presenting a more extended field to the operation
" of your cards, it neutralizes the good skill of a fine player, re-
" ducing his advantage over an inferior adversary in the ratio of
" one half. ****** It follows, therefore, that the most ap-
" proved tactique is a bold, dashing, en avant system, almost the
" very reverse of the Fabian policy of the old one, which presents
" so wide a field for stratagem and manoeuvre." &c.—See Hoyle's
Games, by G. H. Esq. London, 1835.
I will not here comment upon these writers. They agree in
considering Short Whist to be almost as much a game of chance
as tossing up a halfpenny.
It has been further remarked in favor of the ancient variety of
Whist, that one of the chief reasons for its continued preference
by thinking people, is founded on good play's requiring so many
 17
more finesses at Long, than Short Whist. This, they say, which
constitutes so pretty a part of the game, is in positive contra-dis-
tinction to Short Whist ; at which you must only look out for
certain tricks, and risk next to nothing. In " Whitechapel
Whist," as the ponderously facetious Jones, Esquire, hath it,
you must trust to the moral weight of the cards alone, and not
give away a single chance. The very deal at starting decides the
game in the long run ; it being a good five to four in favour of
the rubber's being won by those who deal first ; and as this event
is decided by chance alone, Short Whist is more and more assi
milated to games of pure hazard.
Such is a fair abstract of the arguments brought forward by the
admirers of Long Whist, against its presumptuous and fast-grow
ing opponent. Let us see what may be said in reply.
And first, as to Short Whist necessarily involving higher play,
the assumption falls to the ground, if the amount staked be dimi
nished. That guinea points, Shorts, are much higher play than
guinea points, Longs, is an obvious truism, but is the lover of
Short Whist bound to play the same points he has been accustomed
to observe at Long Whist ? For example, I myself am one of a
private Whist Club, who have met constantly during the last
twenty-five years. While we played Long Whist we had half-
crown points, with an optional crown on the rubber. Since the
introduction, and exclusive establishment of Short Whist, we have
lowered our stakes ; and now play shilling points, with a bet of
half a crown on the rubber. We are all old friends, and sober
citizens of London ; and of course our object has been harmless
amusement, and not the winning of each other's money. Were
any of our members known to bet higher than permitted by the
Code, expulsion from the circle would inevitably follow.
With regard to the increased frequency of the determination of
the several events, and the consequently enhanced degree of ex
citement therefrom derivable,—1 admit, while I rejoice, in the
truth of the fact. A rubber under the old regime was sometimes
a very tedious affair, particularly if supper was waiting. For
merly, a rubber might last two hours ; now, it may be over in two
deals ; and this I hold to be an improvement, Whist not being
intended to be practised as a soporific. It will be borne in mind,
that as I have lowered my stakes, I lose, or win, about the same
amount, on a hundred points at Shorts, as I formerly did on the
same number of Longs ; while in the administration of the course,
I enjoy just twice the fun at the same cost, both as to time and
money. The thing is equally applicable to each of the three
friends with whom I form a table. Matthews is oompelled to
admit that " the good players " are the chiefest advocates of
Short Whist. They know best how capable of improvement are
all human institutions, and none but fools will think this rule
D
 18
exists with a single exception. A strong proof of the superiority
of Short Whist is to he based on the rapidity of its progress. It
has traversed the land from shore to shore, and established itself
as quickly on the throne of public opinion, as did the mighty
Napoleon, when in 1815 he rushed like a meteor, from Cannes
to Paris. The comparison cannot, however, be maintained further,
for the votaries of Short Whist will " leave it never ! "
A few remarks upon the point at issue, by my clever and
lively contemporary, Major A * * * *, are too good to be
omitted in arguing for the cause of Shorts :—he says,
" Matthews, the most gentleman-like, and best, Whist-player
" of the Long school, in his short observations published upon
" the new game , as he calls it, has expressed his opinion that it
" was in favour of the middlings ; but to my certain knowledge
" he lived to change it, and to see how frequently indifferent
" play prevented saving a game. * * * * The point in dispute
" may be thus settled :—how would good players play, at five-all
" in the old game? They would play to make five, to win the
" game, or three points to score eight for the advantage of
" calling ; this is precisely the new game :—the attack and
"defence is therefore the same as at five-all. The introduction
" of Short Whist has, however, had the effect of improving
"Whist-players generally; scarcely a bungler now exists, who
" does not know that five tricks with one honour save the
" game. Whereas, formerly, bad Whist-players were like tra-
" vellers upon a strait French road, between a long vista, which
" seemed to have no end, and no variety. They played the same
" from one end of the .game to the other ; always thinking of
"ten points. Now they have learnt that a sudden turn* on a
" rapid Macadamized turnpike may bring its coup-de-grace ; and
" they, as well as they can, look to the score, and play to points,"
&c. See Major A. on Short Whist, p. 26.
The mode in which honours are permitted to count at Short
Whist, has been made the subject of frequent cavil, but in my
opinion, improperly so. The writer just quoted, Major A.,
stands at the head of this party. They suggest that the honours
ought to be divided with the score, and that while four honours
thus count for two points only, three honours should reckon as but
one. To me, I own, the suggested alteration appears to be equal
ly superficial as sophistical. The present method observed in
counting for honours keeps up an interest in the game to the
very last moment. Who can say they are sure of victory, when
even at four-love, the game is so frequently carried off by the
sudden apparition of the four honours on the side of the enemy 1
The not reckoning honours at four, and the abrogation of calling

* Mrs. Battle wouM hare rcdde it " turn-over."

 19
in toto, is likewise sound philosophy. The calling in Long
Whist, at the point of eight, is any thing but Whist-like, It
opens a door to sundry irregularities, and presents a decided
encroachment upon that important feature in our legislative
system, which prohibits partners from practising ought approach
ing to intimation of their relative force. 1 say, and say again,
that our present plan of computing the worth of honours, is as
perfect as can be any thing in the present century ; which itself
can only be denned as a part of that vast cradle, in which the
infancy of the globe is being rocked into manhood.
And while I am upon this part of my subject, let us see if
we cannot retort a little upon the big Whistonians, and carry the
war into the enemy's camp. I maintain that in Old Whist there
is a certain degree of tedium inseparable from certain positions
of the score; which, in Young Whist, is by no means apparent.
Suppose one party to be at nine-love, or seven-love, and their
adversaries make up to them through a long succession of soli
tary odd tricks—how heartily do both parties in similar cases
unite in voting the. concern a bore ! The distribution of the
points is now moreover vastly improved, and in this respect, at
least, we have borrowed advantageously from France. The rub
ber point has been doubled, as it ought to be; for I take it to
be an indisputable truism, that viewed in proportion to its colla
terals, the payment of the rubber has been hitherto inadequate
to meet the merits of the case. The introduction of the "treble"
was a manifest conception of genius. The carrying-on game, in
which any overplus that may arise, goes forward towards the
next rubber, is an invention replete with talent ; but runs too
much into the extreme to suit either my taste, or that, I believe, of
any other Whist Amateur ; but this " en passant."
At Long Whist, he who gains four points is in reality no better
off than he who loses a bumper ; while the unhappy wretch who
scores but nine, might as well have stopt at five. How opposite
a state of things to the simplicity of our present arrangements,
in which there is consolidated a distribution of reward and pu
nishment, worthy of Jeremy Bentham, or the great Rhadaman-
thus himself. Make one single point, and you save your treble ;
mark three, and your double is out of danger ; w hile, should you
score five, your breeches pocket swells with exultation, and a
single only is enrolled against you, even should the laurel of the
day be awarded to your antagonists. The interest felt in Short
Whist is never suffered to flag ; but down to the last moment of
the game, there exists the strongest stimulus to exertion.
To the assembled of Whist- players, who, though too few to
form a couple of tables, are too many for one, how great a boon
has been given by the cutting down the score. Fancy five men
 20
round a Whist-table engrossed by four out of the five, for an
hour or two consecutively. Bah ! I have formerly undergone
the ordeal, and can well sympathize with the unhappy looker-on.
Invited to play Whist, he finds himself reduced to play Pa
tience ; and is glad to take up a magazine, or to amuse himself
with a Chinese puzzle !
The discomfited followers of the fallen monarchy tax their
opponents with a frequent waste of fine play, its adoption being
occasionally useless. Did I not believe the ca^ e to be the very
reverse, and that good play goes for more at Shorts than Longs,
I should withdraw my allegiance from the former to-morrow.
It is admitted that in playing Short Whist the gain or loss
of a single trick must influence the result in a greater degree
than in Long Whist. Upon this fact I ground my case, certain
of a triumphant verdict. As the number of events is doubled,
so are the effects of unskilful play doubled also. Suppose, for
example, that in Long Whist, you lose the odd trick, by a blun
der, the first hand of the rubber; the fault is comparatively of
minor consequence ; but at Short Whist it would be sufficiently
important, in all probability, to determine the game. With us,
let it never be forgotten, an odd trick is one fifth, instead of one
tenth, of the whole affair. Twenty per cent., instead. of ten.
Again, suppose that a Short Whist player, through bad play,
remains at four when he could have played out ; how much
more does he thus lose, than he would do by scoring four instead
of five at Longs. As in the royal game of Chess every move
is required to count, so in Short Whist, every single card must
tell either one way or another ; and the judgment can ne
ver slumber, as it sometimes does at Great Whist, over the falla
cious reflection, " Oh ! it did not much matter; it was only one
trick." At Shorts, there frequently arise hands with which bad
players would at most score three, but with which the scienti
fic would at once play out. This cannot happen at Long Whist.
But methinks I hear a venerable Whistonian or Whist—one,
true to his early pursuits, cry " Then according to your logic,
three had even better be game than five, since it would be the
sooner decided, and a greater number of events would thence
come off in the playing out of a hundred points, in favour of the
skilful." Stop a moment, my friend, and don't beg the case.
You may, if you please, frame a new Whist, in which three
points shall constitute the game, but I shall certainly not make
one of the party. I prefer the Mail Coach to the heavy Waggon,
but am little ambitious of travelling in a Balloon. A Whist,
shorter than Short, would be as much in extreme, as Long Whist ;
and moderate men prefer moderate measures. The line must
be drawn somewhere, or we should be split into endless factions ;
 21
every man practising a Whist of his own concoction. Five is a
good number ; and I shall therefore pause, ere I permit any
other to be substituted.
One point must not be forgotten. At Short Whist, different
tables of calculation as to the odds, &c., must supersede those
previously in use, but these calculations are simple, and, indeed,
easier of comprehension than their progenitors. I beg too, most
respectfully, to hint that I have seen a good deal of nonsense
committed by players at Long Whist ; of which they would
assuredly be ashamed at Shorts. I mean that some of them
are prone to exercise the most ridiculous strokes of finesse ; and
to play so backward a game, in order to bring in " their long
suit," that it amounts to positive burlesque. To see their
" coups," one would be apt to suppose that each player had
thirty, instead of thirteen cards, so very fine do they draw it.
At Short Whist there is much less of this extraneous species of
skill put forth, and young players will hence the sooner ac
quire a good style of play. There arise, however, certain oppor
tunities, in which it is more correct to finesse deeply than it
would be in playing Longs, for it more frequently happens that
a bold dash may save the game, which without it is irretrievably
lost. The first consideration, on taking up a hand at Whist,
should be to save the game ; the second, to win it, if you can.
There is nothing which draws the line between good and bad
players stronger than the observance of this principle. The
foolish man, with a weak hand, sees that his opponents must
score, and resigns the contest in despair ; dropping his cards with
the most enraging indifference. Whist would be better played,
did private families form a habit of playing the points properly
when alone ; instead of being content to count only the game
or rubber-point. Let them, say I, play the game ; for pence if
they will ; but play the game.
The foregoing rambling remarks are intended to preface a
series of discursive papers, in a familiar style, on the Game
of Short Whist ; both as relates to its theory and practice. I
am vain enough to think I can throw considerable light on the
subject ; and perhaps the very circumstance of the work's being
broken thus into detached portions, may induce some persons
to accompany me throughout the execution of my task, who
would be deterred from opening a volume on the subject, if put
into their hands ready " bound and gilt."

(to be continued.)
 22

CHESS.—POSITION BY PONZIANI.

This situation, curious enough as regards the force set in op

position, occurs in Ponziani's celebrated Treatise on Chess. That
great writer gives the above position, as one in which White, with
the advantage of the Move, can win the game by force ; against
a numerical superiority apparently overwhelming. The situation
is repeated, and the same fallacy assumed by several subsequent
authors. We proceed to expose the error of the calculation ;
first remarking, that it is to M. Szen, the celebrated Hungarian
Chess player, we are indebted for its discovery.
The following are the Moves by which it has been always sup
posed White forces the game :—
WHITE. BLACK.
1. Q. R. P. two. The result would be exactly similar were
White as his first move to play K. to B. as his best square.
1. Q. P. advances.
2. Q. R. P. one. 2. Q. P. advances.
3. K. to B.—It is obvious White must move King to arrest Q.
P. ; and were he to play to either of the other two squares on the
Bishop's file, he would clearly lose the game. Similar points
are useful as studies ; and should not be passed without analysis.
3. K. B. P. advances.
4. K. home, (best.) 4. K P. one.
5. Q. R. P. on. 5. K. P. one. v
 23
6. Q. R. P. on. 6. Q. P. ch.—After the fourth
move, we admit that the best moves are uniformly given to Black.
7. K. to Q. 7. K. B. P. one.
8. P. Queens, ch. 8. K. to Kt. second.
9. Q. to K. R. sq. 9. Kt. P. advances.
10. K. to K. second. 10. Kt. P. advances.
11. K. takes P. 11. K. to R. third.
12. K. takes P., and evidently wins.
The flaw in the foregoing line of defence turns on the fourth
move ; at which, by judiciously substituting a better, the com
plexion of the affair is immediately altered. Replace the original
position, and try the following moves :—
1. R. P. two. 1. Q. P. advances.
2. R. P. on. 2. Q. P. advances.
3. K. to B. 3. K. B. P. on.
4. K. home. 4. K. Kt. P. one.—By pushing
this Pawn instead of K. P., White's conquest is frustrated. This
Move is by M. Szen.
5. R. P. advances. 5. B. P. ch.—This, and Black's
next move, founded as they both are, on the advance of the Kt.
P. at the critical moment, form a first-rate piece of play.
6. K. takes P. White has no better move.
6. Kt. P. ch.
If White do not take Pawn, it advances gratuitously.
7. K. takes P. 7. Q. P. advances.
8. R. P. on. 8. P. Queens.
9. P. Queens, ch.—We may here dismiss the game, and con
sider the case "proven." Of the two, Black is the more likely
to win ; having two Pawns " plus," one of them guarded, and
the check being harmless. Whether White can succeed in es
tablishing a perpetual check, is foreign to the purpose. Grant
ing that he be fortunate enough to draw the game, Ponziani's
original conclusion is equally invalidated. We so rarely catch
this author tripping, that his slightest inaccuracies are worth
pointing out, to the critical eye of the scientific player. '

ENGLISH DRAUGHTS.
The solutions of the following critical situations at the com
mon game of Draughts will be given in a future number of
the Philidorian ; and the collection will be continued. As in
our positions of Polish Draughts, the white men, here, have
uniformly the first move ; and are supposed to be advancing up
the board, having originally filled the lower lines of squares.
No. 1. White to win.

No. 2. White to win.

No. 3. White to win.

No. 4. White to win.

 2Q

LESSONS IN ECARTE.

Lesson I.—What is Ecartk.

The game of Ecarte is played by two persons, with a pack of
thirty-two, instead of fifty-two cards ; the twos, threes, fours,
fives, and sixes, being thrown out of the common pack, as at
Picquet. When there are several persons present who wish to
join in, it is not unusual for three, or even four, of them to play
together ; which is accomplished as follows :—Suppose A, B, C,
and D, to form a similar party ; A and B first play a game or
rubber, and the winner gives up his seat to C, who is followed by
D, and so on in rotation. As regards the uninitiated, this mode
of cutting in, by turns, is preferable to the tedium of looking on ;
but it is rarely practised by better players.
Ecarte is played with two packs of cards (as whist) ; these
packs should have, by rights, backs of different colours, for the
sake of proper distinction. Each player deals exclusively with
the same cards throughout the game, or rubber. He who first
deals has the choice of the packs, which cannot subsequently be
changed ; except for the purpose of introducing new cards, which
may be called for at any time, previous to dealing. The right to
the first deal is determined by cutting the cards in the ordinary
manner; the highest to deal. At Ecarte, the king is the highest
card. Each player keeps his own pack on his right hand, while
not dealing.
It is customary to play either games, or rubbers, at the option
of the players; the former being the most in vogue.
Five points constitute the game ; which are scored with four
counters. These four counters are placed, at starting, on the
one side of either player ; and are then passed, as required, to
the other side. The score is usually placed on the same side as
the bets, or stakes, which is generally on the left hand. When
the game is decided, each playeV replaces his counters on their
original side.
The stakes and bets must all be placed on the table ; and are
not considered as accepted, unless covered. He who wins a bet,
or stake, is compelled to give the loser his revenge, once only ;
but the latter is of course not bound to accept it without he
likes.
ORDER OF THE CARDS.
The king is the highest card in Ecarte.
The queen is next in value. ,
The knave ranks after the queen. !
The ace follows the knave.
 27
The ten, nine, eight, and seven rate as they are here placed ;
thus the seven is the lowest card in the pack.
It will be seen that the relative value of the cards is the same
as at Whist, except as to the ace ; which, in fecarte, stands be
tween the knave and ten.
The cards capture each other according to their quality. The
king, queen, and knave, can each take the ace ; while the latter
can take the ten, nine, &c. Of course, this applies to each
several suit, only.
A trump can take a card of any other suit, as at Whist. Thus
the seven of diamonds, if trumps, can capture the king of clubs,
&c.
With regard to following suit, fecarte is also very similar to
Whist. Diamonds being trumps, and the eight of hearts led,
should the king of spades, &c. be played in reply, it is taken by
the heart.

ON THE MANNER OF PLAYING.

The cards having been shuffled, and cut, properly, the dealer
gives five cards to each. The cards are not dealt singly, one at
a time, but either by three and two, or two and three ; that
is to say, the dealer begins by giving his adversary three
cards, then takes the same number himself,—and finishes the
deal by giving his opponent two cards, and taking two himself,
—or, he may begin by giving two to each, and finish by giving
three to each ; as laid down in the laws. Having thus dealt five
cards to each, the eleventh card is turned up by the dealer as
the trump. The trump card is placed by itself, conspicuously on
the table, during the playing out of the hand.
If the card turned up as the trump be a king, the dealer
marks immediately one point towards game. The king of
trumps when held in hand, also, entitles its holder to mark one
point. He who first marks five points wins the game.
The deal being made, each party takes up, and looks at his
five cards. The king of trumps, when held in hand, must be
marked, before the holder begins to play.
The non-dealer, who is termed the elder hand, then begins at
once to play, if satisfied with his cards. But should he think
fit, has the option, if dissatisfied with his hand, to propose ex
changing some, or all of them, for other cards. He does this by
saying " I propose." The dealer, in determining as to whether
he should agree to this proposal, consults his hand ; and if he
prefers it, refuses to agree, but compels the non-dealer to play
without proposing.
Should the dealer, again, agree to the offer of the elder hand
as to discarding, he answers " how many?''—The elder hand then
 28
throws down one or all of his cards, faces downwards, and receives
as many as he demands in lieu thereof ; card for card. Thus,
if he discards three, he receives three others, and so on. The
dealer then throws out as many from his own hand as he thinks
proper, and takes in a fresh supply accordingly.
Should the elder hand play without proposing to discard, or
should the dealer refuse his consent to the proposition, there
arise certain contingencies, and probable penalties, as will be
hereinafter explained.
After proposing, and receiving fresh cards, the elder hand is
at liberty to propose again and again, and the dealer continues
to exercise his discretion respecting the agreeing to such propo
sal. Only there is no contingent penalty consequent upon re
fusing a second proposal to discard.
The dealer is not compelled to discard, (or ecarter,) the same
number of cards as his adversary. Thus should the elder hand
change three only, the dealer may discard the whole five if he
like. Or, if the non-dealer throws out four or five, the dealer
may only discard one or two, according to his hand.
The cards discarded are kept together, and not suffered to be
mixed with the remainder of the pack ; which is termed the " ta
lon," or " stock," and is kept on the right hand of the dealer.
The discarding being adjusted, the elder hand begins to play,
by leading off a card.
The second player in reply must follow suit if he can, and in
so doing must not underplay ; that is, he may not play a card
lower than the one led, should he hold a higher in his hand.
Should he not be able to follow suit, he must trump, if possible.
The winner of the trick turns it, and plays again, and so on,
until the ten cards are all played out. The hands form, there
fore, five tricks of two cards each.
He who wins three of the five tricks is said to have gained
" the point and is thereby entitled to mark one towards game.
He who wins four of the five tricks gains no more than if he
had turned only three. He who wins the whole five obtains
" the vole ;" and scores two points towards game. Thus the
greatest number that can be made by either player, in one
hand, is three, viz.—two for the vole, should he win the five
tricks; and one for the king of trumps, should he have the
good fortune to hold it in his hand.
It may be as well here to point out that should the elder hand
play without " proposing," and should the dealer then win three
of the five tricks, the latter marks two for the point, instead of
one ; as a sort of punishment for the presumption of the non-
dealer, in standing with cards which were not competent to per
form the task they undertook. But should the dealer in this
case gain the " vole," he still only marks two points ; the inten
 29
tion being that in no case can a greater number be made from the
playing the hand than two. So, on the other hand, should the
dealer refuse to allow the elder hand to discard, on his proposing
so to do, the latter has the privilege of marking two points, in
stead of one, should he gain three of the five tricks ; but if he
gains the vole, he takes no surplus. The risk thus run in not
proposing, or in refusing your adversary's offer to propose,
should he be elder hand, considerably increases the interest .
of the game ; and is indeed one of its greatest beauties.
The hands being played out, and the score called, and marked,
another hand is recommenced, the deal passing alternately ; and
so on, until the game is decided, by one of the two players having
scored five points.
Lesson II.—Explanation of the technical phrases, etc.
USED IN ECARTE.
It is necessary to premise, that Ecarte being a game of French
extraction, many of its phrases exist exclusively in that language.*
Cut. This word is not only applied to cutting for deal, &c.
but when a card of another suit is trumped, it is frequently said
to be " cut."
Ecart. The cards discarded are sometimes called the ecart.
Etre a la Devine. A person is placed " a la devine,"when
embarrassed as to which card, of two or more, he ought to keep,
and which to throw away.
Ecarter. The meaning of the verb Ecarter is "to discard,"
or " scatter," and signifies the throwing on one side, or dis
carding, of certain cards, in order to their being replaced by
others.
Elder hand. On beginning the game, the non-dealer is
termed the " elder hand." Afterwards, this cognomen is applied
to the winner of the first trick.
Force (To). When you play a card, of which your adversary
cannot follow suit, you are said to force him.
Galerie (La), the spectators, or bystanders, are termed " la
Galerie.
Guarded Card. A card is said to be " guarded," when,
having another of the same suit, you have the choice, under cer
tain circumstances, as to which of the two you will play. Thus,
should you hold the queen of hearts, and a small heart, your
queen is guarded, for in the event of your opponent leading the
king, you are not compelled to give up the queen.
* In point of fact, Ecarte is a game which ha8 existed in France from time
immemorial ; but until the last dozen, or more, years, was played exclusively
by the lower order of the people, something like our all-fours. Such are the ca
prices of fashion. Ecarte has now ascended to the Drawing Room, and reigns
paramount with " all the honours."
 30
Point. Five points constitute the game, To win " the point"
is to gain three of the five tricks.
Propose. To propose is to " offer," or " propose," to he
allowed to discard certain cards. The phrase "je propose" is
always used in France under these circumstances. All proposi
tions to discard must come from the elder hand.
Quart. A sequence of four cards is termed a Quart. The
seven, eight, nine, and ten, form a quart to the ten. A sequence
of four cards involving the king ; to wit, ace, knave, queen and
king, is called a " Quart major. '
Quint. The explanation given of a Quart is equally applica
ble to a " Quint ;" the sole difference heing that a quint com
prises five, instead of four, cards. A sequence of five cards up
to, and inclusive of, the king, is termed a Quint major.
Renounce. The player who cannot follow suit, is said to re
nounce.
Revoke. When a player does not follow suit, though he
holds a card of that suit, he " revokes" as at Whist. The penal
ties properly attendant on this breach of honesty will be given in
our code of laws ; and should be constantly and rigorously ex
acted, whatever be the excuse set up.
Sequence. Cards of the same suit, following in order, are
said to be in sequence. Thus the eight, nine, and ten of hearts,
held together in hand, form a sequence of three.
Score. Reckoning the points, as they are gained, towards
game, is termed " Scoring." Five points complete the score,
and give you the victory. The counters with which the game is
usually scored, are kept on the right hand—mostly, of the
player, and passed to the left hand as required. The game being
over, the counters are replaced on the right hand.
Single, Double, and Treble. In winning the game, you
are said to win a " single" only, should your adversary have
scored as many as three points ; but should he have scored only
one, or two, points, you win a " double." Should your opponent
not have scored even one point, you win a " treble." Consider
able analogy will be found here with the institutes of Whist ;
though at fecarte it is more usual than at Whist, not to play
points, but to reckon only the games, or rubbers. To play the
points, however, adds to the interest of the sport.
Talon. Such cards as remain of the pack, after the dealer has
turned up the trump card, are termed the " Talon," or " Stock."
Tenace. Should you hold the first and third best cards,
against your adversary's second and fourth, you are described as
holding Tenace. For, example, A has queen and ace, and B
holds king and knave ; in this case B has Tenace, and if A have
to lead, B will thereby secure both tricks ; but if B had originally
to lead, he could only make the single trick derivable from his
 31
king. Having a certain Tenace, it is often the play to throw
the lead purposely into the hand of your adversary.
Tierce. A sequence of three cards of the same suit is called
a " Tierce." The king, queen, and knave, at Ecarte, constitute
a " Tierce-major.
Trump. Cards of the same suit as the card turned up by the
dealer are termed " trumps" during that hand. To trump a
card, is to play a trump to a card of a suit in which you have not
the means of playing.
Turn-up. The eleventh card, in dealing, is styled the " turn
up ;" from its being turned up, and thereby exposed to view, in
order to fix the suit as to trumps.
Under-Play. The French for this term is " Sous forcer."
We use the verb to "under-play," or to " under-force," to denote
the playing a lower card than that which is led ; although you
have the power of playing a higher. For instance, A having to
play to the ten of hearts, plays the seven, although he has the
knave in his hand. There is a penalty attached to thus "under
playing," as not being in accord with the institutes of the
game. The same penalty is applicable to your not trumping
when you cannot follow suit, which is equally under-playing.
In certain circles this rule varies ; but, both at Frascati's and
Crockford's, is always observed as here described .
Vole. When either player gains, himself, all the five tricks,
he wins a " vole," and marks two points.

C To be continued.)

NEW CHESS PROBLEMS.

In commencing a series of Chess Problems, we have the

pleasure of knowing, that, thanks to the kindness of some of
the first Amateurs in Europe, our collection will be as varied as
entertaining. The situations we offer under this section will be
for the most part new ; including brilliant checkmates actually
given in play, by our most distinguished contemporaries. The
white pieces will be invariably supposed to be moving up the
board. Solutions will be subsequently furnished. In our first
number, this iteration is unavoidable at the heads of several
articles.
 No. 1 . By William Bone, Esq.

White to Checkmate in three moves.

No. 2. By W. Bone.

Either party having the first move, can mate his adversary
four moves.
 No. 3. By W. Bone.

White to mate infour moves.

No. 4. By W. Bone.

Either side, having thefirst move, can mate in five moves.

F
No. 5. By W. Bone.
 No. 7. By W. Bone.

White to Checkmate in six moves, without moving his king.

No. 8. By W. Bone.

White wins the game.

 36

THE CHESS RECORD ;

CONSISTING OF GAMES OF CHESS ACTUALLY PLAYED.
It is our intention to chronicle, in the Chess record, such spe
cimens of good and brilliant play, as we deem worthy of conser
vation. Games will be thus preserved, of the highest interest,
and utility, to the student ; since nothing can more contribute to
the attainment of superior force, than a careful examination of
real play. We possess a vast number of fine games recently con
tested between the first players of the day ; not only in England,
but on the European continent ; and feel persuaded, brother
Chess-players will favour us by taking down, and forwarding,
anything really first-rate of the sort, which may come under their
observation. Amateurs being properly tenacious of their names
being too freely and publicly quoted, may depend on our respect
ing this very natural feeling ; and as the belligerent parties will
be mostly designated simply as White and Black, we shall feel
at greater liberty to comment fully on such points of the game,
as may present themselves to our especial notice.

GAME I.
WHITE. BLACK.
1. K. P. two. 1. The same.
2. K. Kt. to B. third. 2. Q. Kt. to B. third.
3. K. B. to Q. B. fourth. 3. The same.
4. Q. Kt. P. two 4. B. takes Kt. P.
5. Q. B. P. one. 5. B. to B. fourth.
6. Castles. 6. Q. P. one.
7. Q. P. two. 7. P. takes P.
8. P. takes P. 8. B. to Kt. third.
9. Q. Kt. to B. third. 9. K. Kt. to B. third. (a)
10. K. P. one. 10. P. takes P.
11. Q. B. toR. third. 11. Q. Kt. to R. fourth.
12. K. R. to K. 12. Kt. takes B.
13. Q. Checks. 13. Q. B. P. one.
14. Q. takes Kt. 14. Q. B. to K. third.
15. R. takes P. 15. Q. to Q. second.
16. R. takes B. (b) 16. P. takes R.
17. Kt to K. fifth. 17. Q. to Q. B.
18. R. to K. 18. K. Kt. to Q. fourth.
19. Kt. takes Kt. 19. Q. B. P. takes Kt.
(a) It were probably better to pin the King's Knight.
(b) This more is beautifully played
 37
20. Q. Checks. 20. K. to Q.
21. Kt. to K. B. seventh, ch. 21. K. moves.
22. Bishop Mates.—This is an extremely fine specimen of the
vigorous attack acquired through Capt. Evans's opening ;
«nd is played throughout, by White, quite in a first-rate
style.
GAME II.
WHITE. BLACK.
1. K. P. two. 1. K. P. two.
2. K. Kt. to B. third. 2. Q. Kt. to B. third.
3. K. B. to Q. B. fourth. 3. The same.
4. Q. B. P. one. 4. K. Kt. to B. third. (a)
5. Q. P. two. 5. P. takes P.
6. K. P. advances. 6. Q. P. two.
7. P. takes Kt. 7. P. takes B.
8. P. takes Kt. P. 8. R. to Kt.
9. Castles. 9. R. takes P.
10. P. takes P. 10. Kt. takes P.
11. Q. Kt to B. third. 11. Q. B. toK. third.
12. Q. Kt. to K. fourth. 12 Q. B. to Kt. fifth.
13. Q. B. to Kt. fifth. 13 Kt. takes Kt. ch.
14. P. takes Kt. 14 Q. takes Q.
15. Q. R. takes Q. 15 Q. B. takes P.
16. Q. R. to K. 16. B, takes Kt.
17. R. takes B. ch. 17. K. to Q. second.
18. K. R. checks. 18. B. covers.
19. K. R. P. two. (b) 19. K. R. P. one.
20. K. B. P. two. 20. K. B. P. one.
21. K. to B. second. 21. R. P. takes B.
22. R. P. takes P. 22. P. takes P.
23. P. takes P. 23. R. takes P.
24. R. takes P. 24. Q. R. to K. R., and soon
wins the game ,
GAME III.
WHITE. BLACK.
1. K. P. two. 1. The same.
2. K. Kt. to B. third. 2. Q. Kt. to B. third.
3. K. B. to Q. B. fourth. 3. The same.
4. Q. Kt. P. two. 4. B. takes Kt. P.
5. Q. B. P. one. 5. B. to R. fourth.
(a) Let the books say what they will, we hold this to be decidedly the best
move at this juncture.
(b) Play as he may, a piece is lost.
 38

6. Castles. 6. K. Kt. to B. third.

7. K. Kt. to Kt. fifth. 7. Castles.
8. K. B, P. two. 8. Q. P. two
9. K. P. takes Q. P. 9. K. Kt. takes P.
10. Q. B. to R. third. 10. Kt. takes K. B. P.
11. R. takes Kt. 11. Q. takes Kt.
12. R. to K. B. 12. B. checks.
13. Q. P. two. 13. Q. B. to K. third (a)
14. B. takes B. 14. P. takes B.
15. R. takes R. ch. 15. R. takes R.
16. B. takes R. 16. K. takes B.
17. Kt. to Q. second. 17. P. takes P.
18. Kt. to Q. B. fourth. 18. P. takes P. ch.
19. Kt. takes B. 19. R. P. takes Kt.
20. Q. to Q. seventh. 20. Q. to K. second.
21. R. Checks. 21. K. toKt.
22. Q. to Q. B. eighth, ch. 22. Kt. covers.
23. R. to Q. 23. P. to Q. B. seventh.
24. R. takes Kt. ch. (b) 24. K. to K. B. second.
25. R. to K. B. eighth, ch. 25. Q. takes R.
26. Q. takes B. P. ch. 26. Q. covers.
27. Q. takes P. at B. 7. 27. Q. checks ; changes Queens,
and wins the game.

NEW VARIATION OF THE KING'S GAMBIT.

The following mode of carrying on the attack in the King's

Gambit is not to be found, as far as we are aware, in any treatise
on Chess extant. Without, perhaps, being critically sound, it
presents many strong features ; and for power of developing a
fierce attack, is no whit behind the celebrated Muzio Gambit.
The specimen we present is not exclusively imaginative, but
actually arose in play between two of our first amateurs.
WHITE. BLACK.
1. K. P. two. 1. The same.
2. K. B. P. two. 2. P. takes P.
3. K. Kt. to B. third. 3. K. Kt. P. two.
4. K. B. to Q. B. fourth. 4. K. Kt. P. advances.

(b.) This strikes us as being a weak move.

(b) By different play, White might here force the game ; if
24. Q. takes Kt. ch. 24. Q. takes Q.
25. R. takes R. ch., and wins through being able to arrest Pawn by capturing
Q. B. P.
 39
WHITE. BLACK.
5. K. B. takes P. ch. 5. K. retakes.
6. Kt. to K. fifth ch. 6. K. home, as best ; for if be
go to K. third, and subsequently captures Kt., he gets speedily
checkmated.
7. Q. takes P. 7. Q. to K. B. third.—In the
books we find this given as the best move. It should be com
pared with attacking Queen with K. Kt.
8. Q. checks. 8. K. to his second.
9. Q. Kt. to B. third. By far the strongest move; since it ap
pears to compel the playing one square of adverse Q. B. P.
9. Q. B. P. one square.
10. Q. P. two. 10. Q. P. one. — Nearly every
Chess player would make this move on first meeting with the
game. Its correctness is nevertheless problematical.
11. Q. B takes P. Very brilliant move. If he then take Kt.
with P. you retake with Bishop.
11. Q. takes B.
12. R. attacks Q. 12. Q. to K. R. third.— If he
check at K. sixth, you cover with Kt. Many curious variations
might be traced throughout the opening ; but we believe the stu
dent derives less information from much minuteness of detail,
than from a strong, though rough, outline ; by which he may
himself exercise his faculty of marking out consequences.
13. R. checks. 13. If he move K. home, you
Mate in two moves by taking Bishop.
K. to Q.
14. R. to Q. seventh ch. 14. B. or Kt. takes.
15. Kt. checks K. and Q., and ought to win. It is a pity we see
the Gambit played so seldom ; it rarely fails to produce an
interesting game.

REVIEW OF NEW PUBLICATIONS.

The Cribbage Players' Text Book ; being a new and complete
treatise on the game, in all its varieties ; including the whole of
Anthony Pasquin's scientific work on Five Card Cribbage. By
George Walker. London, Sherwood and Co., Paternoster Row,
1837. Pocket size, pp. 130.
As long as sea-coal fires and Welsh-rabbits maintain their
ground in merry England, so long will the venerable science of
Cribbage hold its own. To the spectacled dowager, or the gouty
old bachelor,—to miss near her teens, or master near his pinafore.
—How could there be devised a better game ? It teaches the
 40

child arithmetic, by a rail-road process ; and soothes the aches of

age by its gentle exercise of the brain. Pasquin's Treatise, long
out of print, was the best cribbage manual ever published ; and
in the little volume before us Mr. Walker has appended a good
deal of interesting matter to a reproduction of the original. We
may take another opportunity to draw upon this work for extracts.
At p. 41, we turned up an error, which the publishers will thank
us for pointing out, in order to its being corrected in a second
edition. The author's words are, " A sequence of a six, seven,
and eight, combined with a pair of aces, inclusive of a four card
flush, yield thirteen points," &c. Now the fact is, these cards
with the flush, as indicated, count for seventeen, although at first
view we grant the computation is not obvious. A six, seven, and
eight, with a pair of aces, unflushed, form of themselves the ba
ker's dozen ; and this particular presentment of the cards is
called, in some counties, the " ragged thirteen.''

Encyclopedie des fechecs, ou Resume comparitif en tableaux

synoptiques des meilleurs ouvrages ecrits sur cejeu par les auteurs
Frangais et etrangers, tant anciens que modernes, mis a 1' usage
de toutes les nations par le langage universel des chiffres. Par
A. Alexandre. Paris, D' Urtubie et Co.—London, Barthes and
Lowell, Foreign Booksellers, Great Marlborough Street. Oblong
folio, December, 1837.
This is indeed a cyclopedia of chess ; and one of a size so stu
pendous, as to present an almost miracle of patient industry on
the part of the author. The whole of the writings of something
like forty of the chief chess scribes are here pressed into the ser
vice, and do duty in the same cover, under one common flag.
By using a cypher of great simplicity, a sort of universal lan
guage is set up ; equally intelligible to Germans, Russians, Chi
nese, Italians, Frenchmen, Englishmen, and all the rest of the
men. This is no mean advantage. It is to be hoped, that a
country pretending, like England, to pet the lighter sciences,
will not suffer M. Alexander's heavy years of labour to have been
altogether expended in vain. We say this advisedly ; regretting
to be compelled to add, that we understand the author's circum
stances, in a pecuniary point of view, are by no means in a palmy
state ; and hence a double claim upon British amateurs. It is
too much the custom to reward writers with mere praise ; which
will not even fill the snuff-box, much less the belly. Let not
thirty or forty chess players be content with seeing a tome like
this " at their club ; " but let them, also, prefer it to their library
tables. This is the sort of patronage a man wants. Buy a dozen
copies of his book, and burn them.
 THE

PHILIDORIAN.

No. 2. [JANUARY] 1838.

VINCENZIO THE VENETIAN;

A FANTASTIC SKETCH.

(The following article was written by Mr. George Walker, a few months back,
and presented in MS. to a friend, who printed a French translation of it in the
Palamede. We here give the original, by permission of the author ; verb, et lit.
—Editor.)

CHAPTER I.
" And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou ? Then Satan answered the Lord, and
said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it."
See the Book ofJob, chap. 1. «. 7.
You ask me, Madam, to tell you a story about Chess ; I know
one which nobody else knows. A true tale, but very shocking !
It relates facts which happened—oh ! a very long time ago ; be
fore you were born. I know it is true, because I learnt it in away
in which nothing untrue could be communicated ; and, when I
was in Venice, I saw the very spot where the chief incidents oc
curred ; so, you see, it must be true.
Round the giant portals, and illuminated entrances, of the
Buondelmonte palazzo in Venice, during one of the carnival
nights of the year 15—, was the throng and pressure of many
dark gondolas ; from whose cushioned seats, a crowd of laughing
revellers were rushing up the marble steps of the building ; into
halls blazing with light and beauty.
All within, and above, was enchantment. The noblest, the
gayest, and the fairest of the city were mixed in that perfumed
and silken throng. Here, the glittering banquet was spread in
vitingly forth,—there, the dance, and song, burstjoyously abroad.
And the women !—beauty, such as Titian or Giorgione could alone
depict, was there in its choicest moulds. Dressed in the costumes
of every age, with and without masks ;—shining in jewels, glit
tering in the velvets of Genoa, and the gems of Samarcand, in the
G
 42
softest silks, scented with the rarest odours,—women were not
wanting to complete the scene ; dazzling, palpitating, glowing,
and triumphant in their charms.—We pass slowly through hali
after hall, brilliant with lights, to an inner saloon ; where our
attention is particularly arrested.
This magnificent apartment is dedicated to play, in all its
forms. Cards and dice are dealing, rustling and rattling, while
the numerous tables of agate, or porphyry, groan beneath the
heavy weight of gold and jewels staked as bets. Little noise is
heard, save the deep and sonorous sound of the clashing zecchins,
as they are poured from velvet sacks, upon the board, by the at
tendant pages, or collected in massive piles, to re-enter their
temporary place of dwelling. So vast was the display of wealth,
that Belial himself would have paused upon the scene. So pro
fuse was the array of treasure, that you would have thought
yourself in one of the caverns of Aladdin, or the strong-room of
some eastern sultan—but you were not there ; what a pity !
At the date of my narrative, Chess was at the height of its
zenith in the favour of the princes of the earth ; and, as well as
games of mere chance, was generally played for heavy sums.
Priests were advanced to the mitre,—court favourites to the
pension list,—and officers to the baton, for their skill in this fas
cinating recreation. Chess was the " shibboleth " of distinction
between the peer and " the puddle ; " and a knowledge of its
mysteries was as essential, then, to success in " good " society, as
are now an intimate acquaintance with the red book, and the
latest " on dits " of fashionable scandal. But on with our tale—
We are Chess-players ; and, as devoted lovers of the game, one
table, in particular, attracts our attention. On that rare pedestal
of silver and ebony ; on. that massive board of ivory and jasper,
stand the mimic warriors arrayed in fight.—The rival players, who
conduct the battle, are worthy of a closer examination. Let us
look a little at them.
That youth of twenty, who plays the Black pieces, is one of
the sons of Venice ; and stands high on the golden roll of her
nobility. His name is Vincenzio di Guadagnaro, distinguished
alike for face and form ; for varied accomplishments, improvi
dent extravagance, impetuous passions, love of learning and an
tiquities, wine, women,—and Chess. During the present sitting,
he has already lost gold, houses, and jewels. He has now staked
his honour, for having no money left wherewith to wager, he is
bound to pay, should he lose, more zecchins by to-morrow's
morn than the mighty sum already parted with. Should he fail
in redeeming his bond, the scene of life will darken o'er him.—
From the paleness of his clammy brow, we can fancy him antici
 43
pating the only alternative then remaining. If he lose the game
now playing—Vincenzio means to die at sunrise.
But who is the fatal mask who plays against him ? A woman :
and, judging from her arm and hand—her bared shoulders, and
ivory neck—one, of a most excellent and lovely presence. Yes,
she is the Princess del Buondelmonte ; the owner of the palace;
the giver of the fete ; the leader of the fashion—and the queen
of beauty in Venice. She appears formed for love and tender
ness, but neither of these sentiments rule her mind at present.
Revenge the fiercest, hatred the most concentrated, and triumph
the most mighty, unite to shake her frame ; and cause her fingers
to tremble so, she can scarce conduct the Chess-figures. The
feeling is mutual ; and either of the two players could drink the
very heart's blood of their adversary ; with a feeling which Italian
souls can alone appreciate, or comprehend.
The spectators stand in a crowd around, awed into silence, and
absorbed in breathless attention. Among them is a tall majestic
figure, wearing the form and garb of the sons of men —masked,
with enfolded arms, leaning against a marble pillar, and care
lessly watching the progress of the game, on the side of the lady.
That figure is the fiend ! Not Satan in person, but a sort of in
ferior demon, like the gnome of the Hartz mountain, but
younger, and, therefore, of less experience. A laughing Mephis-
topheles—sort of sprite, who has lately set out to make the tour
of Europe, and has dropt into Venice to see the carnival. So
much to his taste does he find it, he thinks at times he has made
a mistake, and stept into heaven !
As the game advanced, the feelings of the players become still
more excited. Vincenzio strained his nerves to the utmost, in
order to conceal his emotion ; but the sweat of death was on his
forehead. and his countenance was whiter than Phrygian stone.
Still, he compressed his energies manfully to the task—played a
long series of moves in a masterly manner, and showed himself
to be no unworthy opponent, even when matched against her,
whose reputation lor Chess was unrivalled.
The fair Buondelmonte did not like her position. Her enemy's
Pawns offered a menacing aspect, and the adverse Queen cap
tured gratuitously a Knight, and threatened a discovered check.
The following was the situation, in which, having the White
pieces, the Princess had to move. She paused long over the
board, and despair went to her heart, for she could find no re
source, and Vincenzio had again, she feared, eluded her grasp.
 44

BLACK.

WHITE.

Suddenly the fiend bent over her, and it was afterwards thought,
whispered a few little words in her ear. The lady started with
delight, and in the extacy of the moment nearly fainted with joy.
She played the correct variation, and gave her adversary check
mate in just ten moves.*
Vincenzio spoke not, but rushed from the room. The beautiful
Buondelmonte turned eagerly to embrace the stranger. He was no
longer there—though no one recollected having seen him depart.
% ^ % # # ^
Two hours later in the night, Vincenzio walked in solitude on
the Rialto, with all hell burning in his breast. To die was his
hast regret ; but to lose his revenge ! 0, saints and martyrs!—
Was he not a beggar ? And had she not ruined him ? When
mutual love had passed away—when for her sake he had first
tasted crime,—had she not betrayed him— scorned him!—for
saken him for another? Had she not brought his father to
the block, and his brother to the dungeons of the state? Had
he not wrestled with her during the last two years, in hatred J
and warred against her, even unto the knife?— Oh! what a

* Tlie positions introduced throughout this story, are all, in fact, Chess pro
blems purposely pre-arranged. The Author is indebted for them to his friend,
Mr. William Bone. Their solutions will be hereinafter furnished.
 45
conflict was raging in his brain, when a stranger touched his
arm.
" Off, begone! " was the exclamation of the noble ; and then,
at a glance, remembering in the figure before him, tbe friend of
the Buondelmonte, as if his pent spirit had at last found vent,
in one instant of time did his good stiletto flash through the air,
and strike home upon his supposed foe. The effect of the blow
was to produce a hearty laugh ; while Vincenzio, abashed and
wondering, was struck with mingled sensations of the deepest
awe. He shuddered, and clung to the pillars of the adjoining
balustrade for support, exclaiming—" What are you ? "
"Men may call me Azaroth," was the reply,—"what harm
have I done, that you should give me so rough a welcome ? It
was not I who won your money. True, 'tis hard, bitter hard !—
You played for life, and for revenge—and you have lost. A wise
man would offer double or quits. Ha! ha! ha!—All may not
yet be irredeemable. I am your friend."
" All—all—is lost," sighed Vincenzio,—" but honour ! "
" Honour ! I like the term. Oh! these men, with their honour!
Hark ye, friend, where was your honour just now, in striking an
unarmed man with your dagger ? "
" From a Guadagnaro, intruders may expect no other welcome.
Why name yourself my friend ?—What would you with me, fear
ful one,—say, form of mystery, who evidently holdest life by
other tenure than that of human ? "
" My purpose is to save you. I like your spirit. Were I the
reptile, man, I would be like you."
" Save me ! O, never ! 'tis now too late. You cannot give me
back the past ; and without that, the future recks me little."
" I offer all you wish. Wilt have revenge ? "
" Revenge ! Can you give me revenge ?—revenge on Buondel
monte !—Can you give me her flesh?—Can you give me her
blood ?—Say—speak—whate'er thou be !—Oh ! speak to me ! but
speak ! "
"Ha! ha! ha! see what the tender passion comes to !—You
loved her once, and now "
" Peace, fiend !—answer me—speak, or leave me. May I have
revenge ? "
" You may, you shall ; but hear me patiently :—all that you
wish, I give. Revenge, even to the overflowing of the cup.
Health, gold, and lengthened life; all!—on conditions though!
—Wilt hear them, youth?"
" No ! by my soul I will not ! Tell me nothing. For a mo
ment hast thou kindly deluded me from the recollection of my
wrongs. Bring me not back to earth directly. Were you in
reality—the—bend!— Oh ! then, indeed ! "—
 46
"And if I were, would you accept my boon on these condi
tions ? "—And Azarotk whispered in his ear, words, which but to
write were mortal sin. St. John of Venice, protect us !
Vincenzio blenched not. For a single instant only did his frame
quiver—and then he shouted, eagerly, and fearfully,—
" I will, I do ! so help me heaven and the saints ! I agree to
all ! Once more—give me revenge ! "
"Your noble spirit moves me ; my terms of service shall be
lightened for you. All shall be given, youth, at morrow's dawn.
And now retire to rest, and dream of peace and happiness."
" Do you leave me thus, Oh ! Azaroth ! "
" Adieu, Vincenzio, for ten long years. Cherish your lady love,
the beauteous Buondelmonte ! And in remembrance of this inter
view, let me throw on your shoulders a trifling token of my
affection. Adieu!"
Vincenzio felt something in the form of a weighty chain thrown
round his neck. It was a carcanet of sparkling sapphires. He
raised his head—he was alone on the Rialto.
Slowly did he pace his way to his couch ; but deep was his
sleep, and pleasant were his dreams, on that eventful night.
"fr ^
Vincenzio awoke at early morning, and returning recollection
flashed across his brain. His first impulse was to feel for the
chain which Azaroth had girt around his neck, and which had
remained there, when he had flung his frame heedlessly upon his
night-couch. The chain of sapphires was gone—but in its place
—0 horror !—there was the vivid imprint of a chequered line,
encircling his throat, like the two outer rows of a Chess-board,
marked deeply in black and red upon the skin, as if seared with
a brand ! Vincenzio shuddered, for this assured him of the
sealing of the fatal compact ! But the Lord di Guadagnaro
was of no common mind ; and, strange to say, the uppermost
feeling at the moment of this discovery, was one of unmixed
pleasure. He knew that his revenge was at hand. He started
up, and saw before him huge coffers of gold piled to the very
ceiling ; aye, good, heavy, zecchins of the purest Venetian cur
rency ; ducats which bore handling, and did not molt (as he al
most feared they would do), at the touch. O Pactolus ! mighty
river ! it appeared as if thy waves had flowed across the chamber.
Did Vincenzio think of the gold, while he handled it?—while
he kissed it?—while he rolled in it ? No ; his joyous shout was
for revenge ! He certainly had not got implanted in him that
love of his neighbour, which is so much more practised in these
latter times !
On the gold lay a parchment, comprising an abstract of the
conditions of the dark one ; —conditions accepted by Vincenzio
 47
before hand, and even now registered elsewhere. The spirit
of these conditions may be thus condensed : —One chance of re
spite from the last dread penalty was left. Vincenzio was bound
to play three games of Chess with Azaroth, (drawn games not to
count), to be played one game at each sitting, at intervals of ten
years. In every case, he was to enjoy a hundred years of happy
life, inclusive of the twenty summers he had already numbered.
Should he win either one of the three games, the bond was
thereby to be annulled, and he was to be free from penalty ;
should he, on the other hand, lose all the three games, he was to
complete equally his hundred years on earth, but then !
0 dire alternative ! I am almost afraid to go on. Oh ! why did
you make me tell you this story ?
The full amount of the money due was carried by Vincenzio's
pages to the Palazzo del Buondelmonte. Its enchanting and
lovely owner was sorely grieved at the sight of the gold, and I
regret that I cannot tell you more in detail, that which subse
quently passed between her and Vincenzio. Suffice it to say,
that three months afterwards, a body was drawn out of the grand
canal by a fisherman, which, from its long and heavy tresses, was
recognized as the corpse of a woman, even before it saw the sur
face. It was indeed the body of the Princess del Buondelmonte,
so horribly mutilated and carved, that had she not been seen at
the festival given by the Doge the previous evening, it might
have been supposed she had lain a month in the water, and been
half devoured by the fishes of the Lagunes. It is really wonder
ful what could have befallen her, and who could have been the
murderer !
A few weeks afterwards, and the Palazzo del Buondelmonte
was inhabited by its purchaser, the Lord Vincenzio di Guidag-
naro, whose graceful mirth, flowing spirits, open hand, and kind
heart, were soon high for praise in the mouths of men. No
prince gave such banquets—no man danced at them with such
vivacity. His noble entertainments, united with his courteous
bearing and handsome figure, made him the idol of Venice ; the
chief nobility of Italy crowded ronnd him, and many a tender and
timid heart sighed sorely to wear his chains. Vincenzio gave not
all his time to pleasure, but acted up to the motto of " carpe
diem," in every possible way. He loved learning, and delighted
in the encouragement of learned men. To the study of Chess he
became particularly addicted, and invited its first masters, by
proclamation, from every quarter of Europe, to visit his palace.
All who came were magnificently received, and, if they played
well, every sublunary boon was placed at their command. By
dint of genius and practice, Vincenzio became their superior. All
went merrily with him, and the whole world seemed to lie at his
 48
feet. With the ladies he was perfect ; they could find nothing
about him to scandalize. nor even to wonder at ; except, perhaps,
that when the fashion came in of wearing falling bands, and col
lars of Flemish lace, round the bare throat, Vincenzio adopted
not the innovation, but continued to close up his doublet as before.
I could wager his reason for this was, to conceal that ugly chec-
quered line which was ever around his neck, as left by Azaroth.

