INTERNATIONAL DRAUGHTS MATCH Barker v. Martins. Fifth Day.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 248, 21 March 1888, Page 5

INTERNATIONAL DRAUGHTS MATCH Barker v. Martins. Fifth Day.

Martins, who was first player, again opened with the "Fife" when the match was resumed on Friday. No time was lost by either of the players in making their moves ; if Martins was going to play the " Fife," Barker seemed tohavo made up his mind to accommodate him, and was willing to get through the game as speedily as possible, and try his own opening afterwards. The "Fife," ib need hardly be added, ended in a draw. During the few minutes' interval that took place before starting a new game, Councillor Jas Martin was introduced to the English champion, and wished him success in the encounter with his formidable Transatlantic opponent. He was next introduced to Mr Barker, and had an animated conversation with the American champion regarding the ways and manners of the people the Councillor had met on his visit to the States. On resuming play, Barker formed the " Whilter." The game all through was of an animated and interesting character. Neither gob any perceptible advantage over the other, until by a series of exchanges the men were reduced to three a-side. none of the players having had a man crowned. To the run of draughts-players it may seem an easy matter to draw with three to three; but in this case Martins had "the move" on his opponont, and it required careful, cautious play on the part of Barker to prevent his men being " set." Latterly he forced man for man, which changed the move and secured the draw. Position : Black men on 10, 11, 17 ; White men on 20, 26, 30. White to play :—: — 26-23 30-25 25-22 23-18 20-16 18-11 10-15 17-21 21-25 25-30 11-20 Draw On play being resumed at night, Martins opened the "Fifo" again, which onded in as speedy a draw as tho samo game in the forenoon. Barker offered the "Fife " when ho had the Blacks next gamo, bub Martins prevented its formation by playing 27 23 instead of 26-23 aL fourth move, thus form ing the " Defiance." Martins's position was soon seen to be somewhat precarious. Black men on 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 22 ; White men on 14, 19, 20, 23, 24, 28, 30, 31. Black to play :—: —

After playing a few more moves Martins resigned the game, as Barker had a clear man up and a winning position. This finished the play for the day, the score now being lovel — Martins, 1 ; Barker, 1 ; drawn, 16. Remarkable to say, the late Dr. Yates won the same game off Wyllie in their match for the Championship of the World at Brooklyn in 1876. At fourth move of the above, however, instead of playing 2319, Wyllie played 14-9, tho game proceeding as under : —

Don Juan: "I really fail to comprehend' Anna, why you should doubt the sincerity, of my affection. I assure you no other young lady doeß so."

14- 9 5-14 >0-26 1-15 !6-17 .4-21 U-26 .0-14 16-22 21-25 2449 15-24 28-19 25-30 19-16 31-26 22 18 26-19 18- 9 19-15 9- 6 7-10 6- 2 10-14 2- 6 14-18 6- 9 18-23 9- 6 23-27 6- 9 27-31 9- 5 31-26 6- 9 26-23 9- 6 23-18 6- 9 15-10 9- 5 10- 6 5- 1 6- 2 1- 5 1815 5- 9 15-10 9- 5 10- 6 16-11 6 -10 Yates •won.

12-16 19-12 6-10 23-19 10-17 12- 8 3-12 19-16 12-19 24- 8 4-11 28-24 5- 9 24-19 9-13 19-16 11-35 16-11 7-16 20-11 15-18 31-27 17-21 11- 7 22-25 7- 2 25>29 2- 7 29-25 7-10 25-22 10-15 1317 27-24 18-23 24-19