GAMES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2895, 8 September 1909, Page 65

GAMES.

The following game is selected as one of the finest examples extant of the late American champion's skill at the game. It was the seventeenth game played in his great match with the late J. Smith, at Spennymoor, and is ta-ken. with Mr W. Beattie's original notes, from the record of the match. " The Great International Match," published hy F Dunne, Warrington, 1889: — Game 6715. — " Second Double Corner."

(a) From the articles of agreement it will be seen that the principles regulating the restrictions as regards White, or second side, meant only the answering of Black's standard " 11 15 " with every possible mere — seven in number. In conformity, then, with that principle the second player ought to have been restricted on his first move, and no more ; but in compelling him to take the piece 28 19 and also 27 20 the articles imposed conditions not merely on hi 3 first but again on his second move, a- clause really unnecessary and practically absurd. To obviate dull and senseless repetition, restrictions are doubtless very desirable, but there has as yet arisen no necessity for limitations such as we see in this opening, to which, probably, there is no- true defence, Mr Barker's success to the contrary notwithstanding. The remark applies equally to the 26 17 jump in the " Single Corner " opening. (b) We venture "to predict that, so far as concerns practical draughts,, the bast move at this stage will ever remain undetermined. Precedent recommends 9 14, by which Reid beat Campbell. (c) As at Note (b), Game No. 10, so 11 16 liere commands a fine attack. (d) A remarkable instance of Mr Barker's powers. At the critical stage of a match for a stake of £200 he sacrifices a piece, the regaining of which involves a calculation extending over 25 moves, together with an accurate conception"' of all possible contingencies. •• , (b) Mr Smith, foreseeing the pretty dTaw, returns the- man without .further delay. Evidently his better judgment did not prevail, or he would have been reconciled to a result, however much unexpected, stilr a result clear and indisputable. In the circumstances, it would have "been well had he submitted to the inevitable, satisfied at haying spaced no effort to win, but, taking failed, his calmei judgment ought to have told him that any attempt at forcing so delicate a position could only end in disaster. (f) A vital point just here. There if much to recommend this play, and, as it turned out, Mr Barker had grounds for congratulating himself. He. however, explains that, on the merits of the position, crowning in the other square would be batter in view of a contingency requiring the unobstructed movement of the three kings. (g) If now Black advance the king, then 24 19, 23 16, 3 7, and White pins the lot. (h) Admitting of a beautiful win. (i) At this' stage thf best defence appears to be that which was pointed out by one of the spectators, a skilful amateur, of Hartleoool. It is as follows: — £6 23 " 16 19 II 15 . 15 18 If 23 18 27 26 31 3126 . 3 7 l»a

Black— J. Smith. 11 15 £9 !5 24 19 9 14 15 24 25 22 a-27 23 4 8 B- 9 14 17 IS 22 IS 16 5 9 22 17 26 22 15 18 8 11 D-24 19 £8 24 18 27 10 15 32 23 22 ]7 11 15 15 2:5 30 2ti 17 10 15 24 6 15 2« 22 26 17 8 11 C- 7 10 22 18 White— C. F. Barker. 6 0 15 10 2G 31 13 « 31 27 2 6 2 9 10 7 3126 17 13 27 2 J G-1U 14 10 15 fi 10 £6 31 13 (i 18 22 6 10 15 22 21 17 n-31 26 6 2 22 26 24 19 E-24 27 17 13 23 16 31 24 26 31 14 18 22 26 13 9 1-16 19 2 6 31 27 18 23 £6 31 F 7 3 11 15 23 19 27 31 23 16 14 18 9 6 12 19 19 15 31 26 3 12 3 8 t 8 W.tttßS.