CHAPTER II.
Years fled then, as they now flee—like days. Time passed, and
Vincenzio's life passed with it. He was nearly thirty years of
age, and felt something more than a qualm, when he anticipated
the arrival of that point of time, which would complete ten years
from his interview with Azaroth. It may be supposed by some,
perhaps, as matter of wonder, that the demon had shown himself
already so liberal, compared with his general reputation, but
there is no accounting for circumstances. As I told you before,
Azaroth was only a third-rate devil ; mightier spirits could have
given him the Pawn and two moves, in guile and craftiness. Per
haps he had, in his composition, sufficient mortality to feel amused
by similar adventures ; and, besides, who can tell to what extent
caprice may work with fiends, as well as men ? The latter give
ruinously exhorbitant prices for a fine dog, a swift horse ; and so,
by a parity of reasoning, might Azaroth have made his bargain in
an extravagant mood. Be this as it may, Vincenzio was no
vulgar prize ; his was a master mind, and as such, far from now
quailing in panic before the coming of his foe, he was nerving
himself sternly for the encounter. Young in years, he was old
in life ; and if his right-hand had been familiar with the wine
cup, it had been to the full as intimate with the battle-axe,
which he had wielded oft for Christendom, in the wars of Venice
with the crescented Turk. The rolls of learning had unfolded at
his bidding ; and the sages of Arabia and Grenada, hailed in Vin
cenzio their favourite pupil. Indeed, he had once committed
himself with Holy Mother Church, and fallen at Rome under
the ban of the Inquisition, for taking part with those who first
broached that monstrous heterodoxy, that the earth moves round
the sun. But the potency of gold cleansed him of this deadly
sin, and he was careful publicly to recant so ridiculous an
opinion.
" After all," mused Vincenzio, in reference to the coming storm,
—" there are points about this being, demon or philosopher,
Chaldee or magician, be he which he will,—to be reflected on.
He cannot be wholly etherial, or why should my dagger have cut
 49
his garments, as it did, and only turned against Ins cursed skin !
No fault of mine it went not home, at any rate. Perhaps, after
all, my bargain is a bad one. What was the woman to me?
Could I not have left Italy, and thus fled her vengeance?—
The sun shines brightly on other towns besides Venice. Alas !
how differently we see things at different periods of life ! But
shall my soul be cast down in this extremity? Courage, Vin
cenzio, if the fiend must be met, let us confront him like the
master of evil himself. A game of Chess! Well. throughout
Europe. where is my equal in skill ? Did I not conquer Barto-
lomeo of Spain, and Afger the Moor? —(that splendid player.)
Have I not exhausted the whole science of Chess : or, is human
knowledge here of no avail ? This cannot be, for the bargain is
null, unless I have the fullest exercise of my faculties. The church,
too, can she befriend me ?—T have fought knee-deep in blood for
Rome, surely her saints owe me agood turn now? Perhaps this A za-
roth may have done the thing as a frolic,—if a spirit,—and may
have, since forgotten me altogether; he must see so much of lifeand
of the world, how can he bear in memory so poor an adventure ?
Well, let him come, I shall be here, for nought would flight avail
inanycase. We play; he cannot cheat me. The contract was made
as between men, and must be kept by him accordingly. Ha !
well thought, Venetian artifice ! Who knows how far he may be
human at the time of his visit ? Some spirits, 1 have read, are
mortal at one period, and only invulnerable at others. The ducats
he gives are corporeal, why may he not be so too ? At any rate, no
chance shall be on my part thrown away. Even should I fail, its
only the loss of one game out of three, and during the next ten
years, 1 shall have leisure to scheme some craftier plot to foil him,
with the help of the experience acquired on the first essay. The
field is not yet won, my spiritual friend!"
Vincenzio gave his bold page, Montalto, a few private instruc
tions, without revealing his grand secret ; and waited calmly for
the thunder-burst.— It came.
At the Palazzo Buondelmonte, the nobles of Venice were
gathered to a banquet, and the revelry had reached its highest
pitch. Vincenzio's laugh was ringing in the saloon, when Mon-
talta presented a jewelled token, sent by a stranger, who waited
in his study. It was the chain of sapphires seen before. " Be
he accursed !" muttered the Guadagnaro, as he courteously apolo
gized to his guests for so abruptly leaving them. " Remember
me, Montalto, for the time and the man are come !"
"Ha! ha! ha!" shouted Azaroth, as Vincenzio entered the
apartment, " I feared you had forgotten the purport of my visit ;
ten years try many friendships, and break connexions less inti-
H
 50
mate than our's. Are your Chess-men ready ? I have to be in
India four hours hence, to meet a Brahmin at Delhi."
At a sign from his master, Montalto placed the costly board of
silver and ebony, and the fiend sat down to sport with his prey.
Vincenzio felt firm, but sad ; he had oft faced death, but he had
now to cope with the spirit of death. For the first time, he
looked in the face of Azaroth, whose features at their former in
terview had been covered by a mask. The expression of the
countenance was haughty, scornful, and overbearing, though
mixed with many traits of noble feeling, and even beauty. Round
his mouth lurked scorn, wreathed in a thousand smiles of sportive
malice. His eyes shone with a brilliancy so withering, Vincenzio
could hardly bear their searching gaze ; his brow was as the brow
of one indented with the blue and burning lightning. Azaroth's
age appeared to be that of a man in the prime of life. He
offered the Venetian the move, which Vincenzio unhesitatingly
accepted, and the game began.—What were the odds on Azaroth ?
Have you seen, my friend, that celebrated engraving by one of
the first men in Europe—Retszch? I mean the one in which
Satan is represented as playing at Chess, with man, for his soul.
So looked, in some respects, our combatants ; and I think they
were even the more interesting couple of the two. The man of
Retszch's creation is so very good and innocent, he is hardly worth
contending with, even though he have the partial aid of the
attendant angel. The fiend of Retszch is a philosopher, of the
school of Diogenes, and not the prince of darkness intended.
There wants the animal about the lower features ; and we see by
the delineation, that Retszch has but little studied Spurzheim and
Combe. Pardon this critique, O, mighty draughtsman, thou who
with thy magic graver hast so filled our hearts with frequent sen
sations of mingled joy and fear. Certainly, thy Lady Macbeth
has more of the devil about her, than thy Satanic " Schach-
spieler !"
A few preliminary moves only were played, when the Guadag-
naro called for wine, and Montalto presented, in beakers of gold,
the bright vintages of Chios and of Xeres. Rather to the surprise
of Vincenzio, his opponent drained oft the presented cups.
Under their influence, apparently, the dark spirit laughed and
jested higher and louder ;. but, alas ! for the Venetian, the more
Azaroth quaffed, the keener appeared his view on the board.
The page slackened in his service, and Azaroth in his turn, de
manded " wine."
Montalto was staggered, and crossed his breast devoutly.
" What man is this ? " said he to himself. " In his first draughts
I have given him poison enough to kill a regiment, and yet he
asks again for wine ! My lord's scheme is naught. His ene
 51
my doubtless bears some counter-charm, or saniatary potion.
I '11 try my own plan."
" This wine is fair," quoth Azaroth, " but not so much to my
palate as the other. Have you more of the first vintage, Vin-
cenzio ? "
" How may I answer thee, most potent ! evidently thou art not
of this earth ! " And Vincenzio bent, in something like awe,
over the Chess-board.
" Ho! ho ! ho !" shouted Azaroth.
Vincenzio started. The page had just struck the fiend, from
behind, a desperate blow on the bare head, with a Turkish axe!
" Why, page, if I were of puny frame, like thy master, that tap
would have given me the head-ache, and how then could I have
played at Chess ? O men of earth, he had need be proof against
fire, steel, and poison, indeed, who communes with you. Hein ! "
Vincenzio sat in silence, and Montalto crept tremblingly out,
vowing I know not how many masses to St. Peter, if he should
live till morning's dawn. The game of Chess went on with
various changes ; Vincenzio's skill was proved to the uttermost,
but he made no impression, though Azaroth played, scarcely
deigning to glance at the board. " You are improved," said he,
" since the night you played with Buondelmonte. Doubtless
your practice has been great. — (If you move the knight to the
square you meditate, he is lost)."
" I fear I am lost," thought Vincenzio. He found his very
thoughts anticipated.
A change came over Azaroth. He gave away one or two
pieces in succession, and Vincenzio almost dared to hope. Poor
fool ! The wily fiend was mocking him. He sacrificed half a
dozen of his chief pieces in a way which compelled their being
taken, and thus fixed all Vincenzio's men out of play. He re
served on the field, but one Bishop and two poor Pawns, against a
mighty force ; but Vincenzio then saw, to his horror and amaze,
that all the preceding train of sacrifices had been parts of one
deep scheme to secure the Mate. The following was the position :
Azaroth had the White men, and forced the Checkmate in
three moves. O, how I wish he were a member of some of our
Chess clubs !
Vincenzio's sensations were similar to those of a man taken,
sleeping, out of his bed, and plunged into a cold bath ! " In ten
years time we meet again ! " cried Azaroth, as he mounted on the
wings of the wind. Vincenzio threw himself on the ground, and
howled, in the bitterness of despair.
 52

BLACK.

WHITE.

CHAPTER III.
Before the age of thirty, man wishes to be older than he is ;
after that point, he rather desires to stop. To an acute observer,
it would have seemed as if Vincenzio del Guadagnaro could do
all he wished on earth, except arrest this certain progress of
time. Every thing prospered with him—at least as to the out
ward man ; with his soul's health it went, perhaps, indifferently.
But the time for caring about one's soul is decidedly yet to come
with -worldly men, at thirty years of age !—At the period of which
I write, the nobles of Venice played the part of general mer
chants to the whole world ; and Vincenzio was among the chief
of these nobles. His coffers overflowed with gold ; his halls
were piled with silks and furs ; while the sea was covered with
his ships. His books, his antiques, jewels, bronzes, cameos, in
taglios, and pictures, were alike unique. He was thirty-five, but
had never married.—Why should he marry, when the choicest
beauties of Italy thought it an honour to see him at their feet ?
Fashion had set her seal on him (as well as the devil) ; what
more could be said in his favour? Greater than Julius Caesar,
 53
he conquered without having Been, or come ; for the fairest sig-
noras of Venice came first to him ! Blest with health, tem
per, good spirits, and good looks, combined with the form of
an Antinous,—all with him was well. Did he play? fortune
forsook his adversaries, and their cash was poured into his
money-bags. Did he hawk or hunt, on the mainland of Italy—
whose hawks, horses, or hounds, were so fair and fleet as those
of the gallant Vincenzio ? The world, too, could hardly cavil at
the golden opinions from all sides showered around him. His
was not a carpet life. Foremost in the wars of Venice with the
Ottoman, no hand had struck harder at the crescent for the cross.
It was really a pity he still had that nasty mark around his
throat; but then, no one ever saw it, you know.
The passions of our matured friend continued to rage like a
Volcano, but the lava's torrent was well kept under command.
Ambition opened her portals to his career, and it was said, (but
the virtuous are always the victims of calumny ), it was
whispered, that Vincenzio was not too particular, as to the means
he adopted in sweeping from the path such insects as would fain
oppose his tread. But as this was seldom spoken aloud, what
cared he ? And what man, above the low vulgar horde of bread-
producers, would be uncivilized enough to say aught against a
lord so powerful, and so unscrupulous? One man, a simple
merchant, it was said, having discovered a certain political
intrigue, inimical to the winged lion, working between the Pope
and the Lord Vincenzio, substantiated his case by proof; and
sent the packet to the Doge, through the ever-yawning lion's
mouth. What was the consequence ? This stupid merchant
was found strangled next night on the sands of the Lido ; and on
Vincenzio, in return for the calumny, was conferred the office of
Ambassador to France ! So much for luck and money.
This run of fortune continued many years, and Vincenzio was
elected of the Council of Ten. At a subsequent period of life,
he was proffered the office of Doge, but never having fancied
matrimony, declined espousing the state herself, however fond
he might be of her daughters. It was thought odd, that Vin
cenzio still cultivated Chess so earnestly. Every quarter of the
world was ransacked, in turn, to procure players worthy of con
tending with him. One particular gallery in his grand palazzo
was fitted up expressly as the " Hall of Chess ; " and here, playing
upon a hundred tables of marble, might be seen the first Chess
players congregated in friendly warfare. All who could play
well, were welcome ; but none could beat Vincenzio ; and none
had ever played for so heavy a stake. The skill of our Venetian
surpassed imagination. Openings and Mates, to us unknown,
 54
were to him familiar. 0 that we were in possession of the manu
scripts he wrote about Chess ; what a fund of treasure would
they furnish for the Philidorian. Vigilant in study, and en
dowed with a rare and docile patience, he appeared to have ex
hausted the science of Chess ; and the wonder was, it did not
pall upon his appetite. The world dreamed not of his motives
for such strict and constant training. . The time of his encounter
with Azaroth was again at hand.
" All that art could do, I tried before," sighed Vincenzio, one
summer's night, as he skimmed the blue waves in his gondola.
" Human skill may not avail against that which is superhuman ! "
—and he sighed again. Were those sighs for repentance 1 No ;
he breathed them but in regret. Under the same circumstances,
he would have ratified the same compact over again. Let us not be
too confident in our own strength. Without the holy help of the
saints, you, yourself, Madam, might perhaps have fallen under
similar temptation. The great have been entrapt in slighter
snares.
" Azaroth has certainly behaved with honour ; all my wishes
are anticipated, with just sufficient difficulties to make the task
of victory a pleasure. What could be his motive for the bargain ?
At the rate I live, I was, and am his own, without it. Inscrutable
mystery ! Suppose I leave the country—would he follow me ?
O yes; too late for thought of flight, the bond once ratified.
His omnipotence has been proved to me ; and I must once more
clothe my features for the meeting, with the courage of despair ! "
" I call on you to-morrow ! " whispered a soft voice in his ear,
and the tones went like hot iron through the frame. Vincenzio
started as if galvanized, but he was alone in his gondola, and
nought besides was visible on those blue waters.
And morning came, and with that morn came Azaroth.
Twenty years had not changed his countenance, nor added a single
wrinkle to his brow. The same withering frown hung over the
same malicious smile. The senator Vincenzio was forty years of
age ; his figure was now full, and his raven locks were slightly
sprinkled, as it were, with snow. And oh ! the depth—the un
fathomable depth—the unquenchable spirit of the wicked ! Vin
cenzio faced the demon with a brow as haughty as his own, and
scorned to own his inferiority. In the absence of the moment,
he grasped the hand of Azaroth, and was surprised to find it feel
as flesh and blood ; but his own hand afterwards looked for a
time, as though he had pressed live embers.
" I should like to see your HalJ of Chess," said Azaroth, " we
will play there, if you object not to so public a performance."
, Vincenzio courteously bowed, and in silence led the way. " It
 55
shall never be said " thought he, " that demon or angel could
outbrave the potent lord Vincenzio! No ; I yield not this advan
tage, though the grave yawn beneath my feet ! "
Numerous gazers came around them as they entered the gal
lery ; and when they seated themselves to play, the chief Chess
players of the company left their games, allured they knew not
why, to look on this. The crowd felt that Vincenzio had met
with his match ; and with that brotherly love for their friends
and countrymen, which all good Chess players entertain, were
delighted in their hearts, at the most distant prospect of seeing
their superior conquered. They could not, however, have ac
counted for the impulse which forced them so irresistibly from
their seats.
" Can any of these idlers play? " said Azaroth, sneeringly.
" Peace, I entreat you," replied Vincenzio, who feared anything
which might lead to a scene. In how many cases, alas ! do we
see that the fear of being found out, is comparatively greater
than the fear of crime.
" Take the first move, my lord," said Azaroth.
" No ; we play the strict game. Draw lots."
This was done, and the struggle commenced. The spectators
drew nearer, and there were not wanting some who offered bets
on Vincenzio's giving Mate in twenty moves ; for it was observed,
with wonder, that he yielded no odds in advantage. But there
was a certain something about Azaroth, which prevented similar
wagers from being accepted ; much as some of the bystanders
wished to flatter their patron, by this oft-seen species of pocket
adulation. As the game went on, a solemn awe crept imper
ceptibly over the minds of all present. Every eye was rivetted
on Azaroth, as the bird is fascinated before the blighting glance
of the rattle snake. All felt uncomfortable, and wished the
stranger at the antipodes, though none durst say so. Meanwhile,
the Guadagnaro talked and smiled in bravado; while Azaroth
chatted for ten, and laughed for twenty.
" Curse the impudence of the fellow," whispered the young
Alonzo di Ortegano, to his brother in arms, Lucentio di Razzoli,
" I should like to pitch him into the canal yonder. Who is he?"
" The devil ! " I think, wa3 the quick reply.
"Ha! ha! ho! ho!" screamed Azaroth, ricanant, like an Ara
bian goule !
# # # # # # #######>#
And so went the game for many moves. Vincenzio played
his best, but felt assured, that play as he might, he must
eventually lose. The Chess of Azaroth was wonderful ! he never
made an error when it was important to be correct. His com
 56
binations, instead of taking in half a dozen moves, involved
twenty or thirty. Vincenzio afterwards was of opinion, that
Azaroth could have given the odds of a piece, to any man who
ever lived. The despair of Vincenzio was proportionate; but
his courage rose with the emergency. He was fighting for his
life, both here and elsewhere. He set his back against the wall,
and battled like himself.
More and more moves were played, and the posture of affairs
waxed on both sides critical, as the situation became entangled.
It struck Vincenzio with a feeling of melancholy this time, to see
that, judging as mortals judge, from outward appearance, his
game was decidedly stronger than that of Azaroth. I say, he was
grieved, for he knew he was the mock of the fiend. Vincenzio
felt like the poor mouse, permitted by the ruthless cat almost to
gain its hole, to be suddenly torn back from health and safety.
Azaroth had lost in numerical force, and, having the white pieces,
had to play in the annexed situation.
BLACK.

WHITE.
" My new gondola against five hundred zecchins of gold, that
the ' padrone ' beats his man," whispered the youth Alonzo to
his friend.
" I wager not. It looks well, but White has some checks,
both with Queen and Bishop."
 57*
" Out upon his checks," cried Alonzo, " the King, when
checked, will retire behind his Pawns, and there laugh his im
potent adversary to scorn."
" Ho ! ho ! ho ! " interrupted Azaroth, with a mouth like that
of Vathek's Afrit. " Depend on it," resumed Alonzo, " Vin-
cenzio has force enough to eat him. What the thick-headed ass
has been about, to lose his pieces so in succession, I can't imagine.
Have you observed how he has played lately ? I verily think
that for the last half-dozen moves, he has put something ' en
prise ' every time ! And, moreover, has thrust his men so offen
sively forward, that Vincenzio has been compelled to see their
defenceless state, and to capture them also. Oh ! of a certainty,
this intruder 's a mere swaggerer. The next time he plays with
our Prince of the Chess Kingdom, the peerless Vincenzio, let the
oaf take the Rook." Azaroth at a glance took in the groupe,
and his loud laugh again struck on the ear of his opponent, like
the knell of death.
" I shall Mate you, my dear Vincenzio,—if you play well,—
in seven moves ! " And sure enough he did so.
O this Azaroth ! what a fine practitioner he must have been !
I should never have discovered the "coup." Do you think, lady,
you should ?
The spectators were inconceivably aghast ! They wondered
Vincenzio did not propose a second game, and clamorously
intreated the stranger, whom they now felt almost inclined to
worship, to come again on the morrow. Vincenzio did not join
in the invitation, he knew his conqueror would return quite soon
enough. Azaroth bowed, and with a grace that would have done
honour to Talma, or Taglioni, left the hall. Alonzo followed him
to see which way he went ; determined, if possible, to make his
acquaintance. But when the youth reached the great water
stairs of the palazzo, Azaroth was no longer in sight. He cer
tainly must have worn seven-leagued boots!
The friends of the Guadagnaro gathered round ; to condole on
the unwonted circumstance of his defeat. Strange to say, Vin
cenzio seemed to care very little about the matter ; at least, such
was the face he chose to put upon his thoughts ; and, indeed, in
somuch as certainty of any kind is better at all times than un
certainty, he felt glad it was over. I say, it seemed to Vincenzio's
throbbing brain, that when Azaroth relieved him of his presence,
sun and stars smiled upon him, and the deadly gates of darkness
closed for a time.
Next day, Vincenzio di Guadagnaro caused his servants to
build a mighty pile of fuel, on which he deposited Chess-men,
Chess-boards, Chess-books, and manuscripts, whether of parch
ment or papyrus ; the bad and the good, the clever and the worth-
i
 58
less. Chess pieces, framed of pearls and emeralds from Persia,
others studded with the most costly gems of the East. Many
precious relics were there, which, if now preserved, would be
worth a king's ransom. All, I know, were heaped by the vexed
Venetian into a mighty pile, more fragrant to the followers
of our mystic art, than that of Sardanapalus. The pile, com
plete, was fired by the hand of Vincenzio, and thus consumed to
dust impalpable. The Hall of Chess was abandoned and disman
tled. The professors and lovers of the " Chess," were dispersed
with munificent presents, and sought their own homes sorrowing.
Shortly after, Vincenzio made a high and solemn banquet, to
which were bidden all the chief men of Venice. Then and there,
in a short speech, replete with expressions of the most intense
urbanity, did be declare to them solemnly, that if henceforward,
any living being whatsoever, of any rank or station, should ask
him, the Lord Vincenzio, to play a game of Chess, he should re
luctantly feel bound to consider it as tantamount to a mortal
affront, to be expiated only in death ; and he should expect that
every such cartel be instantly made good on the spot ; with sharp
sword, lance, or dagger.
And his friends, hereupon, knowingVincenzio to be a man very
likely to keep his word upon the occasion, acted prudently, and
played Chess thenceforth without him.
I really find myself, throughout, giving the very words in which
this tale was narrated to me, by that worthy monk, Fra
Scipione, of the Augustine order, at Venice.

CHAPTER IV.
O time ! time ! time ! Once more I cry "out upon thy speed !"
Generations pass away, centuries revolve ; but years, and thou
sands of years, are but as moments to thee, 0 time ! Like the
bubble on the river, is the life of man, and even while he thinks
he lives, he dies. When w( look forward in anticipation, thirty
or forty years seem a little eternity ; when we retrace their recol
lections in our mind, they are but as an hour. That, which gazed
on from the distance, was a mountain of Alpine height, is changed,
on retrospection, to the merest molehill. Happy the man, who,
on thus glancing back, can say, " no matter, 1 have expended the
past years in works of mercy and charity ; they will not, there
fore, be thought to have been utterly wasted hereafter." I do not
think Vincenzio could have said this conscientiously. Do you,
fair reader ?
 59
Yes, the hour is almost come, when, for the last time, Vin
cenzio and Azaroth must fight in Chess. When the Venetian
must stake down that drop, the most precious in the cup of life
the last hope. O help him, holy saints and virgins, when he
has to enter the lists with so mighty an adversary, to combat
under odds so fearful ! Should he lose the last game, nothing
remains He must pass the remainder of his promised century
of little years, grovelling on earth, " weeping and gnashing" his
teeth, like a doomed criminal under sentence of death. Yes ;
since the last coming of Azaroth, nine years and nine months
have already rolled away ;—let us see how it has gone the while
with our Vincenzio. "I almost begin to pity him," whispers the
gentle voice of merciful woman.
In the outward man, but little change is perceptible, beyond
the silvery hue assumed by his curling locks, and the myriads of
deep small lines indented on his forehead. Vincenzio's muscular
force is not less developed ; but, on the contrary, the Antinous
has almost become a Hercules. The brow of our Italian is the
index of a mind replete with a knowledge of the deepest mys
teries within our mortal comprehension. Vincenzio bears the
outward imprint of a soul within, able almost to grasp the live
lightning as it flashes, and mould it to his will. Talent and virtue,
you would have said, must be entwined in that man, in everlasting
union. To me, who know him better, he seems like a fallen
angel, but the thunderbolt has failed to sear the crest it struck.
Is all within as it should be? Who can say ? His thoughts are
impenetrably hidden, and the chequered line is still twin'd, snake
like, round his throat !
Upwards and upwards has Vincenzio never ceased to climb the
ladder of rank and fame. Him do men cite, when they wish to
point out to their children a model of the rarest worth. The
name of the Lord di Guadagnaro is coupled in teachers' mouths
with the names of the just— with Pericles or Aristides. Clad in
the robes of judgment, and enthroned on one of its proudest seats
in Venice, he shines, earth's emblem of the Almighty. The ducal
coronet is on his head—a much nice comfortable ornament than
his necklace !
After the last dire visitation, the first revulsion of feeling was
dreadful. Vincenzio went forth in the depths of night, and
crawled on the earth like a worm. He rolled himself amid the
tombs, and said, " 0 that I could be as these dry bones ! " He
sailed upon the Adriatic, and cursed his good ship for floating !
though he knew that had he plunged bodily into the deep, he
could never gain oblivion. The elements had no power over
Vincenzio, the doomed! Deep, deep, had the arrow entered into
his heart !—the heavy iron of rage and agony. Under its burden,
 60
he withered like a green leaf in fire ; and the gay, the majestic
presence of Vincenzio, was fearful even as the form of the gaunt
vampire of the night ;—terribly, and unutterably, and fearfully
accursed !
A change came over Vincenzio, and his feelings subsided, cu
riously enough, into stern and indifferent stoicism. Prometheous
like, he felt that the foul bird was gnawing his liver; but he
folded his arms, and bade him welcome to the banquet. His
form was once more portly, his front serene. His heart hardened
like steel in the furnace. It seemed as though he had striven
wilh his enemy, and come forth a victor from the struggle. Like
the glittering May fly, he basked in the sun, and awaited the ar
rival of the foe with bitter indifference. O he was a precious
specimen of the stuff out of which men are made !
******
It was on the eve of St. Januario, and hundreds of gondolas
were skimming over the water. Nobles and peasants, in pictu
resque costume, mingled in the throng. The sky was clear, and
deeply blue ; the wavelets still, and the balmy air breathed perfect
harmony and love. Among the throng, parading the place of
Saint Mark, was Vincenzio, the gazed of all beholders. He was
magnificently attired, but his spirit was sad on that fair eve.
The crowd thickened, and like the waves of the sea, were
tossed about in almost tumult. An aged monk, in striving to ex
tricate himself from the pressure, would have been borne to earth,
but for Vincenzio's saving arm, which restrained the multitude,
and supported the footsteps of tottering age to a remote piazza.
" Blessed be thou, my son," uttered the poor old man, in a
feeble tone. The words went, somehow, home to Vincenzio's
heart. He started !
"O mockery," muttered he, "can I be blessed,—never! " Then,
checking the full gush of feeling, which, under an almost irre
sistible impression, was about to pour forth from his lips, he
answered, "Thanks, father; the blessings of the good are as.
water to the drooping plant."
" Thou sayest well," said the monk, who was evidently a
stranger to Venice. "The prayers and blessings of the righteous
man avail much. Religion can draw that barbed weapon from the
bosom, which has mocked the art of inferior mediciners."
" What meanest thou. Dost know me, monk ? "
" I know thee not, kind sir. For fifty years I have wandered
among Saracens, seeking to save souls. Many strange sights
have I seen, many sore trials have I encountered."
"Didst ever encounter Satan in person, good father? Ha!
ha ! ha ! " .
" Jest not on such a subject. The fiend has not been back
 61
ward to oppose my calling ; but I have smitten him in all his
forms, and will smite him again. Many times has he fled before
me bodily ! " And the monk uttered a short prayer, and crossed
himself, with his eyes upturned to Heaven ; while his long silvery
locks streamed in the wind. He was the prototype of Abraham,
as painted by Raffaelle. A sudden thought struck Vincenzio as
he gazed on the patriarchal form before him. He took the arm
of the monk, and led him to the palace. They entered by a pri
vate stair, and in Vincenzio's study did he pour forth his whole
sad story to the listening priest.
# # * # #
Vincenzio clasped the monk to his bosom, and shouted, fear
fully and loudly, " I am saved !"
And here I would fain conceal one trifling circumstance in my
narration. That monk was never seen on earth again. Whether
he fell among thieves, and was slain for the sake of the treasure
with which Vincenzio doubtless loaded him, or whether he died
lest Vincenzio's secret should be jeopardized by being in his
keeping, can never now be known. No man ever saw him leave
the Guadagnaro palace, but then he might have passed from
thence at night. And even if he were really disposed of by Vin
cenzio, the act becomes a deed of virtue on being properly con
sidered! For, of course, Vincenzio could only be jealous of his
reputation, for the sake of Venice, on whose golden roll his name
was emblazoned. And if Vincenzio chose to take this sin upon
his soul, for the sake of the welfare of the state, was not his con
duct rather praiseworthy than otherwise ? If that was not virtue,
I should like to know what you would call it 1 There might be
certainly one man less in the world, but the earth is very large,
and could do without him.
Joy ! joy ! joy ! Vincenzio is saved. How, as yet, you know not,
but / know, and I say he is saved. His soul is relieved from its
cruel burden, and all is joy and happiness. Secure in the
secret of the monk, 'tis thus Vincenzio now soliloquizes :—
"There wanted but this, to fill up the measure; to cheat the
fiend! and this is granted me. He has read me a hard lesson,
I'll teach him one in return. His day on earth is past, let him
go back to his darksome caves. Ha ! ha ! ha ! capital joke ! I
can laugh now—and heartily. Vincenzio laughs at Azaroth."
It is matter of regret that I am forced to hurry over many
interesting points of the narrative, as originally told me. Let
these be supplied and imagined as they may. I pass on to the
denouement.
At the time appointed, Azaroth came, and felt great surprise
at the courteous reception afforded by his entertainer Far from
quailing before the infernal one, Vincenzio stood erect in his
 62
presence,—bade him heartily welcome—and told him the time
had seemed long since they met last.
"Oh! " replied Azaroth, "the day will soon come, when we
shall he more together."
Vincenzio produced the Chess-board, and men (prepared for
the occasion), and readily arranged them in battle-array. Aza
roth was surprised at his imperturbability.
" One thing, man, I shall ever say for thee, that for constancy
of purpose, boldness of bearing, and calm resolve, I never saw
thy fellow. Patiently have I waited, and much trouble have thy
caprices cost me, but I cannot begrudge it in thy cause."
" You flatter, Azaroth ! By the by, you really look younger
and handsomer yourself, every time 1 see you. Move first if you
like." Each player pushed his King's Pawn two squares, and
to it, in earnest, they went.
" We meet, so rarely," said Vincenzio, " 1 should like to take
this opportunity of getting a little information—check to your
King—respecting a few mysteries, of which I fain would know
something. Science has been ever my idol, as you doubtless
know, from your power of reading man's thoughts."
" Of your thoughts, Vincenzio, I am precluded from knowing
as much as I could, were we on any other terms. When any
little arrangement, similar to our's, has been entered upon, be
tween me and one of you mortals, that very compact screens you,
for the time, from all such powers as I still exercise, over such
as are now independent of my sway."
" O, you mean to say—par exemple—that you have no power
then, however vexed, to do me bodily harm."
"My dear fellow ! how can you ask such a question?"
" Oh ! because I intend giving you Checkmate presently,"
cried the Guadagnaro, laughingly, " and I should wish to know
beforehand whether I dare do so with impunity. That 's all. I am
a man of peace, but little given to quarrelling, and shouldn't there
fore like the Chess-board knocked about my head, if you should
fall in a passion, my friend ! "
" Don't mention such absurdities. Ridiculous ! The bargain 's
a bargain ; and I can no more annul it, than you can. Let the
game go as it may, you will live out your promised number of
years, and none of your enjoyments can be curtailed in any way.
—Checkmate me ! A good joke ! Ho ! ho ! ho ! "
" He laughs best, who laughs last, as they say in England,"
responded Vincenzio, with a slight sneer. The fact is, he
began to hold the poor devil in contempt, for having suffered
himself to be gulled. And I assure you, upon my word, Vincen
zio was even beginning to meditate upon the propriety, or possibi
lity, of presently kicking his friend down stairs !
 63
*******
My pen is sketching a grave fact, and teaching a great moral
lesson, but must not spin it out to a novel. Were I a Balzac, a
Victor Hugo, or a Dumas,—why, perhaps, I might not let you
off so easily. Vincenzio was, I declare, tremendous. He was su
blimely splendid ! He had hooked his fish, and now he had got
him fast, gave him lots of line, and played him to perfection.
Let me tell you, there are few men who could have found nerve
to steer so close to the rocks. The game went on, as the other
games had proceeded, and the Venetian felt quite amused at ob
serving how little chance the deepest schemes of man would avail
in Chess, against the cunning of Monsieur Diabolus. " It serves
him right," thought Vincenzio, " for playing even with me
originally. Had he given me the Rook, as I see he could have
done, I should have scorned taking this shabby advantage. Upon
my soul ! it wouldn't be bad, afterwards, to propose playing at
the odds of the Rook, for the gain of another hundred years ! He
said something to me once about double or quits. It were but
fair to give him the chance. But perhaps I had better let well
alone."
Vincenzio glanced his eye towards a time-piece, which stood on
an adjoining tripod,—" We must play quicker," said he, " for I
dine out to day ; and shall hardly have time to dress."
" O, bravest of Venetians! you shall dine with me some day.
Say, is there aught else I can do for thee, ere I leave thee. To
my very heart do I admire thee ! "
" Why, since you 're so polite, there is a trifling matter you
could do, if you would. Take away this cursed black and white
line, you have stamped around my neck."
" O, certainly, with all my heart. It is gone even while I
speak. The shepherd knows his sheep without marking them,
after the first time of handling them.—It is your move. If you
take my Queen, you will be Mated, my dear Vincenzio, in fifty-
seven moves."
" Very true ; but I shall not take the Queen." Vincenzio
made his move, and many other moves, warily, watching that he
did not commit himself, and carry the joke too far.
" You have not played so much Chess lately as heretofore,"
resumed Azaroth, " What is the reason of that ? "
" O, I got tired of it. We get tired of every thing in this
world, by turns. Do you know, Azaroth, I 'm almost tired of
you ! "
" Ho ! ho ! " sneered the fiend !
" Yes; I gave up Chess. I was vexed at finding I could not
beat you. I am now older, and think differently. I can thrash
you, and at your own weapons."
" Admirable !—And how does the world use you ? "
 64

" Oh ! tolerably. The men are, entre nous, for the most part,
rogues ; shabby, miserable, sneaking, wretches ! "
" You may say that," quoth Azaroth, " some of them are
so truly contemptible I give them up. They're not worth trap
ping."
" But when you catch a prey worth the trouble—"
"Why then it's pleasant," answered Azaroth.'— "Hum!"
thought Vincenzio to himself, " I wish you may find it so! "
And now I must again call in the assistance of a crayon, to
pourtray the situation of the Chess-men, while this conversation
past. They stood as follows, and Azaroth, having as usual the
White pieces, had to move.

You see, Vincenzio had the advantage of a clear Rook ; but

position they say, is more than numbers, in Chess.
Well, in this very position, Azaroth suddenly exclaimed, " its
all over. I am about to mate you in four moves."
And the fiend accordingly played the first of these four moves.
Vincenzio calmly examined the situation, and saw, indeed, that
Mate was inevitable in the number of moves specified. At the
same time he could not but admire that superb talent for Chess,
which, by a series of magnificently forced moves, had thus involved
him. The Venetian's heart beat high, and he turned pale with
excitement. The sensation was delicious. Revenge never filled
a sweeter cup. He glanced over the board, and remained still.
" You see I'm right. Play on."
 65
" Are you in a hurry ? my good friend," answered Vincenzio.
" O ! by no manner of means. But it does not matter how
you take your next move. Come, play."
Said Vincenzio, in reply, (now mark !)
" My very obliging friend, and particularly kind patron ! Man
or devil, be you what you may, moderate your impatience, or
you '11 certainly fall ill! Listen to me—a poor, humble, mortal.
I believe we play according to the strict rules of Chess. Now by
those laws my right of full time to examine the move is quite
conceded.—Pray don't fidget about in your chair so much ; you
shall speak when I 've done.—My next move is rather difficult,
that 's all. You talk about giving me Mate. You may do so, if
you can. When we played before, I lost, through being seduced
mto moving too quick—a common error with young players !
Into this error I shall not fall again. The position requires im
mense consideration. I shall look till I find the correct move by
which I can frustrate your " coup." Till then, I shall not play.
I intend to dwell on my next move, perhaps twenty or thirty
years : so if you will now retire, and do me the favour to visit me
again, at the expiration of about that period, I may then probably
have the pleasure of answering your last move. Or, if you pre
fer finishing the game by correspondence, I '11 send my move,
when I 've made up my mind, per post, if you leave your address.
Meanwhile, I wish you every imaginable happiness. Excuse my
rising. I dine out, and cannot offer to take you with me, for you
look so cross, you 'd really sour the wine ! "
While Vincenzio finished this long, and somewhat flippant, ti
rade, he rose from his seat, and smilingly bowed to his diabolical
visitor ; waving his hand at the same time towards the door.
The fiend could not articulate a single word. He was struck
dumb with the man's impudence. At length Azaroth stammered
out—
"Scoundrel and villain ! are you in earnest? What do you
mean ?—Play directly, or—"
" Ha ! ha ! ha ! " laughed Vincenzio " In earnest do you ask ?
Remember my adage, he laughs longest who laughs last. Don't
call names ; you have owned you've no power over me. I confess
myself under great obligations to you, and if it ever lies in my
way, shall be too happy to repay them in kind. Meanwhile, de
mon ! (and Vincenzio drew himself up to his full proud height)—
liar ! and father of lies ! know that thou art scorned, and con
quered at thy own weapons, by a man ! I spit at thee, and defy
thee ! "
Azaroth turned black in the face with rage.—" Monster of in
gratitude, " foamed he !
"lama man ! " was Vincenzio's reply.—Pen cannot write the
K
 6G
description of the scene that followed. Azaroth forgot his breed
ing, and scolded like a fish-woman. At length he took himself
off in a thunder-blast, which shook Venice to the depths of its
watery foundations.
" After all ! " sighed Vincenzio, " I have really not behaved
well to him ! "
# # # # #
Vincenzio never saw Azaroth again. He passed on to extreme
old age, enjoying to the last, all the finest qualities of youth ;
together with the varied endowments gained by his unearthly
compact. He returned to the practice of Chess, and was fonder
of it than ever. This is not to be wondered at. Had it not been
his saviour and protector ?—Chess afforded him the chiefest solace
in age, when his iron frame began to yield to time, and in him
did Chess-players again hail their master and their patron. And
when he knew, and felt, that his last days were at hand,—when
his appetites were palled —his senses dimned—and his limbs pal
sied ;—then, I say, being ninety and nine years of age, and sink
ing into death, he received the consolations of the church—was
anointed with the holy oil of unction—and expired, as his con
fessor thus beautifully expressed it, in his funeral sermon :—" in
the assured hope of sharing endless felicity, with persons of
similar rank and respectability."
## ######
And now that I have finished this little story, which I have
scribbled, my fair friend, merely because you told me it was im
possible to twist Chess into a romance, if you ask me to point out*
the moral of it, I reply thus :;—It is a Chess-story, and it is, there
fore, rather relative to the " morals of Chess," than to the morals
of you, or of me, that its tendency ought to be applicable. And
the " Chess moral " hereby enforced is this :— " Take proper time
for the consideration of your moves, and never play too quickly."
And if you are not satisfied with this " moral," Madam, I must
beg of you to find a better G. W.

PETER PINDAR AND ANGLING.

Dr. Wolcot's taste for angling may be gathered from his
verses on the subject ; of which the following is the concluding
stanza.
Enjoy thy stream, O harmless fish,
And when an angler, for his dish,
Through gluttony's vile sin,
Attempts—a wretch—to drag thee out,
God give thee strength, O gentle trout,
To pull the rascal in !
 STUDIES IN POLISH DRAUGHTS.
No. 4.—The"Hollandai9" wins of Philidor; having the move, and the White men.

No. 5.—Won at the Cafe de Manoury, by M. R. ; who had the White, and the
No. 6.—Philidor wing, with White men and move, against M. Leger.

No. 7. —White to move and win. By M. Harvant.

(Very difficult to solve.)
 69

WHIST.—BY A MELTONIAN.
No. II.
Before proceeding to unfold more of my own lucubrations, a
short notice of existing authors on Whist may not be found de
void of interest. Once for all, let it be remembered, I treat here
exclusively of Short Whist.
Besides the ancient writings of Payne and Hoyle, there are
several original pamphlets on Whist, of early date ; but of ex
tremely little value. The great Hoyle was one of the first to
appreciate the value of innocent games to society, and treated his
subject with due and professional dignity. Hoyle delivered pub
lic lectures, on both Whist and Chess ; and I have seen one of
the newspaper advertisements in which he offered to give private
lessons on either of these sports, at "a crown a lesson." Hoyle
has been reprinted, in endless forms, and by numerous commen
tators. Honour to Hoyle ! It is not my intention to run him
down, for I am so unfashionable as to think, seriously, we are
under many obligations to the zeal he manifested in the cause of
amusement. True, he would cut but a poor figure now-a-days at
a whist table in St. James' Street; but in this, as in every other
subject, the theorist who comes last, justly carries off the laurel
awarded to new discoveries. Improvement is easier than inven
tion. Hoyle was suited to the slow and heavy days of powder
and perriwigs ; enamelled faces, and clouded canes. Requiescat
in pace ; and may the earth lie light upon him.
It is hardly necessary to point out, that the huge modern edi
tions of Hoyle jpossess a quantity of additional matter, " as thick
as that cheese, ' passed off under his name. Could Hoyle see
some of these, I believe he would feel little pride at the appear
ance and equipment of his offspring. The last edition, dated
1835, and edited by one G. H., forms no exception to this remark.
It is, in sooth, a most indifferent production, as you will see on a
summer's day.
That Hoyle's pearls were not exactly thrown to swine, may be
gathered from the following paragraph, in a journal of 1798.
" Milton, that glory of British literature, received not above
ten pounds, at two different payments, for the copy of Paradise
Lost. Yet Mr. Hoyle, author of the Treatise on the Game of
Whist, after having disposed of all the first impressions, sold the
copy to the bookseller for two hundred guineas."—A pretty
round sum for those days ; but probably a lucrative speculation
to the publishers.
Of modern books on Whist, there are but three worthy of par
 70
ticular notice. These are the Treatises of Mathews, Burney, and
The Major. I do not want to read " Hints upon Etiquette," to
notice them, severally, in that order of precedence, in which they
followed each other into the world, to assist man in his laborious
search after knowledge. Honour to the trio! At issue with
each other on sundry minor irrelatives, they are beautifully har
monious in the price at which they sell out their knowledge to
her Majesty's lieges. Three shillings for a pamphlet, would be
called by Sam. Weller, " rayther dear at the price ; " but how
can we sufficiently remunerate the sage who has grizzled his
locks, while trimming the midnight lamp so long, for our reforma
tion? But of this again, anon.
Mathews' book* has gone through several editions ; and in
most respects, may be fairly stated as a very praiseworthy pro
duction, as far as it goes. It is spiritedly written, and free from
the monotony so detestably prevalent in certain books on games.
Mathews has been called the founder of a new school ; and his
innovations on Hoyle, may generally be styled as " glorious revo
lutions," rather than as the " triumphs of faction." When
Mathews wrote, he appears to have been in earnest—which I
like to see ; and we cannot doubt his having been a man capable
very properly of kicking a partner down stairs, who should trump
a King-card incorrectly. > It is evident he was himself a strong
player, and it is to me the more astonishing that he should have
so long continued " in opposition" to the use of Short Whist. It
has been ever matter of regret, that Mathews did not develop his
subject at greater length, and upon a better plan of systematic
arrangement. As it stands, I assume it to have been a collection
of precepts noted down at intervals ; without regard to order or
arrangement. Like the sayings of Confucius, and other philoso
phers, Mathews' Treatise forms an admirable "bouquet" of apo
thegms, for the guidance of youth in the way he should go. The
terseness of his style is strongly in his favour, and it is, on the
whole, no wonder his work should have placed him on the pinna
cle of the mount. Mathews is universally recognized as the first
classical authority, and the very Whist medals from Birmingham,
in common use as counters, are stamped with quotations from his
rules.—Could Westminster Abbey, itself, give his reliques greater
honour ?
One point about Mathews I find particularly deserving of ad
miration ; I mean, the positive tone in which he lays down the
law. No half measures with him ; and " no mistake " about his
meaning. Poor Hoyle is dismissed, by Mathews, as one " not fit

* Advice to the Young Whist-player. By T. Mathews, Esq.—Bath, Meyler,

1822, pocket size. Thirteenth edition, pp. 64.
 71
to Bit down even with the third-rate players of the present day."
Tolerably modest this ; to say the least of it —Unhappy shade of
Hoyle ! can we give thee no comfort, reposing mournfully upon
the " hills of storms," round Bath, or Clifton ? Little didst thou
anticipate being scolded for bad play, after thy departure bodily
from earth ; whatever may have been thy fate, when in the flesh,
and at the card table. Is there no solace for thy grief? Sleep,
perturbed spirit, while we search thy foe, to find a crevice in his
armour of proof. He votes thee a ninny—in fee-simple ; and
evidently rates himself, in comparison, as a giant with a dwarf.
Let us see whether our Achilles himself be not vulnerable to re
proof—at least in the heel of his red Morocco slipper.—Mathews'
book opens of itself before us, and the forty-third doctrinal text
stares us in the face, as followeth :—
" Many good players, in playing tierce-majors, begin with the
king and queen. This is often productive of mischief ; as, when
played at other times, from king and queen only, the ace is kept
up, and while each thinks his partner has it, and has played ac
cordingly, it unexpectedly comes from the adversary and disap
points their whole plan."
Now, according to the meaning of a tierce-major in my vocab
ulary, it can only exist when the three cards are in one hand ;
and, in such case, how can the ace fall from any other ? Having
a tierce-major, and playing, under circumstances, the king first,
and then the queen, tells your partner as plainly as a man can
talk in the language of Whist, that you hold the ace ; that is,
more especially should the queen win. And as the perfection of
Whist consists in having acquired the art of rendering your hand
fairly legible to your partner, I take it to be correct, except in
particular cases, to play off king and queen first. In fact, hold
ing tierce-major, you can hardly do mischief, play them as you
may. The chances are balanced somehow on every event. If you
lead ace first, your partner has no right to know you hold king.
As a set off, should you begin with the king, and your partner
be weak in trumps, he '11 certainly cut the poor king down. Still,
I dissent on this point, from Mathews, and believe that in the
long run, it is the sounder play to keep the ace in hand.
Should you, then, lead the king of any suit, and win the trick,
it does not absolutely follow that your partner has the ace. Should
you hold the queen in sequence, guarded by a low card, discon
tinue the suit ; but if you have a tierce to the king, carry on with
it accordingly.
How difficult it is to lay down general rules ! The unceasing
cry of good Whist-players is very properly this :—let the playing
out of your hand approach as nearly as possible to the playing
out of a hand at dummy. Now Mathews does not himself always
 72
recollect this most important axiom ; upon which, in fact, all
Whist precepts should be based.—His forty-seventh bit of advice
runs thus :—
" With ace, queen, &c. of a suit, of which your right-hand ad
versary leads the knave, put on ace invariably. No good player
with king, knave, and ten, will begin with the knave ; of course
it is finesseing against yourself to put on the queen, and as the
king is certainly behind you, you give away at least the lead,
without any possible advantage. '
In the general and absolute manner in which Mathews directs
the observance of this dictum, I conceive him to be undoubtedly
wrong. It is laid down too broadly, and should by no means be
acted on, as he recommends, invariably. Particular exceptions
exist with regard to trumps ; and there may arise frequent hands
in which the queen, or a small one, would be stronger play than
the ace. In trumps, to draw two honours for one is mostly
sound ; and in other suits, should you hold ace, queen, and ten,
you ought decidedly to play off queen npon knave, and thus
remain with tenace.
" It is equally advantageous to lead up to, as through an ace."—
Here we are treated by Mathews to a dogma of positive absurdity.
Surely he must mean that the advantage belongs to the ace which
is thus led up to ; but how any advantage is to accrue to the
leader, remains to me a mystery. In double dummy, we are
taught to lead throngh the strong, and play up to the weak ;
which ought therefore to be our rule of conduct in the ordinary
game. To lead through an ace, stares one in the face as an ad
vantage ; to lead up to one is quite a different matter. Of course,
with certain hands, it is good play to lead up to the ace ; and not
be frightened by its menacing scowl, from drawing a round of
trumps when justifiable. Let players of reflection judge for them
selves, and neither be led, nor misled, by the pertness of self-
constituted authority. I may here remark, that in my flying cri
tique on "the books," I intend my observations to be equally
applicable to the game, both Long and Short ; though, as I before
said, my own theory—when it comes—will apply especially to the
latter variety.
With three cards, Mathews tells us peremptorily, always to
put an honour on an honour ; a liftle further on, he says, that
with king, ten, and a small one, you should not put the king on
the queen. Many good players dissent from this, and prefer
putting king on queen as the sounder play ; but what is the be
ginner, poor fellow ! to do, when he takes up a pamphlet full of
such startling contradiction 1 I know that in a similar case I
should throw the book in the fire. Mathews advocates the lead
ing, with certain hands, from a single card. I do not say this
 73
should never be done ; for the words " always " and *' never " are
equally inapplicable to the science of Whist ; but I hold, that a
single card should be led with fear and trembling; it being two
to one that the strength in such hand lies against your partner.
Should your partner win the trick, he is not necessitated to
return the suit, and should your adversaries win it, circumstances
may show them what you are at ; and a heavy fire of trumps will
be the immediate consequence.—The relative position of the score
should be duly weighed, before starting a single card, as your
lead.
In his hundredth axiom, Mathews says, " Tenace is easily kept
against your right hand, but impossible, without great superi
ority of skill, against your left hand adversary." The self-same
words are copied, and adopted, by Major A. Being thus laid down,
as a canon, by two writers of name, I shall of course, whenever I
write a Treatise on Whist, make free with the remark ; but shall
take the liberty of altering it as follows :—
Tenace may, with moderate skill, and average fortune, be main
tained against your right hand adversary, but you will be indeed
a lucky man, should you ever be able to keep it against him on
your left. Unless the latter be compelled to lead up to you, the
idea of keeping tenace against him is a mere dream of Utopia,
worthy of Charenton.
But somewhat too much of this. It is easier to find fault than
to do better. The blessed sun, himself, is spotted with shadows,
and Homer could nod in his easy chair like common men.—
Mathews was a fine fellow, and so is Admiral Burney.*
WTe are prejudiced in favour of Burney, if only from his name.
I like to see a man of similar standing, not ashamed of contri
buting his quota, openly, to the fund of general knowledge, in sci
entific disport. Admiral Burney was, personally, a very skilful
player, both of Whist, and Chess; for the especial practice of the
latter of which games, he founded a club at Cheltenham. This
institution for many years held its meetings at the Plough Hotel,
but is now, I regret to say, defunct. The gallant Admiral's book
on Whist is less known than it deserves to be ; and is written in
as pleasant a chit-chat, gentlemanly style, as you can conceive.
Did it assume loftier pretensions, its plumes might be the easier
plucked ; but it bears its crest so very meekly, the critic can
hardly forbear letting it pass peacefully Burney's chief fault is
the high price set upon his pages ; and this is probably the reason
they are not more known. That, which as a sixpenny tract would
be excellent, is surely less worthy of patronage, when the pur-

* (Note.J A Treatise on the Game of Whist; by the late Admiral James Bur
ney. London, Boone, second edition, 1823. Sm. 8vo. pp. 87.
L
 74
chaser is charged no less than three shillings for so slight an
essay. By way of parenthesis,—Will booksellers ever under
stand the folly and enormity of high prices ? Or is it reckoned
vulgar, by authors of "gentle blood," to place a proper estimate
on their labours ? Poor fools ! if such be the cause which prompts
the really swindling tax exacted on many of the fashionable
volumes ! The writer cannot see, that instead of selling his one
thousand books at a guinea and a half, to the reading rooms, he
might vend an edition of fifty thousand to the public, would he
but content himself with a crown a copy. This is proved, by the
vast numbers of new books disposed of by Galignani, Baudry, and
others, abroad; consisting of cheap English reprints of our best
productions. An absurd fuss is making just now, about what
the legists term, " a system of international copyright." Should
any measure of this sort pass into law, it will be a dead robbery
on the public of Britain. Print your books low, and you will
never be " pirated " by foreign publishers. Take an instance,
however out of place. Southey's poems are procurable in Paris,
complete in one handsome tome, for twenty shillings. Here,
they cannot be purchased under nine pounds. The consequence
is, that of one of the most beautiful poets in the English language,
the public know, at present, little more than they do of the man in
the moon ; though his publishers have been at length coaxed into
commencing a cheap edition. Let us hope the present system
will be exploded. Under it, so great a steam pressure is required
to cram the people with dear books, that of the twenty-five shil
lings charged for what should form one small volume, it has been
computed the publisher is forced to expend fifteen, in the puffs
of newspaper wind, on which the butterfly trifle floats away its
hour. And the fun is, that the poor periodicals are, with few ex
ceptions, so dependent on the booksellers' advertisements, they
dare not advocate a healthier plan.—Return we to our Whist.
One of the most important points of Whist is memory ; the
high cultivation of which, in a first rate player, is remarkable in
the extreme. Nothing can put him out. His exactitude of re
collection is equally unmoved, let there be dancing, fiddling, and
drinking, all enwreathed around his chair. He can, under all
circumstances, recollect how the cards have fallen. Here, the
second-rater is at fault. The latter is liable to fits of aberration
from extraneous causes ; and if capable of falling into one lapse
of memory, only, in an hour, such fault is enough to mark his
grade. Suppose eleven clubs are out, and the two in hand are
the Five and Six ; should either of these be led, you ought to
know, of course, to a certainty, as to whether it is the best or not ;
and, moreover, from the cards previously played, ought in gene
ral to have gathered sufficient indication, to tell the whereabouts
 75
which the other card inhabits. Most Whist players on reading
this, will exclaim, that " of course " they could recollect a thing
so simple ; but how many tolerable players do I see constantly
blundering upon equally " simple " points ? A first-rate ought
to be capable, as a test, of looking rapidly once over his thirteen
cards, and then, placing them face downwards on the table,
should be able to draw them individually as wanted. He ought
to be able, when the hand is over, to repeat its perfect history
from memory alone ; naming the fifty-two cards successively in
the order they fell, and classing the tricks accordingly. I have
seen this done at Whist ; though, candour compels me to add,
that, without training, its accomplishment by me, personally,
would be utterly impracticable.
The system of devising any artificial memory for Whist, I vote
to be a dead take in. Writers direct us, after counting our cards,
to place certain suits in different relative positions ; sticking the
trumps at the back of the others ; by way, I presume, of showing,
metaphorically, upon what the hand rests as its chief support.
Thirteenth cards, again, are to be placed by themselves, in some
quiet snuggery, like old bachelors in an alms-house. Now, I
maintain, that-—not only in Whist, but in every thing else,—the
more you attempt to prop the faculty of memory by adventitious
means, the more you undermine its constitution Men, who
" memorandumize " their tablets upon all the petty details of life,
and cannot recollect a dinner engagement without noting it down
in black and white, weaken their memories by thus mistrusting
its powers. Like our other faculties, this precious organ can
only be maintained in a healthy state, by being boldly leant upon
and exercised. What would become of your legs, were you to
take to a couple of crutches by way of helping them along ? The
thing speaks for itself, but cannot be too fully exemplified. Our
great Rothschild could do business throughout the most compli
cated forms, to the amount of millions, during the whole of the
day, and could then at night record the whole from memory
alone ; and write down each transaction in its order.—0 what a
Whist memory would this have been ! Follow, I beseech yon,
Mr. Rothschild's plan. Take up your cards, count them care
fully, reckon how many you hold of each suit, but do not alter
the position of a single card. A very little practice will enable
you to appreciate the advantage of acquiring thus the habit of
keeping your cards placed indiscriminately. Go off in the right
path ; and your future progress is certain. In quitting this topic,
I would enforce it upon you as points to be especially recollected,
who dealt last, and what was the turn up card. Admiral Burney
is perfectly correct in calling this a difficult thing to remember ;
but adds, with equal propriety, that by a predetermined attention
 76
to these particulars, during six following deals, the observance
will come to be a habit.
Among Whist players of the old school, there is a rhyme extant,
relating to the play of the second hand, should he hold the king,
or queen, with one small card only. The said couplet advises the
second hand, in every such case, to play—
The king, ever;
The queen, never.
Burney wishes this altered to "The queen, ever; the king often."
I agree with him most cordially ; and the remark applies even
more forcibly to Short Whist. Indeed, generally speaking, with
only two cards of the suit, second player, the higher card is the
stronger play. I shall take another opportunity of reverting to
this important point, subjoining, in the interim, the gist of Bur-
ney's reasoning on the subject, in his own words. " With the
queen and one small card of a suit not trumps* and the first lead,
I advise the second hand to put on the queen ; wherein T dinner
from former authorities. The objections to the second player put
ting on the queen, are, that either the ace or king, or both, must
be with one or other of the two last players, as it is not to be sup
posed, that the leader having both would lead a small card ; that
by putting on the queen, you risk exposing your weakness in the
suit ; and that if the king should be in the third hand, and the
ace in the last, the queen if kept up, would become the head of
the suit. The chance of the queen making, by a finesse of the
original leader, i. e. the right hand adversary, in the second round
of the suit, is to be reckoned next to nothing."
" There are nine different ways, nearly equally probable, in
which the ace and king may be disposed in the other three hands.
If both are with the leader, or both in the last hand, the second
hand will have done well in putting on the queen. If both are in
the third hand, it will seldom be of consequence in what manner
the second hand is played. The first opening of a new suit with
out having an honour in it, seldom happens but from the poverty
of the leader, or by his playing from numbers ; and in those cases,
the second hand putting on the queen will be attended with dis
advantage, unless both the superior honours are in his partner's
hand. But in four of the nine possible dispositions of the ace and
king, eight only of which are supposeable cases, one of the supe
rior honours in the suit is with the leader, and one with the third
or fourth player; and as in such disposition of the cards there is
nothing repugnant to leading, it is to be regarded as the most
common circumstance of the case, and on which the second player

