CHESS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 224, 10 June 1918, Page 9

CHESS

CANTERBURY' V. WELLINGTON

THE OPENING GAMES

The above clubs were able to make a punctual start.with their annual match at 6 p.m. on Saturday, thanks to the good offices of Mr. Talbot, Superintendent of Telegraphs, and to the labours of the working bees that attended to preliminaries in both centres during the afternoon. H. A. Ward and C. W. Tanner replaced .J. A. Council and W. ]?. Barraud in tho local team, while the Canterbury team was that,originally selected a week ago. Mr. 'C. R. Hill'urn-, pircd for Wellington and Mr. G. H. Clutten for Canterbury, who won tho toss and had first move at.the odd numbered boards. The operating was in the very capable hands of Messrs. Georgo Clark (Wellington) and J.' Gillcspio (Christchurch).. Messrs. ' Faulknor, S. Mackny, Bock, Tyer, and Mulvey acted as scrutineers. A large number of enthusiasts dropped in at tho Y.M.C.A. Rooms to witness tho play, the run' of which was as follows (the Canterbury name being given first in, each instiutcc): Board I.—II. Kennedy v. R. J. Barnos (Three Knights' Game): The latter won a valuable- centre pawn late in tho evening- •

Board 2.—11. L. Anderson v. W. E. Mason (Vienna Opening): This is a very evenly contested game. Board 3.-T. Hawkins v. A. W. 0. Davies (Irregular Opening): Davies left tho books with his second, move. Next Saturday's play will show whether ho is to get satisfaction for itho pawn that ha has given up.

Board L-H. J. Niglitmgalo v. W. Mackay, (Max Lunge Attack): Several . exchanges liavo resulted in a very "draVish" position. Muckny dll'ered a.' draw but his opponent prefers to give, the position a further trial. ••

Board 5.-W. S. King v. F. K. Kelling (Ruy Lopez). Mr. King, who is well known in volunteer circles as a former New Zealand rifle champion, launched ait attack, but Kelling got i relief by forcing the retreat of a dangerous knight. Both pkyors then adjusted their, forces for tho end-game struggle

Board G.-R. Lovoll-Smith v. P.' Still (Ruy Lopez): Tho forcos are equal, but Mr. Still lias established a passed pawn in tlie centre that appears'to augur., well for tho end-game!

Board 7—F- Woodford y., H. L. James (Giuoco Pinno): A well-foughf; game in which neither player hits gained an advantage. Board 8.-H. , Gourlay v. H. G. Lee (Rny Lopez): Another jiard-fqitght game that stands adjourned'in a'very even state.

Board fl.-C. H, Black v. Godlschalk (Giuoco Piano): Horo, too, it would be very difficult to say who has the prcierablo game. ...'... Board 10.—Dirkpihl v. G. S. M'Nair (King's Bishop Opening): Mr. M'Nair, whose style pleases local critics, has won a pawn and has the stronger position. Board 11.—AV. H. Joyce v. J). L. Braton (Vienna Gamo): Tho latter, who.has in past years successfully represented tho Otago Chess Club, was shaping well when he unfortunately lost a bishop for a pawn through misreading oho of his opponent's moves. He is consequently fighting a rearguard action, with inferior force.

Hoard 12—J". Gant v.■ E. S. Taylor:. The former played tlio Evans Gambit accepted, but not in the accepted way. Mr. Taylor made tlie most of. his opportunity, winning- tlio exchange at move 12 and the ganio at move 17, shortly after 9 o'clock He received a round of applause at scoring "first blood." Board 13.-R. S. Shillito v. H. A. Ward (Four Knights' Game): The latter has lost a pawn, l>ut apparently has full compensation in the position,, which is a very interesting one. Board U.-E. L. Wilson v. C. W. Tanner (Centre Game): Mr. Tanner has won a pawn and has a good .game. To sum up, tho Wellington Club has scored one game, each side has force majeure at three hoards, and neither side-holds any appreciable advantage at the remaining seven boards. Tho match will conclude on Saturday evening, and is likely to be one of- the closest of the series, which began in the year 1879.