CHESS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 136, 26 February 1918, Page 5

CHESS

PROBLEM-SOLVING CONTEST.

An all-Wellington problem-solving competition was held on Rattinlay evening at the rooms of the Wellington Chess Club, under the auspices of "The Good Companion Chess Problem Club" of America. Mr. C. W. lanncr, president of the "Wellington Club, acted as umpire. Ho explained tbat the Good Companions were out to create a greater interest in the problem aide of chess, and in this connection _ they held a solving contest annually in as manv centres as possible in both hemispheres, on George Washington s Birthday (February 22). This corresponded with Februarv 23 in New Zealand, the date on which we were holding the local contest. Each competitor would be provided with a sheet containing twelve two-move problems, and would be allowed two hours and a half for the solving. There were five book prizes, to be awarded to the most successful competitors. In the event of two or more chessists handing in the same number of solutions the tie would be decided in favour of the solver who took least time. He then handed round the problem-sheets, and the solvers were soon absorbed in their tasks. Some of the problems wore not exactly easv ones, and the popular concert going" overhead, plus the liberal applause that followed each item did not make the cracking of the hard nuts any easier. However, the competitors were hapoy in their difficulties. When time was up Mr. Tanner collected the outstanding result sheets, and examined them. Having been furnished with the solutions from the New Zealand headquarters (Dunedin) he was able to announce the result as follows: —First prize, F. K. Kelling (who solved the twelve problems correctly in 2hr. 28min.); second nrize, D. Purchas (nine problems in 2hr" lOmin.); third prize, A. W. 0. Davies (eight problems in 2hr. 20min.); fourth prize, E. S. Taylor (seven nroblems in 2hr. 29min.); and fifth prize, S. Faulknor (six problems in Ihr. SOmin.). Messrs. G. P. Anderson (Wellington South champion) and H. Douglas were the numers-up. The results of the Auckland,and Dunedin contests are not yet available. The Cliristchurch contest ended in favour of Mr. H. L. Ancbrsnu, a former Canterbury champion. Tfc put up a very fine performance, solving the whole twelve problems in lhr. 22min.