* I should carry the principle still further, and trumps should by no means he
thus excepted.
 77
should most calculate. If the two superior cards are in the hands
of the leader and his partner, the injury suffered by putting on
the queen will be in the exposure of weakness, which may some
times make the difference of a trick. If one of the superior cards
is with the last player, the other being with the leader, your put
ting on the queen second hand wins the trick, and saves your
partner's ace or king. If the king, the adversaries will be per
fectly at a loss to know in which hand it lies ; if the ace, it
secures the two first tricks in the suit, with the chance of ruffing
in the third round. To give up an even chance of advantages so
important, for the hope of concealing weakness, is paying a high
price for the chance of a benefit comparatively small," &c.—(See
Burney, p. 42.J
Who is the real author of that new and nice little book on Short
Whist, standing in the name of Major A. ? * I know not ; though
I have heard it attributed to Major A—b—y. Whoever he be,
he plays a good game of Whist, and, breaking out of the trammels
of pedantry, has given us a pocket volume in which there are
certainly combined both instruction and amusement. His affect
ing the anonymous is absurd enough ; for if ashamed of his
subject, he should not have laboured in its illustration. I dislike
to see authors thus playing at blind-man's buff. Every writer
ought fearlessly to hang forth his banner on the title page. Think
of that, Major A., and take not offence at the suggestion ; ahem !
Lower the price of your book, my dear sir ; or give more matter
for more money. Few are, I suspect, better qualified to write a
really good Treatise on Whist. Major A. should treble the size
of his volume ; and thus establish it as " the best trump." Of my
own labours, the public can only judge hereafter. " Have at ye
all ," will be my motto, if the Philidorian favors me with space
enough.
On turning over the leaves of my copy of Major A , I find a few
marginal indentations, which 1 presume to have been the product
of some critical " thumb ; " perhaps that of the great " Lord
Thumb " himself. I have only room to notice a few of these ;
and accordingly take them indiscriminately. Truth is best eli
cited by a diversity of opinions, as I redde in the Philidorian last
month. To infallibility, far be it from me to pretend. Let the
skilful Whist player judge between us. -
At page 58, Major A. says, " If you have ace, ten, and a small
card of a suit, of which your partner leads the nine,—pass it,
although the finesse is against three cards ; for if your partner
has an honour you make two tricks ; if not, you can make no
* Short Wbist : its rise, progress, and laws. Together with maxims for begin
ners, and observations to make any one a Whist player. By Major A ***** .
London, Longman, 1836. Sm. 8vo, pp. 95,
 78

more than the ace, by any mode of play . " This is given as a general
law, universally, and equally, applicable to trumps as to other
suits. It strikes me, I own, as being very fine play, but too deep,
as the man says in the farce, for my poor comprehension. The
potion is good,—granted ; but when prescribed like Morison's
Pills, to cure all diseases, forms, on a small scale, quite as cool
a piece of mystification. In trumps almost every species of
finesse is a fair risk, and a bold game is the best ; but the play
ing out of the trumps, properly, forms a peculiar branch of Whist,
to which the remaining shoots of the tree can scarcely be likened.
In the present case, it is matter of nearly moral certainty, that
your left hand adversary will win the trick, on your running the
nine, for it is a good five to two he holds an honour ; and on his
thus gaining the trick with perhaps queen or knave, how are
you to ensure that the remaining cards of the suit are so equally
distributed among the hands, that the third round will not be
cut ? Such play will sometimes succeed, no doubt, and then you
may get lots of gallery applause for your " prodigious skill,"
but the question is, out of five and twenty times, with average
hands, would this play be successful thirteen ? I think not, and
consider the ace to be the sounder play ; except in certain cases
of trumps. When Major A. advocated this atrocious finesse, he
must assuredly have been suffering from indigestion, occasioned
by feeding too heartily with his friends on the hot lobster men
tioned in his preface ; and it could only have been under the in
fluence of a similar cram, that our gentleman could have for
gotten his Whist, to puff a quack nostrum, as the Major does at
p. 42. The brandy bottle would be, I should say, of quite the
same efficacy as the restorative cordial in question.
Major A.'s remark, that, "it is in playing bad cards to advan
tage that superior skill is most manifest," is not in keeping with
my own experience, but altogether the contrary. Skill is most
shown in playing good cards; temper in playing bad ones. He
that gets from off good cards all that is to be got, is the Whist
player for my money. Of course the good player will do more
with bad cards than his fellow, but this is a more negative species
of merit Major A. does not stand alone among writers, as one
who sanctions this most egregiously shallow sophism.
At p. 70, Major A. tells us, " With ace, queen, and two small
trumps, .if the knave is led on the left, do not win it," &c. In
the main this advice is good, and is based on a sound principle ;
but there may arise many cases in which it would be far stronger
to play the queen Cutting it too fine, is the rock on which half
bred Whist players so often split. Finesse to win the game,
but do not finesse for the mere sake of finesseing.
My limits this month will allow of only one more quotation :
 79
" There is frequently judgment required in selecting the penalties
for a revoke. If the revoking party be four love, add three to
your own score, as it saves a double game, and puts you at three
to four. If he- be at three, take them away from his score," &c.
(See Major A. p. 23 J
Really I cannot see the sense of the latter half of this propo
sition. My adversary is three, and I am advised to take him
down, instead of making us three all, by adding three to my own
score. Pause on this a moment. Whether each party has to get
two points, or five points, the chances must be so far equal, and
the mode of taking the penalty, then, should be regulated by the
position of the rubber, the deal, &c. The fault I find here with
the Major, turns on his omitting to notice this. Should the
coming deal be with my opponent, I would rather we should both
return to the "nix" point; than stand at three all; but should
the coming deal be ours, the case is altered, and I should then
certainly prefer placing the three to the credit side of our
account; though in so doing we leave our adversaries at four.
Never forget the value of the deal, which gives you a certain
trump, a probable honour, or even two, and a strong chance of
the largest share of trumps, out of all the hands round the table.
And now having cleared my ground.somehow, I pause for breath
to enable me to take a higher flight than the invidious task of
fault-finding with my neighbours. As I write this sentence,
eighteen-hundred-thirty-and-seven is just walking out, to make
room for his successor, and when I resume my pen, I must date
with another year. In the interim, I wish my readers good cards,
pleasant partners, and above all, that " equal mindedness," so
dear to the philosopher, which enables man to bide the heaviest
brunts of fortune ; without wincing under her frown, or being
lured by her smiles, into the paradise of fools.
C To be continued.J

CHESS PROBLEMS ;—SOLUTIONS. (See P. 31.)

Problem I.
1 . Q. to Q. Kt. fifth. 1 . K. to K. fifth.
2. Q. to K. B. fifth, ch., and then Mates.
Problem II.
White moves first.
1. Q. to R. eighth, ch. 1. K. takes Q.
2. B. to Q. B. sixth, ch. 2. K. to R. second.—If he play
to Kt. sq., you take Q. with R., and Mate next move.
3. R. checks, and then Mates.
Black moves first.
1. H. takes P. ch. 1. K. takes R.
 80
2. Q. to K. R. fifth, ch. 2. Kt. cover;?.
3. Q. ch. at Kt. 6, and then takes P., Mating.
Problem III.
1. Q. to K. B. second, ch. 1. Q. covers.
2. Kt. to K. B. third, ch 2. K. to R. (best.)
3. Q. ch. and Mates,—taking the interposed Q.
Problem IV.
1. Q. to Q. B fifth, ch. 1. If he interpose Pawn, he is
Mated in three moves ; therefore,
K. to Kt.
2. Q. to Q. B. seventh, ch. 2. K. to R. (best.)
3. Q. to Q. B. eighth, ch. 3. K. moves.
4. B. to Q. Kt. sixth, ch. 4. K. takes B.
5. Queen gives Checkmate.
Problem V.
(In this diagram, through an error of the Press, a Black Pawn
was dropt from its K. R. 4, on which square the reader will
replace it.)
1. R. checks. 1. If he play to B. or Kt., he is
Checkmated in three moves ; therefore,
K. to R. third.
2. Q. takes P. ch. 2. K. takes P.
3. Kt. to R. fourth, ch., and the rest is obvious.
Problem V^J. ✓? /
1. B.-te-Q^g. sixth. JL^R. fo Kt. (best.) ^7 ^
2. B. takes P. crn-..^ ^""^ R retakes. r / / 1
3. Q. to K. eighth. cg><r 3. R. covers. "
4. Q. to Q. B. .sixth, ch. ^R. covers.
5. Q. to QrB. eighth, ch., and tfie'» Mates, taking P.
Problem VII.
1 . B. to Q. B. fourth. 1. K. takes Kt.
2. Kt. to K. B. eighth. 2. K. to Q. third. (A)
3. Kt. to Q. seventh. 3. K. moves.
4. B. to Q. B. fifth. • 4. K. moves.
5. B. to Q. Kt. fifth, and Mates next time.
(A)
2. K. to Q. Kt. second.
3. B to Q. Kt. fifth. 3. Ifhe go to corner, he is Mated
in two moves ; so, K. to Kt.
4. Kt. checks. 4. K. to Kt. second, (best.)
5. B. to K. Kt. sq., and Mates next move.
Problem VIII.
1 . King opposes King, and then offers to Mate by moving Rook
to Q. fourth. If Black place Bishop at Kt. 4, R. checks, and
Mates with P. In every case the Mate is forced, from the ori
ginal situation, in four moves.
 THE

PHILIDORIAN.

No. 3. [FEBRUARY] 1838.

CHESS.—IMPORTANT VARIATION OF

THE GIUOCO PIANO.

The following letter needs little comment by way of introduc

tion. It exposes the fallacy of one of the modern additions to
the usually received Chess openings. We are prepared to show
that several others are equally unsound. For the notes append
ed to the present communication, our editorial pen is alone
answerable.
" To the Editor of the Philidorian.
Sir,—In Mr. Lewis's Second Series of Lessons on Chess, p.
93, occurs the game below, which I give with his own remarks.
WHITE. BLACK.
< 1. K. P. two. 1 K. P. two.
2. K. Kt. to B. third. 2. Q. Kt. to B. third.
3. K. B. to Q. B. fourth. 3. The same.
4. Q. B. P. one. 4. Q. P. one. (a)
5. Q. P. two. 5. P. takes P.
6. P. retakes P. 6. B. checks, (b)
Though this check,' says Mr. Lewis, ' has been recommended by
most writers as a good move, yet I venture to differ from them ;
and shall endeavour to prove that it gives White decidedly the
best of the game. The move usually given in opposition to it is
to interpose either Bishop or Knight ; the move I propose to
play is the King, thus :—
7. K. to B sq. (c) You now threaten to advance Q. P., and
on the removal of the Kt., to check with your Q., at R. 4th,
winning K. B.'
Then, among a variety of moves proposed to obviate the me
naced danger, Mr. L. gives—
' 7. Q. B. to K. Kt. fifth.
8. Q. P. one. 8. Q. B. takes Kt.'
M
 82

After stating that it would be bad play to take the Bishop, (d),
he proposes, now, as the proper move—
* 9. Q. to R. fourth'—saying, ' If he remove Q. B., you should
take Q. Kt.; perhaps his best move is
6. B. takes K. P. ' (e)
And here this defence of the Black is left. Now, Sir. I think
it will not be difficult to show, that Mr. Lewis has signally failed
in his proof, and that so far as the evidence he affords us gives,
no advantage whatever is gained by White from Black's check
with Bishop. I take it for granted the next move would be—
10. P. takes Kt. Black has now taken one P. more than White,
but is threatened with the loss of a Bishop, or with a very un
pleasant check' by discovery. The move I propose, and which
probably escaped the observation of Mr. L. is—
10. Q.Kt. P. two; (f) thus pre
venting the discovered check, and attacking two pieces. White
has now several moves, the best of which, I think, will leave a
slight advantage with his antagonist.
Firstly. B. takes K. B. P. ch.
Secondly. B. takes Kt. P.
Thirdly. Q. takes Kt. P.
Fourthly. Q. takes B.
FIRSTLY.
11. B. takes P. ch. 11. K. retakes B.
12. Q. takes B. 12. B. takes Q. B. P. and re
mains a P. superior, with a better game.
SECONDLY.
11. B. takes Kt. P. 11. B. takes Q. Kt.
12. R. or Q. takes Bishop, and Black's other B. removes, hav
ing still the best game.
THIRDLY.
11. Q. takes Kt. P. 1 . Can play K. B. to Q. B.
fourth, or take Q. Kt., or attack Q. with R. &c. (g.)
FOURTHLY.
11. Q. takes B. 11. P. takes B.
12. Q. takes doub. P., but Black has the better game, (h)
The original check with K. B. remains, therefore, to be im
pugned ; and this point is of the more importance, in as much as
the soundness of Q. P. one, at move 4, in defence of the Piano
Game, seems to depend on it.—I am, Sir, &c,

J.W.
Bristol, Jan. 7, 1838. B.
 83

Notes; by the Editor.

(a) We have long since given up this move as partially weak,
and certain to insure a cramped game, for the second player.
Its fatal effects, without the Bishop subsequently checks, are
well developed in the match at chess, by correspondence, be
tween the clubs of Paris and Westminster. It is better to play
out King's Kt. to K. B 3.
(b) Unless this check be sound, the Bishop must retreat to
Kt. 3, and a move is thereby lost. Our correspondent fairly
proves his assertion ; that the check must be given.
(c) The prospective advantage ought to be clear indeed,
which can excuse a move like this. The King becomes hampered ;
and, as in the Bishop's Gambit, the King's Rook is locked up
for an indefinite period. If Black could do nothing else, in re
ply, he might move King to his Bishop's sq., also; for that
which is "sauce for the goose," poor Richard well describeth
as being equally " sauce for the gander." White would do
better to cover with Kt. or B.
(d) If you take Bishop, he moves Kt. to K. fourth, and gets
a fine game. It should be borne in mind that the second player
succeeds to a certain extent, if he merely neutralizes the advan
tage of the first move. Suppose White takes with Pawn :—
8. P. takes B. 8. Kt. to K. fourth.
9. Q. checks. 9. Q. covers.
10. Q. takes B. 10. Q. checks, &c.
(e) We agree in opinion that this is Black's best move.
(f ) The advance of Q. Kt. P., under these circumstances, is
finely conceived, and most " Philidorian."
(g) Black has plenty of resource, and will not therefore play
B. to Q. B. 4., because White iu such case would take K. B.
P. ch.
(h) Black probably pushes Q. P., having a good game. The
remark is equally applicable to several of these variations, that
when the " crush" is over, White's Q. B. P. will be found too
far advanced for health, and Black is able to Castle, first bring
ing out K. Kt., while White's King and Rook both remain em
barrassed We repeat that our subscriber has proved his case
—and that the Check of the Bishop, at move 6, is the best move
Black can play. Instead of pushing Q. P. on Kt., at move 8,
White might try taking K. B. P. with Bishop, but similar vari
ations are foreign at present to the question.
ENGLISH DRAUGHTS.—CRITICAL SITUATIONS.

No. 5.— White to move, and win.

No. 6.— White to move and win.

 No. 7.— White to move and win.
By W. Bone.

No. S.—By W. Bone.

Black, having the move, played 10 to 15; on which White wins.
 86

LETTER ON WHIST;
addressed to the editor of the philidorian.

" Mr. Editor, Sir,

Being anxious as a sporting man to encourage games of
all sorts, I purchased your first numbers. The Filly-dorian, or
whatever you call it, I take leave to say, is not to my mind. I
mean no disrespect, but for a fast man, the article's what / should
call a heavy drag, and doesn't go the pace, sir. Chess, or Chests,
as you term it, seems to be something like skittles, but inferior ;
fit only for men who wear spectacles; and not for varmint fellows
that ride across a country in leathers. Why not give something
more slap, Mr. Editor?—But the chief object, sir, of this letter,
is to do a bit of talk about Whist, a game at which I now and
then put on the pot. I read the says on Whist of your Meltonian
all through, and beg to inform you, it's no go, sir. The man
who wrote it (if ever you mean to pay him) is picking your pocket,
and you may tell him I say so. I take a double sight about most
matters. It 's no use bolting the door with a boiled carrot. Your
Meltonian knows no more about Whist, than the Honourable Mrs.
Norton knows about drawing a badger.
Now, sir, I am a literary man, though the fact is not common
to every body. I began to write a book last winter on Whist,
and not wishing to take too much trouble, till I saw how the cat
jump'd, sent the first part of my manuscript to Mr. Nesbitt,
the sporting bookseller in Berners street, to know how much he' d
cash for it when complete. Would you believe it, he sent the
paper back next morning, and said " it was n't in his line ! " All
envy, sir, as my wife justly remarked. So, Mr. Editor, not
thinking it reputable in a gentleman like me, that hunts in scar
let, and can ride up to, (or over,) any hounds in England, to go
haggling about, chaffing his black and white, like the fellow with
his donkey cart selling greens, I send you herewith a sample,
being the first chapter of my work on Whist, as I have now
touched it up, which I shall feel obliged by your printing in your
next number. And as this will doubtless make the Paternoster
row chaps open their mouths, and bid handsomely for the copy
right, I shall thank you to forward such tenders for the lump as
you may receive ; begging just to insinuate, in conclusion, that
should I sell through your means, ten per cent, ready, will be
cheerfully allowed as commission, by,
Sir, your most obedient servant,
RICHARD RUMMENS.
14, Elysium Place, near the Brewery,
Lambeth."
 87

SAMPLE CHAPTER OP RUMMENS ON WHIST;

COMPRISING MAXIMS AND GENERAL REMARKS OF ALL SORTS.

No. I.
A good deal of difference prevails, as to who first invented
Whist. My own opinion is, that its founder was Shakspeare. We
have no notice of it in any preceding writer, and the following
lines convey as clear an allusion to Whist, as words can do :—
Come unto these yellow sands,
And there take hands ;
Curtsied when you have, and list—
The wild waves Whist.
(See Tempest.)
Here 's the whole thing plain enough. The waves are playing
Whist together, and blow each other up for blundering, at no
allowance. Shakspeare condemns their violence, in telling us to
" list, " or " listen," to the wild recriminations of the losers.
And pray, tell me, if Shakspeare didn't mean Whist, what did
he mean ?—and where is there any other Whist than card-whist ?
(Mem. To write a paper on this for the Harkyeologia ; and,
query, the difference between "Whist," and " Hist ! " being only
a W, does n't it simply mean " Silence ; " and hence the title.
Two theories are always better than one.)
No. 11.
Wet your thumb, well, a few times, in the course of dealing.
It insures a correct delivery of the cards, improves their polish,
and, by proving that you consider yourself at home, gives your
friends encouragement.—N.B. If you are sucking Spanish li
quorice at the time, tant mieux ; its like the oil to the steam
carriage, which the editor of the Philidorian talks about in his
preface.
No. III.
Call frequently for new cards ; it demonstrates your import
ance. It is moreover your duty as a Briton to add as much as
possible to the revenue ; and a pack of cards pays the queen a
shilling. The De la Rues, too, are ingenious men, and deserve
encouragement. I wish, by the by, they 'd put a few more aces
in the pack.
No. IV.
Always claim honours. No harm in trying it on. It's all the
chances of war. Do not, however, claim all four. I have a con
 88

science, and never demand to score for more than three,

unless I really held them. If your adversary lets you take them,
its his fault, and not your's.
No. V.
Should your partner lead an eight, and your right-hand adver
sary play a five, if you hold the ace do not put it on, but play the
two, and thus finesse the eight. This is deep play, and would
not be understood by every one. For all that, it 's the game ;
and its difficulty of comprehension is the surest test of merit.
The more eccentric your tactics, the more they must puzzle your
opponent. As a free-born Englishman, be independent of rules
of all sorts—Britons never will be slaves. Play Whist like a
gentleman, and not like a mechanic.
No. VI.
Should your right-hand adversary lead a trump, and you win
it, return another trump ; as much as to say, " Who's afraid?
two can play at that game"
No. VII.
Suppose at the beginning you play a small heart, which your
partner trumps, first round ; when you recover the lead, what
should be your plan? To play another heart?— Certainly not.
If you exhaust your partner's trumps, he '11 have none left for a
rainy day.
No. VIII.
Major A. says, "always force the strong hand, seldom the
weak." Major A. is a very nice man, but he may tell that to the
marines. The weak should be forced, in preference to the strong.
Is n't it easier to lick a boy, than to thrash a man ?—Answer me
that, Major.
No. IX.
When compelled to renounce, throw away from your most nu
merous suit; and if you toss down an ace, or king, so much the
better ; it will raise your partner's spirits, and will be the same
in the end. "Are we not all brothers?" as Mr. Wilberforce
said to the ourang-outang.
No. X.
" Faire Sauter la Coupe " is a luxury above your enjoyment.
Do not attempt it. Vested interests must be respected, and the
privileges of the aristocracy duly defended. The man who can
afford to give a guinea for a pine-apple, is alone sufficiently re
spectable to practise the thimble rig thus elegantly diversified.
Should he be discovered, he need only cut, and go to France.
 89

But if he unfortunately move in a lower grade of society, and be

tempted to " Sauter la Coupe," he will probably be compelled to
" Sauter " the window afterwards. The same remarks apply to
marking the cards with your thumb-nail ; a luxury peculiarly
privileged to peers of the realm ; having been wrung from King
John by the barons, and standing the top article in magna charta.
So pray don't mark the cards with your thumb-nail.
No. XL
Aim at playing the game on a grand scale, and disdain indivi
dualities. Should your partner lead a thirteenth card as a forcer,
trump with your lowest ; for if fate decree you should win the
trick, the little trump is as good as a bigger ; and should you be
doom'd not to win it, it is better your loss should be small.
When your partner subsequently says, you should have trump'd
with a high trump, answer briskly that he knows nothing at all
about it ; and that you always play thus at Crockford's, or the
Travellers'. If that don't choak him off, the deuce is in it.
No. XII.
If you can win the game without revoking,—do so ;—but
win it !
No. XIII.
The laws of Whist allow you to call cards seen. Look boldly
over the hand of your left side adversary, and call for any card
you fancy. I name your left hand man exclusively, because
honour forbids your looking over both hands.
Nota Bene.—A fellow with a fine leering squint makes the
partner of partners ; for he reads all the cards right and left,
while his eyes appear to be domiciled in his nose.
No. XIV.
Should the ace be turned up on your left hand, and you hold
the king, start him off, the first time you get the lead ; for then
your adversary must either play his ace, or suffer your king to
make a trick ; and when his ace is once played, it can do no fur
ther mischief.
No. XV.
Suppose you have no card of a suit of which your partner leads
the ace, such suit not having been previously played, I say trump
it immediately ; for as the perfection of Whist consists in making
your hand legible to your partner, how can you adopt any other
method half so good of showing him that you renounce to the
suit he leads ?
N
 90

No. XVI.
Should your partner lead the king of trumps, and you hold ace,
with small ones, play the ace and win his king ; for you thus
show you have got the ace, and two such weighty cards falling at
once, will strike terror to the hearts of your antagonists. They
will say, " If he throws away the ace, what tearers he must have
got behind ! "—and will probably give up the game, without play
mg out the hand.
No. XVII.
Should you be last player, and a certain card, say the knave,
against you, of a suit in which you hold queen, do not put her on,
but suffer your adversaries to win it. This is an artful dodge,
and therefore cannot but puzzle them, for they will never sus
pect you of holding the queen ; and half the battle is to deceive
your enemies as to the state of your hand. Besides, it looks
greedy to win all the tricks you can. The principle on which
this maxim is founded is frequently applicable, and in our own
Whist set, extensively practised.
No. XVIII.
Blow your partner up incessantly. If he is in the wrong he
deserves it, and if in the right, give him double allowance. It
anticipates reproaches, and before he can raise his steam, the
next deal stoppers him. You're sure to pass for a fine player if
you scold well ; besides, should your partner be a freshman, he '11
find it highly encouraging. When you have been very wrong,
I 'm not quite sure whether the laws of the game do not justify
you in knocking your partner down ;—that is, if he be a light
weight.
No. XIX.
It 's only bad players who pronounce the lead to be difficult.
I never find it so, and I '11 tell you my plan. I begin with the
highest card I hold, whatever it may be ; subject to such delicate
exceptions as cannot fail to be recognized by individuals of re
flective idiosyncracies, and preponderating powers of rational
ratiocination. (Mem.—I copied this phrase, or something like it,
from Kant. It sounds good, but I hardly catch its meaning. As
Kant was a sporting man, it is probable his favourite word " ratio
cination " relates to a " rat hunt."
No. XX.
Ignorant people return their partner's lead. This is a thing
I seldom do, if I can help it. It 's a base, slavish idea, to which
no man of spirit would submit. What right has he to the lead,
more than I ?
 91

No. XXI.
Some Whist-players have remarkably short memories. I, my
self, particularly after supper, am very apt to deal twice running.
The fact is, I deal badly, and require practice ; but whenever I
find myself under a similar aberration, I always give up the
second deal, if demanded before the trump card is shyed up.
Liberality is my " forte," and my " piano " too. I 'm real " grit,"
potatoe weight ;—as the Duchess said at Almack's.
No. XXII.
A man of genius can always get along the road fast. I saw a
very slap fellow, the other evening, offer to bet a five-pound note
he would name the colour of the forthcoming trump-card. Mr.
Green, a friend of mine, took the wager, and the gentleman called
" cherry." A club was turned up, but as cherries may be both
black and red, poor Green was adjudged to have lost the bet.
No. XXIII.
Two aces, a brace of kings, ditto queens, and four or five
trumps make up a fair hand. Should you hold anything worse,
you 're an ill-used man. Never, however, swear, till the hand is
over ; when, if the cards have run very cross, by tearing them
in halves, the chances are heavy against their ever bothering you
again. Abuse your luck, and people will like to play with you.
On first sitting down, assert that at Baron Hummo's, last Tuesday
night, you lost a hundred and thirty-seven points in succession.
The wonder to me is, where all the money goes to ; for I never
heard of any body ever owning they had won above five shillings.
No. XXIV.
Should you, by mistake, omit putting up your counters at the
conclusion of the game, you will naturally carry on the score to
wards the next. It is astonishing how often players labour under
similar absence of mind. Do not however refuse correcting the
error, if pointed out in reasonable time. It is painful to take ad
vantage of folly, but in all such cases, your adversaries are as
much to blame as you are ; and it is doing them good, to teach
them a lesson of vigilance. In acting thus, you " lighten the
Gentiles," more ways than one.
No. XXV
When, being four, you only want another point, to make out,—
should you have turned six tricks, and, being last player, hold the
best card of the suit,—do not play it. To complete a task with
mere mathematical accuracy, is low and mechanical. Either
 92

score two or three by cards, or disdain an odd trick solus.

Moreover, to act thus looks chivalrous and spirited, and what 's
one game ? Live and let live. Give the poor devils another
squeak.
No. XXVI.
Hearts are trumps. Your right hand adversary plays the king
of clubs; of which suit you hold ace ;—very good. Play a small
club. Suppose he follows up his king with the queen, ditto a
small card. Lastly, should he play the knave after the queen
wins, throw a third small one rather than part with ace ; for
observe, he wants the ace out, its clear, by his leading so decidedly
for it ; and why should you be bullied out of your property ?
Good cards are as scarce as good women ; of whom I can only
say with Beaumont and Fletcher,—" One I read of once."
No. XXVII.
In some of the west end clubs, the play-men dine on dry toast
and lemonade. Poor stuff for the nerves, and impossible to pro
duce bold play. Altogether inferior to brandy grog, and devilled
kidneys. After my sixth tumbler, I go the animal a few;—after
the eighth, Ajax at Troy was a sucking baby to me.
No. XXVIII.
When I first began Whist, I was bothered to find the significa
tion of the word " tenace." For some time I thought it meant
that you held ten-aces literally; and I couldn't, I own, see how
this could be done, unless you hid them under the table ; which
a sporting man would be " tenacious " of doing. I now know
that the real meaning of the term is, that when you hold the
" ten " and " ace " of the same suit, you hold " tenace."
No. XXIX.
One of the few things in which I agree with your Meltonian
friend on Whist, relates to what he says about memory. There
he's pretty right. Memory at Whist is all a hum. I never at
tempt to recollect any thing about the cards ; it damps the genius.
Your writer's simile about Rothschild is very well, but profane.
Things sacred, ought not to be sported with. What pretence
have magazine-scribblers to talk about Rothschild ? Let them
draw their parallels nearer home. Rothschild, in memory, was
nothing, in comparison with Sally the waiter at a slap-bang, I
frequent, near the Mansion House. Sally, I say, beats him
hollow. I'd back her to give him the odds in a hundred turns,
of " three roast beefs," " one veal and ham," and four " mashed
potatoes."
 93

No. XXX.
Always bet odds, in preference to taking them. The latter
makes you funky ; and it 's all the same in the long run, as to
whether you bet two, or three, to one. Some men talk about
"hedging." I'll tell you the surest way to hedge. Go it, double
or quits, Pon-tick system ; and if you lose all, do as follows,
according to the time of day. If early in the evening, drop your
cards, sham a fit, and ask to be taken home to your mother.
Late at night, there's no occasion to sham. Get preciously " how
came you so ;" and lie down to snooze on the hearth-rug. This
is " hedging," and " ditching," too.
No. XXXI.
Certain folks are fond of borrowing little sovereigns, at the
Whist table, of their neighbours. This is a bad plan for the
" borrow-he," the chances of a correct score being against him.
Men rarely repay more than they borrow. I would n't lend a
shilling to my own father, but you may do as you like. Like
other unsophisticated young men, I had at one time contracted
the habit of borrowing indiscriminately. Its a bad plan, and
by no means recommendable. One of our set once lent me a
little gold, and made me pay it back again ! I never borrow
now, but when a friend is considerably " slewed ;" and then I
always do so to the fullest extent, for fear he should get robbed
going home. In such case, on being afterwards asked, I very
often pay again.
No. XXXII.
Should you hold but two or three little stupid trumps, the first
time you get the lead, send one of them flying ; as not being of
the slightest use to remain at home. On the other hand, should
you hold half a dozen, never lead a trump ; but keep them up,
to tell in all of a lump at the last. You can't eat your pudding,
and have your pudding. All writers agree that the last trump
is half the battle, and how can you keep it, and play it away,
both 1 To lead a strong suit, is breaking it up prematurely. I
know that the precept I would here inculcate is not the common
practice ; but that 's just why I adopt it. If a thing's common, it
must be vulgar. Besides, you are a gentleman ; and gentlemen
ought to have souls above " common ways," or " common sewers,"
either.
No. XXXIII.
When asked to play Whist against husband and wife, cut it
short. They " toe it," under the mahogany, and work the tele
graph with a patent motion. Should you be in the habit of di
 94

ning at their house three times a week, don't affront them, but
tell them, genteelly, you're not the fool they take you for. If
they are your friends, they '11 laugh it off; if they re not your
friends, what do you care about them ?
No. XXXIV. i
Bad as married couples are, to face as an opposition company,
there is one class of persons worse. I mean, old maids ; Irish
spinsters, lean and long, rising fifty next grass,—who have played
at Bath. I add this as the climax. Hundreds of such harpies
are roaming abroad, and the Vampire is a lamb to them. How
they would he classed by naturalists,—not knowing, cannot say.
Sex they have none, and bowels but little; presenting a species
quite unique ; a pestilential formation of two dry boards, in a state
of semi-mortalization. They are quite genteel; live on "their
means," and bear the same relation to Whist, that a certain dirty
beetle does to the oak. I sometimes think these pussy-cats have
pre-existed, bodily and literally, as the old thin legg'd rickety
card-tables of our ancestors ; and that the devils are thus trans
migrating through different forms, constantly bearing a very si
milar mahogany impress Covered with baize one century, and
satin the next. Hungry as horse-leeches, hard as highwaymen.
Sparing neither young nor old, but skinning their living prey
to the quick !—Ugh !—I 'm getting sentimental.
No. XXXV.
Ifyou keep a journal, take pen in hand, and log it down, that to
revoke is a matter much more easy ofperformance, than is it sub
sequently to escape the penalties thereupon consequent. Still, to a
clever fellow, there existeth " balm in Gilead." Should you find
out you have had the misfortune to revoke, don't cry stinking fish,
but curb up to take the leap in a sportsman-like manner. On this
head, I cannot do better than relate an anecdote of a friend of
mine, John Brag, esquire, and all that ; a clever fellow, and a
great man. Poor Jack ! Little did he think he should ever be
served up, boots and spurs, on a clean plate, as it were, by Theodore
Hook; to gratifiy the cannibal propensities of the public! Well;—
Jack Brag revoked once ; " right up and down, and no mistake."
When I say " once," I do not intend to apply the word in its lite
ral signification. On the occasion in question, by a remarkable
coincidence, the revoke if undiscovered would give Jack the
fame, which without some such blunder was irretrievably lost,
ack, having cut his eye teeth, looked on both sides of the way,
and saw that the man on his left, a fat, sleepy sumph, was as in
nocent of " twig," as a methodist parson of keeping a bull-dog ;
but on turning "eyes right," it was equally clear to poor Jack's
 95

perception, that his friend, Mr. Martinet, was getting up his dan
der. Mr. Martinet is a player of the " pedant school," and
was poking at the tricks turned, so as to present a mem. for
future explanation. There was a something in the expression
of his smile, which was any thing but what Lady Stuart Wortley
would have called "loveable." Jack Brag began to whistle,
and wished himself at home ; but Jack was a great man. He
kept up the offending card to the last, according to classical
usage ; and as he dropt it, began also to drop it into his partner,
like a perfect savage, for alleged bad play. Not satisfied with
words, Jack started from his chair, snatched the several piles of
turned tricks, and hurled them indignantly in the face of his
associate. The thing was done as quick as " winking," and John
Brag, Esq., pocketed two trebles and the rub. Mr. Martinet
smelt fox, but was fain to retire upon his pension. I have
thought it right to put this masterly stroke on record, though
few men have genius sufficient to enact the part of my illustrious
friend. A bishop, or a judge, could do the thing ;—with practice.

CHESS PROBLEMS.
C Continued from p. 35.J
iVo. 9. By M. Szen, the celebrated Hungarian player.

White to Mate in seven moves ; and the Black King to be, when
mated, on the self-same square he now occupies.
 96

Number 9, was given by M. Szen, to the players of London

and Paris, on his visit to these capitals, in 1836. M. Szen pro
posed it as a problem in which White was required to Mate the
Black King on the square he now stands, in nine moves, and it
was published accordingly in the Palamede, Vol. I. p. 384.
Since that, Mr. Duncan Forbes has favoured us with a new and
elegant solution, in which all the conditions are observed, the
King being, when mated, on the square he now occupies, in seven
moves; and which has been overlooked, equally by the author,
as by the best Chess-players who have examined the problem.
Mr. Forbes' solution is extremely neat and curious. Our tenth
problem turns on a similar point, but we deem it right to state,
in justice to Mr. Bone, that it was in our possession in MS.
nearly two years before M. Szen visited England. It is worthy
of note, that the King, Queen, and Bishop can Mate the adverse
King alone, on any given square of the board ; excepting the
two squares known as the Kt. second, and Kt. seventh, on that
long diagonal which is of the same color as the Bishop. On either
of these two squares, the Mate is impracticable.

No. 10. By Wm. Bone.

White to Mate in five moves ; and the Black King to be, when
Mated, on the square he now fills.
 No. 11. By an Amateur.

White to move and win.

No. 12. By J. W. Lowry, Esq.

White Mates in three moves,

o
No. 13. By R. Hrown, Esq., of the Leeds Club.

White to Checkmate in eight moves.

No. 15. By Duncan Forbes, Esq. A.M.
( This situation actually arose in play.)

White to Checkmate in four moves.

No. 16. By the Editor.

White to Mate in seven moves.

 100

POLISH DRAUGHTS.—SOLUTIONS.
To follow out our solutions of the studies in Polish Draughts,
the reader should furnish himself with a diagram of the board;
numbered on the fifty white squares, 1 to 50 ; No. 1 being the
left hand square, on the ultimate line from the student. As we
suppose the White to be invariably moving upwards, it follows
that the twenty White men must have originally occupied the
squares 31 to 50, while their adversaries, the Black, have filled
the squares 1 to 20.
No. ]. No. 5.
19, 13 1, 45 39, 33 23, 29
13, 8 3, 12 34, 23 24, 30
33, 29 45, 18 23, 18 If 30, 34
47, 36, and wins. 33, 29 wins ; but if
No. 2. 30, 35
48, 43 35, 40
36, 31 24, 42 43, 39 40, 45
44, 39 48, 34
28, 23 34, 36 18, 12 45, 50q.
12, 7 50, 45
8, 3 36, 9 7, 1 45, 50
3, takes Q. & 4, & wins. 1, 45, and wins.
No. 3. No. 6.
49, 43 26, 37 33, 28 17, 26
14, 10 5, 14 36, 31 26, 37
29, 23 28, 19 27, 22 18, 27
30, 24 19, 30 39, 33 30, 39
43, 38 42, 33 28, 22 39, 17
8, 3, queens, & wins. 47, 42 45, 34
No. 4. 42, 4, takes 8 and wins.
17, 11 47, 16 No. 7.
40, 34 16, 30 26, 21 22, 31
35, 13 20, 24 32, 28 16, 27
48, 43 24, 29 29, 24 20, 29
43, 39 2, 7 34, 23 45, 34
13, 8 7, 12 42, 37 31, 22
8, 17 14, 19 41, 37 18, 29
17, 12 19, 23 25, 20 14, 25
12, 8 23, 28 43, 39 34, 43
8, 3 28, 32 49, 17q. & takes 8
3, 20 29, 34 3, 42
39, 30 32, 37 48, 37 5, 41
20, 47, and wins. 46, 37, and wins.
 101

LESSONS IN fcCARTfc.

Lesson III.—On the Odds of the Game.

Under this head, we might go into much elaborate calculation ;

and I have found it difficult to draw the line, so as to include
every point of real utility, without too much overlaying of figures,
and arithmetical computation. I aim at general statements, re
specting the contingency of certain events ; drawn chiefly from
French authors ; from which, by comparison and extension, more
particular data may be derived. He who aspires to be a first-rate
player, must not be satisfied with assertion ; but must demon
strate every calculation to his own satisfaction, with mathematical
accuracy. Beginners, on the contrary, will do well to receive,
implicitly, that which is sanctioned by the judgment of acknow
ledged veterans, and men of real science. On some of the calcu
lations of odds, I have found the authorities to differ ; and when
this is the case, have suitably shaped the propositions thus
referred to.
Let us start upon right principles. As each player receives
originally five cards, and the eleventh card is turned up, it is
clear that each player sees at starting, six, out of the two-and-
thirty cards, of which the pack is composed ; and that there are
remaining twenty-six, unknown to him ; that is to say, twenty-one
in the talon, and five in the hand of his antagonist. Your calcu
lations must therefore be framed upon the fact of there existing
six known, and twenty-six unknown cards. For example, should
there be, in the six known cards, two trumps, there must remain
just six trumps in the twenty-six cards which are unkuown ; and if
there exist six trumps in the twenty six unknown cards, (that is, a
little less than one fourth part of the total), it is certainly probable
that in the adverse hand there is contained barely a single trump ;
—one being rather less than the fourth part of five. Simple as
you must acknowledge this position to be, all calculations are,
in some measure, based on a similar foundation.
It is a curious fact, that of the twenty-six cards, unknown to
each player on taking up his hand, there may he formed no less
than 65,780 different combinations, or hands, of five cards each.
The thirty-two cards, in like manner, produce 201,376 hands, of
five cards each. Reckoning the various modes in which these
may be subsequently combined in play, two and two, the product
approaches the astounding number of 41,000,000,000. At first
sight it appears something like an absurdity, to quote so vast a
number at all, but as a question of figures, the thing deserves to
be placed on record .
 102

The following is in itself a simple calculation, but may be ex

tended with considerable utility. Suppose A and B cut for deal,
and A, cutting first, lifts an eight. What are the odds on B's
gaining the deal ? —6 to 1.
Never forget that there are but eight trumps in all. Suppose
that you hold one trump only, on taking up your five cards, (a
second trump being of course before you as the turn up), it is
rather more than 2 to 1 , that your adversary does not hold two
trumps.
There is a calculation worth noting, relative to bets. Two
players being of equal skill, what are the odds against either one
of them winning three games, or rubbers, in succession ?—7 to 1 .
The odds against the dealer's turning up the king are estimated
at 7 to 1. The same calculation applies to the turning up of any
other card in the pack ; it being the remainder of the pack, or
twenty-eight cards, against the four cards of the particular species
in question. The odds are, therefore, 28 to 4, or exactly 7 to 1
against any one sort of card being turned up.
The odds against the elder hand's taking in any one particular
card, on discarding, are three to one; while they are 18 to 1
against his taking in any two named cards.
The odds against the dealer's taking in any one particular
card, on discarding, are 17 to 3; and they are no less than 62 to 1
against his taking in any two specified cards. A little reflection
will point out why the odds vary, as to the elder, and younger
hand.
The odds are usually estimated at 26 to 5, or rather more than
5 to 1 , against the king of trumps being dealt to either player.
One author makes this only 21 to 5, and a very clever French
writer on Ecarte, calculates that each player ought, on an average,
to have the king of trumps dealt him five several times in thirty-
two deals The same calculation equally applies to any other in
dividual card.
Suppose either player to hold no trump, and to discard three
cards, it is 4 to 1 he does not take in two trumps ; but it is 3 to 1
he takes in one trump.
Should either player hold one trump, and discard three cards,
it is 13 to 2 against his taking in two additional trumps; while
it is something like to 6 to 5 he takes in one trump.
A, (the elder hand) holding one trump, and discarding his
four other cards, which are not trumps, what are the odds
against his taking in two trumps ?—Rather more than 4 to 1 .
A, (elder hand) holds one trump, and a second card of another
suit, and discards his three remaining cards, none of which are
trumps ; what are the odds against his taking in two trumps?—
Nearly 8 to 1 .
 103

A, (elder hand) from a hand containing no trumps, throws

out three cards ; what are the odds against his taking in three
trumps?—About 73 to 1.
The elder hand having no trumps dealt him, the odds in favor
of the dealer's holding at least one trump are nearly 4 to 1 ;
while it is something like 3 to 2 against his holding two trumps,
and about 9 to 1 against his holding three trumps. The value
of these calculations will be universally recognized.
The elder hand having one trump dealt him, the odds are
rather more than 3 to i in favor of the dealer's having one
trump at least; while it is rather more than 2 to 1, the latter
does not hold two trumps. This of course applies to the origi
nal band, in which it is, moreover, rather better than 15 to 1
against the dealer's here holding three trumps ; about 218 to 1
he does not hold four,—and no less than 11,000 to 1 against his
holding five trumps.
The elder hand having two trumps dealt him, the odds are
about to 1 in favor of the dealer's having at least one trump.
Against his having two, they are rather better than 3 to I ; about
32 to 1 against his having three ; 655 to 1 against his having
four ; and not less than 65,800 to 1 against his holding five.
The elder hand holding three trumps, dealt him, the odds
are about 3 to two in favor of the dealer's having at least one
trump. Against the latter's holding two trumps, the odds are
something like 5| to 1 ; against his holding three trumps, they
are rather better than 68 to 1,—while against his holding four,
they are 2,900 to 1.
It is easy to see how applicable these calculations are, also, to
the dealer's hand originally.
The elder hand holding four trumps, dealt him, it is slightly
more than an even bet, that the dealer has not a trump. Against
the dealers holding two trumps, it is rather less than 12 to 1 ;
and against the dealer's holding three trumps, it is about 260 to 1.
It will be remarked, that the calculations, applicable to trumps,
apply just the same to other suits ; bearing in mind that one
trump is turned up.
Should the elder hand hold five trumps, it is nearly 2 to 1
against the dealer's holding even 1 ; and about 32 to 1 against
the dealer's holding two trumps.
These calculations might be considerably extended, but it is
questionable whether such extension would not abstract from
their use. The data on which they are founded are necessarily
voluminous, and few would care to wade through so great a mass
of figures. I have examined them carefully in detail, and be
lieve them to be strictly accurate. At the same time, prudence
will dictate your not placing too implicit a reliance on them,
 104

when you know more of the game. At first, I advise you, as

I said before, to act on them implicitly ; but afterwards examine
for yourself, and judge accordingly.

CALCULATIONS AS TO THE WORTH OF CERTAIN IMAGINARY HANDS.

FIRST HAND.
A holds the queen, and nine of trumps (hearts), the eight of
diamonds, the seven of spades, and the king of clubs ; is this an
average hand?—Yes; and better. The odds are about 17 to
16s, in favor of A'shand being better than that of his adversary.
These calculations apply to either party, since they are inde
pendent of discarding ; to which act they are, indeed, supposed
to be made previously.
SECOND HAND.
A holds the king of clubs, the king of spades, the knave of
diamonds, the ten of hearts, and the ten of clubs ; the turn-up
being the queen of hearts. What are the odds, as to the proba
ble superiority of his hand to that of his antagonist ?—The odds
are more than 9 to 7 in his favor.
THIRD HAND.
Diamonds being trumps, A holds the king of hearts, the knave
of spades, the knave of clubs, and the seven and eight of trumps.
The turn-up card is the nine. With this assortment, the odds
are 6 to 5 in favor of A's hand being better than that of B.
A little reflection will shew you the utility of these calcula
tions ; since they serve as important guides in discarding, as
well as betting.
FOURTH HAND.
The ace of hearts is the turn-up. A's hand consists of the
queen of spades, the queen of clubs, the ace of diamonds, the
knave, and eight, of tramps. How stand the chances, in favor
of this hand?—The odds are 11 to 6 on A's hand, as compared
with the probable state of B's.
Bear in mind that these calculations only apply to the relative
value of the hands, abstractedly. They might be materially
modified, or changed, by the circumstance of having, or not
having, the lead.
FIFTH HAND.
A holds the king, queen, and knave of clubs, together with
the ten, and eight of trumps. Being the elder hand, he has,
moreover, the lead. What are the odds, for or against him ?—
 105

If he play with these cards, the odds are rather better than
2 to 1 on his making the point; but they are 3 to 2 against his
scoring for the vole.
SIXTH HAND.
A having to lead, holds three diamonds (trumps), which are
the eight, nine, and ten. The queen is turned up. His remain
ing cards are the ten of clubs, and the seven of spades. The
chances, here, are about 5 to 1 that he will gain the point.
SEVENTH HAND.
The ten of clubs being the turn-up, A, who has the lead, has
to play from the eight, and ten of diamonds ; the knave and
queen of trumps, and the ace of spades. How stand the odds ?
—About 3 to 1 in favor of his gaining the point.
EIGHTH HAND.
Clubs being trumps, and A the elder hand, he happens to hold
the four knaves, with the seven of spades. This is superior to
the probable composition of B's hand, almost as 3 are to 1.
NINTH HAND.
A holds the four aces, and the queen of diamonds. Spades
are trumps, and the ten is turned up. Is this a good hand ?—
No ; it is bad in the proportion of 3 to 4, whether he lead, or
not.
TENTH HAND.
A is leader, and the queen of diamonds is the turn-up. A sits
with the kings of spades and hearts, the tens of hearts and
spades, and the nine of hearts. The odds are nearly 5 to 3
against his scoring for the point with these cards.
To carry these probable hands further} would cause me, I fear,
to incur the charge of being too prolix. It will be found highly
improving to deal out promiscuous hands, and examine into
their comparative degrees of value. In the preceding ten
hands, I have considered both players, neither to have discarded,
nor begun to play. Similar calculations would not apply sub
sequently.
Lesson IV.—Cases of Scientific Play.
The student is advised to try over the following examples, with
the cards before him. The more practice he acquires, the more
he will be convinced that in difficult situations of the cards,
science carries every thing before it ; and that such positions
arise much more frequently than he will believe, until his judg
ment shall have become matured by precept and experience. In
p
 10(>

laying down certain imaginary cases, my chief intention is to offer

an outline of a few difficulties ; from the solution of which, you
will draw your own conclusions, to serve as guides in analogous
cases.
FIRST IMAGINARY HAND.
Elder Hand, (a), Queen of diamonds (trumps), queen of clubs,
ace of hearts, seven and eight of spades.
Dealer, (b), King, ace, and nine of spades ; knave and nine of
clubs.
Whether the parties have discarded or not, is foreign to our
present consideration ; the above we suppose to be the actual
cards with which they are about to play.
A, the elder hand leads, as best, the eight of spades ; the
dealer may capture it with the nine, but should he do so, he loses
the point, play afterwards as he may. On the other hand, by
playing the king, he will probably win the point, through inducing
his adversary to suppose he has no more of the same suit.
Supposing the dealer, then, to win the trick with his king, he
returns knave of clubs, which the non-dealer takes with queen,
and answers with queen of trumps ; and as he has, with his eight
of spades, brought down his opponent's king of spades, is
naturally induced to imagine the seven of spades a safe trick ;
and leading it, loses the point. But, observe, that if the dealer
had taken the eight, with the nine of spades, his adversary, after
playing queen of trumps, would have followed with ace of hearts,
instead of seven of spades, as being a more likely card to make ;
and would thus have gained the point.
As in Whist, you are taught to play the game scientifically,
through a frequent practice of double dumby, in which the cards
are all exposed ; so, here, I suppose you to see both hands.
Half-a-dozen cases of this sort might be instantly arrayed by a
good player, in which may be said to lie the whole secret of
Ecarte ; but the simplicity of the thing prevents its general at
tainment, on the part of persons, who, were it more difficult,
would see it more readily. This is the very antithesis of paradox.
SECOND HAND.
Elder Hand, (a), Knave and ten of diamonds (trumps), king
of spades, king and ten of hearts.
Dealer, (b), Queen and nine of trumps, knave and ten of clubs,
seven of hearts.
In this case, A, finding he has no chance of winning the vole,
leads off king of spades ; the chances being in his favour that it
will not be trumped ; and as the queen of trumps is the only card
against him (king not having been declared, he presumes its ab
 107

sence), he will probably afterwards make knave of trumps.

