CHESS NOTES

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 295, 2 September 1918, Page 8

CHESS NOTES

OTAGO'V. WELLINGTON.

Tho above, clubs were able to commence their annual match on Saturday evening through the good offices of Mr. Talbot,. Superintendent. of Telegraphs. Mr. W. Alexander, umpired for Wellington in Dunedin, while the Otago Club's interests at this end were looked after by Mr. G. H. Chitted till 10, p.m., and/afterwards by Mr. J. A. Connell. The operating was in the very capable hands of Messrs. G. Clark (Wellington) and J. Milburn (Dunedin). Messrs. Bock, Crandle, and G. Greig acted .as scrutineers. A largo number of spectators watched the play, which commenced promptly at most oftheboards."' As the Otago Club's clocks were lost when removing to now quarters, the present match is not being played' under the usual time limit (18 .moves per hour), and both, '■executives are doing their utmost to encourage v rapid play and to avoid waste of .time. Mt.. Barnes, the local captain, won the toss from Mr. Ohitten, and' Wellington thus had first move"at'the odd-number-ed boards.." The Otago team was much stronger than that which recently defeated Canterbury. : The ..local cktb's side, on the, other hand, is weaker than usual. The run of the play was as follows, the Otago name being given first in each 1 instance:—

Board I—Clelaud v. Barnes (Queen's Gambit Declined). An even game. Board 2—Balk v. W. E. Mason (Evans Gambit Declined). Another even game.-. ■ ■ • ' /' Board 3—P.- N. Stewart v. Davies (French Defence). The former won a pawn at move 9, but two moves later no was- the victim vof cheßs blindness and overlooked a mate on the move. Davies thus:scored "first blood" at" 8 p.m... ■:•■.'■'''.. ' Board 4—Hanicl v. .W. Mackay (Queen's Gambit Declined). Even. ' Board s—Ellis v. Selling (Ponziani Opening). Even. ; Board 6—Stenhouse v. Still (Ruy Lopez). Mr. Still has given up a pawn and it remains to be seen what will be the outcome of the sacrifice. Board 7—Ooombs v. James (Queen's Gambit Declined). Even. Mr. James was penalised for making a clerical error, but his game is not in any way impaired thereby. ■ ■ ■ Board B—Amptman v. Godtschalk (Queen's Gambit Declined). Even. Board 9-4 J. D. Wright v. S. Gyles (Queen's Gambit Declined). Even. , Board 10— S. S. Myers v. H. G. Leo (Centre Counter opening),- The former for a while had tho advantage in material, but ultimately lost his queen for a knight. Mr. Lee now has force majeure, with a good game. • Board 11—A. E. Ward v. E. S. Taylor (Giuoco Piano). The forces are even, but Taylor has the preferable positioa. Board 12-W. H. Allen v. Bruton (French Defence). The latter has won a pawn," with a fine game. Board 18—Rev. N. Friberg v. A.; Clork (French Defence). The former holdfl the advantage, having won a queen for a rook and knight. Board 14— H. H. Henderson v.\W. White (Four Knights' game). The former is a pawn to the good. , From the foregoing remarks it will readily bo gathered that the finish next Saturday should be a very close one.