Should the kins: of spades be trumped, the elder hand has still a
good chance of the point.
B, the dealer, trumps the king of spades, and should he return
knave of clubs, A cuts it with the ten of trumps, answers with
king of hearts, and wins the point. ShouldA, on the other hand,
return knave of trumps, the dealer would win knave with queen,
and make another trick of the ten of clubs To the king of hearts
the dealer must drop the seven ; the elder hand plays ten of
hearts, the dealer trumps it, returns ace of clubs, which falls to
the knave of trumps, and thus the non-dealer wins the point.
This example must not be dismissed, without an additional
reason, why the elder hand originally prefers playing the single
king (spades), to the guarded king (hearts). This is, that should
he succeed in placing his opponent B " a la devine," and sup
posing the latter to have held originally two spades and two
hearts, including queen of each suit, he will prefer keeping up
the spade, as being the suit first led.—These minutiae are ever
present, to a good player.
THIRD HAND.
One of the chief beauties of Ecarte arises from the comparative
non-value of the fourth trick in playing out the hand. Suppose
each party to have turned one trick, it is then obviously the same,
afterwards, whether you make the remaining three, or only two
of the number ; since in either case, you make but the point. In
play, this fact tells immensely ; for while the bad player is strain
ing to grasp every individual trick, as if the game thereon de-
. pended, the practised hand makes the winning of the point a
dead certainty, by playing a losing card, in order to get rid of the
lead, and thus throw the onus on his adversary. The following
is an illustration1 of my position.
A and B play, diamonds being trumps, and the seven being the
turn up card. The king has not been declared, and as two tricks
have been played, and the scores are both so far advanced, that it
would be highly disadvantageous to both parties, not to mark king,
if in hand, it is matter of moral certainty that the king remains
in the talon. Of the two tricks turned, each player has gained
one. Both these tricks are assumed to have been composed of
cards, irrelevant to the best method of playing out the remainder
of the hand.
In this situation, A has to lead, holding a decided losing card,
say the seven of clubs, with queen and ace of trumps. The
question is, how should he play from these three cards ?
Answer. He leads the seven of clubs, purposely to be won by
B, and thus remains with tenace ; secure of making the two other
 108

tricks. If, instead of thus giving up a trick and the lead, A plays
off queen of trumps, he has, it is true, a greater chance of making
all three tricks, but he has also the chance of only making one.
The whole of the three tricks are useless, since the vole is out of
the question, and the certainty of the point is therefore made very
properly his aim. Suppose B to hold, as his three cards, in the
present case, knave and ten of trumps, with eight of clubs ;—
now, should A lead queen, it is obvious he can make only one
trick out of the three; but by skilfully sacrificing a trick, for the
moment, he secures the other two, by remaining with the first
and third best cards.
FOURTH HAND.
The following instructive case is given, as it was really
played, by a first-rate player. Whether the parties had discarded
or not, is irrelevant to the question. Hearts were trumps, and
the following are the cards of which the several hands were
formed.
Elder Hand, (a), King, ace, and ten of trumps (hearts), king
of diamonds, and king of spades. The cards could hardly be
better, if drawn by choice.
Dealer, (b), Queen, knave, and seven of trumps, with seven
and eight of clubs.
The elder hand, naturally considering himself secure of the
vole, led off, as best, king of trumps.
The dealer, had he been an ordinary player, would have an
swered with the seven; but in order to induce his opponent to
continue trumps, he unhesitatingly sacrificed the queen. The
stratagem took effect.
Seeing queen fall to king, A next played ace of trumps, which
he certainly would not otherwise have done. B wins ace with
knave of trumps, returns the eight of clubs, and wins the point ;
as you will see upon placing the cards
Instead of queen of trumps, had the dealer played the seven,
to A's king, the latter would have feared encountering queen or
knave ; and instead of the trump, would return one of his kings,
and gain the point. Moreover, as it was, had the elder hand, on
his second lead, played any other card than ace of trumps, the
dealer would not have done any injury to his chance of the point,
by his previous sacrifice of the queen ; since it must be obvious
that no play could have saved the point for B.
NOTE ; ON FALSE PLAY AT ECARTE.
If persons would universally refuse playing for a stake, with
strangers, the evil would right itself : but there is, unhappily, a
spirit abroad, which leads men too frequently to rely on their
 109

own powers of discrimination, and in this case, experience alone

can cure their folly.
Beware of your adversary, if he be a stranger, should the
cards present a convex appearance, on being presented for you
to cut. A "bridge" is probably constructed, upon which you
are almost certain to alight; and thus to give your "Grecian"
opponent the king. Further, you will do well to remember that
it is the shallow swindler alone, who is content with dexterously
appropriating the king in this manner. The more practised
cheat plays a safer game, and prefers ensuring the turning up of
a suit as trumps, of which he gets several cards. There are vari
ous modes in which this may be effected. By a common leger-
de-main manoeuvre, the cut may be neutralized, and you may, by
a similar process, be made to believe your worthy opponent is
shuffling and mixing the cards well together ; while the last part
of his shuffle undoes the former, and the pack is replaced, without
a single card having changed its place.
Whether you have the deal or not, always shuffle the pack,
and present it to your adversary well closed up together at the
edges. Should you suspect' false play, no precaution is half so
good as the " total abstinence " system. Do not continue play
under such circumstances.
Beware of the player, who, with all the agility of Robert
Macaire, after dealing the ten cards, instead of turning up the
eleventh, brings up the king, or other card required, from the
bottom of the pack, and unblushingly produces it as the trump.
A " professor" can place a card in shuffling, so that after your
cutting the pack, he passes it, while dealing, to the bottom ;
where it awaits the moment of arising to do its master's bidding.
Beware of the stranger, who, while shuffling, turns the pack
partially sideways, in order to catch a nearer view of the nobility
of the card-makers' creation ; and lastly, beware of the scoundrel
who plants his friend, under the pretence of a paltry bet on the
game, to look over your cards, and " hoist the telegraph." A
very slight sign is sufficient, in this way, to tell over every card
in your hand ; or at least to prompt your adversary as to the
eligibility of his discarding himself ; or suffering you to do so.
Very little is known at present, by the innocent public, as to the
thousand modes of flat-catching, practised by "play-men." In
Fraser's Magazine, for December last, appeared a clever paper
on the subject by Nimrod, and it is to be hoped that spirited
author will probe the sore thoroughly ; however odious the topic
may be, to even the momentary consideration of men of honour.

C To be continued.J
 110

THE CHESS RECORD ;

CONSISTING OF GAMES RECENTLY PLAYED.
GAME IV.
WHITE. BLACK.
1. K. P. two. 1. The same.
2. K. B. to Q. B. fourth. 2. Q. P. one.
3. Q. P. two. 3. Q. Kt.to B. third.
4. Q. B. P. one. 4. Q. R. P. one.
5. Q. Kt. to R. third. 5. Q. Kt. P. two.
6. K. B. to Kt. third. 6. Q. Kt. P. one.
7. Q. Kt. to B. fourth. 7. Q. R. P. one.
8. Q. R. P. two. 8. Q. R. to Kt. sq.
9. Q. B. to K. third. 9. Q. P takes P.
10. Q. B.SP. takes Q. P. 10. Q. B. to Q. R. third.
11. K. Kt. to K. second. 11. K. R. P. one.
12. K. Kt. to B. fourth. 12. K. Kt. to B. third.
13. Q. to K. B. third. 13. K. Kt. to R. second.
14. Q. to K. R. fifth. 14. K. B. to K. second.
15. Q. takes P. ch. 15. K. retakes Q.
16. Kt. takes Q. P. double ch. 16. K. to B. third, (a)
17. Kt. ch. at K. R. fifth, and then Mates with Bishop.
The amateur who played the White pieces in the above game,
generally gives his adversary the Kt., and it is not therefore to
be wondered at, that he plays careless moves, occasionally, when
rendering no odds. The sacrifice of the Queen at Move 15, is a
beautiful conception, the Mate being subsequently forced if she is
taken; and it is rather on account of the brilliant "coup," by
which the game thus terminates, than by reason of its general
soundness, that we have placed it on record.
GAME V.
WHITE. BLACK.
1. K. P. two. 1. K.P two.
2. K. Kt. to B. third. 2. Q. Kt. to B. third.
3. K. B. to Q. B. fourth. 3. The same.
4. Q. Kt. P. two.—Our readers are aware that this move
constitutes the celebrated opening invented by Captain Evans.
We shall take an early opportunity of giving the correct defence;
which is hitherto unpublished.
4. B. takes Kt. P.
5. Castles. 5. Q. P. one.
6. Q. B. P. one. 6. B. to B. fourth.
(a) If he retreat to B. sq., the other Knight gives Checkmate.
 Ill

7. Q. P. two. 7. P. takes P.
8. P. takes P. 8. B. to Kt. third.
9. K. R. P. one. 9. K. Kt. to B. third.
10. K. P. one. 10. Q. P. takes P.
11. Q. P. one. 11. Q. Kt.to K. second.
12. Q. Kt. to B. third. 12. Castles.
13. Q. B. to R. third. 13. Q. B. P. one.
14. Q. P. one. 14. Q. Kt. to Q. fourth.
15. Kt. takes Kt. 15. Kt. takes Kt.
16. Q. P. advances. 16. Q. B. takes P.
17. B. takes R. 17. K. takes B.
18. K. Kt. takes P. 18. Q. B. toK. third.
19. K. R. to K. 19. Q. to Q. B. second.
20. Q. R. to B. 20. Q. R. to K.
21. B. lakes Kt. 21. B. takes B.
22. Q. takes B. 22. P. takes Q.
23. R. takes Q. 23. B. takes R.
24. Kt. checks, and Mates next move.—This game is finely
played, as a whole, hy White ; and developes the peculiar force of
this opening, unless scientifically opposed from the very com
mencement.
GAME VI.
WHITE. BLACK.
1. K. P. two. 1. Same.
2. K. Kt. to B. third. 2. Q. Kt. to B. third.
3. Q. P. two. 3. P. takes P.
4. Kt. takes P. (a) 4. K. B. to Q. B. fourth.
5. Q. B. to K. third. 5. Q. to K. B. third.
6. Q. B. P. one. 6. K. Kt. to K. second.
7. K. B. to Q. B. fourth. 7. Q. to K. Kt. third.
8. Castles. 8. Q. P. one.
9. Kt. takes Kt. 9. Kt. takes Kt.
10. B. takes B. 10. P. takes B.
11. K. B. P. two. 11. Castles.
12. K. B. P. one. 12. Q. to Q. third.
13. Q Kt. to R. third. 13. Q. R. P. one.
14. Q. to K. R. fifth. 14. Q. to K. fourth
15. Q. R. to K. 15. Q. Kt. to K. second.
16. Q. R. to Q. (b) 16. Kt. to Q. B. third.
17. K. B. to Q. fifth. 17. Q. Kt. to R. fourth.
18. Q. Kt. to B. fourth. , 18. Kt. takes Kt.
(a) A bad move, though frequently played. Black's counter-march should be
Queen to K. R. fifth : a move recently introduced to the notice of the Chess-
world, by a member of the London Chess Club.
(b) Threatening to take K. B. P. with Queen.
 112

19. B. takes Kt. 19. B. to K. third, (c)

20. Q. to K. second. 20. B. takes B,
21. Q. takes B. 21. Q. R.to Q.
22. Q. to K. second. 22. K. R. to K.
23. K. B. P. one. 23. R. takes R.
24. Q. takes R. 24. K. Kt. P. takes P. (d)
25. Q. checks. 25. K. to corner.
26. Q. to Q. seventh. 26. K. to Kt. second.
27. Q. checks. 27. Q. covers.
28. Q. takes Q. ch. 28. P. retakes.
29. R. to K. B. fifth. 29. K. B. P. one.
30. R. takes P. 30. Q. B. P. one.
31. R. to Q. B. fourth. 31. R. to K. fourth.
32. K. to B. second. 32. K. to B. second.
33. K. to B. third. 33. K. R. P. two.
34. R. to Q. fourth. 34. K. to K. second.
35. K. Kt. P. two. 35. P. takes P. ch.
36 K. takes P. 36. Q. B. P. one.
37. R. to R. fourth. 37. Q. Kt. P. two.
38. R. takes P. 38. R. takes P. ch.
39. K. to B. fifth. 39. R. to K. fourth, ch.
40. K. to Kt. sixth. 40. R. to K. third.
41. R. takes R. ch. 41. K. takes R.
42. Q. Kt. P. one (e) 42. Q. Kt. P. one, (f )
43. P. takes P. 43. P. takes P. (g)
Black has a won game, owing to his opponent's unfortunate
forty -second move.
GAME VII.
WHITE. BLACK.
1. K. P. two. . 1. The same.
2. K. Kt. to B. third. 2. Q. Kt. to B. third.
3. Q. P. two. 3. P. takes P.
4. K. B. to Q. B. fourth. 4. Q. to K. B. third.
5. Q. B. P. one. 5. P. to Q. sixth.
6. Q. takes P. 6. Q. P. one.

(c) The possibility of playing this move comes very opportune, and releases
Black from his constrained position.
(d) Hardly worth while to break up his Pawns, for the sake of this insignificant
capture.
(e) This move loses the game. White might draw by pushing Q. B. P., in
which case both parties could queen.
(f) Well played move.
(g) Black's one Pawn locks up the two, and assures an immediate victory.
This latter position is highly instructive. If White retreat K. to R. 6, Black
moves K. to B. 4 ; and on White's K. R. P. then advancing one sq., plays K.
to B. 5.

7. Castles.
8. Q. Kt. to R. third.
9. Q. Kt to Kt. fifth.
10. Q. B. to K. B. fourth.
11. K. P. one.
12. B. takes Q.
13. B. to K. Kt. fifth.
wins a' Pawn ; but Black thereby exposes himself to a strong
attack.
14. Kt. takes Kt.
15. B. takes B.
16. Q. R. to Q.
17. K. B. to B. fifth.
18. R. takes B. ch.
19. R. toQ
20. R. takes Kt. ch.
21. B. to Kt. fourth.
22. B. to K. B. third.
23. Kt. to R. third.
24. K. to B.
26. R. to Q.
-.. B. to K. second.
26
27. Kt. to Q. B. second.
28. K. B. P. two. (a)
29. P. takes P.
30. Kt. to Q. fourth.
31. B. to K. B. third.
32. R. checks.
33. R. checks.
34. R. takes Q. B. P.
35. Kt. retakes.
36. K. to K. second.
37. Kt. to Q. fourth.
38. Q. R. P. one.
39. B. to Q. B. sixth, and Black resigns.
GAME VIII.
WHITE.
1. K. P. two.
2. K. Kt. to B. third.
3. K. B. to Q. B. fourth.
4. Q B. P. one.
(a) Should he take Pawn, you check with Kt.
113
7. K. B. to K. second.
8. Q. to K. Kt. third.
9. K. B. to Q.
10. K. Kt. to B. third.
11. Q. takes Q.
12. Kt. toK. R. fourth.
13. Kt. takes P. This move
14 P. takes Kt.
15. King retakes.
16. Q. B. to Q. second.
17. K. Kt. to B. third.
18. Kt. retakes.
19. K. to K. second.
20. K. to B. third.
21. K. R. P. two.
22. Q. B. P. one.
23. Q. R. to Kt.
24. K to K. third.
25. K. B. P. two.
26. Q. Kt. P. two.
27. Q. R. P. two.
28. K. Kt. P. one.
29. King retakes.
30. R. to Q. Kt. third.
31. K. R. to Q. B.
32. K. to B. third.
33. K. to B. second.
34. Q. R. takes R.
35. Q. R. P. one.
36. K. to B. third.
37. R. to Q. Kt.
38 K. Kt. P. one.
BLACK.
1. Same.
2. Q. Kt. to B. third.
3. Same.
4. K. Kt. to B. third.
Q
 114

5. Castles. 5. Kt. takes P.

6. B. to Q. fifth. 6. Kt. to B. third.
7. B. takes Kt. 7. Q. P. takes B.
8. Kt. takes P. 8. Castles.
9. Q. P. two. 9. B to Q. third.
10. Q. Kt. to Q. second. 10. Q. B. P. one.
11. Q. Kt. to KB. third. 11. P. takes P.
12. P. takes P. 12. Q. B. P. one.
13. Q. B. to Kt. fifth. 13. K. R. P. one.
14. B. to K. R. fourth. 14. K. Kt. P. two.
15. B. to K. Kt. third. 15. Kt. to K. fifth.
16. K. R. P. two. 16. Kt. takes B.
17. P. takes Kt. 17. K. to Kt. second.
18. Q.toQ. B. second. 18. K. Kt. P. one. Thi
move forces, ultimately, the gain of a Pawn for Black ; but in
similar cases it becomes a question, whether the immediate profit
counterbalances the after risk.
19. Kt. to Q. second. 19. B. takes Kt.
20. P. takes B. 20. Q. checks.
21. K. to R second. 21. Q. takes P.
22. Q. R. to K. 22 Q. to Q. B. second.
23. Q. to Q. B. third, ch. 23. K. B. P. one.
24. Kt. to K. fourth. 24. Q. to K. fourth.
25. Q. to Q. second. 25. Q. toQ fourth.
26. Q. to K. B. fourth. 26. Q. to K. fourth.
27. Q. to Q. B. 27. K. B. P. one.
28. Kt. to Q. B. fifth. 28. Q. to K. B. third.
29. K. R. to K. B. second. 29. Q. Kt. P. one.
30. Kt. to K. fourth. 30. Q. to K. Kt. third.
31. Q. to K. B. fourth.—A bad move. White has stronger
resources.
31. B. to R. third — Black
should rather play R. to K., which move would, we believe, win
the game.
32. Kt. to Q. sixth. 32. R. to K. B. third.
33. Kt. takes P. ch. 33. K. to R. second,
34. R. checks. 34. K. to corner.
35. Q. to K. fifth. 35. Q. R. to K. B.
36. R. takes Q. R. P. 36. R. to K.
37. Kt. to K. seventh. 37. R. takes Kt.
38. Q. R. retakes R., and White wins.
 STUDIES IN POLISH DRAUGHTS.
No. 8.—M. Everard wins, with White and Move.

No. 9.— Won by M. Boutillier, with White and Move.

No. 10.—M, Lange wins in play, having White men and Move.

No. 1 1 .—M. Blonde wins of the Hollandais ; having, of course,

White and Move.
 117

No. 12.—M. Blonde wins with one Queen against three Pawns.

WW
Wm B B B B
^^^^^
#111 B

B'
IIP

IIP
§111 WB

j§ B B ■
■P WW
ill i l

■ ill B

B ■

ANECDOTE OF PHILIDOR.

The stream of gossip poured forth, over the Chess-board, by

certain players, has often excited the astonishment of the uniniti
ated ; but the habit, however ridiculous, is merely mechanical,
and impedes not the exercise of the reasoning powers. M. de la
Garde, first valet-de-chambre to Louis XVI, introduced a friend,
one day, at the Cafe de la Regence, to see the great Philidor ;
and they seated themselves to watch the game then in progress.
To the amazement of the stranger, he found Philidor playing off
all manner of jokes and buffooneries ; made up of peals of laugh
ter, snatches of opera songs, whistlings, and various other Chess-
interpolations, familiar to first-rate players. M. de la Garde,
who had intended Philidor to create a sensation, was, of course,
annoyed to find the lion roaring so very dovelike; and to
counteract the unfavourable impression, whispered his visitor :
" Look at that man ; he 's Philidor, the first Chess-player in the
world. You 'd take him for a fool,—but it 's all genius ! "
 118

CONTINENTAL CHESS-CLUBS, AND PLAYERS.

For the information of visitors to the continent, we here note

down a few Chess institutions, in various countries. Chess is
properly considered a species of free-masonry, and the visit of a
brother is duly appreciated ; particularly should he speak a
foreign language. We only pretend to point out a small pro
portion of the clubs ; hut, at a future time, hope to give Ihem in
more ample detail ; and request, accordingly, to be favoured
with additions to our catalogue In rating the players, we must
he excused, should we omit, through ignorance, many names,
who have a just claim to distinction.
Beginning north, the best Russian players are Baron Schilling,
Baron Pogogogef (sweet name!) Prince Mystersky, Prince
Labanof, and M. Petrof, of Petersburg; who has published a
large work on Chess, something in the style of Koch, or Alex
andre.
At Copenhagen, there is a professorship of Chess in the Royal
Military College ; the chair of which is filled by M. Osterberger.
We understand this gentleman to have written on Chess ; but
have tried ineffectually to procure his work.
The Chess-players of Vienna meet at the Cafe de l'Argent ;
their strongest amateur being M. Witholm. The Hungarian,
M. Szen, resides at Pest ; and he and Witholm are about equal
in power. M. Szen has never met with any other player in
Germany, who could make a stand against him, though he has
visited Berlin, Dresden, &c. M. de la Bourdonnais could give
the Pawn to either Szen or Witholm ; though M. Szen, when in
London, beat all the good players who could screw up their
courage to face him.
Dr. Smeichael, of Hamburg, is a stout player, as are M. M.
John, and Popert. The men of Hamburg conquered those of
Berlin, a few years since, in a match by correspondence. We
have heard M. Rust, of Leipzig, spoken of, as playing a strong
game.
At Frankfort, the leading players are M. M. Goldsmit, Shie-
reck, andErhman. The two former have printed a German trans
lation of Mr. George Walker's work on chess. M. Silberschmidt
is a player of a high order ; and the author of several works on
the game This gentleman is famed for his romantic contest
with the players of the Chess-village, Strobeck.
M. Mauvillon, the writer on Chess, is resident at Essen.
Berlin can boast of two clubs ; the strongest players being M.
M. Beledow, Mendheim, Netto, Mayet, Hanstein, andSarbruck.
 119

Mendheim's Chess problems are, doubtless, familiar to some of

our readers ; as are those of M. Schmidt, of Breslaw.
Holland possesses many players, but none of eminence. The
best is M. Kopman, of Amsterdam. There is a club in the
Dutch capital, the president of which is M. Donker Curtius,
head of the Post-office department. This society has played
three matches, by correspondence, with the clubs of Rotterdam,
Antwerp, and the Hague, and won them all three.
The strongest player in Leyden, is M. Oliphant, surgeon.
At Utrecht, M. Van Reede bears the bell ; and has a good col
lection of Ghess-books.
In Belgium, Chess is much played. There is an excellent
club at Antwerp, the leading players in which are M. D'Orville,
M. Schauffer (president), A. de Bie, The Chevalier Cocquiel,
Solvyns, Wouters, Colonel Loix, &c. In Brussels, the chief
amateurs are M. M. Michaelis, Fetis, Destroope, Previnaire,
De Mevius, Mosselman, The Chevalier de Berhr, Capt. Muller,
and Col. Moyart. At Ghent, resides M. Mettepening, Advocate,
an enthusiast in the cause ; and we must not omit to make
honorable mention of M. Lebeau, the governor of Namur, for
his zeal in the service.
Jumping to the south of Europe, the names of four Spaniards
have been given to us, as good players ; viz.—General Vigo, the
Duke de Frias, Santa Maria, and Hernandez.
The players of Italy are little known here. The Grand Duke
of Florence is fond of the game, and has a collection of works
relative to the subject. Several good Italian players have visit
ed Paris and London ; among whom must be particularized
Calvi, Robello, and Lavagnino. At Rome, the " sacred fire" is
kept burning at the Cafe de Scacchi, by Ciccolini and others ;
M. Leati, of Ferrara, and Prince de Cimilile, of Naples, are also
of the initiated.
Modena, once the Chess capital, still holds practitioners wor
thy to succeed the Lollis, Ponzianis, and Del Rios of the last
century. Among others may be quoted Signori Bianchi and G.
B. Borsari ; the latter of whom is said to be in possession of
some unpublished MSS., by his whilom friend and master,
Ercole del Rio. Should this be true, and should our magazine
catch the eye of Signor Borsari, we request he will forthwith
transmit these said papers to head-quarters ; that we may give
them to the Philidorians of Britain.
Come we lastly to France. There exist Chess clubs in the
following, among other French cities and towns :—Blois, Bor
deaux, Paris, Tours, Rouen, Lille, Strasburg, Douay, Valen
ciennes, Toulouse, Auxerre, Laon, and Arras. The players of
Bordeaux meet at the Cafe Montesquieu. Their chief, is the
 120

venerable M. Foy. This gentleman, during the sixteen years he

has kept the lists at Bordeaux, has only twice met with a con
queror ; the visitors upon these two occasions being M. M. de
la Bourdonnais, and St. Amant. After M. Foy, the best players
in Bordeaux are M. M. Ristord, Boiteaux, Burnard, Moussey,
Cart, Grangeneuve, Delasalle, Martinelli, Sasportas, &c.
The clubs of Douay and Valenciennes are engaged in a match
by correspondence. The president of the Douay club is General
Guingueret, a scientific player. The president of the rival soci
ety, at Valenciennes, is the Chevalier de Barneville ; an aged
amateur, and a contemporary of Philidor; of whom he was
wont, in the days of yore, to receive Knight, for Pawn and
move. The match is being stubbornly contested.
The Paris players are mostly known, personally, to our metro
politan amateurs. The Paris club, at the present time, is the
strongest Chess institution which ever existed. Their " locale "
is No. 89, Rue Richelieu ; the president of the club being Gene
ral Count Duchaffault, and the vice president M. Jouy, the well
known author. We need not state, that the secretary of this
club, M. de la Bourdonnais, is the first Chess player in Europe.
The two next players in the Paris circle are M. M. St. Amant,
and Boncourt; who are to the full as strong as M. Szen. After
them, we might notice many skilful amateurs ; including M. M.
Devinck, Bonfil, Chamouillet, Calvi, Azevedo, Alexandre,
Lecrivain, &c. The members of the Paris club shew the greatest
hospitality, in the reception given to British visitors. M. de la
Bourdonnais, their hero, stands pledged, in print, to give the
Pawn and move to any player in the world. We believe there
is no one in England, who could win of him at these odds. The
inferior class of players continue to meet, " en masse," at the
Cafe de la Regence. The French players have recently sus
tained a loss, m the death of M. Mouret; distinguished for
having been the invisible sprite, who conducted that clever
imposture, the automaton Chess player, during the time it gave
Pawn and Move to all comers. The printed selection from those
games is well known ; and comprises specimens of the play of
some of the first English amateurs of that period ; as Brand,
Cochrane, and Mercier. Mouret was Chess preceptor to the
family of Louis Philippe.
The celebrated M. Des Chapelles, the Napoleon of modern
Chess, is, also, a member of the Paris club; but to the deep
regret of his contemporaries, perseveres in his retirement from
the circle of war.
 THE

PHILIDORIAN.

No. 4. [MARCH] 1838.

CHESS.
THREE PAWNS, SIDE BY SIDE, ALONE, AGAINST THE KING ALONE.
The proposition here discussed is : —What effect have three
Pawns, side by side, by their own moral force, or specific gravity,
without any other adjunct, against the adverse King alone ? To
the superficial observer, this problem will appear easier of solu
tion, than to the practised player. Such questions, like enigmas,
are simple enough, when known ; but it is hardly too much to
say, that, like the keystones of arches, all Chess rests upon them.
The Pawns used are the Queen's Rook's, Queen's Knight's,
and Queen's Bishop's Pawns. Since the King never requires,
once placed in front, to go from off the three files on which the
Pawns are placed, it follows that our remarks equally apply to
any three Pawns similarly connected, with this one exception :—
there arise certain positions in which the King can draw by
playing to the corner, which he could not do, were the Pawns on
other files. To keep the question open, we use diagrams of the
three requisite lines of squares only. It would have been easy to
place the Black King on the board, as done by Carrera, in a
position of Stalemate ; but his omission tends to simplification ;
and had we introduced his sable majesty on the field, we could not
describe the White King as winning, when capturing all the
Pawns. The Pawns are Black Pawns, opposed to a White King ;
and the former are advancing from the remote side of the board.
When we say, " Pawns win," it is understood they Mate, or
go to Queen. When we declare King to win, we mean that he
takes the Pawns. When we dismiss the game as drawn, King
gains Stalemate.
Many of the positions might be reversed, as to the relative
situations of the two Wing Pawns ; but this would not affect the
conduct of the King, though he would perhaps take the several
files in another order.
There arise cases in which King arrests the Pawns in the same
manner, over and over again. When we have thought this
obvious from previous positions, we have considered recapitula
tion unnecessary. In numerous variations, having analyzed the
moves of one of the Wing Pawns, we pass over those of the
B
 f

122

other ; the sole difference being, that the King would place him
self in similar relation, to the other Pawn, were it played, which
he has done with its fellow.
The following are our deductions :—
1. The preponderance of advantage is on the side of the King,
against the three Pawns.
2. Should the three Pawns be all unmoved, and the King on
any one square in the front of them, he will win, whether he
move first or not. We here expose certain fallacies, in which
Carrera, and other authors, have indulged.
3. The less forward the Pawns, the easier it is for King to
stop them.
4. Two Pawns at the fifth squares, with the third Pawn un
moved, should they not be under attack, will invariably win.
5. The two Pawns at the sixth squares win, wheresoever King
is placed, if they have the Move, and if the third Pawn be on any
square in their rear, Certain exceptions exist to this rule, in the
case of the King's gaining Stalemate in the corner.
6. One Pawn at the sixth, guarded by another, the third
Pawn being unmoved, win invariably ; let King stand where he
may, and whosoever has the move.
We now proceed to practical illustration, beginning with the
positions of Von Nieveld and Carrera, in which the Pawns are
unmoved.
Position by Zuylen Von Nieveld. (See his celebrated work " La
Superiorite aux Echecs, Sfc." Campen, 1792, 2 vols. 8vo.)
 123

In this position Von Nieveld erroneously makes Pawns win.

It is needless to give his Moves, since nothing can be more
fallacious. Allow the Pawns to have the advantage he gives them,
of the first move :—
1. B. P. ch, I. K. to R. fifth, as a better
Move than that given by Nieveld, and again by Koch. The
Pawns cannot now push R. P. with advantage, and playing
2. B. P. advances. (A) (B) 2. K. to Kt. fifth.
3. Kt. P. one. 3. K. to B. fourth.
4. R. P. one, (best.) 4. K. to B. third, and wins.
(A)
2. Kt. P. two. 2. K. to Kt. fourth.
3. R. P. one. 3. K. to Kt. third.
4. R. P. one. • 4. K. to R. 3, and wins.
(B)
2. Kt. P. ch. 2. K. to Kt. fourth.
If R. P. one, K. to Kt. third.
If R, P. two, K. to R. fourth.
If Kt. P. one, K. to R. fifth.
3. P. checks. 3. K. to B. fourth.
4. R. P. one. 4. K. to B. third, and wins.

Another position by Von Nieveld.

 124

Here again Von Nieveld makes the Pawns win ; though King
can stop them as follows :—
If they check, King goes to Kt. 5, and on their advancing
either P. 2, sq. confronts it.
If they move R. P. one, K. retreats to B. 4.
If they play R. P. two, K. at Kt. fifth wins. Suppose,
1. B. P. one. 1. K. to Kt. fourth.
If Kt. P. two, K. to R. fifth.
If Kt. P. one, K. to Kt. third.
2. R. P. one. 2. K. to Kt. third, and stops
Pawns, in the plan developed in the following examples.
Carrera's Position.

Carrera, one of the most trumpery of Chess authors, here gives

the Move to the Pawns, and says they win by force. His English
translator very properly shows, that at a certain time Carrera
does not allow the King to play the correct Move ; and says,
besides, that he " doubts" the truth of Carrera's assertion; but
does not follow up this opinion by analysis. The Move is in
reality of no consequence ; but we allow the Pawns to begin.
Observe, that King simply aims at playing to Kt. 3, on the
advance of either two of the three Pawns, two squares each ; and
place him as you will, he can always accomplish this ; winning
all the Pawns
 125

FIRST MODE OP PLAY.

1. Q. R. P. two. 1. K. to Kt. second.
2. Q. Kt. P. two. Did Pawns advance one, instead of two
squares, at first, they would be stopt, even earlier.
2. K. to Kt. third.
If Q. B. P. two, K. retreats to Kt. 2, and wins, as may be seen in
detail hereinafter. If, instead, Q. B. P. one, King goes to R. 3.
3. Kt. P. one. (A) 3. K. to B. fourth.
4. B. P. one, (best.) 4. K. to Kt. third.
5. B. P. one. 5. K. to Kt. second, and wins.
(A)
3. P. checks. 3. K. to R. third.
Now, if Q. B. P. one, K. to Kt. fourth.
4. Q. B. P. two. 4. K. to R. second, and wins
Pawns, by regaining the opposition at the proper time.
SECOND MODE OF PLAY.
1. Q. R. P. two. 1. K. to Kt. second.
2. Q. R. P. one. 2. K. to R. third.
3. Q. Kt. P. two. 3. K. to Kt. fourth.
4. Q. B. P. one, (best.) 4. K. to R. third.
5. Q. B. P. one. 5. K. to R. second, and wins.
THIRD MODE OF PLAY.
1. Q. R. P. two. 1. K. to Kt. second.
If Q. B. P. one, K. to R. third.
2. Q. B. P. two. 2. K. to Kt. third.
If Kt. P. two, K. to Kt. second.
3. Kt. P. one. 3. K. to Kt. second. Pawns
being so far from Queening, you will have time to regain the
opposition.
4. If he push B. P., you go to B. third, and on Kt. P. being
then advanced, win the Pawns by retreating to B. 2, and then
to Kt. 2. The same method is applicable to his advance, here,
of R. P.
Kt. P. one. K. to Kt. third.
If he push B. P. or R. P., you confront it.
5. Kt. P. one. 5. K. to Kt. second ; and re
sumes the winning opposition, by opposing the Pawn next
advanced.
FOURTH MODE OF PLAY.
As the whole of our Moves, relatively to the advance first of
Q. R. P., equally bear upon the substitution of Q. B. P., it is
unnecessary to give the latter in detail.
 126

1. Kt. P. two. 1. K. to Kt. second.

2. Kt. P. one. 2. K. to Kt. third
3. R. P. two. 3. K. to R. fourth.
4. B. P. one, (best.) 4. K. to Kt. third.
5. B. P. moves. 5. K. to Kt. second, and the
King then wins, by opposing the Pawn advanced ; whether such
be B. P. or R. P.
We must now refer to the folding plate ; every diagram on
which is numbered, to agree with the following Key.

KEY TO THE FOLDING SHEET OF DIAGRAMS.

No. 1. Whoever moves first, the Pawns win.
No. 2. If Pawns have the move, they lose ; because being
compelled to advance, they are devoured in detail. If King
move first, Pawns win. If King stood originally on either of
the two squares indicated, he would win, with the Move ; but
without such advantage, must lose.
No. 3. If the Pawns move first, they win ; but if K. have the
Move,
1. K. to Kt. 1. Kt. P. moves.
2. K. to R. 2. B. P., or R. P., moves, as
hest, and the game is drawn. Were the King not on the Rook's
file, such would not be the case.
Did King originally stand on Kt. sq., and have the Move, the
Pawns would win.
No. 4. Should Pawns move first, they lose, but if otherwise,
1. K. to B. third. 1. R. P. advances.
2. K. to B. second. 2. Kt. P. one.
If K. move now to Kt., either B. P., or Kt. P. may go on.
3. K. to B. 3. Kt. P. one. Were either
of the other Pawns to move instead, King could draw.
4. K. to Kt. 4. Kt. P. one.
5. K. to R. second. 5. P. Queens.
6. K. takes Q. 6. B. P. on, and wins. The
same train of moves frequently occurs. In the above position,
did King originally stand on either R. 3. or B. 3, the victory
would go with the Move.
No. 5. The party moving loses :—
PAWNS MOVE.
1. Kt. P. one. 1. K. to Kt.
2. B. P. one. 2. K. to B. second, wins.
 127

KING MOVES.
If he go on B. file, the R. P. moves, &c.
1. K. to Kt. 1. Kt. P. one.
2. K. to Kt. second. 2. Kt. P. on, wins.
Did King originally occupy Tt. 2, or B. 2, he would win if he
had the Move, by playing to Kt. 2, but if Pawns had the Move,
they would win by advancing the remote Pawn.
No. 6. The party moving, wins. If K. move, he goes to Kt. 2,
and wins as shown in No. 5. If Pawns move, they push Kt. P.,
and win ; because they have the opposition.
If K. stood on R. or B., the player moving first equally wins.
No. 7. Whoever moves first, loses. Suppose K. to move :—
1. K. to R. fourth. 1. B. P. one.
2. K. to R. third. 2. Kt. P. one.
If K. to Kt. 2., Rook's P. advances.
3. K. to R. second. 3. B. P. one.
4. K. to Kt. third. 4. Kt. P. one.
5. K. to B. second. 5. R. P. one.
6. K. to B. or Kt. 6. Kt. P. one, wins as before.
If King stood originally at R. 4, or B. 4, the party moving first
would win. The attention of the student cannot be too frequently
directed to similar nice distinctions.
No. 8. King wins in every case. If he move first, he goes to
Kt. 3, and on Kt P. moving, plays to Kt. 2. If Pawns move,—
1. R. P. one, (best.) 1. K to Kt. second.
If Kt. P. one, King to R. third.
2. B. P. one. 2. K. to Kt.
3. Kt. P. one. 3. K. to Kt. second.
4. Kt. P. one. 4. K. to Kt., winning.
Were the King on any one of the eight marked squares, he
would win ; whether with, or without, the Move ; because he
could play, either to Kt. 2, or Kt. 3.
No. 9. Kin^ wins, whether he or the Pawns play first ; and the
result would be the same, did he occupy any other of the fronting
squares. King plays
1. K. to R. fifth ; then if Kt. P. move two sq., he goes to Kt. 4.
1. B. P. one.
2. K. to R. fourth. 2. B. P. one. If Kt. P. two,
King goes to Kt. 3. (A)
3. K. to Kt. fourth. 3. Kt. P. two.
4. K. to B. third. 4. R. P. one.
5. K. to B. second, and then to Kt. 2, winning.
(A)
2 2. Kt. P. one.
3. K. to R. third ; then if B. P. advances, K. goes to Kt. 4 ;
but, if otherwise, to Kt. 3.
 128

No. 10. Whoever moves first, loses. Did King occupy either
of the marked squares, the party moving first, would win.
No. 11. Whoever moves, must lose. If K. go to R. 3, or B. 3,
the remote Pawn advances. Should he play to Kt., either B. P.
or R P. may move.
1. K. to B. 1. R. P. one.
2. K. to Kt. 2. If P. check, or B. P.
move, K. goes to the corner, and gains the Stale.
Kt. P. one.
3. K. to B. or R. 2. 3. P. Queens.
4. K. takes Q. 4. B. P. one, and wins.
Were King on any one of the marked sq., the party to move, wins.
No. 12. K. wins in both cases.
1. K. to Kt. second. 1. B. P. one.
2. K. to B. second.
If R. P. one, King to Kt.
If B. P. ch., K. to Kt. 3 ; and on R. P. ch., to B. 2.
2. Kt. P. one
3. K. to B. third. 3. Kt. P. one.
4. K. takes Kt. P. 4. R. P. one.
5. K. to Kt. and wins.
If K. were originally on R. 4, or B. 4, the party moving first,
would win ; but if he stood on either of the marked sq., King
would win, whether he had the move or not.
No. 13. King wins, by moving to Kt. 3. If he were on B. 5,
or R. 5, the party moving would win. If he stood on any one of
the nine hindermost sq., he would win, either with, or against, the
Move.
No. 14. Either to move, King to win.
KING MOVES.
1. K. to Kt. fourth. 1. B. P. ch. (A.)
2. K. to B. fourth. 2. R. P. one
3. K. to B. third. 3. If R. P. one, K. goes to
Kt. 3, and thence to Kt. 2.
Kt. P. one.
4. K. to Kt. third.
If Kt. P. one, King to B. or R. 4.
4. B. P. checks.
5. K. to Kt. fourth. 5. R. P. checks.
6. K. to B third. 6. R. P. one.
7. K. to Kt. fourth, and wins.
(A)
1. B. P. one.
2. K. to Kt. third.
If R. P. two, K. goes to R. 4.
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 129

If B. P. one, K. to B. 4.
If Kt. P. one, K. to Kt. fourth.
2. R. P. one.
3. K. to Kt. fourth. 3. Kt. P. one.
4. K. to Kt. third, and wins.
PAWNS PLAY.
1. B. P. two. 1. K. to B. fourth.
2. R. P. one, (best.) 2. K.to B. third. This mode
of stopping the Pawns should be particularly looked at.
3. If R. P. one, K. to Kt. 3, and then Kt. 2.
Kt. P. one. 3. K. to Kt .3, winning.
Were K. originally on either of the twelve home sq., he would
win, both with, and without, the Move.
No. 15. If Pawns move, they win by checking. If King move,
he goes to corner, and draws. In this example, were the Rook's
file not one of the three lines in question, the pawns would win
in every case.
Were K. in the corner, he would lose if he had the Move ;
but would draw, did Pawns move.
Were K. on B. sq., he would lose in all cases.
No. 16. Whoever moves, loses the game. Should Pawns
move, they check, on which K. goes to R. 2, and arrests them.
If K. move,
1. K. to R. second, (A.) 1. B. P. one.
2. K. to R. or Kt. 2. Kt. P. one, winning.
(A)
1. K. to B. second. 1. R. P. one.
2. K. to Kt. second. 2. Kt. P. one.
3. K. to R. 3. B. P. one.
4. K. to Kt. second. 4. B. P. ch., and wins.
Did King stand on either of the three marked sq., he loses,
whether he play first or not.
No. 17. Whoever moves, King wins. If K. play—
1. K. to R. third. 1. B. P. one.
2. K. to R. second, (best), and wins.
If King stood at R. 3, he would also win in every case ; and the
same, were he on R. 2. In the latter position, did Pawns move
first, and begin with Kt. P. one, his first Move must be K. to Kt.
No. 18. If K. have the move, he wins by going to Kt. 4, but if
Pawns move first, they win thus :—
1. B. P. one. " 1. K. to B. second. If to
Kt. 2, the B. Pawn advances.
2. R. P. one. 2. K. to Kt. third.
3. Kt. P. one, and wins.
No. 19. Whoever moves, King wins.
8
 130
KING MOVES.
1. K. to Kt. second. 1. Kt. P. one.
2. K. to Kt., and wins.
PAWNS MOVE.
If B. P. one, King goes to Kt.
If It. P. one, he goes to Kt 3.
If Kt. P. one, he goes to Kt.
Were the King originally on either of the three other squares
indicated, he would equally win, both with, or without, the
Move.
No. 20. The player moving first, wins. If K. move, he goes
to R. 4, and on B. P. advancing, marches to R. 3, and then to
Kt 3. Should Pawns have the Move, they play B. P. two, and
resolve it into a position already discussed.
Were King on any one of the eleven marked squares, he wins
both with, and against, the Move.
No. 21 . If K. have the Move, he draws ; but if Pawns move
first, they win. If K. were on R. sq., and had the move, he
would lose. If he stood on the B. sq., he would lose in every
case.
No. 22. Whoever moves, wins. If K. move, he retreats to
Kt. ; if Pawns move, they advance Kt. P.
If K. stood on Kt. sq., the party moving first, loses ; but if he
were on R., R. 2, B., or B. 2, the first Move would win.
No. 23. Here, the Pawns are so far from Queen, the K. stops
them in every case. If he have to move, he secures the opposi
tion by playing to Kt. 2. If Pawns have the Move, they appa
rently gain the opposition, by pushing Kt. P. ; but the King has
time to regain it, by expending a Move ; going to Kt. 2, and then
confronting the leading Pawn.
No. 24. Whoever moves, wins. If K. move first, he goes to
Kt. 2. If not:—
1. R. P. one. If K. to Kt. 2, tbe B. P. comes on.
1 . K. to B. second.
2. R. P. one, and King loses ; because he cannot now at once
play to Rook's second.
No. 25. King wins, whoever moves first. . If P. move, King
is already in a winning state of opposition ; and should he have
to move, he goes to Kt. 3, and has time to regain the opposition.
Were King on Kt. sq , he would also win. Had he then to
move, he would play to Kt. 2 ; and if Pawns had the Move, he
would play on the same file as the Pawn pushed.
No. 26. Whoever plays, King wins; and the result would be
the same, were he on either of the marked squares. If Pawns
have originally to move, and push B. P., the King's first Move

._ J
 131

must be to Kt., for he would lose, were he to answer by going

to Kt. 2.
No. 27. The King placed on any of the marked sq., wins, both
with, and without the Move.—Since writing out this article for
press, we have received from Paris, an elementary work on Chess,
dated 1838, almost wholly compiled from the before-mentioned
book by Von Nieveld ; but ushered forth by the writer, as revised
and corrected by the celebrated Mouret, lately deceased. We
notice this, because we therein find one position of three Pawns
against King (No. 112), being our No. 27. The French author
plays it rightly, but appears to think the chief difficulty, in
similar cases, lies on the side of the King ; the truth being just
the reverse. His words are " il est tres-difficile au roi de pouvoir
empecher trois pions reunis d'aller a dame * * * il existe tres-
peu de situations qui puissent etre favorables au roi contre trois
pions, &c." After going through our present essay, we trust this
writer will change his opinion.
No. 28. If Pawns move, they win ; but if K. move, he draws ;
by playing to Kt. 2, and then returning to corner.
No. 29. The party moving, loses. If Pawns move, they push
B. P., and on his playing to Kt. 3, check with Pawn. The King
then retires to R. 2, and stops their march.—Suppose King to
move first .—
1. K. to Kt. 3. 1. B. P. one.
2. K. to R. second. 2. B. P. one, wins.
If King stood on Kt. 3, the party moving would win the game.
No. 30. If Pawns move first, they win by pushing Kt. P. ; but
if K. have the Move, he draws the game, by playing to B. 2 ;
which compels Pawns, as best, to push R. P.
If K. were on R., orKt., sq., the party moving, wins.
No. 31. Whosoever moves, King wins. If he play first, he
goes to Kt. 4.
If he stood on Kt. 4, the result would be similar.
No. 32. Whoever moves, wins. If K. play, he goes to Kt. 4.
If Pawns begin, they push B. P. two.
No. 33. The K. on either Kt. 2, or R. 2, wins with the Move,
by seating himself on R. 3 ; but if Pawns move, they win, by
pushing Kt. P.
On either of the four crossed squares, the King must lose,
whether he move first or not. The reason is, that the Pawns can
then push Kt. P., to Kt. 6, before starting B. P.
No. 34. The King on any marked sq., loses whether he have
the Move or not ; because the Pawns can gain the Move, through
the option of pushing B. P., one or two sq.
No, 35. Whoever moves, the Pawns win ; the King being on
any of the three edge squares.
 132

No. 36. King wins, whichever plays first. If he have the

Move, he goes to B. 2.
The result would be the same, with K. on either of the two
marked squares.
No. 37. The party moving first, here, wins; and the case
would be similar, were King on either of the two marked squares.
This position forms a good contrast with the last.
No. 38. Fixed on either of the nine front sq., King wins, whe
ther he have to move first, or otherwise. The Rook's P. being
moved one sq., allows him always to dodge successfully for the
opposition.
No. 39. On any of the twelve hinder squares, King wins, whe
ther he moves first, or not.
No. 40. Whoever moves first, the King being on either of the
three squares indicated, the Pawns win ; and the result would
be similar, were the R. P. on either of the two marked squares in
his rear.
No. 41. If the K. be on either Kt., or B., the Pawns lose,
whether they have the first Move or not. If he occupy, instead,
either of the four indicated houses, the Pawns win, if they have
the Move..
No. 42. Pawns to win, whether with, or without the Move ;
King being on any one of six squares.
No. 43 On either of the five marked squares, King wins, whe
ther he move first or not.
No. 44. With the King on either one of the four marked
squares, the party moving first, wins.
No. 45. The party moving, to win.
If K. stood on R. 2, he who plays first, loses.
If K. were on B., or B. 2, Pawns would win, with and without
the move.
If King were in the corner, the first Move would decide the
fate of the day.
No. 46. Whoever has the Move, the King wins ; because, if to
play, his first Move is to R. 2. Were he, instead, on R. 2, he
would infallibly win ; just the same.
No. 47. Whoever moves, Pawns win. Carrera notices this
position ; but both he, and his translator, give it as won for the
Pawns, merely should they have the Move ; an obvious error.
If Pawns move, first they push R. P. one. If K. move first—
If K. to Kt. 2, B. P. one.
If K. to B. 2, R. P. one, and wins.
No. 48. Whoever moves first, wins :
PAWNS MOVE.
1. R. P. one. 1. K. to Kt. third.
 133

2. Kt. P. one. 2. K. to R. second.

3. B. P. one, and must win the party.
KING MOVES.
1. K. to Kt., (best,) and stops the Pawns.
No. 49. Whoever moves, wins. If K. move, he goes to R. 3.
If Pawns move, they push B. P.
If K. stood in corner, or on Kt. sq., he wins, whether he move
first or not. If he has to move, in such case, he goes to R. 2.
If K. stood on B., Pawns would win, only if they had the
Move ; for if King had the Move, he would gain all, by going to
Kt. sq.
No. 50. The King wins, with or without the Move, if seated
on any of the marked squares.
No. 51. Same in solution as No. 50.
No. 52. Either to play, Pawns must win ; because they have
established two at the sixth, with the third behind. The result
would be the same, were King on either of the two front marked
squares ; or the hinder Pawn on either of the two squares indi
cated, in his rear.
If K. stood on B. 2, R. 2, or Kt. 3, the party moving first,
would win.
No. 53. The party moving wins. If Pawns have to move, they
push Kt. P. ; if King move first, he can only win by going to
Kt. sq. It is a curious fact, that if he stood originally on Kt. sq.,
the party moving first must lose. Did the King, however, stand
originally, on any one ofthe eight squares marked, the first player
must win the game.
No. 54. Pawns win, whether they have the Move or not.
Should they begin, they play Kt. P. two. The result would be
similar, did King stand on either of the five squares marked.
Did King stand on B. 3, R. 3, Kt. 4, or Kt. 5, the party mov
ing first would win .
No. 55. Whether K. stand at Kt., R., or B., whoever moves,
wins ; but if he were on Kt 2, King would win in either case.
No. 56. King wins Pawns, whoever moves ; but suppose
Pawns to begin with B. P. one, he must answer with King to
R. or B.
If K. stood on.R. or B., he wins in all cases.
No. 57. He who moves, wins.
No. 58. Whether at Kt. second, or Kt. sq., King wins ; whe
ther with, or without, the Move.
No. 59. Whoever has to play first, wins.
No. 60. On Kt., or Kt. 3, K. wins Pawns, whichsoever
moves.
No. 61. With King on either of the three squares, noted, the
 134

Pawns infallibly win; both with, and without, the Move.

No. 62. King being on either of three squares, the Pawns win ;
with, or without, the Move. And so, also, if hindmost Pawn be
on either of the two back squares ; observing to sacrifice Kt. P.
at the proper moment.
No. 63. The player moving first, wins. Observe, were King
on either of the three marked sq., the Pawns would win, whether
they had the Move or not.
Were K. at Q. R. 3, or Q. B. 3, he who moves first, will lose
the game.
No. 64. He who moves, loses. If King were on either of the
five squares pointed out, he who moves first, wins.
No. 65. King being on any ene of the six squares denoted,
Pawns win ; either with, or without, first play. They would ad
vance R. P., one, or two sq., according to the post of the enemy.
No. 66. Whosoever has the right of playing first, Pawns win;
and the case would be the same, were R. P. unmoved.
No. 67. Pawns to win, whoever moves ; and the same, did K.
stand on any one of five of the crossed squares ; but if he were
on B. 2, the party moving first, wins.
No. 68. If Pawns have the move, they draw by pushing
Kt. P. ; and compelling King thus to go, as best, to corner, to.
force Stalemate. Were the advanced P., the B. P., instead of the
other, Pawns could obviously win with the Move.
If the King were fixed originally on the corner square, the
party moving, would win. If K. stood on B., or B. 2, he would
draw, if he had the Move, by going to Kt. 2.
No. 69. The party moving, wins ; and such would be the
result, were K. on R. or Kt.
If K. stood at R. 2, he wins, either with, or without, the Move.
If he were placed on either of the three squares on the Bishop's
file, he must lose the game, whether he had to play or not.
No. 70. King conquers, whether he moves first or not. Should
Pawns have the Move, and advance Kt. P., he goes to R. 3, and
then purposely loses a Move, by placing himself on R. 2.
The King on any one of the crossed squares, would win the
Pawns; either with, or without the Move. Did King occupy
B. 4, the player who moved first, would win.
No. 71. With King on any marked sq., he wins; with, or
against the Move.
No. 72. Supposing King on either one of the squares indicated,
the player moving first, must win. Did King stand, originally,
on either one of the three home squares, he would win, both with,
and without the Move. If, in such case, he was in the corner,
and had to play first, his Move would be to Kt., but were he on
Kt., and had to play, his Move would be to corner.
 135

No. 73. The party moving, wins ; and the result would be
similar, were King on any one of the crossed squares.
Were King on R. 2, R. 3, Kt. 2, Kt. 4, or B. 3, he would win,
whether he had the Move or not.
No. 74. Whoever moves, Pawns win ; supposing King to stand
on either of the five indicated places.
Did King occupy, instead, R. 2, the player moving first, would
win.
No. 75. King, on either one of the six squares pointed out,
must arrest the Pawns ; whether he move first or not. If K.
were at Kt. sq., or B. third, he who had the first move would
win. If K. were on B. 4, the Pawns would win, whichsoever
had the move.
No. 76. Were King on either of the 4 marked sq., he wins
Pawns, whichsoever moves first. But if he were placed, instead,
on R., Kt., B., B. 2, B. 3, or B. 4, the p ayer moving first, would
win.
No. 77. King on either one of the eleven marked places,
wins the Pawns, whoever moves first.
If King were on B. 5, he would win, if he had the first move ;
but Pawns would win, if they had the move ; even could the
King go to a fourth line of squares.
No. 78. Whoever moves first, wins ; and so it would equally
be, with K. on either marked sq.
Were King on Rook's file, Pawns would win ; and the result
would be similar, were the Kt. P. at home unmoved.
No. 79. Whoever moves first, King occupying either square
indicated, Pawns win. Did K. stand on Kt. 2, the party mo
ving would win.
No. 80. King standing on B. 3, wins, whichsoever party
have the first move ; but should he stand on B. 2, the party
playing first, will win.
We cannot dismiss this, without remarking that we shall be
satisfied, should only half-a-dozen inaccuracies be detected ; out
of the several hundred relative situations of the King and
Pawns, on which we have herein dilated.

Euitou •
 STUDIES IN POLISH DRAUGHTS.
No. 13.— Won by Philidor.

No. 14.—Philidor draws the game, in play, with White men.

No. I5.—Philidor wins with White.
 138

LESSONS IN 6CARTE.

Lesson V.—General Rules, &c.

One of the most difficult points is, to know whether you hold
cards on which you ought to stand ; or whether, being non-dealer,
you should prefer proposing. Also, as to the propriety of admit
ting your adversary's proposition to discard ; and having yourself
once proposed, and been supplied, to know whether you would
be justified in again proposing. Both parties, whether elder
hand or dealer, can never acquire accuracy, as regards this part
of the game, from theory alone ; but a little theory will go a long
way, accompanied with practice. The chief source of your diffi
culties arises from a want of reflection, as to the cards of which an
average hand ought to consist. Unless comprising two or three
court-cards, at the least, the tyro thinks he holds a bad hand. A
good illustration of this may be drawn from Whist ; at which,
the young practitioner, on taking up his thirteen cards, does not
consider, that if he hold one ace, one king, one queen, and one
knave, he holds an average share of court-cards ; and that he is,
in consequence, only justified in terming his cards bad, in pro
portion as they fall short of the one fourth part of the pack,—
which, barring the chances of Fortune, ought to come to his lot.
And so, as to the matter of trumps, at Whist, the bungler cannot
see that if he hold four, he gets more than his number ; since he
leaves but nine, to be divided among his three associates. This
consideration carried from Whist to Ecarte will be found useful.
A bad player is for discarding, over and over again ; thinking
himself hardly used, unless he gets all the four kings in his own
possession ; and if watching the game as a spectator, is surprised
at " the folly" of the veteran, in standing on " such bad cards."
The love of changing the cards, incidental to beginners, is, indeed,
one of the strongest weapons in the hands of the experienced.
The latter knows your failing, and will, at the proper moment,
turn it fatally against you.
At every point you should in some measure change your rule
of conduct, according to the relative state of the scores. That
play, which, during the first hand would be correct, may, proba
bly, in the second hand, be the worst possible. This is what the
novice has to learn. He says, " Just now, with the self-same
cards, you told me to play so-and-so, and now you blame me, for
doing the thing you then advised ! " Very true ; but he must
be taught to comprehend the necessity of varying his play, so as
to meet the exigencies of the case. Begin on a right principle,
and you will speedily make way. If the tyro think he possesses
 139

faculties for the acquirement of Ecarte in half an hour, he is to

be pitied, as one insensible to the great truth, that we only begin
to learn, when we confess we know nothing.
It should constantly be borne in mind, how much the situation
of the elder hand varies from that of dealer ; and that different
rules of conduct must be their guides. The deal is, generally
speaking, a decided advantage ; but partially counterbalanced by
the lead. One thing makes against the elder hand ; that if he
propose, the dealer knows he has a weak hand, and is at liberty
to act accordingly ; while, should the leader play without propo
sing, he must do so in the dark, without the slightest insight into
the quality of his adversary's cards. The dealer's chance of turn
ing up king is of value ; as will be seen on reference to the odds
against that event's happening. While it is but seven to one
against a king's starting, it is certainly more than seven to one
against the elder-hand's making the point merely through the
circumstance of his having the lead, independent of his cards,—
I mean, with a hand which wins because it leads, and would lose
without that advantage. Still the lead is valuable, and contri
butes to preserve something like the "balance of power."—When
the turn-up is once determined, the advantage must be with the
elder-hand ; not only as to the choice of the card to lead, but as
to the liberty of proposing to discard ; and also as regards the
possibility of gaining two for the point, should his proposal to
discard be negatived.
Half the sport arises from the rapidity with which the game is
conducted by good players. They appear, to the crowd, as if
their judgment on every point were rather matter of intuition,
than reflection. The greatest quickness and decision must be
aimed at. Form a habit, from the beginning, of acting off-hand,
and you will rarely require to break the rule. I need not point
out the impolicy, and actual dishonesty, of all pretended delay.
I have seen persons, holding first-rate cards, considering five mi
nutes, as if they were about to propose. Such fools fancy them
selves mighty clever, and chuckle at the thought of thus having
taken-in their opponents. A good player sees through all this,
and in the long run could give them points. He never hesitates
a single minute. Whether your cards be bad or good, your
countenance should present the quiet smile of a gentleman.
Coldness and imperturbability are essential to the formation of
a skilful player of Ecarte.
You understand, that should you hold the king of trumps, you
mark one point, provided you declare the king before playing
any of your cards ; you are not, however, absolutely compelled to
mark for the king, should it happen that good play requires you
to forfeit the point thus to be gained, in order to conceal from
 140

your opponent the fact of the king's, being part of your hand.
Suppose, for example, that, being elder hand, you are at the
point of three, and that the dealer has rejected your offer to take
fresh cards ; should you here make the point, it counts double,
and thus gives you the game, and your chance of so doing is faci
litated by your adversary's not knowing that you hold the king.
It is to be presumed that he himself holds good cards, or he would
allow you to propose, and there is the greater need of vigilance.
The point will give you the game, whether you here mark for king
or not, and it is no better to attain six than five. By forfeiting
the point for the king, you perhaps tempt your antagonist, should
he win the first trick, to lead a high trump, as queen, and the
leading this very card may lose him the point. Beginners will
excuse my reminding them, that the king of trumps is one cer
tain trick out of the five, the same as the ace of trumps at whist ;
and that hand must be proportionably good, which can make the
point in the face of this disadvantage. Cases of occurrence are
much rarer, in which it would be good play for the dealer to
forfeit the privilege of making for the king, and such indeed can
very seldom occur.
Should you hold king of trumps, being non-dealer, and deter
mine to declare it, do not mark for him, until the discarding (if
any), is adjusted, and you are about to play. Should you, being
dealer, hold king of trumps, never mark him until your antago
nist has played his first card ; as the knowledge of your being in
possession of the king may influence his lead to your detriment.
Should you, whether elder hand or dealer, stand at three on
the score against four, and your opponent being thus at four, play,
without either proposing himself, or suffering you to discard,—
in such case, if you hold king of trumps, never mark it, for, ob
serve, to mark the king is useless, since, should you make the
point, you will equally win the game, because you will score
thereby two, on account of the previous line of conduct adopted
by your opponent ; and, should you fail in making the point, you
are no better off at four than three. The knowledge of your hold
ing the king, as I before remarked, will be of material service to
your adversary, as regulating the mode in which he will play his
cards. For instance, if elder hand, and believing that as you
have not marked king, you do not hold him, he may perhaps start
with queen of trumps ; and in losing her may lose the point.
ON DISCARDING.
Being elder hand, it is rarely good play to discard when your
adversary is at the point of four, as he is so likely to take in the
king, and thus at once make the game. Of course, should you
already hold king of trumps yourself, this objection does not
 141

apply. If dealer, and your opponent stand at four, you must

regulate your play by the same rule of conduct ; and unless you
hold king, must hardly ever agree to his having fresh cards.
Holding only one or two probable cards to win tricks, and being
elder hand, it is the game to propose, unless your antagonist
stand at the point of four. Should you even hold three probable
tricks, it is sometimes correct to propose ; for should you be
refused, you will have a chance of winning the point, and thereby
gaining double. This is a nice part of the game, and not to be
hastily acquired. These present themselves, a number of hands,
termed " jeux de regie," of which I shall presently speak more
fully. When you hold one of these hands, you must not discard ;
but practice is wanting to teach you to recognize them, as you
ought, at the first glance. The non-dealer, having the lead,
ought to use additional caution in proposing to discard.
It is frequently incorrect to discard when you wish to change
less than three cards ; the chance of taking in two good cards
being against you ; and, moreover, you cannot tell how many
cards your adversary may choose to lay out. Recollect that he
is not compelled to discard the same number you do, but while
you are content to exchange a couple, may avail himself of your
unfortunate proposition, and get rid of his whole set, which
perhaps consists of five cards absolutely worthless.
Circumstances alter cases. Having king of trumps, and two
other probable tricks, it is sometimes good play to propose, un
less your remaining two cards are likely to secure the vole. For
should your proposition be received favourably, you may take in
good cards and thus secure the vole ; or, should it be negatived,
you already stand with good cards to play for the point, for which
you will mark two. It may occasionally be correct to propose,
when you mean to exchange only one card, in the hope of being
refused, should you feel morally sure of gaining the point in
every case ; and the single card you take in, if permitted to dis
card, may give you the vole. A very little thought will reconcile
any seeming contradiction between this and the last paragraph.
Many of the principles applicable to the elder hand as to the
eligibility of proposing, equally relate to the proper conduct of
the dealer; as to the admission, or rejection, of such proposition.
In many cases, too, there must be a difference observed in the
play of the rival parties, depending on their relative positions, as
dealer and elder hand.
Bad players propose much oftener than those who are more
skilful, and more frequently agree to offers of exchange. This is
one of the most important truths in Ecarte. The novice is never
satisfied with his cards, unless he holds the four kings,—and
 142

hardly then. Two kings and three trumps, he calls a " pretty
good hand."
In making up your mind as to proposing, do not forget that
sometimes, even with a good hand, you do no harm to make the
offer ; for should you make the point, after being refused cards,
you will score thereby two instead of one. Remember, again,
that when your adversary proposes, should you refuse, and lose
the point, he wins two. These considerations should be always
present ; and cannot be too forcibly dwelt on.
After discarding, great caution is necessary as to making, or
acceding to, subsequent proposals to re-exchange cards. Look
over the play of acknowledged good players, and observe how
they conduct their game in this respect. Study the chances of
the cards, and the probabilities of their situation.
ON LEADING, AND PLAYING THE CARDS.
The greater part of my advice under this head is directed to
the elder hand ; but some of it is equally applicable to the dealer.
The playing out of the hand depends, in the line it takes, chiefly
on him who commences, as the second player has no will of his
own, as to what card shall be first led. But should the dealer
win the first trick, he can then exercise an option as to the course
to be pursued. Many parts of Ecarte resemble Whist, in the
principle on which they are grounded ; indeed a good Whist
player soon sees through most of its difficulties.
Should you have only one trump, being elder hand, and from
the great weakness of your other cards, find reason to fear your
adversary's making the vole, lead the best single card you have ;
for should he win that, and return the same suit, you make your
trump. Good play is to be exercised, not only with good cards,
but with bad ones.
Should you win the first trick, no trump having been led, and
not feel sufficiently strong to be justified in playing trumps,
change the suit of the card you lead ; lest it be cut by your
opponent.
Should you have to lead from a hand consisting of two trumps,
a single king of another suit, and two indifferent low cards, begin
with one of the latter in preference to the king. By keeping up
the king, you have the chance of regaining the lead with a trump,
and you will then play according to circumstances. There are
exceptions to this, as to other rules.
Whenever you hold three trumps, lead one of them off; parti
cularly should they be in sequence. I have heard it said, that
the man who, holding five trumps at Whist, does not lead one,
ought to be horsewhipped. The cases are about parallel.
 143

Should you hold a sequence of three or more cards, lead the

highest, whether trumps or not.
Should you lead a trump, and your adversary renounce to the
suit, do not play another trump ; but lead any single court-card
you may hold. By reserving the remaining trumps, you will re
gain the lead.
Suppose, being elder hand, your cards present themselves in
something like the following shape :—trumps, none ; a king un
guarded (single) ; king with one other of a second suit ; with
queen and another card of a third suit ;—play the guarded king,
and should he make, continue the suit. Should the king be
trumped, you have the chance of regaining the lead with your
remaining king or queen.
Should you hold two trumps, with three cards of a second suit,
keep up the trumps, and play from the latter. Should you win,
continue the suit ; and should your adversary make the trick,
and you regain the lead, play the same suit still, in preference to
trumping out. It is often an important advantage to force your
opponent in this manner.
Should you take up two trumps, accompanied by a single king
of a second suit, and two indifferent cards of a third suit, play
from the latter. Should you lose the trick, and regain the lead
by a trump, play off your other trump ; and should such trump
pass, play the king. To see a single king trumped is a great
annoyance.
Should you hold two trumps, queen with another card of a
second suit, and a small single card, the following should be
your plan as to leading :—if either of your trumps be a high one,
lead queen, and if she fall, you have the chance of regaining the
lead with your lesser trump ; having done which, - play your
high trump ; and then follow, with the suit of the queen. On
the other hand, should both your trumps be small, lead off the
single card, and then, in the event of your antagonist's taking it,
and returning the same suit, you trump.
Should you hold two trumps, knave and ace of a second suit,
and knave of a third suit, lead off the guarded knave. Should
Jou win the trick, and have good trumps, do not play your ace,
est it be trumped, but lead off trumps.
Should you hold a single trump only, with king unguarded of
a second suit, and queen with two other cards of a third suit, lead
the queen, and should you win the trick, continue the suit.
Should your queen be trumped, you remain in the possession of
a couple of commanding cards, viz. the trump and the king, with
which you have a fair chance of regaining the lead. Having
done so, you resume playing from the suit of your queen.
Should you hold only one trump, with king and three other
 144

cards of a second suit, lead the trump if a tolerably good one.

But should the trump be very weak, play off king, and if he
make, continue that suit.
Should you take up a hand consisting of one small trump, a
tierce major in a second suit, and a single low card of a third suit,
lead king from the tierce major, and should he win, continue the
suit. If the King be trumped, and you regain the lead through
your own single trump, resume playing in the suit of the king.
Should you have won the two first tricks, and remain holding
queen with two other trumps, unless your adversary has marked
king, you should generally play off queen of trumps. But if the
king has been declared, lead a small trump. When you lead
queen, here, should your adversary be forced to play a good
trump, you will probably make the vole.
When placed in the situation termed " a la devine," it is some
times particularly difficult to know how to act. For example :
three tricks are turned, and your adversary leads a certain card,
to which you have to throw away ; while you hesitate which card
to sacrifice, both being perhaps kings, so as to be the most likely
to make the last trick, by catching his last card. This is the
meaning of being " a la devine," and the circumstance is of con
stant occurrence. In such case, do not aim so much at keeping
up the higher card of the two, as the card of that suit of which
the fewest have appeared during the playing out of the hand.
It is thus sometimes better to keep up a queen, than a king ; but
I repeat that the situation is critical, and requires calculation to
renounce, so as to have the utmost possible chance in your favour.
Should you have a chance of gaining the vole, and your adver
sary renounce to trumps, it is better to lead a single king, than to
continue trumps. For it's being generally considered the game,
to lead from a suit of which you hold two, your adversary, when
subsequently placed " a la devine," by your leading trump, will
most probably keep up that suit of which you played the single
king ; thinking you have another card to follow of the same.
Should your antagonist, as a good player, be possibly aware of
this manoeuvre, you may vary your play, by leading off a guarded
king before leading the trump ; in order to induce him to believe
you wish him to keep up that suit. On your then following up
guarded king, by leading a trump, he may fanCy you previously
played a single king, and not a guarded king, and accordingly
discard to your trump the very card he ought to keep.
Two tricks being turned, supposing your antagonist to have
renounced to trumps, while you remain with the lead, and two
small trumps, with a low card of another suit, your play is to lead
off the two trumps successively ; in order to have the greatest
possible chance of his throwing away a card, which, if kept up,
 145

would win your last card. The same thing applies to your re
maining with one trump, or certain king-card, and a small card of
another suit ; when you first play the winning card.
ON JEUX DE HEGLE.
I have preferred leaving the phrase "jeux de regle" in its
native French, to weakening its import by translation. Its mean
ing will be best gathered from the context of my explanation ;
but may be briefly stated, as implying hands something more than
of average value, and therefore with which, the chances are in
favour of your gaining the point. All " jeux de regle" are not of
the same value, since with some it is full two to one in your
favour, or even more. When elder hand, never play without
proposing (your adversary not being at the point of four), should
you hold a " jeu de regie ;" for, the chances being already in
your favour, you should not risk a change. It must be evidently
bad to propose, should you hold cards with which you feel you
should be justified in betting two to one on the point; since, in
the event of not obtaining it, you will risk two against one—ex
cepting always the case of your opponent being at four ; for then,
as one point alone would give him the game, you can no longer
be said to risk two to one ; and by playing without proposing,
and without suffering him to discard, you avoid the chance of his
taking in the king.
With a " jeu de regle," then, you are generally to play with
out discarding, and without suffering your antagonist to have fresh
cards, but how, say you, are you to recognize this description of
hand 1—Practice must here be your chief guide, based on the
following examples :
First Example.
Under the definition of "jeux de regle," may be classed all
such hands, as, can only lose the point, in the event of your
adversary holding two trumps.
Suppose your hand thus composed :—one small trump, a tierce
major in a second suit, with a low card of a third suit. It is here
more than two to one in favour of your gaining the point, having
the lead, by playing in this manner:—
Lead off king from your tierce major, and continue the suit till
trumped ; on which it is highly probable your trump will regain
the lead, to bring in your suit.
Second Example.
Two trumps, with queen guarded of a second suit, and a low
card of a third suit. With this, and analogous hands, although
not quite two to one in favour of your scoring the point, yet
v
 146

being elder band, it is better to play the cards as follows, than to

propose :—
Should the two trumps be low ones, lead the single card ; for
if taken, the chances are that your adversary will not return the
same suit, but will play a king if he have one ; and should he
answer with the king of that suit of which you have queen
guarded, you will probably make your queen and both trumps ;
unless your opponent hold more than average cards.
But, should one of your two trumps be a high one, as queen,
or knave, lead off originally your guarded queen ; for, there is a
hope, should the queen be cut, of re-entering the suit through
another trump.
Third Example.
Two trumps, knave, and ace of a second suit, with single knave
of a third. With this " jeu de regie," you do not propose, but
play thus :
Lead off your guarded knave, and should it make, and your
trumps be strong, follow it up with your best trump. Generally
speaking, it is good play to lead a guarded card, except where
you have reason to fear your antagonist's gaining the vole ; or when
you possess hardly the most remote chance of gaining the point.

Fourth Example.
Suppose a hand to contain no trumps, and constituted thus :—
A single king of one suit, king guarded of a second suit, with
queen guarded of a third suit. This is not an unlikely hand to
gain the point, if you do not propose.
Lead off your guarded king, and should you win the first trick,
continue the suit. If, on the other hand, king be trumped, you
have the chance of regaining the lead, either with your remaining
king, or guarded queen : and should this happen, return the
forcing card. Bad players would be surprised at being told this
was a hand to stand upon without proposing, and doubtless it
would frequently lose the point ; but you kuow better than to
judge of play by its events, instead of by its preliminary chances
of success.
Fifth Example.
One trump, king single of a second suit, and queen with two
minor cards of a third suit. Unless you are elder hand, I admit
these cards would be too weak to stand on, but if leader, the case
is altered. Play off queen, and should she make, continue the
suit. If queen be trumped, your single trump is strengthened ;
and on regaining the lead, you will again force your adversary,
by playing from your numerous suit.
 147

Sixth Example.
A hand, consisting of one single trump, with king and three
minor cards of a second suit. The strength of this hand consists
in the having the lead, with four cards of the same suit. The
state of the score would guide me as to deciding whether to rest
upon it, or not. Should you be at the point of three against
four, you ought to stand with similar cards ; in any other situa
tion of the score, I admit there are certain unfavourable contin
gencies to be taken into the account. In the first place, your
adversary may hold king of trumps, and if so, is tolerably certain
of scoring two points. Again, you would lose the point, should
your opponent hold two good cards of your long suit. You might,
moreover, lose through leading off the trump, should your anta
gonist have no trump ; while in other situations of the cards,
by beginning with king, you might make the point, if the cards
fell favourably, even should your adversary have two trumps ;
if, after winning the first trick, he should return a trump. Still,
the best French players agree that the cards here quoted form a
fair " jeu de regle ;" and having thus candidly stated the pros and
cons, 1 have only to direct you how to play them.
Should your single trump be queen, lead her off, it being more
than four to one in favour of her making. It is also more than
two to one that your opponent has not two trumps ; and more
than five to one that he has not two cards of your long suit. Should
your single trump be lower than queen, play your king first, and
if he make, continue the suit.
Seventh Example.
Two trumps, with three cards of a second suit. Holding a
similar hand, it is generally wrong to discard, if elder hand.
Lead the highest of the three cards composing your second
suit; if it is even trumped, your adversary cannot make the
point, without he held originally three trumps ; the chances against
which are much in your favour.
Eighth Example.
Suppose a hand to consist of an honour in each of the four
suits, with a fifth indifferent card. In this case, good players
differ as to the propriety of not offering to change cards. In my
opinion, it very much depends on what cards the honours are ;
should they be the four knaves, for instance, they would be too
weak to stand on, unless the fifth card was something good.
If, being elder hand, you play with similar cards without pro
posing, should the trump be king or queen, play it off first.
 148

Ninth Example.
Among that description of hands termed " jeux de regle," are
to be classed such as from which, should you discard, you find
you should only be justified in laying out a couple of cards.
Under this head, many instances of hands arise in which,
though it is not two to one in favour of your gaining the point,
yet you do well to play without discarding. Remember that it is
not a light thing to give, for the chance of taking in two good
cards, the risk of your opponent's taking five, in which he may
get the king to boot. Hence, there are few cases, in which you are
justified in laying out only two cards.
In dismissing this part of my subject, it remains only to observe,
that there arise so few hands, in which it is more advantageous
to play last than to lead, that it is needless to dwell particularly
on them. Holding similar hands, you should never refuse dis
carding once, but must never agree to a second proposition to
give cards.

ENGLISH DRAUGHTS.—ORIGINAL SITUATIONS.

(Continued fkom page 85.)
No. 9.—By Wm. Bone, Esq.

■ m
mm ■

11 ill 111
HP
Hi 1

■ ill

11 ____ vZmffl?/ H
hhp
§■ ■

BP in
fc

■ m mm. ^^^.
White moves, and may draw the game ; although apparently inferior
in force.
 149

JVo. 10.—By the same.

White wins the Game.

No. 11.—By the same.

White moves and wins.

 150

No. 12.—By the same.

White has the Move, and wins the game.

ENGLISH DRAUGHTS.—SOLUTIONS.
The draught-board must be numbered on the white squares,
1 to 32, beginning at the left hand white square on the farthest
line. As we assume White to move in the upward direction, it
follows that the men of this colour have originally occupied the
lower half of the board, 21 to 32 ; . while the Black have filled
1 to 12. A diagram, thus numbered, will serve the purpose;
and can be kept for constant reference :
No. 1. No. 3.
30, 25. 21, 30. 28, 24. 20, 27.
8. 11, and wins. 25, 22, and wins.
No. 2. No. 4.
17, 14. 10, 17. 19, 16. 12, 19.
22, 18. 15, 22. 28, 24. 19, 28.
31, 27. 22, 31. 25, 22. 10, 19.
5, 1, &c. 22, 17, and wins.
 151

No. 5. No. 9.
18, 15. 6, 1. 27, 24. 20, 27.
14, 9. 24, 28. 28, 32, &c.
23, 19. 1, 5.
9, 6. 28, 32. No. 10.
19, 24. 5, 1. 29, 25. 26, 19.
24, 19, &c 18, 14. 10, 17.
25, 21. 3, 10.
No. 6. 21, 23, wins.
10, 6. 1, 10.
23, 19. 8, 11. No. 11.
31, 27. 5, 9. 7, 2. 10, 17.
27, 23, Sec. 2, 7, wins.
No. 7. No. 12.
27, 31. 25, 18. 32, 27. 18, 11.
28, 23, wins. 10, 7. 3, 10.
No. 8. 27, 24. 28, 19.
10, 15. 9, 5, 2, 9.
17, 22, winning. 5, 30, wins.

POLISH DRAUGHTS.—SOLUTIONS.
No. 8. No. 11.
26, 21. 20, 47. 18, 13. 9, 18.
23, 18. 12, 32. 34, 30. 35, 24.
27, 38. 47, 8. 33, 28. 24, 22.
21, 3, wins. 37, 31. 36, 38.
No. 9. 48, 42. 18, 29.
27, 21. 24, 22. 42, 4, and wins.
34, 30. 17, 26. No. 12.
40, 34. 35, 24. 50, 33. 19, 23.
34, 29. 24, 33. 33, 11. 13, 19.
39, 10, and wins. 11, 33. 18, 22.
No. 10. 33, 17. 19, 24.
27, 21. 16, 27. 17, 8. 24, 29.
36, 31. 27, 36. 8, 12. 23, 28.
37, 31. 36, 27. 12, 34. 28, 32.
33, 28. 23, 32. 34, 29. 32, 37.
39, 34. 30, 37. 29, 47, and wins.
47, 41. 32, 43. No. 13.
41, 1, queens, taking 8. 29, 24. 30, 28.
43, 48. 21, 17. 12, 21.
46, 41. 48, 25. 26, 17. 8, 48.
49, 43. 25, 48. 20, 14. 6, 17.
41, 37. 48, 31. 39, 33. 48, 9.
26, 37, and wins. 33, 4, and wins.
 152

No. 14. 27, 21. 16, 27.

40, 35. 34, 23. 28, 22. 27, 18.
12, 7. 16, 2. 38, 32. 37, 28.
17, 11. 2, 16. 35, 4, winning.
22, 18. 23, 12.
28, 23. 19, 48. No. 16.
50, 44. 15, 40. 28, 23. 19, 37.
45, 34. 48, 30. 42, 22. 25, 23.
35, 2, draws. 39, 34. 17, 28.
38, 32. 28, 37.
No. 15. 34, 29. 23, 34.
32, 28. 26, 37. 24, 20. 15, 24.
29, 23. 18, 40. 44, 40. 35, 44.
35, 44. 24, 35. 50, 6, winning.

CHESS PROBLEMS.—SOLUTIONS.
Problem VI.
We have already furnished a solution of this, in six moves, but
are indebted to " an occasional player, Portsmouth," for the dis
covery that it may be shortened. Our correspondent is, however,
incorrect, in stating that " White may Mate in three moves ;" as
it cannot be forced under four ; ex. gr.
1. B. to Q. B. sixth. 1. Rook to Kt.
2. Q. to Q. B. fourth. 2. Rook moves.
3. Q. takes P. ch. 3. King moves.
4. Queen takes P., Mating. As thus amended, the position is
decidedly improved ; and affords a fine piece of play.
Problem IX.
1. K. to K. B. sixth. 1. K. to his fifth, (A.)
2. K. to Kt. fifth. 2. K. to Q. fourth.
3. B. to B. fifth. 3. K. to Q. third.
4. K. to B. sixth. 4. K. to Q. fourth.
5. B. to Q. third. 5. K. to Q. third.
6. B. to Q. Kt. fifth. 6. K. to Q. fourth.
7. Q. Checkmates at K. 5, as stipulated.
(A.)
1. K. to Q. third.
2. B. to K. B. fifth. 2. K. to Q. fourth.
3. B. to Q. third. 3. K. to Q. third.
4. B. to Q. Kt. fifth, and Mates next move.
Problem X.
1. Q. to Q. B. sixth. 1. K. to B. fourth.
2. B. to K. third. 2. K. returns.
 153

3. B. to Q. B. fifth. 3. K. moves..
4. B. to K. seventh. 4. K. to his fourth.
5. Queen Mates at King's fourth.
Problem XI.
1. Q. Kt. P. one. 1. P. takes P.
2. Q. R. P. advances, and wins. Black may also Queen, but
White checks K., and wins Queen. Several variations arise, but
they all hinge upon the same point.
Problem XII.
1. R. checks. 1. Q. covers.
2. Q. takes B., ch., and then Mates with B.
Problem XIII.
1. King to Kt. 1 . P. to Kt. seventh.
2. Q. to K. Kt. fifth. 2. P. moves.
3. Q. to B. fifth, ch. 3. K. takes P.
4. Q. to B. fourth, ch. 4. K. returns.
5. Q. to K. Kt. fifth. 5. P. moves.
6. Queen Checkmates.
Problem XIV.
1. R. takes Kt. P. ch. 1. K. takes R. (best.)
2. Q. takes P. ch.—If he go to Kt. sq., Q. checks at Kt. 6,
then takes R. P., afterwards checking again at Kt. 6, and Mating
with R.
2. K. to R. second.
3. Q. to Q. seventh, ch. 3. K. to corner, (best.)
4. Q. to Q. fifth, ch. 4. K. to Kt. (best.)
5. Q. to Q. sixth, ch.—If he now play to Kt. 2, or R. 2, you
check with R., and then Mate in two moves. If, instead, he go
to corner, Queen takes P., and then Mates in two moves.
Problem XV.
1. Q. to K. B. fourth, ch. 1. K. takes Q.
2. Pawn checks. 2. K. returns.
3. R. to K. sixth, and must Mate next time.
Problem XVI.
1. Q. checks. 1. Q. covers.
2. Q. takes Q. 2. B. retakes.
3. K. to Kt. fourth. 3. B. to K. Kt. sixth.
4. Kt. to K. B. third. 4. B. to K. B. fifth, (must.)
5. K. to B. fifth. 5. B. moves off.
6. Knight Mates in 2 moves.
w
 ORIGINAL CHESS PROBLEMS.
No. 17.—By William Bone, Esq.

HP 11 # 111
ill IP
hp
■ ill
IIP WB
B mm
IIP
■ H All

ill fH
HP
ill
up
ill ■
up
n fH
Wliite Mates with the P, iw Sia; Moves.
(Carrera declares it to be Impossible to Mate with the King's Pawn, Turning
only the two Bishops.)
No. 18.—By the Same.

White to Mate with the P. in six Moves.

(To effect the Mate of the King's Pawn, with the two Knights, Carrera also
adds a Bishop: the above Position proves the additional piece to ho
unnecessary.)
 No. 19.—By the Same.

White Mates with the P. in Six Moves.

No. 20.—By the Same.

Wliite to Mate with the P. in Six Moves.

 No. 1\.—By the Same.

White to Mate with the P. in Six Moves.

No. 22.—By the Same.

White Mates with the P. in Nine Moves at most.

(This Position is the more curious, from Carrera's assertion that it is impossible
to Mate with King's Pawn, having only the King's Bishop and a Knight.—Ed.)
 No. 23.—By the Same.

White Mates with the P. in Six Moves.

This Checkmate, as well as the following, is only effected through the confined
situation of the Black King ; and cannot be forced from any indifferent Position,
like the Six previous.

No. 24.—By the Same.

White to Mate with the P. in Eight Moves.

 158
THE CHESS RECORD ;
CONSISTING OF GAMES ACTUALLY PLAYBD.
Game IX.
The following game was played by Philidor, in 1780, giving
the odds of the Pawn and Move. His opponents were Carlier
and Bernard, two celebrated players, who were allowed to
consult together on the moves. This game is now printed, in
England, for the first time ; not being included in Philidor's
Treatise, nor in Mr. George Walker's recent publication of the
newly discovered Chess MSS. games, played by Philidor and his
contemporaries.
Philidor plays with Black men; his K. B. P. being removed
from the board.
WHITE. BLACK.
1. K. P. two. 1. K. P. one.
2. Q. P. two. 2. Q. P. two.
3. P. takes. 3. P. retakes.
4. Q. to R. fifth, ch. 4. P. covers.
5. Q. to K. fifth, ch. 5. Q. covers.
6. Q. B. to K. B. fourth. 6. Q. B. P. one.
7. K. B. to K. second. 7. K. B. to K. Kt. second.
8. Q. takes Q. ch. 8. Kt. takes Q.
9. K. Kt. to B. third. 9. Castles.
10. Q. B. to K. fifth. 10. Q. Kt. to Q. second.
11. Castles. 11. Q. Kt. takes B.
12. Kt. takes Kt. 12. B. takes Kt.
13. P. takes B. 13. K. R. to B. fifth, (a)
14. K. B. to Q. third. 14. Q. B. to K. B. fourth.
15. B. takes B. 15. Kt. takes B.
16. K. Kt. P. one. 16. K.R. toK. fifth.
17. K. B. P. two. 17. K. R. to K. seventh.
18. Q. Kt. to R. third. 18. Kt. to K. sixth.
19. K. R. to B. second. 19. R. takes R.
20. King takes. 20. Kt. to K. Kt. fifth, ch.
21 . K. to Kt. second. 21. Q. R.to Q.
22. K. R. P. one. 22. Kt. to K. R. third.
23. K. Kt. P. one. 23. Q. R. P. one.
24. Q. R. to Q. 24. Kt. to K. B. second.
25. K. R. P. one. 25. Q. B. P. one.
26. Q. B. P. one. 26. Q. Kt. P. two.
27. Kt. to Q. B. second. 27. Q. R. P. one.
(a) Very skilfully played ; its object being to prevent the advance two sq.,
of White's K. B. P. ; in which, "however, he can only succeed for a time. This
game is played with great care on both sides ; and the mere weight of the Pawn
alone decides the fortune of the day.
 159

28. Kt. to K. third. 28. Q. P. one.

29. P. takes P. 29. P. takes P.
30. Kt. to Q. B. second. 30. Q. P. one.
31. Kt. toK. 31. Q. P. one.
32. Kt. to K. B. third, and Philidor resigns.

Game X.
Won hy M. Boncourt, of M. Szen, the Hungarian. These
two players are of about equal force. It is lo be regretted that
M. Szen's recent return toPesth, deprives the Chess circle, here,
of so distinguished an artist.
black. (Szen.) white. (Boncourt.)
1. K. P. two. . 1. The same.
2. K. Kt. to B. third. 2. Q. Kt. to B. third.
3. K. B. to Q. B. fourth. 3. Same.
4. Q. B. P. one. 4. K. R. P. one.
5. Q. P. two. 5. P. takes P.
6. P. retakes. 6. B. checks.
7. B. covers. 7. B. takes B. ch.
8. Q. Kt. retakes. 8. Q. P. one.
9. Castles. 9. K. Kt. to K. second.
10. Q. to. Q. B. second. 10. Castles.
11. Q. P. one. 11. Q. Kt. to K. fourth.
12. Kt. takes Kt. 12. P. takes Kt.
13. K. B. to Q. Kt. third. 13. K. Kt. to Kt. third.
14. Q. R. to Q. B. 14. Q. to K. Kt. fourth. (a)
15. Kt. to K. B. third. 15. Q. to K. B. fifth.
16. K. R. to K. 16. Q. B. to K. R. sixth.
17. P. takes B. (b) 17. Q. takes Kt.
18. K. R. to K. third. 18. Q. to K. R. fourth.
19. Q. home. 19. Q. to K. Kt. fourth, ch.
20. Q. to K. Kt. fourth. 20. Q. to K. B. third.
21. K. R. to K. Kt. third. 21. Kt. to K. B. fifth.
22. B. to Q. 22. K. Kt. P. one.
23. Q. R. takes Q. B. P. 23. Q. to Q. Kt. third.
24. Q. R. to Q. B. second. 24. Q. toQ. fifth.
25. Q. to K. B. third. 25. Q. R. to Q. B.
26. Q. R. to Q. B. third. 26- R. takes R.
27. P. retakes. 27. Q. to Q. seventh, (c)
28. K. to corner. 28. R. to Q. B.
29. B. to Q. Kt. third. 29. Kt. to K. seventh.
(a) Well played. The Q. B. P. is wisely abandoned.
(b) A very bad move. He should rather play up Rook to K. 8.
(c) M. Boncourt follows up his attack skilfully. His adversary's play is by
no means seen to advantage, this game.
 160

30. R. takes K. Kt. P. ch. (d) 30. K. to B.

31. R. to K. Kt. 31. Kt. takes R.
32. K. retakes. 32. R. takes P.
33. Q. to K. B. sixth. 33. Q. to K. eighth, ch.
34. K. to Kt. second. 34. Q. takes K. P. ch.
35. K. B. P. one. 35. Q. to K. Kt. third, ch.
36. Q. takes Q. 36. P. takes Q.
M. Szen (Black) gives up the game.

CHESS.—SOLUTIONS OF THE FOUR PROBLEMS

IN THE TALE OF
VINCENZIO THE VENETIAN.

No. 1.—(Page 44 )
1. Q. to Q. R. second, ch. 1. K. to B. (best.)
2. Q. to Q. R. third, ch. 2. K. to Kt. (best.)
3. Q. to Kt. third, ch., advancing to adverse King by a similar
zig-zag path, and thus Mating him on the tenth move, with Queen,
supported by Pawn.
No. 2.—(Page 52.)
1. B. to Q. B. fourth. 1. P. takes P.
2. B. to Q. Kt. fifth, and Mates with Pawn.
No. 3.—(Page 56.)
1. Q. to Q. B. fifth, ch. 1. K. to R. fourth.
2. Q. to Q. Kt. fourth, ch. 2. K. returns.
3. Q. to Q. fourth, ch. 3. K. to R. fourth, (best.)
4. B. to Kt. fourth, ch. 4. K. to R. fifth.
5. B. to K. sq. dis. ch. 5. K. to Kt. sixth, (best.)
6. Q. to Kt. fourth, ch., and Mates at Kt. sq.
No. 4.—(Page 64.)
1. Kt. to R. sixth, and on Q. B. P.'s advancing, Rook takes
P., and Mates with Kt. The check of Bishop protracts it one
Move, whether he take P., or not.

(d) A scientific move ; but his antagonist is too old a fox to retake the Rook.
Were he to do so, the Q. P. would advance, discovering check from Bishop.
The French player will very properly move K. to B.
 THE

PHILIDORIAN

No. 5. [APRIL] 1838.

CAISSA REDIVIVA.
POEM ON CHESS ; BY THE LATE REV. A. D'ARBLAY.

The following is the history of this little poem :—Sometime after the playing:
of the long and celebrated match between M. de la Bourdonnais and Mr. Mc
Donnell, the best players, decidedly, of France and England, M. Mery published
an amusing poem,in French, called, "Une Revanche de Waterloo," to commemo
rate the victory of the Gallic champion. The Rev. A. D'Arblay, in return, printed
the following lines, in which he skilfully embodies the moves of one of the games
won by Mr. Mc Donnell of his great antagonist. The lamented deaths, subse
quently, of both Mr. D'Arblay and Mr. Mc Donnell, at a comparatively early
age, add a mournful interest to " Caissa Rediviva." A few copies of this poem,
only, were printed, exclusively for private circulation ; but the present edition
was afterwards corrected by the author, and given to the editor of the Phtlido-
rian, in the shape it now appears.

Canto I.—The Preparation.

I that erewhile on hapless Poland's bier

Pour'd the avenging verse, and dropp'd the tear,
Then to the skies on loftier pinion flew,
And from her throne of light Urania drew,—*
In less trod paths, a newer garland now,
Where seldom yet the poet's anxious brow
With laurell'd wreath hath been by Muses veil'd,
Venturous, I seek ;f while with full note exhal'd

Chess and the man I sing, who, fam'd afar

For bloodless trophies in the mimic war,

* The Rev. A. D'Arblay published several fugitive compositions in verse, on

various subjects.
t . . . Juvatque novos decerpere flores,
Insignemque meo capiti petere inde coronam
Undeprius nulli velarint tempore Musce.—Lucreti
X
 162

Long in Caissa's temple sat enthron'd,

Where ev'ry Briton, his dominion own'd ;
Nor e'en to proud Labourdonnais did yield
The sceptred honors of the chequer'd field ;
(Labourdonnais, whom now all tongues confess
The great Napoleon of the world of Chess.)

Souls of departed heroes, who of yore

From land to land Britannia's standard bore,
And ye whose valour taught in later days
The sons of Gaul to own your Albion's praise,
Whether a Wellesley thro' Hispanialed,
Or ye with Nelson at Trafalgar bled,
If e'er the sound of human joy or woe
Invade the stillness of the shades below,
If e'er the thoughts in living breasts that burn
Break the deep silence of your mouldering urn,
Mourn not to hear that now, from shore to shore
Your country's boasted thunders roll no more,
Nor fear lest Peace from her soft languid wing
Eternal slumbers on her spirit fling.
For, lo ! the trumpet, sounding from afar,
Proclaims another and a fiercer war,
And soon Macdonnell's victories shall renew
The wreaths of Aboukir and Waterloo.

Muse that, of old, didst in undying verse

The battle of the frogs and mice rehearse,
And taught'st our Pope to sing a belle's despair,
When a proud lord withdrew her lock of hair ;
Awake, and in thy loftiest measures tell
What varied fate the lords of Chess befel.*

* The match between M. De La Bourdonnais and Mr. Mc Donnell was played

at the Westminster Chess-club, in 1834. It comprised nearly one hundred games,
and was won by the former,—the first player in Europe.
 163

But first describe how stood in fierce array

The rival armies, e'er began the fray.
The varied actions of the men prepare, [clare.
Their names, their movements, and their powers de-

On the bright board, where hosts for victory vie,

Squares eight times eight in chequer'd order lie.
Deck'd are th'alternate spots in black and white :
Pale is the nearest corner to the right.

High o'er the extremities, to each most near,

Two pond'rous towers their huge heads uprear ;
Forwards and backwards, right and left, they go,
In lines direct, advancing on the foe.
Of minor value in the early fray,
While pawns and pieces choke the crowded way :
But when the foremost in the fight have bled,
When kings are mourning o'er their heroes dead,
Along the ranks these glide with graceful ease,
And watch their time the opening files to seize.

Next to the corner squares by castles grac'd,

Two valiant knights on prancing steeds are plac'd.
How shall the muse upon their merits dwell ?
How shall her rhyme their curious movements tell?
Like the cameleon, to no colour true,
At every step they take, they change their hue ;
To two squares' distance shifts their veering tack,
Vaulting from black to white, from white to black,
Chiefest in crowded battles is their skill,
Winding around the straggling pawns to kill,
Or winning stations, where they lurk unseen,
To spring at once on monarch and on queen.

Beside these knights, two mitred bishops stand ;

Their steps oblique by slanting lines are scann'd ;
Two bishops, not for arts of peace renown'd,
But murd'rous exploits on the battle ground :
 164

Nor fear lest ever their pretensions clash ;

For while the one doth thro' the white lines dash,
The black diagonals to the other yield,
And thus between them they divide the field.
Woe to the adverse king, with sheathed dirk,
Behind a rook if e'er a bishop lurk !
Nor less their value in the closing fight ;
When hostile pawns their serried ranks unite,
A bishop wisely station'd far or near,
Arrests th'invaders in their fierce career,
And saves the game, until the distant king
Can other forces to the rescue bring.

Who now the two remaining squares, which still

Vacant between the bishops lie, shall fill T
The gallant'monarch gives his queen the choice ;
For her own colour she declares her voice.
What tongue, brave Amazon, shall tell thy power,
Blending in one the bishop and the tower 1
At first behind the ranks in cautious plight
Thou dwell'st aloft, and view'st the distant fight.
But when thy time is come, thou springest forth
Fiercer than all the Vandals of the north,
Now here, now there, with sword prepar'd to strike,
Ranks, files, diagonals, to thee alike,
While now a bishop bleeds, and now a knight,
From square to square, thou hunt'st a monarch's flight,
Till to the fatal corner he is driven,
And mourns his throne o'erturn'd, his sceptre riven.
Less rapid, young Camilla scour'd the plain,
Or lightly glided o'er the azure main ;
Less fierce, through ranks where mailed warriors bled.
Her virgin host Penthesilea led.
And oh ! how oft upon an early grave
I've seen thee rush, thy royal spouse to save !
How often when a tower assail'd the king
And not a friend was near, I've mark'd thee spring
 165

Between him and the foe, while marvell'd all

At the game rescu'd by thy gen'rous fall I

Now for the king one only vacant square

On the first rank remains : his throne is there.
On him the issue of the fight depends :
The monarch captur'd, all the contest ends.
Tho' not a warrior from the field be miss'd,
Tho' full the ranks as when they form'd the list,?
If the check'd king can neither run nor cover,
Nor pierce th'insulting foe, the battle's over :
Kings, queens, rooks, bishops, knights and pawns,
Till a fresh fight provoke another mate. [must wait,
With cautious tread, the king, on victory bent,
Howe'er assail'd, ne'er shifts his royal tent,
More than to one square's distance from his post,
Till mingled shouts proclaim the day is lost.
Long in the centre, or behind a string
Of faithful pawns that cover either wing,
He hears in peace the distant cannon roar,
And sees his soldiers weltering in their gore,
Unmoving, not unmov'd; but when the plain
Is strew'd with corpses of the heroes slain,
Should he survive, when both alike have perish'd
The queen he hated, and the queen he cherish'd,—
Then vowing to revenge his dame's defeat,
He springs in fury from his cool retreat,
Darts boldly to the centre of the plain,
Blest if he can the opposition gain,
Cheers his last pawns, revives their fainting breath,
And leads them on, to victory, or to death;

The pawns ! In them the greatest players confess,

If marsh all'd truly, lies the soul of Chess.
Feeble when parted, one by one they die :
Their strength, like faggots, doth in union lie.
 166

Long ere the field their valiant blood hath drank,

They, side by side, adorn the second rank :
O'er one, or two, squares, first they tread at will,
Then over one alone their march fulfil.
When in their line, or friend, or foe, they meet,
Advance they may no further, nor retreat :
Nor are they suffer'd on the foe to strike,
Save within one square's range by wound oblique.
What science doth their well-tim'd march require !
What'art, what patience, never known to tire,
Macdonnell show'd, while others strove in vain
The centre of the board to keep or gain !

And oh ! what glory doth that pawn await

Who through the ranks, with loftier hope elate,
While his brave comrades all around him die,
And cheer him in their funeral obsequy,
Moves fearless on, till, ev'ry peril past,
Th'extreme line of the board is reach'd at last !
Crown him, ye Muses, with your choicest flowers ;
For him prepare your amaranthine bowers,
And every field of Helicon explore
To decorate that pawn—now pawn no more !
For lo ! divested of his ancient form,
With loftier tread he braves the coming storm :
No longer to one square his march is bound ;
O'er the whole board his conquering steps resound,
While with fresh armour, and undaunted mien,
He moves in all the splendour of a queen !

So the coil'd snake, by noxious herbs o'erfed,

Beneath the ground, long mingled with the dead,
Shunn'd the keen frost, nor rear'd his drooping head
Anon, the vernal skies recall his strength—
He wakes, he moves, he rolls his sinewy length,
 167

Turns proudly to the sun's enliv'ning ray, -»

O'er his new lustre casts a pleas'd survey, s
And lolls his forked tongue, impatient for the prey !" * *

Canto II.—The Attack.

Near that fam'd market, where ten thousand flowers

Droop their wan heads, and mourn the sylvan bowers,
Condemn'd in London's smoky air t' exhale
The perfumes giv'n to scent their native vale—
While hundreds, crowding to the neighbouring stage,
Hear stern Macready vent his classic rage—.
In Bedford Street an ancient mansion lies,f
Throng'd by Caissa's ardent votaries.
There, wooden warriors stand in goodly rows,
Unenvying rivals, and unconscious foes,
Or slumb'ring lie, on many a table spread,
Until some voice recalls them from the dead !

Thither, their souls prepar'd for mortal fray,

Are met, Macdonnell and Labourdonnais ;
The last, impetuous as the bounding roe—
Cautious the other,—prudent, wise, and slow.
Dense crowds of anxious friends on either hand,
Around the board in breathless silence stand,
And, doubtful, wager, which shall reap the sheaf,
The Gallic hero, or the Irish chief.J

* Qualis ubi in lucem coluber mala gramina pastus,

Frigida sub terr& tumidum quern bruma tegebat,
Nunc positia novus exuviis nitidusque juventsi,
Lubrica convolvit sublato pectore terga
Arduus ad solem, et Unguis micat ore trisulcis.
Virgil, Georg.
t The Westminster club held their meetings in Bedford Street, Covent Garden.
t Mr. Mc Donnell was of Belfast.
 168

Now, in each brawny hand's gigantic folds,

Two pawns, one black, one white, the veteran holds.
" Say, which is thine ? If fate the choice approve,
Thy troops shall foremost in the battle move."
Right chose Macdonnell : to the fierce attack
(So Gods ordain) his hand shall lead the Black ;
While, to repel their furious shock prepar'd,
The mighty Gaul shall the pale legions guard.

Then faintly trembled on Macdonnell's ear

A distant warbling from the viewless sphere —
Near and more near the liquid accents ran,
Then shap'd themselves to words, and thus began :

THE WARNING.
Ireland's pride and Ireland's glory, bid thy men go forth !
Long shall live thy name in story, champion of the north !
Rapidly thy sable legions, to the charge advance ;
Forward press into the regions, of the host of France.
Tho' thy foremost men be falling, in the early fray,
Tho' thy trial will be galling, thou shalt win the day !
Erin's pride and Erin's glory, bid thy men go forth !
Long shall live thy name in story, champion of the north !

And lo ! the signal from each camp is given—

Still, as though listening to a voice from heaven,
Spectators stand ; some, scanning all their ways—
Some, wondering "with a foolish face of praise."

First, o'er two squares, at one impetuous spring,

Leaps the black paim that stands before the king.
With equal rage his ivory rival glows,
And face to face his progress doth oppose.
Unhappy youths, with fatal zeal ye burn :
To your lov'd tents ye never shall return !
From the left wing a swarthy soldier flies
(Bold gambit pawn !) and, self-devoted,—dies.
 169

" On cavalry !"—The king's knight hears the word,

And vaults exulting to his bishop's third ;
The white knight sends his pawn, with cautious wile,
To guard his brother on the bishop's file:
While the black bishop, with high hopes elated,
To three squares eastward suddenly translated,
For early castellation hath made room,
Nor heeds the presage of his early doom.
" Now for our turn to fall upon the foe,"
The whiteking cries, and bids the knight's pawn go
Forward, and threaten, wiih his tiny spear,
To close the sable horseman's dark career.
" Farewell, brave knight," (the ebon monarch said ;)
" Soon wilt thou mingle with the silent dead—
" In vain thy king would save thee from their hands :
"Thy sacrifice the public weal demands.
** Yet shall the fiery struggle soon be o'er,
" Then in the chest we meet to part no more !
*' But thou, bright courser, guarding my right wing,
" Come and obey the mandate of thy king!
" Rejoice—within me something seems to say
" On thee will rest the fortunes of the day !"—
He said : the queen's knight hears his stern commands,
And on his bishop's third square proudly stands :
While to the pawn the king's knight yields his breath,
And falling, sees the queen avenge his death.
Already, though the fight be scarce begun,
With all his banners glittering in the sun,
And every weapon ready for the blow,
The dark king's batteries open on the foe ;
While straiten'd in the precincts oftheir camp, ^
Shiver the white men with a general cramp,
And boding fears their martial ardour damp. "
E'en thus to Italy, Napoleon came,
With head all genius, and with soul all flame,
(Ere yet the general sank into the king)
With a few troops on mighty hosts to spring,
Y
 170

Broke thro' the slavish Austrian's lazy slumbers,

Confin'd his movements, and defied his numbers.

Who shall the White send forth the spell to break ?

Rise, bishop !—At thy monarch's call awake !
Swift, on thy king's rook's third, the gambit pawn
Protect, until some happier prospect dawn !

" Queen's pawn advance," now cries the sable Lord

" Seize in two steps the centre of the board,
" And open on the foe thy bishop's fire 1"
Answers the white queen's knight, with keen desire
The pawn to win, and to his bishop's third
(So plann'd the king in council,) stood preferr'd.
Recks not the black prince : to a quiet nook
Retiring, he hath castled with his rook,
And deeply shelter'd, safe from all alarms,
Serenely hears the distant clash of arms.

Thus Eastern Monarchs, slumb'ring on their throne,

Bid millions bleed, for quarrels not their own,
Enjoying, while their bravest warriors fall,
Th' inglorious feast of the voluptuous hall.
Not thus, where wisdom dawns upon the world,
And freedom's glorious banners are unfurl'd :
Here, terror's earthquake voice is heard no more,
Her spell is broken, and her influence o'er :
Kings for the people's good their sceptres wield,
No rights divine their lawless passions shield ;
On with the general tide their minds must move,
Wise as the serpent, harmless as the dove ; —
Their safety, truth,—their guard, a nation's love !
 171

Canto III.—The Victory.

Soul of the Mantuan bard, inspire my song !

Teach me the varying interests to prolong,
To bid alternate fear and hope prevail,
Weave the thin web, and poise the doubtful scale !
But thou, and he of Scio's rocky isle,
With sweet illusions might your dreams beguile ;
For you, in every stream a Naiad trod,
In every grove ye heard a whispering god ;
Or if a battle was the theme you singled,
Jove, Juno, Pallas, in that battle mingled,
And while in council sat the great immortals,
High Heaven expanded wide its flaming portals !*
With us this bright machinery 'vails no more ;
Stern truth hath bid illusion's reign be o'er !

Thro' the white camp a shout of joy is heard :

Macdonnell's champions fear their chief hath err'd,
And left the queen's pawn, in an evil hour,
To fall defenceless in the pale knight's power :
So deem'd the general of the silver legions,
While his knight, moving into hostile regions,
With vaulting march by wily foe foreseen,
Slays the black pawn, and menaces the queen.
Now o'er Macdonnell's lip a wan smile quiver'd ;
(The Gaul observ'd it, and with vague fear shiver'd:)
" That move, cries Mac, hath mark'd the day my own !
" Tremble, O white king, on thy tottering throne !

* Our author renders thus the line not limpy

Panditur interecL domut omnipotentis Olympi.
I beg your pardon, if the truth I urge ill j
But you must know he 's cribb'd that verse from Virgil.
(Note by Printer's Devil.)
 172

" Now, my dark queen, a furious charge prepare :

" Th' incautious foe hath fallen into the snare !
" Not number, but position, wins the right :
" Another sacrifice, and all is right !
" From the queen's bishop's fourth, brave prelate, go !
"Thy mitre was not giv'n for empty shew—
" Snatch the white pawn that doth before thee lie,
" And for thy king, and for thy country, die !"—
(For Chess is just like war—Sicjubent Divi;
Quicquid delirant reyes, plectantur Achivi.)
The warlike prelate kills the adverse pawn,
But, by the white king slain, is from the field withdrawn.

" Dear partner of my joys, and of my bed, [said)—

" Queen of my swarthy realms," (the black prince
" Seize thy bright spear—like lightning forward spring,
" Athis rook's fourth square check the wand'ringking!"

Th' assaulted monarch, conscious of defeat,

On his knight's second seeks a brief retreat.
" Queen's bishop, seize the pawn !"—On hostile ground
The prelates at each other darkly frown'd,
Then grappled in close fight, till on the plain
The sable priest is stretch'd among the slain.
On rush'd the black king's rook, with zeal unshaken,
Kill'd the white bishop, and his post has taken,
Whilethe white king's knight,by his monarch beckon'd,
Saves the mate threaten'd at his bishop's second,
And at that bishop's third square interposes,
Masking his queen. Not on a bed of roses,
Unhappy king, thou liest—the ebon queen
Hath at one glance her new advantage seen,
And at thy knight's fourth square she rudely checks
Where'er thou go, that dame will surely vex thee ! [thee.
Back to his bishop's second square now driven,
The ivory monarch mourns his glory riven.
 173

The black hath hail'd him with triumphant smile :

His rooks are doubled in the bishop's file.
The ivory hero to an early grave
Abandons the brave knight he cannot save,
Vows, but too late, he will no longer roam,
And seeks in pensive gloom his ruin'd home —
O how unlike that home where once he stood,
Ere adverse fortune came in as a flood,
While rosy dreams his peaceful sleep beguil'd,
And docile checkmates at his bidding smiFd !
So Gaul's great Emperor, when his star grew pale,
And redd'ning Moscow blush'd her funeral wail,
When fickle Fate her favourite child misled,
And from the vanquish'd, the foil'd victor fled,
To the proud Louvre's once triumphant bower,
On Bourbon's throne to mourn his prostrate power,
While frozen Beresina's slumbering wave
Entomb'd the scatter'd remnants of the brave.
Now by an arrow from the black tower slain,
The pale horse lies upon the purple plain—
But " bloodier yet" that plain with gore shall flow,
Ere laurell'd wreaths adorn the conqueror's brow.
One desperate effort more the white will try :
His queen, resolv'd to conquer or to die,
In armour bright now stands before her king,
For a brief moment guarding his right wing.
" Behold," Macdonnell cries, " the destin'd hour,
" Already, maid, I feel thee in my power—
" But ere the fugitives have time to rally,
" Forth to the charge our cavalry must sally—
" With no delay the flying foe pursue—
" So triumph'd Wellington at Waterloo !
To the queen's fifth the Moorish knight hath vaulted,
And by a dangerous check the queen assaulted :
Away doth stalk th' insulted Amazon,
And to her bishop's fourth hath slowly gone.
 174

A moment o'er the black king danger hover'd—

Lest, unawares, he, by a check discover'd,
Should see his consort from his bed estrang'd,
And the day's fortunes on a sudden chang'd !
He sees the peril, and from gathering fires,
In his rook's vacant mansion he retires.

To the pale army yet one hope remains—

For while life lasts, some faint hope ling'ring reigns
Within the aching breast—what wretch so lost,
But yet he dreams some die might yet be tost ?
Back to his king's third square the knight retires,
And opens on the queen his sidelong fires,
Moving e'en as a half-spent Congreve rocket
Obliquely wounds the foe that thought to mock it.
If the dark dame take fright, and waste a move,
The white position may have time t' improve ;
The men that now as in a prison lie,
Will quick emerge from their obscurity,
And the fair lady from her unhann'd regions
Pour in a torrent her unbroken legions.
So hop'd Labourdonnais—but to his cost
Soon found the reckoning was without his host.
Yet one apparent sacrifice ! To vex
His foe, the rook now takes the knight, and checks :
The queen's pawn lifts its spear with sudden power,
And on the field now rolls the prostrate tower.
Decisive moment ! One last furious tramp
Of horse is ringing in the hostile camp :
The knight at adverse bishop's third hath check'd,
And the blonde queen, with no one to protect,
Before her gipsy rival stands disann'd !
Lo ! to the square which erst her presence charm'd,
Sullenly, slowly, crawls the widow'd king,
And with his loud lament makes the wide welkin ring.
The conquering lady lays her rival low,
And smiles triumphant on her prostrate foe.
 176

Swift flew the glorious tidings far and wide,

And onward rolPd like Ocean's gathering tide,
O'er England's valleys, and o'er Erin's fountains,
O'er Wales' ravines, and Caledonia's mountains :
Loud peal'd, bright signals of the battle won,
The bells of every church in every town,
Thunder'd the cannon from each martial steep ;
Answer'd, proud Dublin, thy castle keep ;
Long streets illumin'd, wave Macdonnell's name,
From house to house, in characters of flame ;
While, echoing to the wild harps of the north,
Bursts the triumphant hymn in glory forth :

THE JUBILEE.

Sound the loud harp o'er the mountains afar ;

Macdonnell hath triumph'd,—he's finish'd the war !

Sing, —for the pride of the Frenchman is broken,

His horse and his spearman are in the deep chest ;
The dark queen hath taken his love for a token,
His rook and his bishop can never molest ;
The king is alone, and will soon be check-mated,
His men must all fall by the foeman's attack,—
And the bright hopes of conquest, his breast that
elated,
Have melted like snow in the glance of the black.

Chorus.
Sound the loud trump over wild Mullingar ;
Macdonnell hath triumph'd,—he's finish'd the war !

Bards, strike your harps in the land of the claymore,—

Gather the clans for the dance and the song,—
Sing how Macdonnell their boasting soon came
o'er,
While the wild strain our hills' echoes prolong.
 176

Erin, not more dost thou worship O'Connell,

Making the pride of thine enemies fall,
Than now shaltthou honour thy chosen Macdonnell,
By his bright victory galling the Gaul.

Chorus.
Sound the shrill fife o'er Killarney afar,
Macdonnell hath triumph'd,—he's finish'd the war !

Here pause we, to regain our fainting breath ;—

Then once more strike the lyre, and hymn the dirge
of death.

Canto IV.—The Lament.

Thy consort captur'd, of thy glory reft,

Pale monarch, of the throne what hope is left ?
Fear hath the remnant of thy troops struck dumb,
Nor can they to thy timely rescue come :
Say, wilt thou wander houseless and forlorn,
Till from thy brows the wither'd crown be torn ?
Wilt thou, from square to square inglorious driven,
Still linger, till the dire checkmate be given 1
No—thou shalt die, as thou hast liv'd, a lord,
And like the Roman, fall upon thy sword !

Lo ! fate hath rid him of a life grown cumbrous,

Vitaque cum gemitu fugit indignata sub umbras.
'Tis said, while flying from the realms of light
His soul descended to the shades of night,
Aerial forms around his shadow throng'd,
And viewless harps the choral dirge prolong'd ;
As bending from her bright tent in the sky,
Caissa sang this mournful lullaby :
 177

The Dirge.
Farewell, brave hero, white king, farewell,
Reduced to zero, by Macdonnell !

Thy glory banish'd, thy consort dead,

Thy kingdom vanish'd, its warriors fled—
111 starr'd, ill fated,—no succour nigh,
All but checkmated, more couldst thou die ?

Chorus, farewell, great hero, pale king farewell,

Reduced to zero, by Macdonnell!

O'er thee exulting, bends the swart king ;

His queen, insulting, mockery doth fling ;
Dark knights advancing, laugh at thy doom ;
Sable pawns dancing, tramp on thy tomb.

Chorus. Farewell, brave hero, monarch farewell,

- Reduced to zero, by Macdonnell!

Lord of pale legions, whither art gone ?

In what dark regions wanderest alone?
Where shall thy sorrow sympathy claim,
From night to morrow wailing thy shame ?

Chorus. Farewell, brave hero, great chief, farewell,

Reduc'd to zero, by Macdonnell !

Where the dark shadows lingering die:

Where Stygian meadows mournfully lie .
Where daily slaughters Pluto controls,
And his black waters Acheron rolls !

Chorus. Farewell, brave hero, light king, farewell,

Reduced to zero, by Macdonnell !
z
 178

When from thy prison, starting to light,

Thou art uprisen, fresh for the fight—
When thy pale legions, their penance done,
In upper regions hail the bright sun.—
Chorus. Farewell, brave hero, French chief, farewell,
Reduc'd to zero, by Macdonnell !
Be not too daring, his wrath to brave,
Lest thou despairing, find back thy grave—
Lest he inweave thee, in his dark chain,
And pining leave thee, mated again !
Chorus. Farewell, brave hero, warrior, farewell,
Reduc'd to zero, by Macdonnell !
Dark knit his brows the proud Labourdonnais,
And, silent, ru'd the fortunes of the day ;
To his lone couch he crept with aching breast,
And gave his soul to sleep, but not to rest.
Strange visions of Checkmate's unusual form,
Hover'd around him like a gathering storm ;
And his lost queen's pale ghost, with shiverings deep,
Rode, like a nightmare, on his strangled sleep.
Yet ere the cock announc'd the dawning morrow,
Fresh dreams of glory drown'd his transient sorrow.
Thus ever with alternate victory crown'd,
Fiance, England, be your equal arms renown'd !
Long, noble nations, may your discords cease,
And be your rivalry the arts of peace ;
Hush'd the dire feuds that set the world ajar,
And the chess board your only field of war !
But thou, Hibernia's chosen, dearest son,
Whither wilt bear the wreath of laurels won ?
Death claims her suffering victim even now,
With his green garland fresh upon his brow—*
* Mr. Mc Donnell died shortly after the playing of these games, at the age of
thirty-seven. At this comparatively early era of life, he was the best Chess
player in Great Britain.
 179

Thy swelling veins her lurking venom carry,

The only check thou could'st not learn to parry !
A few short months, and all thy triumph's o'er :
Mourn, Ireland, mourn—Macdonnell is no more
And is that noble soul for ever fled,
And art thou number'd with th' oblivious dead,
Illustrious youth, ere yet the hand of time
Had ripen'd to full growth thy skill sublime ?
Yet shall thy grave with sculptur'd chiefs be drest,
And marble queens lie lightly on thy breast.*
Oh! may some kindred soul the sceptre claim,
Thy glory share, and emulate thy name !
While thou, in holier realms, least understood,
Where the sole conflict is the thirst for good,
Embosom'd in a calm eternity,
Enjoy'st thine early immortality !f

For me, the meanest of Caissa's train,

That glory, which thro' Chess I sought in vain,J
Thou yet may'st give, Macdonnell, while with thine,
Like ivy round the oak, my name I twine:
Enough, that from Parnassus' lofty height,
For thee my muse hath wing'd her venturous flight ;
O'er realms by poesy yet scarcely own'd,
And sung a captur'd Queen,—a King dethron'd.

* Yet shall thy grave with rising flowers be drest,

And the green turf lie lightly on thy breast.—Pope.

t The Rev. A. D'Arblay died in 1887. He was not forty years of age.

t Mr. D'Arblay received the odds of the Rook from Mr. Mc Donnell.
 180

Note on Cdissa Rediviva.

As inexperienced players might find it difficult to follow the
game from the Poem, we insert it here in the usual form.*

BLACK. WHITE.
1. K. P. two. 1. The same.
2. K. B. P. two. 2. P. takes P.
3. K. Kt. to K. B. third. 3. K. Kt. P. two.
4. K. B. to Q. B. fourth. 4. K. Kt. P. one.
5. Q. Kt. to Q. B. third. 5. P. takes Kt.
6. Q. takes P. 6. K. B. to K. R. third.
7. Q. P. two. 7. Q. Kt. to Q. B. third.
8. Castles. 8. Q. Kt. takes P.
9. B. takes P. ch. 9. K. takes B.
10. Q. checks. 10. K. to Kt. second.
11. B. takes P. 11. B. takes B.
12. R. takes B. 12. K. Kt.to K. B. third.
13. Q. to K. Kt. fifth, ch. 13. K. to K. B. second.
14. Q. R. to K. B. 14. K. home.
15. R. takes Kt. 15. Q. to K. second.
16. Kt. to Q. fifth. 16. Q. to Q. B. fourth.
17. K. to R. 17. Kt. to K. third.
18. R. takes Kt.ch. 18. P. takes R.
19. Kt. checks at B. sixth. 19. K. to Q. ".
20. Q. takes Q. and Mates in three moves. '
The above game affords a fine specimen of the Muzio Gambit,
one of the most attacking and brilliant openings extant. The
present mode of pursuing the attack, by bringing out Queen's
Knight, at Move 5, on the part of the first player, in preference
to the old custom of Castling at that time, is entirely new, and
the exclusive introduction of Mr. Mc Donnell. Which is the
sounder of the two moves is difficult to decide ; the merit of that
which is here played, could not have been better proved, than by
its succeeding against M. De La Bourdonnais ; to whom it was
perfectly novel, or his defence would have been doubtless stronger.
fhe first players agree that the sacrifice of the Knight, which
constitutes the Muzio Gambit, ought not to succeed against the
best line of defence. Mr. Mc Donnell was the author of many
new moves, both in this opening, and the Evans Gambit.

* Copious notes are given on this individual game, by Mr. George Walker, in
his manual for beginners, called—" Cress Made Easy."
 CHESS PROBLEMS.
No. 25.—By M. Julius Mendheim, of Berlin.

White to Checkmate in four moves.

No. 26.—By the same.

White to Mate in four moves.

 No. 27.—By the same.

White to Mate in eight moves.

 No. 29.—By the same.

mm
■

Mi Mi
llflfP hhp
wM III

» infill
IIP
I 11

■ ■ m UK

TPiftite Mates in seven moves.

No. 30.—By the same.

White to Checkmate in six moves.

 No. 31.—By the same.

White to Mate in five moves.

No. 32.—By the same.

White to compel Black to give Mate in twelve moves.

 185

WHIST.—BY A MELTONIAN.
No. in.
There exist certain terms in Whist, an exact knowledge ofwhich
is essential, but which are mostly very imperfectly understood.
Players are content to repeat them by rote ; but show, practically,
that they are innocent of a closer acquaintance together. In the
present paper, I shall touch upon some of these ; and hope by
the use of ample illustration, to develope their means and signi
fication in the fullest extent. The first to be noticed is
A Slam.
You are said to gain a slam, when you and your partner win
all the thirteen tricks. That this may occur, is proved by the
following curious example of a certain situation of the cards, which
results in a slam. A and B are in partnership against C and D,
C having the deal, clubs being trumps, and the four hands being
thus constituted :—
A,—King, knave, nine, and seven of trumps ; a quart-major in
diamonds, a tierce-major in hearts, and the ace and king of spades.
B,—Nine diamonds, two spades, and two hearts.
D,—Ace, queen, ten, and eight of trumps, with nine spades.
C,—Five trumps, and eight hearts.
A having to lead, plays trump, which D wins ; returning a
spade, which his partner, C, ruffs. C leads trump, which D wins,
and the latter again returns a spade, which is trumped, like the
last, by C. C once more plays a trump, which D wins, and D
having the best trump, then plays it off ; afterwards making all
his seven spades, and thus winning a slam. It must be confessed
that this said slam is an exotic, much easier to talk of than
produce.
The following species of Whist problem, embodying a " case
of slam," is given by a French contemporary of the Philidorian,
the Palamede, as having really occured, a few years since, to a
Mr. Chapel (or some such name), in actual play. This gentleman
and his partner were nine to three (longs), and of course required
but the odd trick, to go out. In this state of things, Mr. Chapel,
designated herein as A, dealt; and having turned up a heart as
the trump, found his hand thus fashioned :—
Hearts (trumps),—King, knave, nine, seven, and five.
Diamonds,—Ace, king, queen, and knave.
Spades,—Ace, king, and queen.
Clubs,—The king.
With such cards, A felt assured of making the trick, and his
pocket began doubtless to glow, at the thoughts of the coming
harvest. The hand is played out, and not only do A and B (the
2 A
 186

partners) lose the trick, but their opponents, C, and D, actually

make a slam (or seven by cards), and thus win the game ! And
this, moreover, without grossly bad play on the part of A and B ;
for, on the contrary, the game is not absolutely forced through
the weight of the cards alone, but through the good play of A
and B ; who are thus made to cut their own throats scientifically.
To produce the required result, it is possible to vary the dis
position of the cards in the three remaining hands ; but for my
present purpose, it is sufficient to show one mode by which the
question may be solved. The reader must follow me, with the
cards in hand. The following we suppose to be the manner in
which the three remaining hands were constituted :—
C, the left hand adversary of A, holds—
Trumps,—Ace, queen, ten, eight, and six.
Diamonds,—Nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, and two.
Clubs,—The eight.
D, the partner of C, holds—
Trumps,—Two, three, and four.
Diamonds,—The ace.
Clubs,—Ace, ten, nine, seven, three, and two.
Spades,—Nine, eight, and seven.
B, A's partner, had of course the remaining thirteen cards,
which need not be more particularly specified, than as being a
very queer lot. Let us now see, trick by trick, how the hand
was played out.
1. A having dealt, C leads off his single club, B plays queen,
D, ace, A the king.
2. D, having turned the trick, returns club, A ruffs with the
five, C overtrumps with the six, and B plays four of clubs.
3. C leads nine of diamonds, B gives the three, D the ace,
and A the king.
4. D, who won the last trick, plays the nine of clubs ; A
trumps this time with knave, C overtrumps with queen, and B
throws the five of clubs.
5. C returning to his diamonds, plays the eight ; B throws
the four of spades, D cuts with the two of trumps, and A drops
queen of diamonds.
6. D leads seven of clubs, A plays king of trumps, C wins
with the ace of trumps, and B throws the five of Clubs.
7. C leads off seven of diamonds, B three of spades, D ruffs
with the three of hearts, and A plays knave of diamonds.
8. D leads three of clubs, A cuts with nine of trumps, C over
trumps with the ten, and B plays knave of clubs.
9. C, knowing the ten of diamonds is yet in hand, plays the
six, B follows with the six of spades, D cuts with the four of
trumps, and A drops his last diamond.
 187

10. D leads the two of clubs, A trumps with the seven, C over-
ruffs with the eight, and B plays the five of clubs.
1 1 , 12, 13. C leads, and makes, his three remaining diamonds ;
the trumps being played.
C and D consequently make a slam, and A must be, I should
conceive, somewhat astounded at the result.
The next technicality on which I propose to pause, is the
phrase
Tenace.
By placing the cards in the following position, a clear idea is
conveyed to the learner's mind, as to the designation of " the
tenace". Suppose A and B to play a species of two-handed whist,
the pack being divided into two hands of twenty- six cards each :—
A's hand includes ace, queen, ten, eight, six, and four of clubs,
with the like six cards in spades. It is now clear, that if B had
to lead twelve times running, in the two suits named, A must
make all the twelve tricks ; now suppose B has the same twelve
cards in diamonds and hearts which A has in spades and clubs ; —
it is equally clear, that should A lead a dozen times in succession
from the red suits, B makes twelve tricks in them. Now with
hands thus constituted, should one of the parties name his trump
and lead, he turns, on the whole, but thirteen tricks; but if one
name the trump, and the other lead, he who names the trump
wins fourteen tricks.
The Force.
To force, is to play a card of a suit, of which, knowing he has
none, you compel a trump from either your partner, or your ad
versary, according to which of the two parties your hand demands
should be forced. While a skilful force wins the game, an im
proper force as frequently loses it. The force, is, indeed, one of
the strongest weapons of war wielded by the better order of
players. Always force the strong hand in your adversary ; but
not the weak ; its operation is b<een thus :—suppose you have
three trumps each, all round, except one of your adversaries, who
has four, it is clear that if all the trumps were at once played out,
he with the four, must remain with that important advantage,
the last trump ; but if he can be forced to trump, before the
trumps are led out, he must part with one of the four trumps ;
and as he then remains on an equality with his neighbours, in
point of numbers, his certainty of having the sole trump, left,
fares accordingly.
The danger of forcing yonr partner improperly, is well shown
by the following case ; which to be understood, must be referred
to the cards; the hands being sorted out and played :—
A and B are partners. A has a quint-major in trumps ; eight
 188

cards, including another quint-major, in a second suit; and has

the lead. Here, it must be obvious, that should the adversaries
C and D have five trumps, only, in either one hand, A, draws all
the trumps,—makes the eight cards of his second suit, and thus
turns the whole thirteen tricks. But, on the reverse, should one
of A's adversaries, say C, hold five small trumps, with eight cards,
including a quint-major, of a second suit, and have the lead, C
forces A to trump, and the latter turns, consequently, but five
tricks. The principle of the force can hardly be better exempli
fied, than in this one brief instance. Pass we on to the con
sideration of what is the " Saw," or " See-saw."
The Saw.
You are said to establish a saw, when you and your partner
alternately trump a suit, played to each other for the express
purpose. Under this head, I am enabled to give a case of
curiosity, in illustration, which will show how many tricks a saw
will sometimes yield. It is indeed an orthodox Whist maxim,
that when possible to form a saw, it should be adopted before
every other species of play. Let us place our position as a
problem :—
It is required to know how the four different hands must be
constituted, to allow one party to score three by cards, against
the four honours held in one hand, and thus certain of four tricks ;
besides the same hand possessing two other quart-majors. I
annex one solution, which is as good as a dozen ; and which,
besides, comprises some interesting play.
A and C play, be it supposed, in partnership, against B and D.
A holds a quart-major in hearts (trumps), the same in spades
and diamonds, and his thirteenth card is the ace of clubs ; making
up a pretty looking sort of hand on the whole. A has dealt.
B, A's left hand adversary, holds four trumps, five spades, and
four clubs.
D, B's partner, has five trumps and eight diamonds.
C, A's partner, holds of course the remaining thirteen cards.
B, having to lead, plays off spade, D, cuts it, and returns
diamonds, which B trumps, and again gives the spade. The saw,
thus established, is followed up ; and eight tricks are thereby
gained ; leaving the lead with B. B for his ninth card, prefers
playing club to spade, and D makes his last trump on the same;
turning nine tricks, and leaving the four honours " blooming
alone, " in the fingers of unhappy A.
From the execution of this "coup," the student may gather a
good demonstration of the force of a saw, in preference to any
other description of play.
The authors of the Academie des Jeux pretend to resolve this
problem ; but as they only assign nine cards to A, without naming
 19»

the other four he should hold, their Solution is necessarily im

perfect ; for should his remaining four cards not he of the suit
first led by B, and should A's partner have cards superior to those
of B, A, instead of making only four tricks by his honours, would
gain five tricks. The writers of the Academie des Jeux seem not
to have been too particular as to accuracy ; for on one occasion
we find them giving fifteen trumps, to be held in thirteen cards !
And so much, at present, for Whist in its technicals.
Whist has its curiosities, as well as other sciences, and some of
them are well worthy of a niche in the amateur's book-case. For
instance, I have seen a bet made, that the deal after a mis-deal,
one of the four hands will have none, or at most a single card, of
one of the four suits. I recollect trying this over patiently with
a friend, twenty times ; and fourteen out of the twenty, the result
was in favour of a similar wager. Indeed, were I a betting man,
I should have no hesitation in laying large odds on the event's
coming off as above stated. The same thing holds good, that the
deal following a mis-deal, one of the four players will hold
at least five cards of one particular suit. Persons sometimes set
such things down to the score of superstitious belief in certain of
fate's oddities, but it is hardly necessary to point out, that in both
of the above cases, the mis-deal merely acts as a perfect means of
mixing and shuffling the cards, and hence the increased proba
bility of the different suits falling in disproportional allotments.
When the pack is dealt almost as taken up, the tricks having
run pretty regular, each player frequently gets his three of a sort
all round, and this by no means adds to the amusement, nor to
the science, of playing out the hand. The inference is, that the
cards should invariably be well sorted and shuffled. I have heard
that one of our most celebrated living engineers, Mr. B****#,
some time back invented a curious little machine, by means of
which the pack of cards is not only perfectly shuffled, and re
mixed, after dealing, but is subsequently dealt round to the four
whist players, with mathematical precision ; the last card being
turned up for the trump. For many reasons it were desirable
that some such engine should be introduced, partcularly in mixed
society; could its operation be depended on, and rendered
entirely free from suspicion. Mis-deals would then be things
unknown ; cards would remain clean much longer than at present;
and clumsy dealers would jump at once from limbo into Paradise.
I call the following curious, and well exemplifying the beau
tiful uncertainty of fortune. A first-rate Whist player with
whom I am acquainted, played recently, at a large Whist party,
thirty rubbers of shorts, cutting for partners every rubber ; and
playing during the night at four different tables. Out of the
thirty, he lost twenty-seven. I can pledge myself to the truth of
this, and it may be added, he was decidedly the best player in the
 -*

190

room. Doubtless, men of larger experience than myself could

produce authenticated cases of similar, and much greater runs of
food or bad cards, attaching themselves thus pertinaciously,
uring the whole meeting, to one devoted individual. I have
heard of some things this way, which require to be taken " with
salt," and a good deal of " salt" too, to make them swallowable.
Another Whist " coup" may be here introduced, which though
less brilliant, is even more " eccentric" than the last I noticed.
You are required to name the four hands, which will allow the
one party to make five by cards, against the four honours ; the
latter being all in the hands of the adversaries, though divided.
Once more, I repeat that to follow me here, a pack of cards must
be put in requisition.
A and C, are against B and D ; hearts being trumps. A has
the lead.
A holds five trumps, a tierce-major in spades, and the three of
spades ; lastly, a quart to the nine in diamonds.
B takes up the ace and queen of trumps, a quint to the ten in
clubs, a tierce to the queen in diamonds, and a tierce to the
knave in spades.
C has four trumps, ace and king of diamonds, a quint to the
queen in clubs, and the eight and nine of spades.
D holds king and knave of trumps, ace, king, and knave of
clubs, a quart to the knave in diamonds, and a quart to the ten
in spades. The tricks come off thus :—
1. : A leads ace of spades, and turns the first trick.
2. A plays king of spades, and makes it.
3. A leads queen of spades, and his partner, C, throws away
a small club.
4. A plays off the three of spades, B throws away a club, C
ruffs with a little trump, and D plays the ten of spades.
5. C leads off ace of diamonds and wins.
• 6. C leads off king of diamonds, and again wins.
7. C plays low club, D wins it with ace, A ruffs, and B plays
club.
8. A leads diamond, B plays queen, C cuts it, and D follows
suit.
9. C plays clubs, D knowing it will be trumped, plays knave,
A trumps, and B follows suit.
10. A plays diamond, B, knowing his partner holds knave,
throws, away a club, C trumps, and D follows suit with knave.
11. C leads club, D plays king, A ruffs it, and B, playing his
last club, remains with ace and queen of trumps, which fall with
his partner's king and knave of the same. Five by cards are thus
scored against the four honours.
And now to quote another suppositious piece of remarkable
Whist-play.
 191

Imagine three hands of cards, each hand consisting of three

cards only, to be played Whist fashion, but each acting in inde
pendence of the others. Allow A to name the the trump, and
Eermit B to choose which of the three hands he likes; but A
aving the subsequent choice of the remaining two hands, will
win two tricks. The execution is thus :—
Clubs are trumps.
First hand ; ace, king, and six of hearts.
Second ditto ; queen, ten of hearts ; ten of clubs.
Third ditto ; nine of hearts, two and three of clubs.
The first hand wins of the second ; the second wins of the third,
and the third wins of the first.
I shall wind-up this article by a Whist story ; pregnant with
instruction.
An acquaintance of mine, some years since, at that time a very
youngman, was ingeniously swindled at Whist, under the following
circumstances :—he was in the coffee room of a second-rate tavern,
with a friend, one evening, when two strangers who were present
entered into conversation ; and the result was a rubber of Whist ;
which my friend, being of course extremely wide awake to the
manoeuvres of men on town, would only engage in, for the trifling
stake of glasses of brandy-and-water round. Indeed, the stran
gers themselves earnestly deprecated playing for money ; which
they said spoilt the interest of the game. The rubber was played ,
the brandy-and-water drunk, and a second commenced upon the
same terms ; a hand or two were played, and one of the strangers
had to deal, with my clever acquaintance on his left hand ; on
whom therefore the lead naturally devolved. My friend took up
his cards, with all the eagerness of a novice, and found his hand
thus composed :—a seizieme-major in hearts (trumps), a quart-
major in clubs, and a tierce-major in spades.
The stranger who had dealt, was taking snuff, and had therefore
not touched his cards : but laughingly asked our poor friend, if
he felt inclined to bet upon the odd trick—" but 1 have looked
at my cards," was the reply ;—" oh ! never mind that ; if you like
to bet on the odd trick, I'm in the humour for a little speculation,
and I'll take you for a couple of sovereigns."—The victim gorged
the bait, thinking he must turn at least twelve, out of the thirteen
tricks; and after a good deal of discussion, the bet was increased
to twenty pounds, and a twenty pound note was deposited on the
part of the pigeon with the honest landlord ; accompani d by
some substance, bearing the same appearance, on the side of the
dealer. The hand was played out ; my acquaintance making six
tricks, and the dealer taking up of course the other seven. The
sufferer and his friend were petrified ; and ere they determined it
to be a cheat, the deposit was withdrawn from the landlord,—
 192

pocketed by the stranger,—and the rubber being left unfinished,

;the two sharks made their exit in triumph. The thing was sim
ple enough, and bad been evidently pre-arranged as follows :—
A pack of cards, prepared for the " coup," were doubtless
drawn from the pocket of the dealer ; and after the cutting of
the honest pack, had been changed by sleight of hand, and thus
surreptitiously introduced into circulation. At the time to
which I allude, nearly all the cards had white backs, which
doubtless would facilitate similar deceptions. We have seen
what were the cards devoted to the use of him, on whom the
robbery was to be committed : but says the youthful reader,
" what cards could the dealer have packed for himself, to ensure
the winning the odd trick against so much force ; since the leader's
six trumps would alone ensure him six tricks ?" I will tell him-~-
The dealer must have held the other seven trumps, with a
seizieme-major in diamonds. As to the mode in which the re
maining two hands were distributed, it matters not a farthing.
Let us look at the result of these two hands quoted, when brought
into contact; the thing lies in a nutshell; the leader must make
his six trumps, but cannot make another trick.
If the leader begin by trumping out, the dealer plays trump for
trump ; and brings in his diamonds, through the agency of his
seventh, and last, trump. If on the other hand, the leader forces
the dealer, by playing spade, or club, the latter, of course, trumps,
and forces the leader in return, by playing diamonds. Should
the dealer, instead of returning diamond, play trump, the method
Would not succeed, the one force having brought his number of
trumps down to six, the same as held by the leader, who would then
be enabled to take out the trumps, and win all the remaining tricks.
This is a good illustration of the value of the last trump to bring
in a long suit, and also as still more explanatory of the peculiar
action of" forcing" herein before described.
The swindlers who so well succeeded on this occasion, formed
doubtless part of a class who have always prepared cards, dice,
and other devilries in their pockets; ready for the edification of
her majesty's very verdant subjects. The " genus" is not new,
there being a fine specimen exhibited in Smollet's Roderick
Random. Older men than the inexperienced youth whose adven
ture I have quoted, would have refused payment, and would have
kicked the vagabonds out of the room ; but the landlord doubtless
had afeeling in the division ofthe spoil, and ofcourse, therefore, de
cided upon giving up the stakes to the winners. It may be added
that the dupe was himself in fault, for had the deal been genuine,
it would have been little or no better than robbery on his part, to
make a bet, which, as he had looked at his cards, he was morally
certain of winning. . J : ' i. '.
C To be continued.J
 STUDIES IN POLISH DRAUGHTS.
No. 17.—M. Dufour moves with White, and wins.

No. 18.—M. Blonde wins with White.

No. 19.—M. Hardanpont moves and wins.
 195

THE CHESS RECORD;

CONSISTING OF GAMES ACTUALLY PLAYED.
Game XI.
WHITE. BLACK.
1. K. P. two. 1. K. P. two.
2. K. Kt. to B. third. 2. Q Kt. to B. third.
3. K. B. to Q. B. fourth. 3. The same.
4. Q. Kt. P. two. 4. B. takes Kt. P.
5. Q B. P. one. 5. B. to R. fourth.
6. Q. P. two. 6. P. takes P.
7. Kt. retakes. 7. Kt. takes Kt.
8. Q. retakes. 8. Q to K. B. third.
9. K. P. advances. 9. Q. to K. Kt. third.
10. Castles. 10. K. B. to Q. Kt. third.
11. Q. to Q. fifth. 11. Q. to K. third.
12. Q. to K. fourth. 12. Q. to K. Kt. third.
13. Q. to K. second. 13. K. Kt. to K. second.
14. Q. B. to R. third. 14. Q. P. one.
15. P. takes P. 15. Pawn retakes.
16. K. R. to K. 16. K. B. to Q.
17. B. checks. 17. B. covers.
18. Q. Kt. to Q. second. 18. Q. to K. third.
19. Q. to K. B. third. 19. Q. to K. B. third.
20. Q. takes Q. Kt. P. 20. B. takes B.
21. Q. retakes B. ch. 21. K. to B.
22. Q. to Q. Kt. seventh. 22. Q. R. to B.
23. R. takes Kt. 23. Q. takes Q. B. P.
24. R. takes P. ch. 24. K. to Kt.
25. R. to B. eighth, ch.—By this move checkmate is very
neatly effected.
25. K. takes R.
26. B. takes P. ch. 26. King to Kt.
27. Q. to Q. fifth. Checkmate
Game XII.
Won by M. Szen of M. Boncourt, the latter playing with White.
WHITE. BLACK.
1. K. P. two. 1. K. P. two.
2. K. B. to Q. B. fourth. 2. Same.
3. K. Kt. to B. third. 3. Q. Kt. to B. third.
4. Q. B. P. one. 4. K. Kt. to B. third.
5. Q. P. one. 5. K. B. to Q. Kt. third.
6. Q. Kt. P. two. 6. Q. R. P. one.
 196

7. Castles. 7. Q. P. one.
8. Q. R. P. two. 8. Castles.
9. Q. B. to K. third. 9. Q. B. to K. third.
10. Q. Kt. to Q. second. 10. K. B. takes B.
11. P. takes B. 11. Q. P. one.
12. K. P. takes P. 12. K. Kt. takes P.
13. B. takes Kt. 13. Q. takes B.
14. Q. Kt. to K. fourth. 14. K. R. to Q.
15. K. Kt. to Kt. fifth. 15. Q. takes P. (a)
10. Q. to K. R. fifth. 16. K. R. P. one.
17. Kt. takes B. 17. P. retakes Kt.
18. Q. to K. Kt. sixth. 18. K. to corner.
19. K. R. to B. seventh. 19. K. R. to K. Kt.
20. Q. R. to K. B. 20. Q. R. to Q. B.
21. K. R. takes K. Kt. P. lb) 21. Q. takes K. P. ch.
22. K. to corner. 22. R. takes R.
23. Q. takes K. P. 23. Q. R. to K. Kt.
24. Kt. to K. B. sixth. 24. Q. to K. seventh.
25. R. to K. Kt. 25. Kt. to Q. (c)
26. Q. to K. R. third. 26. Kt. to K. B. second.
27. Kt. takes R. 27. Rook retakes.
28. Q. to K. sixth. 28. Q. to K. B. seventh.
29. Q. B. P. one. 29. Q. to K. B. fifth.
M. JBoncourt (White) resigns the game.
(a) This move is better at first, than second sight. It allows White to establish
a strong attack.
(b) White commits an error here, which will probably cost him the game.
(c) Should he, instead, take K. Kt. P. with Rook, White Matesin two moves,
by taking Rook with Queen.
Game XIII.
WHITE. BLACK.
1. K. P. two. 1 . Same.
2. K. Kt. to B. third. 2. Q. Kt. to B. third.
3. Q. P. two. 3. Kt. takes P.
4. Kt. takes P. 4. Kt. to K third.
5. K. B. P. two. 5. K. B. to Q. B. fourth.
6. Q. Kt. to B. third. 6. K. Kt. to B. third.
7. K. B. P. one. 7. Kt. to Q. fifth.
8. K. Kt. to Q. third. 8. Q. to K. second.
9. Q. B. to Kt. fifth. 9. Q. P. one.
10. Kt. takes B. 10. P. takes Kt.
11. K. B. to Q. third. 11. K.R. P. one.—This move
is perhaps premature. It allows the Kt. to attack Queen.
12. Kt. to Q. fifth. 12. Q. home.
 197

13. Kt. takes Kt. ch. 13. P. takes Kt.

14. B. to K. B. fourth. 14. Q. to K. second.
15. Castles. 15. Q. B. to Q. second.
16. B. takes B. P. 16. R. to Q. B.
17. B. to K. B. fourth. 17. Q. B. P. one.
18. Q. B. P. one. 18. Kt. takes K. B. P.
19. P. takes Kt. 19. Q. to Q. B. fourth, ch.
20. K. to corner. 20. P. takes B.
21. R. checks. 21. K. to B.
22. Q. takes P. 22. Q. takes K. B. P.
23. Q. to Q. sixth, ch. 23. K. to Kt. second,
24. K. Kt. P. two.—This appears to be a good move; but is,
in reality unsound. It opens White's King to danger.
24. Q. to Q. Kt. fourth. The
best move, were he to check with B, you capture B with Q.
25. B. to K. third. 25. B. checks.
26. K. to Kt. 26. Q. takes Q. Kt. P.
27. Q. to K. Kt. third. 27. Q. R. to Q.
28. B. to Q. fourth. 28. K. R. to K.
29. K. Kt. P. one. 29. K. to R. second—Black
has no better move ; his position was difficult.
30. Q. R. to Q. Kt. 30. Q. takes Q. R. P.
31. K. R. P. two. 31. R. P. takes P.—To waste
time in taking off these Pawns, seems badly judged. It also
opens Black's King to difficulties.
32. P. takes P. 32. Pawn takes P.
33. R. to K. B.—Very well played move; menacing a tre
mendous attack.
33. Q. R. to Q. third.—This
Rook is safely put en prise, as White dare not bring away Queen
to take it. IfWhite check with Q. at R. 3, Rook would now cover.
34. Q. R. to R.—This Rook placed at Q. Kt. 2 would have
changed the fate of the day.
34. Q. to Q. fourth.
35. Q. R. to R. fifth.—Ingenious; but Black will refuse the
proffer.
35. Q. to R. eighth, ch.
36. K. to B. second. 36. Q. to K. R. fourth, (best)
37. R. to K. 37. R. takes R.
38. K. takes R. 38. R. checks.
39. R. covers. 39. Q. to K. R. fifth.
40. Q. takes Q. ch. 40. P. retakes Q.
41. R. takes R. 41. P. takes R.
42. B. takes P.—White might draw the game, were Black's
Pawns differently posited. But their being so far apart, makes
the greater number of points for White to guard ; and renders
defence impossible.
 198

42. K. R. P. one.
43. B. to Kt. eighth. 43. K. to Kt. third.
44. K. to B. second. 44. K. to B. fourth.
45. B. to K. R. second. 45. K. to K. fifth.
The game is forced for Black ; though it was carried many
moves further. On the whole it is an interesting piece of play,
the situations being lively and critical on both sides. At one
time, White had decidedly the better position ; a comfort with
which losers are always glad to hug themselves.

CHESS PROBLEMS;—SOLUTIONS.
Problem XVII.
1. Q. B. to Q. sixth. 1. K. moves.
2. K. to Q. B. sixth. 2. K. moves.
3. K. B. to K. fourth. 3. K. moves.
4. K. to Q. Kt. seventh. 4. K. moves.
5. K. B. to Q. B. sixth, ch., and then P. Mates.
Problem XVIII.
1. Kt. to K. B. seventh. 1. K. moves.
2. Kt. to Q. B. sixth. 2. K. moves.
3. P. one sq. 3. K. moves.
4. K. to R. seventh. 4. K. moves.
5. Kt. to Q. sixth, ch., and then P. Mates.
Ppoblem XIX.
1. Kt. from R. seventh, to K. B. sixth, ch.
1. K. moves.
2. K. to Kt. eighth. 2. K. moves.
3. P. one sq. 3. K. moves.
4. Kt. to K. R. fifth. 4. K. moves.
5. Kt. to K. B. fourth, ch., and then P. Mates.
Problem XX.
1. Kt. from Kt. sixth, to Q. B. eighth ch.
1. K. to R. sq. (A)
2. King moves. 2. K. moves,
3. P. one sq. 3. K. moves.
4. Kt. to Q. R. seventh. 4. K. moves.
5. Kt. to Q. B. sixth, ch., and then Mates with P.—It is to be
remarked, that the Kt. may also be brought to this square by sev
eral other routes, but the result would be similar.
(A)
1. K. toKt. sq.
2. P. one sq. 2. K. moves.
3. Kt. to R. seventh, and forces Mate as before, but earlier.
 199

Problem XXI.
1. Kt. to K. fifth. 1. K. to R. sq. (B)
2. P. one sq. 2. K. moves.
3. K. moves. 3. K. moves.
4. Kt. toK. Kt. fourth. 4. K. moves.
5. Kt. ch., and Mates with P.
(B)
1. K. to Kt. square.
2. P. one sq. 2. K. moves.
3. Kt. to K. Kt- fourth. 3. K. moves.
4. Kt. checks, and Mates with P.
Problem XXII.
1. Kt. to Q. B. sixth, ch. 1. K. to K. sq. (C)
2. K. to Kt. sixth. 2. K. moves.
B. to Q. fifth. 3. K. moves
P. one sq. 4. K. moves.
K. to R. seventh. 5. K. moves.
K. to R. eighth. 6. K. moves.
7. B. to K. fourth. 7. K. moves.
8. B. to K. Kt. sixth, and then P. Mates.
(C)
1. K. to B. sq.
2. K. to Kt. sixth. 2. K. moves.
3. K. to R. seventh. 3. K. moves.
4. B. to Q. fifth. 4. K. moves.
5. P. one sq. 5. K. moves.
6. B. to K. fourth, and then Mates with P. in two moves.
Problem XXIII.
1. K. to B. seventh. 1. K. moves.
2. P. one sq. 2. K. moves.
3. B. to Q. sixth. 3. K. moves.
4. B. to K. B. eighth. 4. K. moves.
5. B. checks, and Mates with P.
Problem XXIV.
1. K. to Kt. sixth. 1. K. moves.
2. B. to Q. sixth. 2. K. moves.
3. P. one sq. 3. K moves.
4. B. to Q. R. third. 4. K. moves.
5. B. to Q. B. sq. 5. K. moves.
6. B. to K. R. sixth. 6. K. moves.
7. IB. checks, and then P. Mates.
ENGLISH DRAUGHTS;—SITUATIONS.
No. 13.— White to win.
 THE

PHILIDORIAN.

No. 6. [MAY] 1838.

CHESS.—NEW VARIATION, AND DEFENCE, OF

THE EVANS OPENING.

There is a fashion in Chess, as well as in everything else, and

Captain Evans' Opening is decidedly the one at present most in
vogue, with the higher circle of players.
The following outline of a defence to the Evans Gambit is by
Mr. B., a distinguished player, and a member of the Edinburgh
Club. The accompanying remarks are our own. It will be
seen that this defence is not general, but applicable solely
to one particular mode of attack ; which, in our belief, it
certainly foils. The inference is, that the first player must
change his tactics, and try to strengthen his previous moves, or
the opening must be abandoned ; but all this we shall notice in
detail, beginning with the preliminary moves which constitute
the Evans Game.
WHITE. BLACK.
1. K. P. two. 1. Same.
2. K. Kt. to B. third. 2. Q. Kt. to B. third.
3. K. B. to Q. B. fourth. 3. Same.
4. Q. Kt. P. two. 4. B. takes Kt. P.
5. Q. B. P. one. The Evans Opening is now perfected, and
the parties join issue thereon accordingly.
5. B. to R.fourth.—Whether
the Bishop should be played to this, or to the B. fourth, is
foreign to the question here. The authors of the attack, the
defence of which is developed in the present essay, presume
Black's sixth move to be as now given.
2 B
 202
6. Castles.—We may here hint that to deploy the Q. P. two,
is also good play, though rarely adopted. If the K. P. take,
you retake with Kt.
6. K. Kt. to B. third.—This,
and Black's seventh move, are decidedly the best he can play.
7. Kt. to K. Kt. fifth.—This, and the subsequent advance of
K. B. P., are advised as the best means of continuing the attack,
by every writer who has hitherto broached the subject. After
going through Mr. B.'s defence, we fancy it will be universally
admitted that White must here " try back ;" and push the Q.
P. 2., as his strongest move.
7. Castles (best.)
8. K. B. P. two. 8. Q. P. two (best.)
9. K. P. takes Q. P. (best). 9. K. Kt. takes P.—This,
and all Black's subsequent moves, are the best that can be
found. It is equally presumed that White has never the choice
of other moves, than those given. Black purposely reserves
giving the check with Bishop.
10. Q. B. to R. third. 10. Kt. takes K. B. P.—This
is the new move on which the defence turns.
Should White now take Rook with Bishop, Black captures
Kt. with Q., and wins the game. There are, therefore, but
three things worthy of notice for White, at this stage ; and these
are:—
No. 1. R. takes Kt. (best.)
No. 2. K. R. P. two.
No. 3. Kt. takes K. B. P.
These three several means of resource we proceed to analyze
in rotation ; beginning with No. 1, because it seems the strongest.
No. 1
WHITE. BLACK.
11. R. takes Kt. 11. Q. takes Kt.
12. R. to K. B. 12. B. checks.
13. K. to corner (Var. A.) 13. Kt. to Q. R. fourth.—This
is better than Q. B. to K. 3, or Kt. to K. 2.
14. B. takes R. 14. Kt. takes B.
15. Should you retreat B. to Q. Kt. 4, he pushes Q. R. P. 2;
so you may as well at once play
B. to Q. R. third. 15. Q. B. to K. third.
The second player has, so clearly, a game won by its nature,
that we need carry it out no further. White's men are com
pletely locked up ; he has not indeed a move on the board, and
the more we examine the position, the more convinced become
we of his inevitable defeat, with equal play.
 203

VARIATION A.

Position of the Pieces.

WHITE. BLACK.
13. Q. P. two. 13. Kt. to Q. R. fourth.—For
the sake of. variety, Black might risk retreating this Kt. to K. 2,
but we doubt its being equally "Chess."
14. B. takes R. 14. Kt. takes B.
15. B. to Q. B. fifth. 15. B. takes B.
16. P. takes B. 16. Q. B. to K. third.—It is
not certain that Black might not find out something stronger,
with much analysis ; but this appears winning. Observe, that
should White now push up Q. R. P. two, Black checks with Q.,
and takes Pawn at Q. B. 4r remaining with a decided numeri
cal superiority.
17. Q. to Q. B. 17. Q. takes Q.
18. R. takes Q. 18. R. to Q.
Black, being secure of gaining at least another Pawn, may be
allowed to retire, upon this occasion, with the assurance of
having, what writers term, " the better game."
 204

No. 2.—Position of the Pieces.

WHITE. BLACK.

11. K. R. P. two.—The Queen attacks Knight, and you thus

defend it.
11. K. R. P. one.—Should
White now capture Rook, you gain in exchange, by taking Kt.,
a minor piece and three Pawns ; being surely more than an
equivalent.
12. Kt. takes K. B. P. 12. R. takes Kt.
13. B. takes R. ch. 13. King retakes B.
14. K. Kt. P. one. 14. B.to Kt.3.ch.—At length
Black determines on giving the check.
15. Q. P. two.—White's best move : since if you play King
upon R. file, Black may move Q. to Q. second ; or may retreat
King to Kt., and you would not dare to take Kt. with P., as Q.
could take your K. R. P. .
15. Q. Kt. takes Q. P.
16. K. Kt. P. takes Kt. 16. Kt. to Q.B. seventh dis. ch.
Black's 16th move appears to be his strongest, and White
cannot long protract defeat.
 205
No. 3.
CFor the position of the pieces, see Diagram prefixed to No. 2.J
WHITE. BLACK.
11. Kt. takes K. B. P. 11. R. takes Kt.
12. B. takes R. ch. (Var. B.) 12. K. takes B.
13. K. Kt. P. one. 13. Q. to K. Kt. fourth.
14. K. to corner.—It does not appear that White's checking
at Q. Kt. 3, would be of service.
14. Q. B. to K. third.
15. Q. to K. B. third. 15. Q. home.—Threatening to
place Bishop at Q. 4.
16. Q. to K. R. fifth, ch. 16. K. to Kt.
17. P. takes Kt. 17. Q. to Q. sixth.—This wins
the game White has not a move on the board worth looking at.
VAR. B
CPosition of the Pieces.J

■ i 11 ■ 1 11 i

jp&jjj ■
mm nip
B 1 (m mm

' flu | to ■ ■

^^^^

mmm IB

WHITE. BLACK.
12. Q. to Q. Kt. third. 12. Q. to K.—We once, in
playing this opening with the White pieces, against M. Szen, the
Hnngarian, carried out the present variation to the actual point
before us. M. Szen, on his twelfth move, however, with Black,
first checked with Bishop, before moving Q. to K. sq. The
student may compare both methods.
 206
13. B. takes R. ch.—Unless White take Rook, the Kt. would
retreat to K. 3.
13. Q. takes B.
14. Q. takes Q. ch. 14. King retakes.
16. K. Kt. P. one. 15. B. checks.
16. Q. P. two.—Should K. retreat to corner, you win by play
ing B. to R. 6.
16. Q. B. to R. sixth.
17. R. to K. B. second. 17. Kt. takes Q. P.
18. Q. B. P. takes Kt. 18 K. B. takes P.
19. P. takes Kt. 19. B. takes Q. R.
20. P. takes P. ch. 20. K. moves, and wins.
Black probably removes K. to K. 3 ; but it is clear his two
Pawns ought to give him the victory. This is not an opening, in
which, the second player can expect to find a defence which will
enable him to Mate his adversary in a dozen or two moves. If
he can be shown his path out of the maze, and is enabled to
carry off a brace of Pawns safely, no further demonstration of
superiority can reasonably be looked for, in analysis.

GAME OF CHESS FOR FOUR PLAYERS, WITH TWO

SETS OF MEN ON ONE BOARD.

We are no great admirers, in general, of new varieties of

Chess, believing the ordinary mode of playing the game to be
morally unimprovable ; yet the game for four, coming as it does,
rather under the description of being merely an extension, than
an alteration, of the orthodox sport, meets with our heartiest
approbation. We have been invited by several correspondents
to furnish the rules of Chess for four, but find them so fully
laid down in a " wee" pamphlet lately sent us, that we transcribe
the entire of the work, with the author's kind permission* In
the course of our " Chess experience," we have met with several
other modes in which four players can participate at the same
time, in one game ; but all these are far inferior to the follow
ing ; the invention of which is, we believe, primarily due to the
Germans.

* Complete Rules for Playing the New Game of Chess for four persons, with
two sets of men, on one board.—London, Sherwin, Great Queen Street, 1837.
 207

THE GAME OF CHESS FOR FOUR, &c.

The game of Chess for four persons is played on a board of

one hundred and sixty squares. The following diagram repre
sents the board and men on beginning a game.
B. BLACK MEN.

A. WHITE MEN.
 208
From this sketch it will be seen that each of the four players
has a set of men placed as indicated. We suppose the players
to be A. B. C, and D, and that the four colours used are white,
black, red and green. It is right to observe, that in all points,

laws laid down by Philidor, Walker, and other writers. We

proceed to point out the exceptions.
A and B play with the White and Black pieces, in partnership,
against C and D, to whom are appropriated the Green and Red.
The partners sit oppodffe to each other.*
The pieces are the same in number, but their position is slightly
different, at beginning, to what it is in the ordinary game. The
only difference, however, relates to the relative situations of the
Kings and Queens, and this will be best gathered from the
foregoing pictured representation. In the game of Chess for
two, the Kings and Queens face each other ; but here the King
faces the Queen, and so on. It is obvious that two of the play
ers will have a white square at their right hand corner of the
board, and two will have a black one. At the beginning of
each game, the four players draw lots for the first move.
The move passes round, in turn, always to the left hand ; thus,
if A play first, C follows ; then B, and lastly D. Each player
supports and assists his confederate to the utmost, while he
opposes the two adverse parties indiscriminately.
The Kings of the partners may move on to adjoining squares,
and, of course, can go freely into the range of any of their
partner's pieces. A Queen, or other piece, cannot assume the
state of giving check to the partner's King ; towards which, as
towards her own, all hostile properties lie dormant. This rule
equally applies to all the Chess-men.
No player is allowed to move a piece or Pawn, the removal of
which would open his partner's King to a check from either of
the hostile powers ; any more than he may uncover his own
King to a similar check.
Each player supports his partner in an attack ; thus- should
A put a Queen en prise of D's King, unsupported, and should
C be unable to take her, or otherwise provide for the check,—
B may support the Queen, and even give Mate, in this cora-

The Pawns can only move one square each time, and not two
squares the first move, as in the ordinary game.

* The partners are rigorously interdicted, as at Whist, from intimating aught

to each other, either by word, look, or gesture.
 209
It is the general rule to disallow Castling, altogether, in the
game for four. With some persons, however, it is the custom
to adopt it. There being a difference of opinion upon the point,
it is best to arrange before hand respecting it. It is by far the
best plan to prohibit Castling, as the game is in itself sufficiently
complicated.
The Pawns do not become pieces, when they reach the oppo
site end squares of the board ; such squares being friendly
squares, because in the territory of the partner. But on a
Pawn's attaining any one of the extreme hostile line of squares,
right or left, it becomes a Queen. Thus A can only Queen a
Pawn by getting it on to one of the end squares of D or C,—
such squares being the edge line of the board. It is evident
from this, that a Pawn can only Queen through making repeated
captures ; since unless in the act of taking, it cannot move
diagonally.
When a Pawn has attained either one of the ultimate squares
of the board, belonging to your partner, such Pawn remains
there as a Pawn, and moves back again, as a Pawn, one square
at a time, in the same direction ; that is, towards you. A Pawn,
therefore, which has reached either one of the eight ultimate
friendly squares, should be marked in some way, to show that it
has exchanged its own line of march for a power exclusively of
backward motion. Should such Pawn return to the line from
which it originally started, it moves forward again, as it did
at first.
As the partners sit opposite, it sometimes happens that their
Pawns meet on the board. In every such case, they are allowed
to leap over the friendly Pawn ; and place themselves, on the
move, upon the square beyond ; always preserving their forward,
or backward motion, as the case may be; but never leaving
their file, save to make a prisoner. The player will soon be
come accustomed to these little peculiarities.
The game is only won when the two partners are checkmated.
Should one be checkmated, and the other be stalemated, the
game is drawn, as if both were stalemated.
Should a player be checkmated, his pieces are not removed
from the board, but must remain in the same position, his part
ner continuing the fight single-handed. Of course, while check
mated, he cannot move, and therefore misses his turn. His
partner may at any time relieve him, if he can, from the check
mate, in the event of doing which, his pieces regain life, and he
again moves in his turn. As, while one is checkmated, the ene
my moves twice for once, it is seldom that a checkmate can be
relieved, if it has stood more than one move. While a player is
in checkmate, his pieces cannot be taken by the adversary, but
 210
they remain in the same position. In this case, they present a
species of " Caput mortuum," devoid of all offending properties ;
thus, should the squares be open, the adverse Pawns, or pieces,
may move between them ; going into their check, or range,
with impunity. They still, however, offer the inert resistance of
a lifeless mass, by blocking up the squares they actually occupy,
&c.
The principle of playing this game well, is, in directing the
attack to the right hand in preference to the left. For as the
move passes round to the left, you thus have the chance of your
partner's support. For example, A having to play, attacks D
rather than C : being assured, by this, of two hostile moves
against D ; while the latter, until it is his own turn to play,
can only divert the attack by the one intermediate move of his
partner C. A skilful player by thus attacking his right-hand
adversary, frequently secures, through the co-operation of his
partner, not only the simple capture of a man, but even the
giving of checkmate. When you find that your partner, acting
on this, has attacked his right hand adversary, you support him
in the best mode you can. In such case, your attack is of course
directed against your left hand adversary, but this attack is
rather of a secondary, than primary nature, since it does not
originate with you.
It would be out of place in this brief outline of the game, to
attempt more than general description. The game of Chess for
four is rarely adopted but by tolerably good Chess players, and it
is pretty clear that those who play the common game best, are
most likely to excel in this new variety. The game of Chess for
four, is advancing daily in fashion and favour with the British
public. It takes in players of every grade ; for a good player
with a less skilful partner, are equally matched against a similar
couple ; and the less scientific have thus an opportunity of play
ing in consort with those of greater skill. In so doing, it is
belived much instruction is derivable, and it is anticipated that
the extension of a knowledge of the game for four, will thus
contribute in no mean degree to promote the wider diffusion of
the finest intellectual recreation yet devised,—Chess.

ENGLISH DRAUGHTS.—SOLUTIONS.
No. 13. 6, 10. 15, 6.
12, 8. 11, 4. 23, 19. 30, 16.
16, 11, and wins. 20, 18. 17, 22,best.
No. 14. 18, 25. 13, 17.
1, 6. 9, 13. 25, 21. 17, 22,
30, 25. 21, 30, draws.
 CHESS PROBLEMS.
No. 33.—By F. L. Slous, Esq.— This arose out of a position
which occurred in play.

White to Mate in Seven Moves.

No. 34. —By — Herring, Esq.

White Mates in Four Moves.

 No. 35.—By — Herring, Esq.

White played Kt. to K. R. fourth,—Black then took the Kt. with

Pawn, on which White Mates in Six Moves. ( Two useless
sacrifices are not computed.J
No. 36.—By R. Brown, Esq. of Leeds.

White to Mate in Five Moves.

No. 37.—By I. Piercy, Esq.

White to Mate in Four Moves.

No. 38.—By I. Piercy, Esq.

White to Mate in Six Moves.

 214

CHESS PROBLEMS.—SOLUTIONS.
Problem XXV.
1. B. to K. seventh, dis. ch. 1. B. takes Q. (best.)
2. R. to B. eighth, ch. 2. K. to Kt. second.
3. B. checks at B. sixth, and whichever Rook he takes, Mate
is given with the survivor.
Problem XXVI.
1. Q. to Q. R. second ch., then checks with Kt ; subsequently
sacrificing Queen for Q. P., and Mating with Rook.
Problem XXVII.
1. Kt. to K. third, ch. 1. K. moves.
2. Kt. to Kt. fourth, ch. 2. K. moves.
3. B. takes P. ch. 3. P. takes B.
4. Kt. to K. third, ch. 4. K. moves.
5. Kt. takes P. ch. 5. K. moves.
6. Kt. checks at K. 3, then at Kt. 4, and Mates with P.
Problem XXVIII.
1. B. checks. ]. K. to Kt.
2. R. checks. 2. R. takes R.
3. Q. to Q. fifth, ch. 3. R. covers.
4. Q. takes other R. ch. 4. R. covers.
5. Q. takes P. ch. 5. R. covers.
6. Queen checks at R. 8, then at Q. 5, and Mates with R.
Problem XXIX.
J. Rook ch. 1. K. moves.
2. Q. to K. sixth, ch. 2. B. takes Q.
3. P. retakes ch. 3. K. takes P.
4. B. to Q. B. fourth, ch. 4. K. moves.
5. R. checks. 5. If he take P., you check
with Kt. and Mate with R.,and if, instead, he move to K. third,
you give double check by playing R. to Q. sixth, and Mate at K.
sixth.
Problem XXX.
1. Kt. from B. 5, to K. 7, ch. 1. K. to Q.—If he play K.
to Kt., or to Q. 2, you Mate in two moves.
2. Kt. checks. 2. K. to Q. second, (best.)
- 3. B. checks. 3. K. takes Kt.
4. Kt. to K. seventh, ch. 4. K. to Kt. fourth.
5. B. ch. at Q. 3, and Mates with Kt.
 215
Problem XXXI.
1 . Kt. to K. seventh, ch. 1 . K. to B. third, (best.)
2. R. checks. 2. P. takes R.
3. Q. to Q. 6, ch. ; then checks with P., and Mates by taking
P. with Kt.
Problem XXXII.
1. B. checks. 7. K. to Kt. second.
2. Q. to K. eighth, ch. 8. K to corner.
3. Q. to Q. eighth. 9. Q. R. P. mores.
4. K. to K. fifth. 10. Q. to Q. Kt. sixth, ch.
5. K. to B. fourth. 11. Q. to Q. B. sixth.
6. K. to Kt. third. 12. B. to K. Kt., whereupon
Black is compelled to take Queen, and give Mate.
Problem XXXIII.
1. Q. to K. eighth, ch. 1. Q. covers. (A)
2. Q. takes Q. ch. 2. B. takes Q.
3. B. checks. 3. Kt. to Kt. second.
4. K. B. P. one. 4. Kt. removes.
5. P. on, dis. ch. 5. Kt. to Kt. second.
6. P. takes B., and on R. retaking, Kt. Mates.
A.
1. K. moves.
2. P. checks. 2. Should K. take Kt., you
check with Q. at B. 8, and after capturing the interposed Kt.,
check with K. Kt. P., and Mate with Q.
If Kt. take P., you check with
Kt. at B. fifth, and Mate, taking Queen, with the other Kt.
2. K. takes P.
3. Q to B. 8, ch. (best.) 3. Q. covers.
4. Kt. to Kt. fourth, ch. 4. K. to K. third.
5. Q. Mates at Q. sixth.
Problem XXXIV.
1. Q. to B. sixth, ch. 1. Q. takes Q.
2. Kt. P. retakes ; then checks with R.., and gives Mate with
Kt.
Problem XXXV.
1. Q. to Kt. seventh ch. 1. R. takes Q.
2. R. P. retakes, ch. 2. K. moves.
3. Kt. to K. B. fifth. 3. R. P. one.
 216
4. Kt. takes P. ch. 4. K. to R. second.
5. P. Queens, and then Mates.
Problem XXXVI.
1. Q. to B. eighth, ch. 1. K. moves.
2. Q. to K. R. eighth, ch. 2. K. to Kt. fourth, (hest.)
3. R. checks. 3. P. covers, (best.)
4. R. takes P., ch., and Mates next move.
Problem XXXVII.
Kt. takes P., ch., then checks with R. at B. 5, and with Q. at
K. 6,—Mating with Kt.
Problem XXXVIII.
1. Q. to Kt. seventh, ch. 1. R. takes Q. (best.)
2. P. takes R. dis. ch. 2. Q. covers, (best.)
3. R. takes Q. ch. 3. K. moves.
4. R. checks. 4. K. moves.
5. Kt. ch., and R. Mates.

POLISH DRAUGHTS.—SOLUTIONS.

No. 17. No. 19.

24, 20. 15, 24. 43, 39. 34, 32.
35, 30. 25, 45. 49, 44. 50, 28.
44, 40. 45, 34. 41, 37. 32, 41.
36, 31. 27, 36. 31, 27. 22, 31.
47, 41. 36, 47. 40, 34. 29, 40.
43, 39. 47, 44. 35, 15, takes 8 Pawns
49, 18, takes 9, & wins. and Queen ; passing over 44,
No. 18. 22, 13, 2, 11, 22, 36, 47, & 15.

41, 37. 31, 44. No. 20.

43, 39. 44, 22. 21, 16. 29, 49.
36, 31. 27, 36. 26, 21. 35, 24.
23, 19. 14, 23. 32, 28. 23, 34.
29, 9, wins, taking six. 17, 12. 6, 37.
12, 3. 49, 21.
3, 40, wins, remaining
withQ. & 1 P. against 3 P. only.
 217

A BIBLIOGRAPHICAL CATALOGUE OF PRINTED

BOOKS, AND WRITERS, ON CHESS,
UP TO THE PRESENT TIME,

BY GEORGE WALKER.
Of the various branches of book-knowledge, none have been
hitherto more imperfectly illustrated than that of Chess. With
the exception of the catalogues given by Hoeck, Clodius, and
Cochrane, the collector has no data on which to found his re
searches ; but stumbles on, purchasing in the dark : and of
course frequently led to attach great value to publications com
paratively worthless. It has been my aim to fill up this " hiatus "
in bibliography, with a brief, but concise, notice of all existing
works on Chess, up to the present date ; compiled, not from the
labours of others, but from personal experience and research.
Most of the books are, indeed, in my own possession ; collected
at some cost of time, and patience, during the last ten years.
Chess manuscripts would require the pen of a Madden, or a
Lowndes, to do them justice; and I therefore presume not to
set my foot on so holy a ground.
A more extended critical account of each volume would be de
sirable, but my limits have been necessarily circumscribed. In
point of fact, I commenced a similar notice of Chess-books, in
1830, in a magazine, called " the Bibliographical and Retrospect
ive Miscellany ; " but the work was stopt after two or three
numbers.
I have found considerable difficulty in drawing the line as to
the exclusion or admissibility of various writers. Hundreds of
authors, from James the second, down to a greater man, Walter
Scott, make frequent allusions to Chess, but cannot hence be
properly defined as writers on the subject. In Burtou's History
of Leicestershire we meet with a long notice of the game, but I
have not thought fit to quote the volume. Compilations, in
cluding various sports, of the nature of Hoyle, The Boy's Own
Book, The Book of Games, or the Sportman's Dictionary ; En
cyclopedias, Magazines, and Newspapers, I have mostly passed
over. In the mathematical works of Euler, Ozanam, Guyot,
and others, articles on Chess are introduced, as well as in the
Reports of the Transactions of various learned societies; in
cluding the Asiatic Researches, the Acta Eruditorum Lipsiae,
&c. ; but such quotations of authors as I have made from similar
publications, form exceptions to my general rule of guidance.
 218
To many anonymous books, and pamphlets, I have attached the
names of the writers, and have endeavoured always to give the
number of pages, as a fair indication of size. I mostly name the
printer, and the different editions of each volume ; but, in some
instances, this is impossible fully to do ; as in the cases of Phili-
dor and Greco. For all additions to the list, I shall feel thank
ful; and, in justice to myself, I cannot help adding, I have a
right to expect that all writers on bibliography, whether in Eng
land, France, or Germany, who may think fit justly to avail
themselves, in this narrow walk, of my humble labours, will do
me the honour to acknowledge their source of information.
17, Soho Square, May, 1838.
(A>.
Aben Ezra, R. Abr.—Carmina Rythmica de Ludo Shahmat
SEU SHAHILUIHO, II. ABRAHAM, AbEK-EzRJE, BEATiE MEMO-
RUE.
A Hebrew poem of 75 lines, given in Dr. Hyde's work, with
a Latin translation.—It was also printed with other Hebrew
tracts, 1702, 8vo.—Reland's Analectica Rabbinica contains
the life of Aben Ezra; he died A.I>. 1174.
Aben Ezra.— Neuerbffnete Kunststucke des Schachspiels von
dem beruhmten Rabbinen und Cabbalisten Abraham Ben
Esra geschrieben, nun aber zum Dienst und Nutzen dieses
Spiels ins Teutsche ubersetzet. Frankfurt und Leipzig,
1743. 8vo.
Academie univeselle des jeux.—Paris and Amsterdam, 1718,
1725, 1730, 1752, 1786, 3 torn. 12mo.
A similar work to Hoyle's Games, but on a larger scale.
Under the head of Chess, we find the treatises of Greco and
Philidor ; the former in the first editions of the " Academie ;"
the latter in those of a more recent date.—The best edition
I have seen, is called " Nouvelle Academie des jeux. 3 vols.
A Lyons, chez Leroy, 1810. To enumerate every edition,
were impracticable and unnecessary.
Actius, Thomas.—Foromsemproniensis, de ludo Scacchorum
in legali methodo, ubi variae qucestiones legales tractantur
causa dictu Judi. Pisauri apud Hieronymum Concordiam.
1583. 4to —Also in Tom. VIII, Tract. Univ. Juris, p. 168.
Abenstein (C. W. Von).—Das Schach—und Tokkategli—Spiel,
&c. Berlin; Gottfr. Hayn, 1810, 8vo. pp. 84.
Ala-Eddin, Tabrizensis, Commentarius de ludo Schatrangi, liber
Arabicns.—See Timuri Hist. Arab. p. 428, Lugd. Bat. 1636.
4to.
Academie des jeux (Nouvelle), par C. B., Amateur. Paris*
Hubert, 1818, 8vo. pp. 300.
 219
Albers H. C.—Unterricht im Schachspiel, mit zwei arten Schach,
zu vier Spielern so wie mit dem verbesserten Courier-spiele,
vermehrt von H. C. Albers. Lüneburg ; Herold und Wahl
stab. 1821. 8vo. pp. 40.—There exist several previous edi
tions; the present is edited by D. Eveiing.
Allen, Lake, wrote four papers on Chess, assisted by Sir
Frederick Madden, inserted in the New Monthly Magazine
for 1822, vol. IV., pp. 316, 320, 495, 502 ; vol. V., pp. 125,
130, 315, 320.
Al-Damiri. Liber Arabicus de Shahiludio.—See Hyde, Bk. 1,
p. 182.
Al-Razi. Liber Arabicus Apologeticus, pro ludentibus Al-Sha-
trangi.—See Hyde, Bk. 1, p. 182.—Hyde also quotes him as
the author of a work in Arabic, called " De Arte Nerdiludii.
Al-Suli. Liber Arabicus de Shahiludio.—See Hyde.
Ahmedis Arabsiad^ Vitje et Berum Gestarum Timuri, qui
vulgo Tamerlanas dicitur, Historia, Latine vertit et annota-
tiones adjecit Manger, Arab. et Latin. 3 vols. 4to. Leovar-
dia, 1747.
Allgaier, Johann. Neue theoretisch praktische Anweisung
zum Schach-spiele, Wien, Rötzl, 1795, and 1802; reprinted
1811 and 1823, 8vo. Another edition was printed at Vienna,
by Haas, 1825, 8vo. One edition, I have, bears the imprint
of "Wien and Prag, bey C. Haas," 1823. 8vo. pp. 189, and
numerous folding plates. There are several very recent
editions of Allgaier, who ranks as tbe German Philidor ; his
play however was far superior to his book. The last edition
is edited by M. C. de Santo Vito.—Wien, Verlag der Carl
Haas' chen Buckhandlung, 1834, 8vo. pp. 222, with the same
folding plates used in previous editions. This book contains
some additional matter, particularly three games described
by M. Santo Vito, as having been played in Vienna by first-
rate players.
Amateurs. Traite theorique et pratique du jeu des Echecs, par
une societe d' Amateurs. Paris, Stoupe, 1775, and 1786.
12mo. pp. 412.—This work was composed by a society of
Amateurs, who frequented the Cafe de la Regence, and
amongst whom were many skilful players ; particularly Car
rier, Leger, Bernard, and Verdoni. The Traite des Amateurs
is translated into German, as follows :—
Theoretisch-pracktisch er Unterricht im Schachspiele von
einer Gesellschaft von Liebhabern, aus dem Französischen
iibersezt und mit den hundert Spielen des Phillipp Stamma
vermehrt. Berlin, Nicolai, 1780. 8vo. pp. 430.
Anastasia und das Schachspiel. Briefe aus Italien vom Ver
fasser der Ardinghello Frankfurt, Varrentrapp, 1803.—
Boselli, 1815. 8vo. 2 vol.
 220
A Translation, in an epistolary form, of Dr. Ercole del Rio.
The author's name was Heinse.
Anastasia en het Schaakspel brieven int Italien van den Schrijver
van Ardinghello. Door I. T. Boogard. (2 vol.) Te Alk-
maar, ter Drukkerij von L. Harencarspel, 1819, 8vo. pp.
181 and 214.
Andra, H. F. Das Schachspiel mit historischen bemerkungen er-
lautert und zum gebrauch sowohl fur Anfanger als geiibtere
Freunde desselben pracktish ausgearbitet. Halle, Hendels,
1796.
Alberti, I. I. Leichtfacklicher, pracktischer Unterricbt Zur
Erlernung des Schachspiels, &c. Leipzig; Gottfr. Baffe.
I829, 8vo. pp. 81.
Azevedo. Jeu des Echecs, ou parties du Calabrois et de Stam
ina, arrangees avec une notation facile ; par M. Azevedo.
Bordeaux, 1833, 12mo.
Anweisung Zum Schachspiel, nebst critick desselben und Ideen
zu einem neuen Schachspiel, welches von maschinen nicht
nachgeahmt werden Kann.—Von F. v. R., mit 1 Kupfer und
2 holzschnitten. MUnchen, 1820. 8vo. pp. 148.
Alexandre, A. Encyclopedic des Echecs, ou Resume comparatif
en tableaux synoptiques des meilleurs ouvrages ecrits sur ce
jeu par les auteurs Frangais et etrangers, tant anciens que
modernes &c.—Paris : D'Urturbie, Worms et Co., also Cau-
sette, &c. 1837. Folio, 53 large charts ; including the works
of forty different Chess authors.
This immense volume presents a monument of patient and
useful industry on the part of the author.
Anweisung, Deutliche, vom Schachspiel, daraus man selbstalle
Vortheile und handgriffe ohne anfuhrung elernen, mit sich
selbst spielen, und sich perfectionniren Kann (ohne Druck-
ort), 1740. 8vo.
Automaton Chess-Player (Kempelen's). — Etwas fiber den
Kempelischen Schachspieler, eine gruppe philosophischer
Grillen. Frankfurt, 1783. 8vo.—Written by Professor
Ostertag.
— Windisch, K. G. Von, Briefe uber den Schachspieler des
Herrn von Kempelen, nebst 3 Kupferstichen, die diese
beriihmte Maschine vorstellen.—Herausgegeben von Chris
tian von Mechel. Basel, 1783. 8vo.
— Windisch. Lettresde Mons. Charles GotliebDe, surleJoueur
d' Echecs de M. Kempelen, traduction libre de l'allemand.
par Chretien de Mechel. A. Basle; chez l'editeur, 1783.
8vo. pp. 56.—With three very fine folding plates.
— Hypothetische Erklarung des beiiheten mechanischen
Schachspielers des Herrn von Kempelen, von I. L. Bokmann,
 221
in Posselt's Wissenchaftlichern Magazine, fiir Aufkloeriing,
1 heft. Kehl. 1785.
K. F. Hindenburg Ub. d. Schachspieler d. Hrn. v. Kempe-
len. Leipzig, Muller, 1784. 8vo.
An account of inanimate reason. Lond. 1784. 8vo.
The Speaking Figure, and the Automaton Chess-player, ex
posed and detected. London : Stockdale, 1784. 8vo. pp. 20.
Written by Mr. Philip Thicknesse. The frontispiece gives
a view of the speaking figure, a deception of the same genus
as the Automaton Chess-player.
I. Jac. Ebert, Nachr. v. d. ber Schachsp. u.d.Sprachmasch.
d. Hrn. v. Kempelen. Leipzig, Muller, 1785. 8vo.
Jos. F. Frhr. v. Racknitz Ub d. Schachspieler d. Hrn. v.
Kempelen u. dessen Nachbild. Leipzig and Dresden, Breit-
kopf, 1789. 8vo.
Lettres sur un Automate qui joue aux echecs. Presburg et
Vienne, 1770. 8vo.
Observations sur l'Automate, Joueur des Echecs, qu' on
montre actuellement a Londres.—See vol. V. of " La Biblio-
teque Universelle. a Geneve, 1809."
Observations on the Automaton Chess-player, now exhibited
in London, at Spring Gardens. By an Oxford Graduate.
London : Hatchard, 1819. 8vo. pp. 32.
Taruffi, Gius. Ant. Lettera sopra il famoso Automa giuca-
tore di Scacchi di Kempelen, e Elogio Ab. G. A. Taruffi, per
Sig. Car. Gio. Gherardo.—De Rossi, Roma. Ant. Fulgoni,
1786, p. 27.
Selection of fifty games, from those played by the Automaton
Chess-player, during its exhibition in London, in 1820; ta
ken down, by permission of Mr. Maelzel, at the time they
were played. London: Sold at the Exhibition Room, No.
29, St. James' Street, and by A. Maxwell, Bell Yard, Lin
coln's Inn, 1820. 12mo. pp. 76.
The editor of this volume was Mr. W. Hunneman, and
the games were played on the part of the Automaton by
Mons. Mouret, a first-rate player; who gave the odds of
Pawn-and-move to all comers. Those games played against
Messrs. Cochrane, Brand, and Mercier, are the best in this
selection.
Robert Willis, of the University, Cambridge.—An attempt
to analyse the Automaton Chess-player of Mr. De Kempelen,
with an easy method of imitating the movements of that
celebrated figure. Illustrated by original drawings. Lon
don : Booth, 1821. 8vo. pp. 40; with an appendix on the
move of the Knight.
The Automaton was directed by a person concealed within
 222
the figure. Sir David Brewster has copied his account of
the Automaton from this work, in his clever publication on
" Natural Magic."—Mons. De Crempt, in his " Magie
Blanche," supposes that the concealed person was a child, or
dwarf ; hut such was not the fact. For further information
respecting the Automaton, see Leipziger Magazin, 1784>—
Lichtenberg's Magazin, 3 band. 2 st. &c.—Literatur und
Biicherkunde III. p. 170. —Hessische Beitrage, 3 W. p.
475.—Acta Lipsiorum,—Eckartshausen's Aufschliisse zur
Magie. 3 Thl. Munchen, 1791, p. 363.—Halle's Magie, 3
Thl. Berlin, 1785 and 1790. Jacobson's technologisches
Wbrterbuch, Berlin, 1794.—Repository of Arts, &c. Lond.
1819.—The Palamede, vol. 1,—and numerous other publica
tions. The Automaton Chess-player was constructed by De
Kempelen, in 1769, and when last exhibited in London, be
longed to Mr. Maelzel, who took it to the United States,
where it is still to be seen. I understand that an exact
counterpart, which possesses the additional qualification of
playing Whist, has been fabricated by an ingenious Ame
rican.
— Letters of Mr. Charles Gottlieb de Windisch, on the Autom
aton Chess-plaper of Mr. de Kempelen, &c. Translated by
M. S. N. from the German of Chretien de Mechel. London :
Brown, 1819. 8vo. pp. 35.
Averanii, Jos., Dissertatio de Calculorum seu latrunculorum
ludo. v. in Miscellanea di varie operette, tom. 8. 461.
Aylward, Simon, has been erroneously represented as an author
on Chess, by every writer on bibliography. In point of fact,
he merely made a copy of Jacobus de Cessolis, which MS. is
in the library of Magdalen College, Oxford.
Anweisung Zum Vierschachspiel von Enderleik, Berlin, Laue,
1826. 8vo.
Archiv der Spiel, — Berlin, bei Ludwig Wilhelm Wittich,
1819. 12mo. 3 vol.
A miscellaneous collection of games, including Chess in
all its varieties.
(B.) -
Balmford, Jac, On various Games, including Chess. London,
1623. 8vo.
Barbeyrac, Jean. Traits du Jeu, Amst. 1709. 8vo. 3 vol. and
Amst. Pierre Humbert, 1737. 12mo. 2 vol.—See Book III,
vol. II. This work exists in many editions. It is similar
in its design to that of Thiers. It was republished in Ger
many, at Bremen, in 1740. 8vo.
Bertin, Captain Joseph. The noble game of Chess, contain
 223
ing rules and instructions, for the use of those who have
already a little knowledge of this game. London, printed
by H. Woodfall, for the author, and sold only at Slaughter's
Coffee House, in St. Martin's Lane. 1735. Small Svo. pp.
78.—A scarce and curious publication.
Babbier, Joseph. The famovs game of Chesse-playe ; being a
princely exercise ; wherein the learner may profit more by
reading of this small book, than by playing of a thousand
mates. Now augmented of many materiall things, formerly
wanting, and beautified with a three- fold method, viz. of the
Chesse-men, of the Chesse-playe, and of the Chesse-laws.
Printed at London for John Jackson, dwelling without
Temple Barre, 1640. 8vo. 54 leaves.—Also, Lond. 1672.
8vo. pp. 108. Dedicated to the Lady Lucy, Countess of
Bedford.—Barbier's very scarce book is merely a reprint
(with some additions) of Arthur Saul's Chesse-playe. Among
the laws we find " the King may change or shift with either
Rook, at any time ; either before check, in check, or after
check." I suspect this manner of castling would be con
sidered as more convenient than orthodox, if attempted in
the London Chess Club.
Besoldus, Che. Thesaur. Pract. See " Bretsniel, p. 128."—
"Spielen, p. 895."—and " Schachspiel," p. 861. Edit.
Norimberg, 1679. Folio.
Bingham, J. S. The incomparable game of Chess, translated
from the Italian of Dr. Ercole del Rio. Lond. Stockdale,
1820. 8vo. pp. 340. This work is, in fact, a translation of
the 3rd edition of Ponziani, and it appears difficult to ima
gine how the English author could have fallen into the error
of ascribing the book to Del Rio, when at the head of the
3rd critical situation in the original, we find these words,
" By the author of this volume, A. D. C. P." which letters
cannot be construed into any thing like " Ercole del Rio."
Besides, had the translator ever seen the second (and best)
edition, he would have found it there expressly stated, that
the work was written by Ponziani. The name of " Bing
ham" is supposed to be fictitious, and the student will hardly
be compensated for the omission of no less than thirty of
the famous " Semi-centuria di partiti," by the paper on
Chess of Mr. Irwin's, which is here reprinted from the
Transactions of the Irish Academy.
Brunetti, Francesco Saverio. Giuochi delle Minchiate, Om
bre, Scacchi, et altri d'ingegno. Roma, Bernabo, 1747.
8vo.
Beale, Francis. The royall game of Chesse-playe, sometimes
the recreation of the late king, with many of the nobility,
 224
illustrated with almost an hundred Gambetts, being the
study of Biochimo, the famous Italian. London, Henry
Herringman, J 656. 8vo. pp. 122. With a head of Charles
I, to face the title. Mr. Beale's work is, in fact, the trans
lation and first edition of Greco, who is erroneously styled
" Biochimo," instead of " Gioachino." It is dedicated to
the Earl of Lindsey, and contains also a long poetical address
to Dr. Budden. This book is of rare occurrence.
Barringtm, The Hon. Daines.—Historical notices of the game,
. in an erudite paper, printed in vol. IX of the Archaeologia,
pp.16—38; including a letter on the subject from Count
Bruhl.
Buke of ye Chesse (The). Taken from an ancient MS., sup
posed to have been written about the beginning of the 1 6th
century. Privately printed at the Auchinleck Press by
Sir Alexander Boswell. 1818. 4to. 42 leaves, Scottish black
letter. Mr. Lowndes says, there were but forty, copies
printed. I think Sir A. Boswell reprinted it under the
supposition of its being an original MS. written by Sloane,
who finishes thus, "heir endis—ye buke of ye Chesse, script,
per manu lhois Sloane;"—but in fact Sloane translated it
from an old latin MS., of which there are several copies
extant.
Beyer, Aug.—Memoriae Historico—criticoe Librorum Rariorum.
—Dresdae et Lipsiae, apud Fridericum Hekel, 1734. 8vo.
pp. 300. See page 77 to 93, article entitled " Scriptores de
Ludis," comprising Chess authors.
Bell's Life in London. This clever paper has for some time
merited the title of the " Chess Chronicle," from its regular
notices on the subject.
iC.)
Ciccolini, Cav. Giuseppe. Tentativo di un nuovo giuoco di
Scacchi. In Roma, presso Francesco Bourlie, 1820. 16mo.
2 vol. with appendix, in one, one hundred and ten leaves.
This work relates exclusively to a new variety of Chess,
played on a board of a hundred squares.
Ciccolini, Cav. Giuseppe. Presidente dell' Academia de' Scac
chi in Roma. —II Nuovo Tesoro degli Scacchi, o sia Rac-
colta di partiti di varj autori ; compilata, ed aumentata.—
Roma, presso Francesco Bourlie, 1827. 8vo. 2 vol. pp.
244 and 350 ; with folding plates. The first volume con
tains the solutions ; the second, the representation, on
diagrams, curiously coloured, of 704 Chess Problems. Of
these, 410 are adapted for the usual game; the remainder
are for a board of one hundred squares.
 225
Ciccolini, Del Cavallo degli Scacchi, per opera di Teodoro
Ciccolini, Marchese di Guardiagrele. Paris, Bachelier, 1836.
4to. pp. 70, followed by upwards of twenty large plates.
This volume exclusively treats on the march of the Knight ;
not only on the common Chess board, but on the larger
field of one hundred squares ; as well as the circular board
of sixty-four squares.
Caissa Rediviva ; or The Muzio Gambit, an heroi-comical
poem. By an amateur of Chess. London, Low, 1836.
18mo. The author of this sportive melange was The Rev.
A. C. L. D'Arblay, since deceased. The subject of his lyre
is the match at Chess, played between La Bourdonnais and
Mc Donnell. The poem of Caissa Rediviva is reprinted
in the Philidorian.
Correspondence, Copy of the, between the French and Eng
lish committees, relative to a proposed match at Chess,
between M. Deschapelles and any player in England.
London, A. H. Bailey and Co., Cornhill, 1836. 8vo. pp. 16.
Printed exclusively for private circulation.
Cazenove, John. A selection of curious and entertaining
games at Chess, that have been actually played. London,
W. Marchant, 1817. 16mo. 87 leaves. Mr. Cazenove
Erinted this anonymously, for private circulation only,
ome of the games are particularly brilliant.
Cozio. II giuoco degli Scacchi, osia nuova idea d'attachi, di-
fese, e partiti del Giuoco degli Scacchi. Opera divisa in
quattro libri, composta, dal Conte Carlo Cozio, Nobile
Patrizio della Citta di Casale Monferrato. Coll'aggiunta
in fine d'altre difese scritte dal medesimo Autore dopo la
composizione del Libro. In Torino, 1766. Nella Stampe-
ria Reale. 8vo. 2 vol. pp. 357 and 382.
Presumed to have been privately printed . The work is
dedicated to the Duke of Savoy. It is remarkably rare for
a book of a date so modern. The whole is practical, and
among the two hundred critical ends of games given in the
second volume, are to be found many fine specimens.

de latrunculorum ludo, quem exactissime comprehendat.—

Vid D. Nicholas Antonii Bibl. Hisp. T. 1. p. 13.
Carrera. Don Pietro. 11 Gioco degli Scacchi, diviso in otto
libri, ne quali s'ingegnano i precetti, le vscite, ed i tratti
posticci del Gioco, e si discorre della vera origine di esso,
Con due discorsi.l'uno del Padre D. Gio Battista Cherubino,
l'altro del Dottor Mario Tortelli. Opera non meno vtile a
professori del gioco, che diletteuole a git studiosi per la va-
2 E
 226
rieta della eruditione cavata dalle tenebre dell' antichita.
In Militello, per Giouanni de' Rossi da Trento, 1617, 4to.
pp. 600.— Under the name of Valentino Vespai, This
writer published his " Risposta in difesa di Pietro Carrera,"
in answer to Salvio's " Apologia." Catania, Gio. Rossi,
1635, 4to —Carrera is one of the rarest of Chess authors.
I think it is Sarratt, who says he never could even see his
work.
Carrera. A Treatise on the Game of Chess, containing games
of odds, various openings, &c., translated by W. Lewis.
London, J. M. Richardson, 1822. 8vo. pp. 308.
Cerutti, Abbc Giacinto. Author of a poem on Chess, in the
French language, which may be found prefixed to the Stra-
tagemes des echecs ; and is given in t. III. Montmaruhe's
Dict.
Cochanovius, Joach. De ludo Schaccico, carmine Polono,
pp. 18, carminum Jan. Kochanowskiego.—Cracow, 1639.
4to. The life of this Pole was written by Simon Staravolssck,
and published with other matters in a 4to. vol., at Venice,
1627.
Cochrane, John. Treatise on the Game of Chess, &c. London,
Allman, 1822. 8vo. pp. 376.—I am informed, that Mr.
Cochrane has also published a pamphlet on Chess (anony
mously) in India, though I have not been able to procure it.
Mr. Cochrane was a player of the very first class, and his
book deserves a place in every Chess library.
Corso del Cavallo, La, per tutt gli Scacchi dello Scacchiere.
Bologna, per Lelio dalla Volpe, 1766. 4to.
Clerici, Dav. Oratio di latrunculorum ludo ; v. in ejusd.
Orat. Amsterdam, 1687. 8vo. pp. 86.
Cobarrubia, Pietro de. Giuco degli Scacchi, e della Palla.
In Venezia, 1562. 4to.
Cotton, C. The complete Gamester, or instructions for play
ing at Chess, Cards, &c. London, 1690, 1764, and nume
rous other editions. 12mo.
Chess. An easy introduction to the Game of Chess, contain
ing one hundred examples of games from Philidor, the
Calabrois, &c. Land. Ogilvie, 1806. 2 vol. 12mo., re
printed several times by Baldwin & Co. in 1 vol. 12mo.
Cox, Capt. Hiram. Essay on the Burma Game of Chess. See
Asiatic Researches. Vol. 7, p. 480.
Caxton, Willliam. The game and playe of the Chesse trans
lated by William Caxton (upon the French translation of
Jehan de Vignay.) Westmonasterii, Guil. Caxton, 1474,
folio, pp. 144. Second edition, 1490. This is an English
version of Cesolis, made by Caxton from the French trans
 227

lations of Jehan de Vignay. The second edition has seven

teen prints. It was long supposed this was the first book
printed in England ; but there is at Cambridge a small 4to,
bearing the imprint of Oxford, 1468, printed from wooden
types. Caxton's is, therefore, the second book printed in
this country, and the first ever printed from metal types.
Warton says, (His. Eng. Poetry, vol. II) that Caxton pub
lished this work, thinking that the French copy, from
which he took it, was an original composition, instead of a
mere translation. How Mr. Warton came to be so well
acquainted with Caxton's thoughts, he does not inform
us ; and it seems very improbable that Caxton, who was
so deeply versed in continental literature, should have
been ignorant of this fact ; especially as translations of
Cesolis were being printed about the same time, in almost
every country in Europe.
Cesolis, Jacobus de. Cessulis, Cassalis, Casulis, de Funo-
lis, Tessalis de Thessalonia.—Ordinis praedicatorum.
Cesolis is supposed to have been the earliest writer on
Chess, and no author ever went through so many editions
and translations. The original title of his work was " De
moribus Hominum, et Officiis Nobilium." Cesolis was a
Dominican friar, and is presumed to have written this,
before the year 1200. Verci says the original was written
in either Latin or French, and that the Latin MS. is still
preserved in the University of Padua.
Marchand's account of Cessoles, quoted by Dibdin, is
the most probable ; that he was named Cessoles, from the
place of his birth ; that he was a monk and a master in
theology of the convent of the Dominicans at Rheims ; that
he lived towards the middle of the 1 3th century, or at the
commencement of the 14th; that he was neither of Casali,
Florence, Thessaly, nor Thessalonica, as other writers have
supposed, but of Cessoles, a village near the frontiers of
Picardy and Champagne. Early manuscripts of this work
are found in almost every public library in Europe, many
of them on vellum. According to my original plan, I pass
over these, and proceed to notice such printed editions, as
I consider well authenticated.
LATIN EDITIONS.

Latin Editions of Cesolis.

Liber de moribus hominum et officiis nobilium super ludo Schac-
corum. Ultrajecti, Nicol Ketelau, Gerard de Leempt.
circa 1473. Folio.
 228
The same reprinted, Mediolani 1479. 4to. and 1497. Folio.
Another edition was subsequently published.—Viennae.
Job. Winterpurger, 1505. 4to. pp. 64.
German Editions of Cesolis.
The first edition in German was printed in folio at Augsburg,
— 1477, under the title of " Schachzabel," and again at
Augsburg—1483. A third edition was printed in folio at
Strasburg, by Heinrich Knoolochzer, 1483. The following
is the title :—
" 33tss imcijlt'n tatiMt Bte auBjIegung Des scacl>>auel bjhIs (3&n&
nrntscijltcfjer sitten) &ucf) toon tttn umpttn 5er eBeln."
Getruckt und volendet von heinrico knoblochzern in der stat
Straszburg, MCCCCLXXXIII.
Dutch Editions of Cesolis.
Cesolis, Jacopo de Heer.—Her beghint een suverlije boec
van den tijverdrijf eddre heren ende vroueven als van den
Scoecspiel. Gonde by Gheroert Leeuw, 1479. Folio. 67
leaves ; printed in double columns. The date is expressed
in Dutch thus:—" Vierhondert ende neghent seventich;"
(fourteen hundred nine seventy.) Dibdin erroneously reads
this 1497, which could not be the date, as Gerard Leeuw
did not print at Gonda after 1485, when he removed to
Antwerp.—The latest book known to have been printed by
Gerard Leeuw is of 1493. —This work was reprinted at
Delft in 1483. 4to. A very early edition of Cesolis in High
Dutch, bears the imprint of Lubeck. (8vo.). I have seen
an extremely early and curious edition of Cesolis, in Ancient
Flemish or Dutch verse ; printed without date or place, in
black letter, with cuts, 8vo. 120 leaves. The frontispiece
represents the Chess board, supported by two lions. The
title is " Schackspele." It is evidently of the fifteenth
century.
French Editions of Cesolis.
Le jeu des eschez moralise et l'ordre de Chevalerie. Paris,
Anton. Verard. 1504, folio.—In this edition Cesolis is
called " Courcelles," and from this copy, which was first
published, according to Warton and others, in 1460, Caxton
made his translation.
Le jeu des echecs moralise, trad, du Latin en Francois par
Jehan de Vignay. Paris, Michel le Noir, 1505. 4to.
Jacob Courcelles, Livre du jeu des echets traduit du Latin en
Francois par Jean Ferron. (See Echard, vol. 1, p. 625.)
 229
Italian Editions of Cesolis.
Libro de Giucho di Scacchi intitolato de costumi degli huomini
et degli offitii de' nobili, Volgarizzamento di, F. Jacopone de
Cessole dell' Ordine de Predicatori.—Firenze per Antonio
Miscomini, 1493. 4to.—The same work reprinted at Venice
in 8vo. by Alessandro Bindoni, and Maffeo Pasini, 1534.
8vo.
For the English editions of Cesolis, see Caxton.
Chess, A Poem on.—Challenge from a Cavalier, who, one even
ing being vanquished by Anna, the Amazon, and declining a
second combat, was by her posted for a coward ;—together
with Anna's answer, and the Cavalier's reply to Anna. Lon
don ; Printed by James Bettenham, and sold by G. Hawkins,
at the Middle Temple Gate, 1764, 4to. pp. 26.—The lady here
introduced was the daughter of Marshal James Keith, one
of the best Chess-players of his day, who was killed in bat
tle, 1758.
Chess-player, The Accomplished. Explaining the game as
played by the London Club, &c. London : Causton, 1834.
24mo. pp. 60.
Clodii, Henrici Jonath. Prima? Lineae Bibliothecae Lnsoriae,
sive notitia Scriptorvm de Lvdis, praecipve Domesticis ac
Privatis ordine Alphabetico digesta.—Lipsiae ; apvd Joh.
Christian. Langenhemivm, 1761, 8vo. pp. 166.—It is from
this rare bibliographical work, that Mr. Cochrane chiefly
compiled his catalogue of Chess Books.
Colombo, Michele.— 11 Giuoco degli Scacchi, renduto facile a'
principianti Trattatello, tradotto dall' Inglese con annotazioni
ed aggiunte.—Stampato a Parma di Giuseppe Paganino,
1821. 8vo. pp 130.—A translation of a common English
book on Chess, bearing the imprint of " Symonds."—It is
taken chiefly from Philidor. Second edition, enlarged and
improved as follows :—
Colombo.—II Giuoco degli Scacchi Trattatello tradotto dall' In
glese ; giuntavi la Biblioteca Ragionata degli Scrittori del
Giuoco Stesso dell' Abate Francesco Cancellieri.—Venezia ;
Giuseppe Orlandelli Edit. 1824. 4to. pp. 174.—The Abbe
Cancellieri was the author of the bibliographical catalogue
of Chess Books, &c. in the work of Don Benedetto Rocco.
His task is much extended in the volume before us, to what
it was in that of " Rocco."
Christie, James.—An inquiry into the antient Greek Game,
supposed to have been invented by Palamedes antecedent to
the siege of Troy, with reasons for believing the same to
have been known from remote antiquity in China, and pro
 230
fressively improved into the Chinese, Indian, Persian, and
luropean Chess, &c. London: Bulmer and Co. 1801. 4to.
pp. 170.—This book is somewhat rare, having been printed
exclusively for private circulation, and the edition not ex
tending beyond forty copies. (See Lowndes' Catalogue of
Scarce English Books.) The author of this learned work
was Mr. Christie, the late celebrated auctioneer. It was
printed anonymously, and dedicated to Dr. Goodall, of Eton
College.
Chess.—Rules for playing the game of Chess en quatre. Lon
don : Leuchars, Piccadilly. 8vo. pp. 16.
Casar, Jul.—Spiel-Almanach, enth. d. neuste Anweis. zu. e.
griindl. u. leichten Erlern. d. Schach,&c. Berlin : Oehmigke,
1797. 8vo.—Reprinted with improvements by G. W. v.
Abenstein. Berlin: Hayn, 1812. 8vo. (See also Duben).
Collini.—Solution du probleme du cavalier au jeu des echecs.
Par Monsr. C.—Manheim : Loffler, 1773. 8vo. pp. 62.
Chess.—Extract from the Gentleman's Mag. for July 1807,
printed as a pamphlet, together with the same matter in
French, extracted from " L' Ambigu par M. Peltier." Lon
don: Cox and Baylis, 1809. 8vo. pp. 8.—An account of
some games played in Paris, at the residence of the Hon. F.
H. Egerton, by two Committees of Amateurs ; the one
headed by M. Carlier, the other by the equally celebrated
Le Breton des Chapelles. From 20 to 30 games were played
in this manner, which were taken down with a view to pub
lication, by M. Calma, and the editor of " Les Stratagemes
des Echecs," but they have never appeared, nor have I been
able to find what has become of the MSS.
CD).
Damian, Portughese, Libro da imparare giuocare a Scacchi, et
de bellissimi partiti, reuisti, e recorretti, con summa diligen-
tia da molti famosissimi Giuocatori emendati. In lingua
Spagnuola, ed Italiana nouamente stampato. Homes, per
Stephanum Guillereti, et Herculem Nani, 1512. 4to. Re
printed at Rome, by Antonio Bladi de Asula, 1524. 12mo.
pp. 128, and again at Venice by Stefiano Zazzara, 1564.
There is another edition dated 1594, and several more, both
in the Gothic and Roman letter, without date or place. The
copy in my possession, which is of the same impression as
that in the British Museum, reads thus :—Libro da imparare
giochare a Scachi, Et de belissimi Partiti, Revisti et reco-
retti, et con summa diligentia da molti famosissimi Gioca-
tori emendati. In lingua Spagnola et Taliana, nouamente
stampato. No date or place. 8vo. 64 leaves. Some writers
 231
on Bibliography suppose this to have been the original and
earliest edition. Two other editions of Damian were pub
lished ; Bologna, di Gio Boni, 1606, and—Venice, by Pietro
Fauri, 1618, by D. Ant. Porto, who modestly prefixes his
own name as the author. In this imposition, however, he
only follows the example of Damian himself ; the whole of
whose work is taken from Lucena.—Damian's work has been
partly translated into English. See art. Rowbothum and
Sarratt.
Delille, Jac. Georgiques Francoises, Chant 1, &c.
Denham, Sir John, wrote a poem of 24 lines on Chess, printed
in his works.
Divertissemen8 Innocens, contenant, les regles du jeu des
Echecs, &c. A la Haye, Moetjens, 1696. 12mo.—Repub
lished under the title of Nouvelle Academie des Jeux,
Leide ap. Petr. Vander Aa. 1718. 2 vol. 12mo.— 1721, 2 vol.
Paris; Theod. le Gras, 1739. 2 vol. 8vo. &c.—Amster
dam, 1728, and 1752. 3 vol. 8vo. plates, and many subsequent
editions.
Deppen, Otto Von. Schach-Politik, oder Grundziige zu der
Kunst seinen Gegner im Schach bald zu besiegen ; nebst e.
Anh. ub. d. Literatur. d. Gesch. u. Grundgesetze d. Schach-
spiels. Leipzig, Wilhelm Lauffer, 1826. 8vo. pp. 78.
Ducchi, Greg. La Scacheide, overo il Givoco de gli Scacchi.
Ridotto in poema Eroico, sotto prosopopea di dve potenti
Re, e de gli eserciti loro. Compresa in VI canti. In Vicen-
za ; Appresso Perin e Giorgio Greco, compagni, 1586 and
1607. 4to. 128 leaves.—A great part of this is taken from
Vida. The first edition has simply these words for the title :
La Scacheide di Gregorio Dvcchi, Gentil' hvomo Bresciano.
The poem comprises 700 stanzas, of eight lines each.
Dialogo Giuochi che nelle Vegghie Sanesi si usano. Vene
tian; appresso Griffio. 1592. 8vo.
Dollinger, —. Ein hundert und zehen ganz neu zusammen
gesezte Schach—Endspiele. Vienna ; Schaumburg. 1806.
8vo.
Das Schachspiel in seiner eigenthum—lichen und hohern
Bedentung. Ein Fragment.—Niirnberg, Schuster, 1836,
4to. pp. 96.—The preface dates 1833. The work comprises
various modifications of a new sort of Chess ; the author
would perhaps term them " improvements."
Duben, C. G. F. v. Der Talismann des GlUcks, oder der Selb-
stlehrer fur alle Schach, Karten, &c. Berlin, Societ. Buchh.
1816 and 1819. 8vo.
Donaldson, James. Treatise on the game of Chess, forming
the article under that head, in the seventh edition of the En
 232
cyclopaedia Britannica. Edinburgh, Black, 1832. 4to. pp. 12.
A few copies printed for private circulation.
Der allezeit fertige Brettspieler, &c. Including the games
of Chess, Draughts, &c.—Wien, Haas, 1835. 8vo. pp. 144.
Dubois, M .L.—Historical notice of Chess, chiefly pillaged from
Freret, in tom. 1, of the "Magasin Encyclopédique." pp. 48,
62, 1806.
Douce, Francis, author of the paper on Chess, given in vol. XI
of the Archaeologia, pp. 397—410. It is a well-known fact,
that Mr. Douce wrote the greater part of Twiss's publication
on Chess.

(E.)
Echecs, Lettre touchant le jeu des, dans le recueil de Pieces
curieuses et nouvelles, tant en prose, qu' en vers : —A la
Haye, 1694. 12mo.
Essai sur le jeu des Echecs. Hambourg, 1770. 12mo.—
This is from Stamma.
Eschecs, le jeu des, avec toutes les differentes manierés de
jouer. A Paris, chez Theodore le Gras, 1757, 12mo. pp.
370. Almost entirely Greco.
Essai sur les Problèmes de situation. Rouen; Racine. 1783.
8vo. pp. 74. Dedicated to the consideration of the moving
the Kt. according to certain rules, over every square of the
chess-board.
Echecs, Le jeu royal de l'ombre et du piquet, augmente du
jeu des Ëschets. A la Haye. 1700. 12mo.
Elémens théoriques et pratiques du jeu des Echets, avec
des réflexions morales, politiques, historiques et militaires,
relatives à ce jeu. Paris; chez Madame Veuve Hocquart.
1810. 8vo. pp. 266.—Translated into Spanish, as follows :
Compendio de los elementos teoricos y prâcticos del Juego del
Azedrez, publicados en Paris el Ano de 1810 ; traducidos y
compendiados poa. D. M. D. S. Barcelona: Imprenta de
Tomas Gorchs Bajada de la Carcel. 1817. 8vo. pp. 87.
Eschez, Sensuit jeux parties des, composés novellement pour
récreer tous nobles cueurs, et pour éviter oysivete à ceulx
qui ont voulente, desir et affection de la scavoir et aprendre ;
et est apellé ce livre le jeu des Princes et Damoiselles.—
Nouvellement imprimé à ï enseigne St. Jehan Baptiste. 4to.
1 2 leaves, without date or place, but printed by Denis Jean-
nat, early in the 16th century. Dr. Hœck fixes the date at
1539, but assigns no reason for so doing. (See Catalogue
of Chess Books, by Dr. Hœck, attached to Reinganum's
Work on Chess.) .
 233
Echecs, Les Stratagèmes des, ou Collection des coups d'échecs
les plus brillans et les plus curieux, tant dans la partie ordi
naire, que dans les differentes parties composées ; tirées des
meilleurs auteurs, et dont plusieurs n'ont point encore été v
publiées. Par un amateur, a Paris et Strasburg ; chez
Amand K'ônig. An. X. (1802.) 16mo. 2 tom. pp. 93 and
122. In the first volume we have Cérutti's poem on Chess.
Throughout this work Stamma is shamefully pillaged. The
author was M. de Montigny. A German edition was printed
at the same time, entitled :—Neuentdeckte Schachspielge-
heimnisse, &c. Strasburg and Paris ; same size, plates, and
publisher.
The subsequent English and German translations are as follow :
— Stratagems of Chess, or a collection of critical and remark
able situations, &c. taken from the French work entitled
" Stratagèmes des Echecs." London : Allman, 1817. 8vo.
pp. 220.
— Kriegslisten des Schachspiels oder der kluge Schachspieler.
Aus dem Englischeu, mit 121 Holzschnitten. Leipzig : in
der Baumgartnerschen Buchhandlung, 1820. 8vo. pp. 256.
Échecs.—L' art de jouer et de gagner au jeu des Échecs, rendu
simple, facile, et mis à la portée de tout le monde, au moyen
de tableaux synoptiques, d' après les documens fournis par
Mons. B., habitué du Café de la Regence. (Signed P. L.)
Paris: Terry, Jeune, Palais- Royal, 1828. 8vo. pp. 28, with
two very large folding plates.
Encyclopédie Méthodique.—Dictionnaire des Jeux. A Paris,
chez Panckoucke, 1792, 4to. pp. 316, and numerous plates.
Second Part of the same. Paris, chez Agasse, An VII, 2 vol.
4to. pp. 212 and 170.—These volumes merit being recorded
as the best,"because most comprehensive, work ot the class.
Philidor on Chess is incorporated ; as also the works of
Blonde and Manoury on Polish Draughts.
Enderlein, K.—Anweisung zum Vierschachspiel. Berlin, 1826.
8vo.
(F).
Freret, Nic. —Dissertation sur 1' origine du jeu des Echecs,
torn, v., dans 1' Hist, de l' Academie Royale des Inscrip. pp.
250, 264.—Amsterdam, t. 111, p. 375. 1729. 4to. See also
No. 814, of " The Craftsman."
Filding, Adol. Julius Theodor, das Schachspiel, die neueste
art es griindlich zu erlernen. Berlin, Societ. Buck. 1812,
1814, and 1816. 8vo.—A new edition was produced by C.
G. Fi von Diiben. Berlin : C. G. Flittner'sche Buchhand-
lung, 1820. 8vo. pp. 55.
 234
Firmas-Peries, M. Le Conte de.—Le jeu de Strategie, ou les
Echecs Militaires. Paris: Egron, 1815. 8vo. pp. 132.—
This work went through two editions, trash as it is. At the
end is a huge folding plate.
Franklin, Benjamin.—See the Morals of Chess, printed in every
edition of the works of this great and good man. Also
Dialogue on Chess, &c., between Franklin and the Gout,
first published in the Monthly Mag. Sept. 1804.
Fielding, Eliab.—Das Schach Verkchren im Brett und Tokka-
tegli Spiel aus dem Englischen des Elias Fielding.—Berlin,
Ochmigke, 1798. 8vo.
Funf und neunzig Sake gegen das Schachspiel. Von einem
Theologen. Leipzig, Serig, 1827, 8vo. pp. 40.
(G).
Grazini, Cosmi.—Scacchi Ludus emendatus. Flor. 1604, apud
Juntas. 4to.—Consisting merely of Vida's poem with altera
tions.
Gould, Robert.—Ludus Scacchia, a Satire, with other Poems,
by R. G. Land. 1675. 8vo. pp. 62.
Giuoco della Guerra, II. Ossia il Giuoco degli Scacchi. Ge-
nova, 1802. 8vo.
In this variety of Chess, the pieces are augmented in
number, from 32 to 50. The author introduces fusils, can
nons, mortars, bridges, and baggage-waggons.
Game of War, The ; or Improved Game of Chess, translated
from the German, and rectified by a Dutch Notary Publick.
London, 1798. 8vo. pp. 16.
Gestis Romanorum, Ex.—Hystorie notabiles de uiciis uirtuti-
busq, tractantes, &c.—Warton gives an account of this book
in his history of English Poetry ; but in enumerating the
Chapters has omitted " Cap CLXVI.—De Ludo Scaccho-
rum."—This Chapter, in the edition printed by John of
Westphalia (between 1470 and 1480, 4to ), consists of eight
pages.
Gervasius, Tilberiensis, in libro Scaccarii, s. de curia Scaccha-
ria, 1, Cap. 4.
Games mostly played in England, France, Italy, and Germany,
comprising Chess. London: 1787. 12mo.
Gruget.—Le plaisant jev des eschez, renouelle auec instrvction
pour facilement 1' apprendre, et le bien iouer. Nagueres
traduit d' Italien en Francois, par feu Claude Gruget, Pari-
sien. Paris: Vincent Settenas, 1560. 8vo. pp. 92; and
London, 1752. 12mo.—Six lines of poetry, on the title page
of the original edition, conclude with the name of Jan Gen-
til.
 235
Giacometti.—Nouveau jeu d' Echecs, ou le jeu de la guerre,
invention du Citoyen Francois Giacometti. A Genes, Jean
Barthelemy Como, 1801, An4de la Republique Ligurienne ;
(printed at the same time in Italian). Also, Paris, &c. 1803.
Dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte. 8vo. pp. 115, with fold
ing plates. In his preface, (iiiacometti says he had previously
printed a less perfect edition of this new game, in 1773, and
subsequently reprinted that edition at Turin.
Gianutio, Horatio.—Libro nel quale si tratta della maniera di
guocar a' Scacchi; con alcuni sottilissimi partiti. Turino:
Antonio de Bianchi, 1597. 4to. pp. 104.
The omission of Gianutio's name in the list of Chess-players
given by Carrera, is difficult to be accounted for, as this
work had been out 20 years, when Carrera published his
Treatise. Gianutio has been translated into French, and
again into English. Vid. art. Sarratt.
Greco, Gioachino, Calabrese.—Trattato del nobilissimo e mili-
tare essercitio de' Scacchi, MS. — This work, although
written in Italian, was never published iu that language ;
but many MS. copies are in existence. The following are
the most known editions, but there must be many others,
with which I have never met.
— Le jeu des Echecs, traduits de 1' Italien de Gioachino Greco,
Calabrois. Paris : Nic. Pepingue, 1669 and 1726. 12mo.
and Paris, chez Denis Mouchet, 1714. 12mo. Paris, chez
les libraires associes, 1774. 12mo. pp. 244.
— Le royale jeu des Echecs, par G. G. Calabrois, traduit de 1*
Italien. Londres (Hollande), 1752. 8vo.
— Chess made easy ; or the games of Gioachino Greco the Ca-
labrian, with additional games and openings ; illustrated
with remarks and general rules. The whole so contrived,
that any person may learn to play in a few days without any
farther assistance. (!!) London : Knapton, 1750. 24mo.
— - Essai sur le royal jeu des Echecs. Paris, 1615, 1635, 1674,
1688, 1696, 1713, 1728, 1735, 1756, Scc.—Bruxelles, 1698,
1713, and 1782.—Liege, 1740, 1742.—A la Haye, 1700,
and 1743.—Amsterdam, 1752, 1763, and 1791.—For German
and English translations, see Art. Hirschel, and Budden.
— Le jeu des Echecs, Amsterdam, 1792, in which Philidor's
Treatise is partly incorporated. 12mo. p. 215.
Greco, Gioachino, on the game of Chess, translated from the
French : to which are added numerous remarks, &c. By
Wm, Lewis. London : Longman and Co. 1819. 8vo. pp. 160.
The best edition of Greco extant; forming a most useful
volume.
Gutot.—Nouvelles Recreations Physiques et Mathematiques.—
 236
See Vol. III. third edition, Paris, Gueffier, 1786. 8vo. p.
94 to 105, including four Chess problems from Salvio.
(H).
Hellwig. Joh. Christ. Ludw.—Versuch eines aufs Schachspiel
gebaueten Tacktischen Spiels, &c. Leipzig, Crusius, 1780.
8vo. pp. 200, with twelve large folding plates. A second
part of this work was printed by Crusius, Leipzig, 1 782.
8vo. pp. 192, With ten large folded plates.—Hellwig treats
exclusively of a new species of Chess, founded on what he
terms "military tactics."
Head, W. G.—The new game of Social Chess. London: Hous
ton, Fleet-street, 1834. sm. 8vo. pp. 16, and folding plate.
This consists of a new species of Chess for four players.
Horny, Johann. Anweisung das Schachspiel griindlich zu erler-
nen. Cassel ; im Verlag der Luckhardt 'schen Hofbuch-
handlung, 1828. 8vo. pp. 176.—Second edition.
Hoveebeck, C. E. B. Freyherrn Von.—Das preussische Na
tional— Schach. Breslau ; Friedrich Barth, 1806. 8vo. pp.
160. — Like all other new modifications of Chess—utter
trash. It is accompanied by numerous coloured plates, and
is dedicated to Frederic William, crown prince of Prussia,
by the editor, who signs himself E. K. Hoheit.
Hoyle, Edmond.—An essay towards making the game of Chess
easily learned by those who know the moves only, without
the assistance of a master. London : T. Osborne, 1761. 8vo.
pp. 54.—From the preface to this book, we learn that Hoyle
had recently given a course of public lectnres on Chess.—In
the popular compilation known as " Hoyle's Games," of
which the various editions could only be computed by do
zens, Chess is always treated on ; and a few games from
Philidor usually appended.
Herbelot, Bart. D'.—See Bibliotheque Orientale. Paris :
1697. Folio, p. 383, p. 797, &c.
Holcrot, R. de ludo latrunculorum. Vid. Altamura. Biblioth.
Dominic, p. 123,—Fabricii Bibl. med. Lat. lib. 8, p. 799.
Hoests.—See " Efterretninger om Marokos og Fes. Kiobenh,
1779. 4to. p. 105," and also, " Nachrichten von Maroko und
Fes. Kopenh. 1781. 4to. pp. 111.
Hirschel, Moses, Uber den Ruzen, Gebrauch und Missbrauch
des Schachspiels. 2 band. Leipzig : Sommer. 1791. 8vo.
Hirschel, Moses, das Schach des Herrn Gioachino Greco,
Calabrois, und die Schachspiel geheimnisse des Arabers
Philipp Stamma, verbessert und nach einer ganz neuen
Methode zur Erleichterung der Spielenden umgearbeitet.
Breslau, 1784. 8vo.—Reprinted Leipzig; InderCommer-
schen Buchhandlung, 1795. 8vo. pp. 221.
 237
Harvey. Lord John.—Essay on Chess, published in the Crafts
man—No. 376.
Hyde, Thomas, S. T. D., De Ludis Orientalibus, libri duo quorum
prior est duabus partibus, viz. 1. Historia Shahiludii Latini ;
deinde, 2. Historia Shahiludii Hib. Lat. per tres Judoeos.
Liber posterior continet Historiam Reliquum Ludorum Orien-
tis.—Oxonii, eTheatro Sheldoniano, 1694, 8vo. 2 vol. pp. 560.
Reprinted at Oxford, with the rest of Dr. Hyde's works, in two
large 4tos. by Gregory Sharpe, 1767. The fhree Hebraic com
positions mentioned above, are, 1. a poem of 75 lines by Aben
Ben Ezra ;—2. a prose oration by Rabbi Bonsenior Aben-
jachia ; and—3. an anonymous essay of 14 pages.
Hoffmann, Joh. Jos. Ign.—Beitrage zum Schachspiel ; Mainz,
16mo. pp. 112.—Chiefly compiled
from the Italian masters, but containing some original positions
by the author's brother, Philip Carl Hoffmann of Frankfurt.
Hoffmann, Joh. Jos. Ign.—Vida, M. H., Lehrgedicht vom
Schachspiel, herausgegeben und metrisch iibersetzt, Mainz,
Kupferberg, 1826. 8vo
H<eck, Dr., author of the Catalogue of Chess-books appended
to Reinganum's Treatise.
Hai-Pien, Chinese Dictionary, in which the game of Chess is
introduced under the title of "The game of the Elephant."—
See Rocco.
Heigh Petri, Qucestiones Juris Civiles ; et Sax Witteb. 1601.
4 par post, Quoest. X. 96, in which he treats of Chess.
Hoyle. —II Giuoco degli Scacchi, con alcune regole, ed osserva-
zioni, per ben giocarlo, del Sig. Hoyle, Inglese, tradotto nel
nostro idioma, e dedicate al merito imparreggiabile del Sig.
Dudley Digges, Cav. Inglese.—Fir. 1760, per Gio. Batt.
Stecchi, e Ant- Gius. Pagani. 12mo.-
(I).
Irwin, Eyles —Essay on the origin of Chess, &c., in a letter to
the Royal Irish Academy, addressed to the Earl of Charlemont.
Dated, Canton, 1793. Published in the Transactions of the
Royal Irish Academy, Vol. 5, Dublin, 1795. 4to.
J).
Jaucourt, Chevalier de, Author of the article on Chess published
in the French Encyclopedia, 1750.
Joseph, Angelus a St.— Gazophyl. Ling. Pers. Amsterdam,
1684. See p. 370 and 371.
Jones, Sir Wm., in 1763, at the early age of 16, wrote Cai'ssa, a
poem of 334 lines. The idea is taken from Vida, and from
 238
Marino, one of Vida's numerous translators.—See Marino's
poem of " Adone," Canto 15.—Sir Wm. Jones was also the
author of an Essay on the Antiquity and Origin of Chess, first
published in the Asiatic Researches.
Janisch, Charles F. de, Decouvertes sur le Cavalier aux echecs,
par C. F. J.—St. Petersbourg, imprimerie de C. Wienhoeber,
1837, 8vo. pp. 68.
(K.)
Kunst, die, im Schachspiel ein Meister zu werden, &c. Bei
A. D. Philidor. Strasburg, 1 754— 1 759—1771 . 8vo.
Krunig, J.G., bkonomisch —technologische Encyclop'adie. 138.
Th. Berlin, 1824. 8vo. art. Schach. 221—366.
Kindermanns, Jos. K., vollstandige Anweisung das Schach
spiel. Gratz; Franz Ferstl. 1795, 1799, 1801, and 1819.
8vo. pp. 252. —This work includes Stamma's hundred critical
situations.
Kriegspiel, neues, oder verbessertes Schachspiel, &c. Prague,
1770. 8vo. pp. 77.—Published at the same time in French,
under the title of " Le jeu de la guerre, ou refinement du jeu
des tehees, par M. M. &c."
Kenny, W. S., Practical Chess Grammar. Lond. Allman.
1817, &c. 4to. pp. 57. Fifth edition, 1823, with ten plates.
Kenny, W. S. d. Schachgrammatik. a. d. Engl. Leipzig, 1821.
8vo.
Kenny, W. S., Practical Chess Exercises. London; Allman,
1818. sm. 8vo. pp. 240.
Kenny, W. S., Analysis of Chess. London; Allman, 1819.
am. 8vo. pp. 264.—A translation of Philidor.
Koch, Johann Friedrich Wilhelm. Codex der Schachspiel-
kunst, &c. Magdeburg, Wilhelm Heinrichshofen. 8vo.
part I. 1813. pp. 390. Part II. 1814. pp. 412. Part III.
1834. pp. 200. This work was first published in 1801, and
1803, by Keil ; the elementary part is chiefly by Von Nie»
veld, author of " La Superiorite aux Echecs raise a la ported,
$"c." The second volume was not printed until a year after
vol I, on account of the war then raging in Germany. Zoega
de Manteufel and others, contributed largely to Koch's
voluminous work. At the end of the second volume is a
German translation of Vida's poem. The third and last part
of Koch's treatise has been published since his death, edited
by his son, Dr. C. F. Koch, comprising no fewer than six
hundred critical positions by various authors.
Koch, J. F. W. Elementarbuch der Scachspielkunst. Mag
deburg, in der Greuzschen Buchhandlung. 1828. 12mo. pp.
192.
 239

tien, echecs, et a trois personnes. Metz. 2 torn. fig. 1802.

8vo. Relative to a game compounded of Chess and Draughts.
Lambe, Rey. R. The history of Chess, together with short and
plain instructions, by which any one may easily play at it
without the help of a teacher. London ; printed for J. Wil-
kie, 1764, and second edition, 1765. 8vo. pp. 148. A curious
volume.
Leibnitii, Godofr. Guil. Annotatio de quibusdam ludis, &c.
vid. in Misc. Soc. Reg. Berol. t. 1. an. 1710. p. 22, et in
Leibniiii Epistol. a Kortholto editis t. II. p. 278, et in Pillerii
Monum, inedit, p. 642.
Letter from a minister to his friend, concerning the game of
Chess. A broadside ; printed at London in 1680.
Les Maisons des jeux academiques ; ou, Recueil de tous les jeux
divertissans. Paris; Loison, 1665. 12mo. Reprinted in
1668, &c.
Ludus latrunculorum, Stein-oder Schachspiel. Francof, 1647.
12mo.—For another edit, see Art. Wielius.
Lydgate, John, Monk of St. Edmondsbury, wrote a poem on
love, about the year 1408, dedicated to the admirers of the
" Game Royal of Chess ;" an extract from which is given by
Hyde. Lydgate introduces eighteen lines on Chess, in his
translated from the Latin of
Guido Columna, who wrote it, in quite the beginning of the
15th century. See Warton.
Literary Panorama. Vol. VIII. p. 14, contains a foolish tale of

E. W. Ludus Scacchico mathematicus, ubi Scacchi tabulae ma-

thematicae aptati, quasvis propositiones arithmeticas et geo-
metricas resolvunt. Londini, 1654, 12mo.
Lolli. Osservazioni Teorico-pratiche sopra il Giuoco degli
Scacchi ; ossia II Giuoco degli Scacchi esposto nel suo miglior
lume da Giambatista Lolli, Modonese. In Bologna; Nella
Stamperia di S. Tommaso d' Aquino, 1763. Folio. . pp. 632.
The most classical work on chess extant.
Ludus Scacchi;e, or Chesse Playe. A game both pleasant,
wittie, and politicke, &c. Written by G. B. Printed at
London by H. Jackson, dwelling beneath the conduite in Fleet
Street, 1597. 4to. pp.48. Reprinted a few years back, verb,
et lit. by Harding and Wright, St. John's Square, London, for
Mr. Triphook.
Lopez, Ruy. Libro de la invencion liberal y arte del juego del
Axedrez, muy vtil y prouechosa : assi para los que de nueuo
qnisieren deprender a jugarlo, como para los que lo saben
 240
jugar.—Compuesta aora nueuamente por Ruylopez de Sigura,
Clerigo, vezino dela villa Cafra. Dirigada al muy illustre
Senor Don Garcia de Toledo, ayo y mayordomo mayor del
Serenissimo Principe Don Carlos nuestro Senor. En Alcala,
en casa de Andres de Anguelo., 1561. 4to. 150 leaves. Lopez
has been partly translated into English. Vid. Art. Sakbatt.
Clodius designates Lopez as " Liber Rarissimus."
Lopez, Ruy. II givoco de gli Scacchi di Rui Lopez, Spagnuolo ;
nuouamente tradotto in lingua ltaliana da M. Gio.-Dornenico
Tarsia. In Ver.etia, presso Cornelio Arriuabene, 1584. 4to.
pp. 214. This translation is as rare as the original itself,
which is here in some measure abbreviated. It is dedicated
with much flourishing of trumpets, " All' Excellentissimo S.
Jacopo Bvoncompagni, Dvca di Sora, e D'Arce, &c."
Lopez, Ruy. Le jeu des Echecs, avec son invention, science, et
practique, ou par un tres docte et intelligible discours sont
amplement descrits les moyens d'ordonner son jeu tant pour
l'offensive que la defensive; traduict d'Espagnol en Francois.
Paris ; Micard, 1609. 4to. pp. 88. This book was again re
printed at Paris, by Robinet, 1615. pp. 227 ; and at Brussels,
1655.
Letter to the Craftsman on the game of Chess, &c. London ;
printed by E. Peele, at the Locke's Head, Amen Corner, 1733.
8vo. pp. 30.
Lucena. Repeticion de amores, y Arte de Alxedrez con CL
juegos.—4to. Without place or date, but assumed to have been
in the year 1495, and consequently the earliest practical work
on the subject, with the single exception of Vicent. On the
reverse of the title of this volume, is a Latin poem of nine dis-
tichs, " In laudem operis, de Franc. Quiros; " this sonnet is
followed by another of 18 distichs, on the recto of the second
leaf, headed " Lucena in suo opere." On the reverse of the
second leaf, the first part of the title is repeated : " Repiticion
de amores compuesta por Lucena," &c. This division of the
work only fills a couple of pages, and then we come to the
Treatise on Chess, consisting of 87 leaves, beginning with the
title " Arte," &c ; and comprising 150 critical positions, illus
trated by 164 wood-cuts. Of these positions, Damiano appears
to have taken 120. Lucena is exceedingly rare.
Lewis, William.—Oriental Chess ; or specimens of Hindoostanee
excellence in that celebrated game. London, J. M. Richard
son, 1817. 2 vol. 24mo. pocket size, pp. 150 and 141.—See Art.
Trevangadacharya.
Lewis, Wm.—Elements of the Game of Chess. London : Long
man and Co. 1822. 12mo. pp. 240.—Reprinted in America
by Carvill, New York, 1827. 12mo. pp. 240.
 241
Lewis, Wm.—Chess Problems ; being a selection of original
positions, &c. London : Sampson Lowe, 1827. 12mo. pp.
164.
Lewis, Wm.—The Games of the Match at Chess, played by the
London and Edinburgh Clubs, between 1824 and 1828 ; with
variations and remarks. London : Setchel, 1828. 8vo. pp. 131.
Two lively articles appeared relative to this match, in the Lon
don Magazine of 1835, pp. 97—102, and 319—320.
Lewis, Wm.—Remarks on the Report of the Committee of the
Edinburgh Chess-club. London: Setchel, 1829. 8vo. pp. 11.
Lewis, Wm. A series of progressive lessons on the game of
Chess, &c. London ; Fraser, 1831. 8vo. pp. 320.
Lewis, Wm. A second series of lessons on the game of Chess,
&c. London ; Simpkin and Co., 1832. 8vo. pp. 424.
Lewis, Wm. A selection of games at Chess, played at the
Westminster Chess Club, between M. L. C. de la Bourdonnais
and an English amateur of first-rate skill. London ; Simpkin
and Marshall, 1835, 8vo. pp. 132.
Lewis, W.—50 Schachpartien in dem Westminster Schach-Klub
zu London Sommers 1834 gespielt zwischen
Herrn L. C. de la Bourdonnais und einem englischen Schach-
spieler. Aus d. Engl, ubersetzt von L. Bledov, Berlin^ Fincke,
1835, 8vo.
Lewis, Wm.—Chess for Beginners, &c. London: Chapman
and Hall, 1835. 16mo pp. 149.
Lewis, Wm.—Chess Board Companion. London : Baily and
Co. 1838. 32mo. pp. 112.
La Bourdonnais, L. C. De.—Nouveau Traite du jeu des
Echecs. Paris: Au Cafe de laRegence. 8vo. Part I. pp.. 167.
Part II. pp. 204.—The second part of this work, containing
positions, was published in 1833, but the first part, containing
openings, &c. was not published till March, 1834.
Ludus Studentium Friburgensium.—A curious quarto tract
of 11 leaves only; the following is the imprint: —"beatus
Murner Argentinensis Francphudie imprimebat anno 1511."
There are about half a dozen cuts : one representing a board
of 225 squares, relating to a certain variety of Chess ; another,
a circular board, and various figures. In the title appears an
outline of a priest in the attitude of preaching. He holds a
large bible, the print of which lifts up, and discovers a back
gammon table, with dice, underneath !

(M.)
Maniere, La, d'apprendre le jeu d'Echecs. Amsterdam, 1759.
8vo.
2 G
 242
Marinelli, Don Filippo H. Invenzione di del Giuoco degli
Scacchi fra tre. In Napoli, per *Felice Mosca, 1722, I2mo.
The same work was published at Vienna, and Ratisbon. 8vo.
1765.—Marinelli's Chess is played on a board of 136 squares.
Marinelli. Triple Chess, invented by P. H. Marinelli. Lon
don; Valpy, 1826. 8vo. pp. 112.
Mennelii, Jac, de Ludo latrunculorum seu scachorum ; in
Bibl. Cesarea, Vindob. M. S.—Auslejung des Schach-
spiels wohner fenn Anfang. Costanz, 1507. 4to.—Reprinted
at Oppenheim, 1520. 4to.
Morals of Chess, a Poem. See European Mag. April 1788.
This " Poem" consists of a hundred lines ; I cannot call
them verses.
Mohammed, Ibn Sheiph Clyrenensis. Oratiuncula Arabica
de laude vituperio Shahulidii. Vid. Hyde 1. 35.
Marcheselli. Translator of Vida's Poem on Chess into
Spanish.
Montfaucon, Bern. Antiquite expliquee, et representee en
figures. Paris, 1722; folio, t. III. 334, where he treats of
Chess among various other sports.
Moralizatio Scaccharii. See Shahiludio Poema. Oxford,
1657. 8vo.—The work of an English monk, named Innocent,
but falsely attributed to pope Innocent.
Mosler, v., das Schachspiel, nach dem Italienischein des
Autore Modenese dargestellt. Coblenz. bei H. J. Holscher,
1822, 8vo. pp. 108.—A translation of the first edition of
Ponziani.
Middleton, Thomas. "The comedy of" A game at Cheess,
as it was acted nine days together at the Globe on the bank's
side. (Engraved frontispiece, containing portraits of Loyola
and Gondomar.) London, 1624 and 1628. 4to. 38 leaves.
Mouret, Jacques Francois. Traite elementaire et complet du
Jeu d' Echecs, &c. Paris, Lamotte, 1838. 12mo. pp. 246, and
200 diagrams. A compilation from Zuylen Von Nieveld,
with the name of Mouret affixed as the author.
Mauvillon, F. W. Von. Anweisung zur Erlernung des Schach-
spiels, mit besonderer Riicksieht auf diejenigen denen das
spiel durchans unbekannt ist von F. W. von ,Mauvillon.
Essen ; Badeker, 1827. 8vo. pp. 382.—Translated into Dutch
thus :—Handleidung tot het leeren van het Schaakspel naar't
hoogdrritsch Van Mauvillon—der J. de Quack.—Rotterdam,
Mensing and Westrenen, 1828. 2 vol. 8vo.
Mauvillon, F. W. von. Die w'ahrend der Jahre, 1824 bis 1828
von den Londoner und Kdinburger Schachklubbs gespielten
funf Schachpartien mit Varianten und Ammerkungen nach
dem Englischen bearbeitet, &c. Essen ; G. D. Badeker. 8vo.
pp. 84.
 243
Mauvillon, F. W. von, Belehrende Unterhaltuug fur junge
angehende Schachspieles, bestehand in hundert Ausgesuch
ten Stellungen, in welchen derjenige, welcher am Zuge ist,
das Spiel gewinnen Muss. Essen ; G. D. B'adeker. 5 vol.
1831, 1832, 1833, 1834, and 1836. 16mo. pocket size, to be
continued in volumes.
Mery.—Une Revanche de Waterloo, ou une partie d'echecs;
po'eme heroi-comique. Paris, au Club des Panoramas, No.
48, Rue Vivienne, 1836. 8vo. pp. 20.—The theme of this jeu
d' esprit is a game of Chess actually played between M. de
la Bourdonnais and Mr. Mc Donnell.
Match at Chess. The games of the match played between
the London and Edinburgh Chess Clubs; with notes and
back games, as reported by the Committee of the Edinburgh
Chess-Club. Edinburgh; Blackwood. London ; Cadell. royal
8vo. 1 829. pp. 71. Also, Appendix to the Report of the Com
mittee of the Edinburgh Chess-Club, containing observations
in answer to Mr. Lewis's " Remarks."—Edinburgh, 1833.
8vo. pp. 6.
Match at Chess, Particulars of a, played in Cambridge, in
March, 1831. Cambridge ; Hatfield, 1831. 8vo. pp. 8.
Mendheim, Julius. Taschenbuch fur Schachfreunde. Berlin ;
Alex Mosar, 1814. 24mo. pp. 60.
Mendheim, Julius. Aufgaben fur Schachspieler nebst Aufld-
sungen. Als Fortsekung des Taschenbuchs fur Schachfreunde.
Berlin ; Trautwein, 1832. 8vo. pp. 73.
Montano, Bernardino. Three games of Chess on a large
folding sheet. Padova, 1618.
Madden, Sir Frederic. Historical remarks on the introduc
tion into Europe of the game of Chess, &c. London; Nichols,
1832. 4to. pp. 91.—A tew copies printed for private distribu
tion ; but published in the Archcelogia ; vol. xxiv.
Modo facile per intendere il vago, e dilettevole giuoco degli
Scacchi ; per un Anonimo Veneziano.—Venez. per Domenico
Lovisa, 1817. 8vo.
Morosini, Ascanio.—II Giuoco degli Scacchi, tradotto in ottava
rima. Nel Tomo V. della Racolta di Poematti ltaliani. Torino,
1797. 12mo.
(N).
Nauen, iiber die, der Schachstein, s. Allegemeinen literarischen
Anzeiger, 1798. No. 103, p. 545.
Nouvelle Notation pour les parties, ou les coups d' Echecs.
Par P. P. E. F. a Commercy, 1836. 12mo. pp. 32.
Netto, Dr.—Das Schachspiel unter Zweien und dessen Geheim-
nisse ; ferner das Cpurier-spiele, Rundshach des Tamerlan
und das Krieges-spiel. Berlin : In der Pauli 'schen Buch-
handlung, 1827. 8vo. pp. 212.
 244
Netto, Dr.—Rezen9ion des Vorigen in No. 15, der Berl. Schnell-
post.
Nieveld, Zuilen Van. La Superiorite au jeu des Echecs, mise
a. la portee de tout le monde, et particulierement des Dames,
&c. ACampen; chez I. A. De Chalmont, 1792. 2 vol. 8vo.
pp. 166. Translated into Dutch as follows :—
net Schaakspiel veel gemahlyker om te leeren of onderright
op wat, &c. 2 vol. Campen, Chalmont, 1792. 8vo.—General
Zuylen's book is the best ever published as to the elements of
the game.
Nouvelle Notation des Parties et coups d' echecs, compris dans
les Traites faits sur ce jeu ; par une Societe d' Amateurs et par
Philidor, &c. Paris: Everat, 1823. 8vo. pp.465.—The new
method of notation consists simply of numbering the squares
of the Chess-board, from 1 to 64.
Neue Theorie der Schaclispielkunst, &c. Von A. B. Konigsberg,
Unzer, 1827. 8vo.
(0).
Olearius, Adam, in notis ad Schich Saadi Rosarium Persicum.
1. 7, c. 13, p. 84. Hamb. 1696. fol.
(P).
Pratt, Peter.—The Theory of Chess, &c. London : Bagster,
1799, Svo. pp. 107.—The quaintness of Mr. Pratt's style is by
no means its minor merit.
Phatt, P.—Studies of Chess ; containing a systematic introduc
tion to the game, and the analysis of Chess by Mr. A. D. Phi
lidor, &c. London : Samuel Bagster, 1825. 8vo. pp. 536.—
This work was originally published in two volumes, and has
gone through several editions. It was first printed in 1802.
Peyeat, Dv.—La Philosophie Royale dv jev des Eschets, povr
Monseignevr le Davfin. Par G. Dv. Peyrat. Paris : Met-
tayer, 1608. 8vo. pp. 148.
Pohlman, I. G.—Chess rendered familiar by tabular demonstra
tions, Sec. London: Baldwin and Co. 1819. Royal 8vo. pp.
449.
Ponziani Avvocato Domenico Canonico.—II Giuoco incompara-
bile dcgli Scacchi sviluppato con nuovo metodo, per condurre
chiunque colla maggiore facilita dai primi elementi ; sino alle
finezze piu magistrali. Opera d' Autore Modenese, divisa in
tre parti. Modena, per gli Eredi di Bartolomeo Soliani, 1769>
4to. pp. 380.—The second and best edition recapitulates the
above title, but concludes thus :—Seconda Edizione purgata et
arricchita di nuovi moltissimi Lumi e Scoperte. Modena: per
 245
Bernardo Soliani, 1782. 4to. —The first edition was pub
lished anonymously, and the author was consequently descri
bed as the " Second Anonymous Modenese." The third and
fourth editions, published at Venice, by Simone Occhii, in
1801, and " nella Stamperia Negri," 1812, were merely reprints
of the first ; but the fifth edition is taken from the second, and
I therefore subjoin the title :—
Ponziani. II Giuoco incomparabile degli Scacchi, &c. Prima
Edizione Romana, eseguita su quella di Modena del 1782.
Roma : per Domenico Ercole, 1829. 4to. pp. 242.
Piacenza, Doctor Francesco.—I Carnpeggiamenti degli Scacchi
o sia nuova disciplina d' attachi, difesa, e partiti del giuoco
degli Scacchi si nello stile antico che nel nuovo Arci-Scacchiere.
In Torino : per Antonio Beltrandi, 1683. 4to. pp. 136.
Poliphili Hypnerotomachia. Venice, 1499. Folio. —Chess is
described as a Tournament.
Paciotta, Felix, de ludo Scacchorum. Vid. Hyde, L. I. 183.
Palamedes Rediuiuus. Unterricht von Stein oder Schachspiel,
&c. Leipzig: Joh. Gottfr. Ayck, 1679. 12mo.—I am ac
quainted with four other editions of this book, viz. 1722, 1733,
1749, and 1755.
Paridis de Puteo, Joh.—Tractatus aureus in materia ludi.
Neapoli : Sixt. Russinger, 1485. Fol.—Venetiis : Bapt. de
Cortis, 1489. Fol.—Mediolani, 1493. Fol.—Papioe : Burgo-
francho, 1511. Fol.
Palamede, Le. A Monthly Magazine of Chess, published at
Paris in the French language. Two volumes, of twelve num
bers each, are complete, and a third has just commenced. Its
Editor is M. de la Bourdonnais, and the office of publication,
No. 1, Rue de Menars.
Preusslers, I. P. C.—Auseinander-setzung der Schachspiel
geheimnisse des Arabers P. Stamma. Berlin ; Enslin, 1817
and 1823. 8vo.
Philidor.—Bekwame handleidung tot het edile Schaakspel :—
gevolge naar het Fransch van den Heere A. D. Philidor, door
Petrus Lievens Kersternen. Amsterdam, Elwe, 1808. 8vo.
pp. 248, with plates.
Philidor, Andre Danican.—L' Analyze des Eehecs, &c. A
Londres, L' An 1749. 8vo. pp. 170.—The following are a few
only of the different editions I have met with :—In French,
Amsterdam and Leipzig; chez Arkstee, et Merkus, 1752.
8vo. London : 1767. 8vo. pp. 308.—Reprinted in London,
1777, with fine portrait by Bartolozzi. Royal 8vo. pp. 310,—
and again, 1790, Elmsly, Strand, London, 2 vol. royal 8vo.—
Leipzig, 1754, 8vo.—Paris, 1762, &c. 8vo.—also in 1803. &c.
4to.—Philadelphia, 1821, 8vo.—Paris, 1835, pocket size, by
Causette, &c.
 246
Philidor.—Prakt. Anweisung z. Schachspiele ; a. d. Franz, v.
Schack. Hm. Ewald. Gotba, Ettinger, 1779 and 1797. 8vo.—
Strasburg, 1771, (3d edit ) &c. &c.—For another German edi
tion of Philidor, see the article " Rust."
Philidor.—De Kunst van Schaakspels, &c. Te Amsterdam bij
H. Gartman, 1819. 8vo. pp. 248; with folding plates.
Penn, Richard.—Maxims and Hints for Anglers and Chess-play
ers. London: John Murray, 1833. 8vo. pp. 60.
Pruen, Rev. Thomas. An introduction to the history and
study of Chess, &c. To which is added Philidor's analysis of
Chess. Cheltenham, H. Ruff, 1804. 8vo. pp. 314.
(R.)
Roman. Les Echecs, Po'eme en quatre chants, &c. a Paris ;
chez Leopold Collin, 1807. l8mo. pp. 185. The historical
research is by Auguste Couvret, and contains an account of
the Automaton Chess-player, &c.
Remor, Padre Alonzo. Entretinimientos y juegos Honestos.
Madrid, 1623. 12mo.
Rocco. Dissertazione del Ch. Signore, D. Benedetto Rocco,
Napoletano, svl. Givco degli Scacchi, ristampata da Francesco
Cancellieri Romano. Con la Biblioteca Ragionata degli
Scrittori su lo stesso givoco. Roma ; Francesco Bovrlie, 1817,
12mo. pp. 58.
Reinganum, Aaron. Ben Oni, oder die Vertheidigunzen gegen
die Gambitzuge im Schache, nach bcstimneten arten classifi-
cirt. Frankfort; Hermann, 1825. 8vo. pp. 176.
Retzsch. Die Schachspieler, Zeichnrung von Moritz Retzsch,
Nach dessen Andentungen erl'antert von C. Borr. von Miltitz,
Leipzig, in Commission bei Ernst Fleischer, 1831 ; consisting
of Retzsch's engraving, with three folio leaves of explanation
in the three languages—German, French, and English.
Rowbothum, James. The pleasaunt and wittie playe of the
Cheasts renewed (reviewed), with instructions both to learne
it easely, and to playe it well. Printed at London by Rou-
lande Hall, for James Rowbothum, and are to be sold at hys
shoppe vnder Bowe Churche in Cheapesyde. Black letter.
1562. 8vo. 55 leaves.—This book is a translation from Dami-
ano, and was the first practical work ever printed on the sub
ject, in England. A second edition was printed by Thomas
Marshe, London, 1569. Same size as before. The first edition
is the rarer, though both are extremely scarce.
Rio, Ercole Del. Osservazioni pratiche sopra il giuco degli
Scacchi dell' Anonimo Autor Modonese. In Modena ; Fran
cesco Torri, 1750. 4to. pp. 100.—Ercole del Rio was long
known to the Chess-world as " The anonymous Modenese.
 247
Ryssev, Leonardi. DeLudo Aleae. Ultraj, 1660. 12mo.
Rizzetti, Joh. Ludorum Scientia. Venet,—Aloys. Pavinas,
1725. 4to.
Roesselsprung, Der, mit Variationen Mittweyda; bei Ed-
uard Billig, 1831. 24mo. pp. 64.
Rust J. F. Das Schackspiel der Philidor, oder Sammlang in-
teressanter Spiele desselben, &c.—Leipzig, Gottfr, Basse, 1834.
8vo. pp. 106.
Rust. J. F. Anleitung zur grundichen erlernung des Schach-
spiels. —Magdeburg, Ferdinand Rubach, 1834. 8vo. pp. 212.
Ringhieri, Innocentio. Cento Givochi liberali, et d' ingegno.
In Bologna; per Anselmo Giaccarelli, 1551. 4to. 163 leaves.
This rare book comprises Chess among the hundred games
dilated on.
Rour, F. A. K. Die Deutsche Fecht-Kunst. Leipzig, 1817.
8vo.
. . (S-
Sagittarii, Pauli. Mart. Programma de Ludo Scacchico.
Altenburg, 1676. 4to.
Sarratt, J. H. The works of Damiano, Ruy—Lopez, and Sal-
vio, on the game of Chess ; translated, &c. London ; Boo-
sey, 1813, 8vo. pp. 382.
Sarratt, J. H. Treatise on the game of Chess, &c. London;
Miller, 1808. 2 vol. 8vo. pp. 271 and 350. Reprinted in
one vol. with notes by Mr. W. Lewis. London ; Longman
and Co., 1822. 8vo. pp. 351. Seventy-eight critical positions
are given in this work by Sarratt, more than two-thirds of
which are from Lolli, Salvio, &c. ; the obligation remaining
unacknowledged by the liberal borrower.
Sarratt, J. H. The works of Gianutio and Gustavus Selenus
on the game of Chess, translated and arranged, &c. London ;
J. Ebers, 1817. 2 vol. 8vo. pp. 233, and 240. The words
" translate and arrange" signify in Mr. Sarratt's vocabulary, to
" mutilate and abridge."
Sarratt, J. H. A new treatise on the game of Chess, &c.
London ; Moore, 1821. 2 vol. 8vo. pp. 213, and 395.
Salvio, Dr. Alessandro, of Naples. Trattato dell' inventione
et arte liberate del Gioco di Scacchi. In Napoli; per Giam-
batista Sottile 1604, 1612, 1618, and by Gio. Dom. Montanaro,
1634. 4to. pp. 64.
Salvio, Dr. A. II Puttino, altramente detto al Cavaliero er-
rante del Salvio ; Discorsa sopra il gioco de' Scacchi, con la
sua apologia contra il Carrera. In Napoli ; per Giamb. Sottile
1604,1612, I618, and by Gio. Dom. Montanaro, }634.4to.
pp. 72.—This, and the foregoing work are always met with,
 248
bound together. There is another edition.—Nap.; by Laz.
Scorriggio, 1634. 4to. I subjoin the title of the last edition of
Salvio, which includes the whole of his writings.
Salvio. Il Giuoco degli Scacchi del Dottor Alessandro Salvio,
diviso in IV libri, ed in questa ristampata accresciuto di alcuni
giuochi dello stesso Autore, &c. In Napoli; nella stamperia
di Felice Mosca, 1723, 4to. pp. 160.
Sarasin, Jean Francois.—Les CEvvres de Monsievr Sarasin. A
Paris, chez Avgvstin Covrbé, 1 656. 4to. pp. 600. Containing
Opinions dv nom et dv jev des eschets, pp. 20. Sarasin's
works were reprinted as follow :—Les Oevvres de Monsieur
Sarasin. Imprimé à Rouvn, et se vend à Paris chez Augustin
Covrbé, 1658. 12mo. pp. prose 359, poetry 380. Agaia
reprinted in 12mo. 1683, 1694, &c.
Saul, Arthur.—The famous Game of Chesse-play, truely disco-
uered, and all doubts resolued. So that by reading this small
Booke thou shalt profit more than by the playing a thousand
Mates. London : Roger Jackson, 1614. 8vo. 30 leaves.
Scacchorum, Incipit libellus de ludo, Black letter. 4to. date
about 1 480. See Xavier Laire, Mendez, &c.
Schachspiel, Das. Ein Heldengedicht, 1753. 4to.
Seymour's Complete Gamester, containing instructions for play
ing Chess and other Games. Lond. 1734, 1765, &c. I2mo.
Severino, Marco Aurelio. La Filosofia overo il Perche degli
Scacchi, &c. In Napoli, Antonio Bulifon, 1690. 4to. pp. 120.
This book is scarce ; it includes some description of the " Phi
losopher's Game "—Rythmomachia.
Severino, M. A. del Giuoco degli Scacchi, Dell' antica Pettia
overo che Palamede non è stato 1' inventor degli Scacchi, &c.
Naples : Bulifon, 1690. 4to. pp. 82.
Severino, M. A. Modo facile per intendere il vago e dilettevole
Giuoco degli Scacchi. Venetia ; Valentin Mortali, 1674. 8vo.
Reprinted at the end of Salvio (edit. 1723).
Serpe, Ibn Mohammed. Oratio Arabica de Laude et vituperio
Shahiludii pro et contra illud.—In commentariis Sephadii.
Schachspiel, das. Ein Bild des Menschlichen Levens, in
dreikj philosophischen slizzen. Dessau, 1784. 8vo.
Schachspiel, uber das. See Morgenblatt sur gebildete
st'ànde, 1813. No. 96—and Zeitung siir d. eleg. Welchn, 1821.
No. 33.
Schachspiel, und andere Spiele. Leipzig, 1713. 8vo.—Merely
a book like Hoyle's games.
Schachspiel, uber das, und dessen Erlernung aus Buchera.—
See Analekten siir Politik, Philosophie und Literatur. Leip
zig, 1717. 8vo.
 249
Schachspiel, das, und der Krieg.—See Neuve Jugendzeitung
von. J. C. Dolz, 1820. See p. 97.
Singer.—In the work on the origin of playing cards, (London,
1816. 4to.), mention is made of Chess, and there is a letter on
Chess from Dr. Buchan.
Senfft von Pilfach, C, das Belagerungs-Schach mit einer
Anweisung Zum Schach unter drei und vier Spielern. Ham
burg ; Johann Göttlieb Herold, 1820. 8vo. pp. 20.
Senfft von Pilfach, C. Festungskrug, ein amiisantes Schach
spiel. Berlin; Maurers. 8vo. 1820.
Selenus, Gustavüs. Das Schachoder Koenig-Spiel. In vier
unterschiedene Biicher, mit besonderm fleiss, grund-und or
dentlich abgefasset. Auch mit dienlichen Kupfer-stichen
gezieret. Desgleichen vorhin nicht auszegangen. Lipsiae,
1616. large 4to. pp. 500. The author of this work was Au
gustus, duke of Brunswick Luneburgh, who wrote under the
name of Selenus. The book is very rare.
Sokeikeri Damasceni, Liber Arabicus de excellentia Shahiludii
prae Nerdiludio. Vid. Hyde t. 1. 182.
Scacchia depicta ; or A System of Characters for Chess ; by an
amateur. Parti. London; Masters, 1829. royal 8vo. pp. 9.
Stamma, Philippe. Essai sur le jeu des Echecs. Paris, Paul
Emery, 1737. 12mo. pp, 146. A la Haye, 1741, 12mo. &c.
Stamma, P. Essai sur le jeu des Echecs, &e. A la Haye, 1741.
12mo. pp. 160.—First printed -at Paris by Molieres, in 1737.
Reprinted at Amsterdam and Leipzig by Arkstee and Merkus,
in 1752.
Stamma, P. Nouvelle maniere d'apprendre les Echecs, &c.
Utrecht; T. V. Schoonhoven, 1777. 12mo. pp. 160.
Stamma, P. Schachspielgeheimnisse, &c. Von W. C. Wien,
1806. 8vo.
Stamma, P. The game of Chess. London; J. Brindley, 1745,
16mo., two parts, pp. 74 and 115.
Stamma, P., on the game of Chess; with notes by W. Lewis.
London; T. & J. Allman, 1819. sm. 8vo. pp. 350.
Stamma. —Proeven van het Schaakspel, &c. Amsterdam ; Ged-
rukt by de Erven de Weduwe Jacobus van Egmont, 1824.
24mo. pp. 140.
Stein, Elias. Nouvel essai sur le jeu des Echecs. A la Haye,
17&9. 8vo. pp. 254.
Schachspiel. Neu entdeckte Schachspiel, &c. Ling and
Leipzig; Schmidt. Second edition, 1818. two vol. I8mo. pp.
80 and 122.—The first edition was in one vol.
Schachspiel. Ein theoretisch practisches Spielbuch aller bis
jetzt bekannten altiren und neuesten und erlaubten Karte-
numterhatlungen, &c. Wien ; Tendier, 1830. 8vo. pp. 348.
2 H
 252
Unterricht im Schachspiel von W. S. Einem Desterreichen.
Pressburg, 1804. 8vo.
Uptonian, The.—A Magazine in 8vo. printed for private circu
lation only, at Upton-on-Severn, by Mr. George Sheward.
Complete in four parts. See No. 2, for May, 1834, Article
intitled " Chess Musings," p. 90 to 96.
(V).
Vbrci, Giambatista.—Letteie di Giambatista Verci, Sopra II
Giuoco degli Scacchi, Venezia, appresso Giovanni Gatti,
1778. 8vo. pp. 120.—Verci's volume is one of the rarest on
the subject ; though comparatively of so modern a date.
Vicent, Francesch.—Libre dels Jochs partitis del Schachs en
nombre de 100; ordenat e compost per mi Francesch Vicent
nat. en la ciutat de Segorb e criat de la insigne e valerosa ciutat
de Valencia.—Valencia ; estampat per mans de Lope de Rt
Alemany e Pere Trinchet librere a XV de May, del any
M.CCCCLXXXXV. (1495). 4to.
Villot, Francois. —Origine astronomique du jeu des Echecs,
expliquèe per le calendrier Egyptien. A Paris, chez Treuttel
et Wurtz, Bossange, &c. 1825. 8vo. pp. 84, with one large
folding plate. This is a learned work, and, probably, equally
clever as learned, to such as can understand it; in which happy
number, I am not ashamed to own that my name may not be
found.
Versuch iiber das Schachspiel. Elberfield, Mit Mannesfchen
Schriften, 1812 and 1813. 12mo. pp. 76.
Vida, Marcus Hieronymus, of Cremona, Bishop of Alba, author
of a Latin poem on Chess, ealled " Scacchia Ludus." Romce;
1527. 4to.—The following is a list of some of the editions :—
• Latin Editions :
— Romce ; Lud. Vincentinus, 1527, 1544, &c. 4to.
— Basilea ; 1534, 4to.
— Cremonce; Mutius et Bern. Locheta, 1550. 2 vol. 8vo. re
printed in 1567, &c.
— Venetiis ; Aldine Press, Apud Christophorum Zanettum,
1571. 16mo.
— Lugd. Apud Sebast. Gryph. 1536, 1541, 1547, 1554, 1559,
and 1581. 16mo.
— Oxonii ..... 1723. 16mo.
— Patavii, Jos. Cominus . . . 1731. 4to.
Londoni .... 1732. 2 vol. 8vo.
— Paris ; Blauboom . . . 1529. 8vo.
— Ant. ap Plantin .... 1578. 16mo.
— Eum Commentar, L. Wielii Argent, 1605. 8vo.
 253
— Florence, typ. Cosimi Juntae, 1604. 8vo.
— Scacchia Ludus. Lond. Bensley, 1813. 8vo.
Italian Editions :
Vida.—La Vaga e dilettevol' Guerra, del Giuoco degli Scacchi,
dell' Ingenioso e Leggiadro Poeta Mar, Hieronymo Vida, vol-
tata d' Heroici Latini, in Versi Toschi Sciolti da M. Nicolas
Mutoni. Roma, per Antonio Bladi, 1544. 12mo, 28 leaves;
with wood cut portrait of Mutoni.
Vida.—Battaglia d' Scacchi di Monsig. Vida, ridotta in Ottaua
Rima da Girolamo Zanucchi da Conigliano. In Trevigi ;
Presso Angelo Mazzolini, 1589. 4to, 36 leaves. Followed by
a Poem called " Dvello de Scacchi tratto da vn' ode del Tuc-
cio; " dall' excellente Bartholomeo Burchelato.
— Masdeu, Sig. Abb. Sig. Gio. Francesco Masdeu.—La Scac-
cheide, o sia il Giuoco degli Scacchi, Poema Latino di Giro
lamo Vida, Cremonese, volgarrizzato in ottava rima. In
Venezia, per Antonio Zatta, 1744. 4to.
— Perrone, Tommaso.—La Scaccheide di Gir. Vida, trad. in
versi sciolti. Napoli, per Genn. Musio, 1733 and 1739. 4to.
— Pindemonte, Carlo.— LaScaccheide di Gir. Vida, in Versi
sciolti. Verona, 1753. 4to.
— Martini, Sebastian.—La Scaccheide di Girolamo Vida, ri
dotta in ottava rima. In Faenza, per Giouanni Simbeni,
1616. 4to. pp. 34.
— Sitonis, Cammillo de.—Traduzione della Scaccheide del Vi
da, 1590. MS. vid. Arisii Crem. Lit. p. II. 199. Argelati
Bibl. Script. Med. t. II. 1414, Med. 1742. F.
— Giuoco de' Scacchi tradotto in Lingua Spagnuolo e Italiana.
Ven. Stef. Zazzara, 1564. 8vo.
— Giuoco degli Scacchi ridotto in Poema Eroico, Vicenza, 1607.
4to.
French Editions:
— Masures, Louis De. Livre des Echets de Hierome Vida, tra-
duit du Latin en Frangois. Paris ; Vincent Sertenas, 1556.
4to. Also at Paris and Lyons, 1557. 4to. Translated also
by Vasquino (Filicolo).
— Nervio, Rud. Masturio. Translated Vida into French. V.
Cruciman Bibl. Gall. 296. Arisi Cremona Litt. 111.
— Les vers a soie, poeme de Jerome Vida, de Cremone, eveque
d' Albe ; suivi du poeme des Echecs, et de pieces fugitives
du meme auteur, &c. Par J. B. Levee. Paris, a la Librairie
Stereotype, chez H. Nicolle, Rue de Seine, No. 12, 1809.
8vo. pp. 410.
 '-254
English Editions of Vida not noticed elsewhere in this Catalogue :
— Erskine, Wm- Scacchia Lucius ; or the Game of Chess.
London; A. Millar, 1735-6. 8vo. pp. 219.
— Translated by James Rowbothum, 1562.
— Anonymous, Eton, 1769.
— Arthur Murphy, 1786.
— G. Jeffreys, 1736.
— Anonymous, Oxford, 1778.
— Pullein, Rev. Samuel. Scacchia Ludus : a Poem on the
Game of Chess, written by M. H. Vida, and translated into
English Verse. Dublin; Powell, 1750. Royal 8 vo. pp. 95.
Other translations of Vida have been published by Cosmo
Grazzini, Firenze, no date, but early printed. By Luca Viello ;
Cremona, 1590 . 4to —See Mazzucchelli Scritt. Ital. p. I. and II.
1086 ; also Calogera Opusc. t. 31.—Giorn. de letter d' Italia X.
and XV. Stef. Marcheselli, 1. III. della Collezion Pesarese, 22.
Calogera 78.—Th. Aug. Vair. Monum. Cremonen. Romae, 1778.
p. 25, &c. —A German translation of Vida is given in Koch's
Codex der Schachspielkunst.
(W).
Walker, George.—New Variations on the Muzio Gambit. Lon
don ; Flook, 1831. 12mo. pp. 24.
Walker, George.—Analysis of Chess, translated from the
French of A. D. Philidor ; including Fifty-six new Chess
Problems. London; Whittaker and Co. 1832. Royal l8mo.
pp. 252.
Walker, George.—New Treatise on Chess. First edition, Lon
don ; 1832. 12mo. pp. 80. Second edition, London ; Sherwood
and Co. Small 8vo. pp. 160.—The first edition translated into
German as follows :—
Anweisung zum Schachspieler, &c. Von Georg Walker. Aus
dem Englischen ubersezt und mit Ammerkungen begleitet von
I. F. Schiereck. Frankfurt, Johann David Sauerlander, 1833.
8vo. pp. 186.
Walker, George.—A selection of Games at Chess, actually
played by Philidor and his contemporaries ; now first pub
lished from the original manuscripts, &c. London ; Sherwood
and Co. 1835. Sm. 8vo. pp. 11 2.
Walker, George.—Chess made Easy ; a new introduction to
that scientific and popular game ; written exclusively for
beginners. London; Sherwood and Co. Paternoster Row,
1837. Pocket size.—Reprinted by Carey and Hart, Philadel
phia, 1 837.—For other matter of mine, relative to Chess, see
the Philidorian, the Palamede, &c. &c.
 255
rV iELii, Lues. Isagoge in Scacchiam ludum Argent ap Paul
Lederoy, 1650. 8vo.—consisting chiefly of Vida—Vid. Arisi
Cremona Letter.
Wood, Rev. Henky. A new Guide to Chess. London ; Sher-
win, 1834. Pocket size.
Walker, Donald, introduces Chess hi his little manual termed
the Book of Games. London ; Hurst, 1836.
Walker, William Greenwood. A selection of games at Chess
actually played in London, by the late Alexander Mc Donnell,
Esq., the best English player, with his principal contempora
ries ; including the whole of the games played by M. de la
Bourdonnais, and Mr. Mc Donnell, &c. London ; Hurst,
1836, 8vo. pp. 280.
Wachter, Joh. Geo. Glossarium Germanicum, p. 1364, under
the head " Schachspiel" and " Schachmatt."
Wahl, Sm. F. Gunther. Der Geist und die Geschiehte des
Schachspiels bey den Indiern, Persern, Tiirken, Sinesen,
und ubrigen Morgenl'andern, Deutchen und andern Euro-
p'aern von S. F. G. Wahl.—Halle, inder Curtschen Buchhand-
lung, 1798, 8vo.—Berlin; Laue, 1798, 8vo.
Wallisius, Johan. De Progressione Geometrica. Oxon, 1699.
4to, t. 1, p. 159.
Weickmann, Christoph. Neu erfundenes grosses Konigspiel,
&c. Ulm ; bei Balthasar Kuhnen, 1664. pp. 257, folio, with
iolding plates.
Warnsdorf, H. C. von. Des Rbsselsprunges einfachste und
allgemeinste Lbsung, &c. Schmalkalden ; in der Th. G. Fr.
Varnhagenschen Buchhandlung, 1823. 4to. pp. 68.
Wits Interpreter, 1662, contains 16 pages on Chess.
Waidder, S. Das Schachspiel, in Seinem ganzen Umfange
nach allen Schriftstellern auf eine leichtfakliche Weise dar-
gestel It von S. Waidder, Wien, 1837, Lechner, 4 vol; 8vo.
pp. 224, 338, 236, and 208.
(X. Y. Z.)
Zeileri, Mart. Itinerar. German. I. c. XL. 254.
Kwolf Schacht—Parthien des grossen Kampfes um Europa's
Freheit, Friede und Gliick. Auf dem Schachbret dargestellt
von B. v. L. Wien ; Gerold, 1815, 8vo. pp. 74.
[Note.—It will be found that the first part of this Bibliographi
cal sketch of books and writers on Chess,—up to about letters
G—H—is carried out at greater length than the remainder.
Confined by limits, necessarily restricted in a work like the
Philidorian, the author has been unwillingly compelled thus
to condense his comments and notices. He appends a list
of the chief works on Draughts.]
 266
Blonde. Traits complet du Jeu des Dames, (Polish.) Paris ;
Guillaume, 1824. 2 vol. t2mo.
Blonde. Recueil de coups des Dames. Paris; 1789, 8vo. pp.
40. (Polish Draughts.)
Canalejas. Libra del jvego de las Damas, Compvesto por
Jvan Garcia Canalejas. En Caragoca, por Jvan Nogves, Ano
1650, 4to. pp. 144.—An extremely rare book.
Commard, Laurent. Deux Cents nouveaux problemes recrea-
tifs du Jeu des Dames a la Polonaise, &c. Paris; Guillaume,
1823, sm. 8vo, pp, 220.
Embden, Ephraim Van. Verhandeling over het Damspel, &c.
(Polish.) Amsteldam, Crajenschot, 1785, 8vo. pp. 280.
Koch, J. F. K. Das. Damenspiel, &c. Magdeburg, Heinrich-
shofen, 181 1, l6mo. pp. 260,
Lallement. See Art. " Lallement," in the foregoing catalogue
of writers on Chess.
Payne, Wm. Introduction to Draughts. Lond. 1756, 8vo. pp.68.
L'Egide de Pallas, ov Theorie et Pratique dv jev de Dames.
A Paris; chez Rebuffe, 1727, 8vo. pp. 98.
Montero, Petr. Roder.—Cordubens. Del Juego de las Damas
vulgarmente el Marro. Valent. 1590. 4to. apud Gabr.de Ribas
Torqvemada, Anton.—El Ingenio, 6 Juego de Marco, de Punta,
6 Damas Valent. 1547. 4to.
Mallet, Pierre, Le jeu des Dames. Paris, 1668. 4to.
Pohlman, I. G.—The Game of Draughts. Lond. 1823 l2mo.
pp. 70. Pohlman also wrote a work on Polish Draughts.
Painter, Wm.—Companion for the Draught Player. London,
1787. 8vo. pp. 20.
Sturges, Joshua. —Guide to Draughts. London, 1800. 8vo.
pp. 60.—New edit, of Sturges on Draughts, by George Walker,
Lond. Sherwood & Co. 1835. Pock, size, pp. 88.
Twiss — In Twiss' Miscellanies occur some notices of Draughts.
Dufour.— Recueil de coups des Dames ; (Polish). Paris, Everat,
1S08, 2 vol. 8vo.
Manoury.—Essai sur le jeu des dames. (Polish). Paris;
1770, l2mo. pp. 180. Second edit. Paris, l787,8vo. pp. 272.
Valls. Libra del ivego de las Damas, por otro uombre el
marro de puuta, diuidido en tres tratados, &c. Compuesto
por Lorenco Valls, vezino de la ciudad de Alicante en el reyno
de Valencia. Impresso in Valencia, en casade Pedro Patricio,
Ano 1597, a costa de Angelo Tabano. 4to. 53 leaves.—This
work is very scarce.

FINIS.

London : Geo. Nichols, Printer, Earl's Court, Cranbonrn Street, Sobo.

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