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Chapter II: The King's Knight's Opening (1)

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WHITE. BLACK.
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K's Kt. to B's 3d.

Your second move gives the name to this opening, which is one of the most popular and instructive of all the various methods of commencing the game. The Kt., it will be observed, at once attacks the adverse Pawn, and the defence recommended by the best authors and the leading players of Europe, is for Black to reply 2. Q's Kt. to B's 3d. He has, however, many other ways of playing, and as the examination of these comparatively simple variations will serve to prepare you for the more complex and elaborate combinations of the best defences, it will be advisable to consider them previously. In the first place, then, Black may sustain his Pawn by playing--

1. P. to K. B's 3d.
2. K's B. to Q's 3d.
3. Q. to K. B's 3d.
4. P. to Q's 3d.

or, in the second place, he may leave it unprotected, and play--

5. K's Kt. to B's 3d.
6. K's B. to Q. B's 4th.
7. P. to K. B's 4th.
8. P. to Q's 4th.

He has thus eight different modes of play at his command, besides the move of Q's Kt. to B's 3d, in answer to your second move of K's Kt. to B's 3d. Each of these will form the subject of a separate game.

GAME THE FIRST.

THE DAMIANO GAMBIT.

WHITE. BLACK.
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K's Kt. to B's 3d. 2. P. to K. B's 3d.
3. Kt. takes K's P. 3. P. takes Kt.
4. Q. to K. R's 5th. (ch.) 4. P. to K. Kt's 3d.
5. Q. takes K's P. (ch.) 5. Q. to K's 2d.
6. Q. takes R. 6. K's Kt. to B's 3d.
7. P. to Q's 4th. (best.) 7. Q. takes P. (ch.)
8. Q's B. to K's 3d. 8. Q. takes Q. B's P.
9. Q. takes Kt. 9. Q. takes Q. Kt's P.
10. K's B. to Q. B's 4th. 10. K. B. to Q. Kt's 5th. (ch.)
11. Q's Kt. to Q's 2d. 11. Q. takes R. (ch.)
12. K. to his 2d. 12. Q. takes K's R.
and you give mate in two moves.

The foregoing moves are dependent on Black's taking the Kt., which is very bad play. His proper move, under the circumstances, is 3. Q. to K's 2d, as in the following example:--

WHITE. BLACK.
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K's Kt. to B's 3d. 2. P. to K. B's 3d.
3. K's Kt. takes P. 3. Q. to K's 2d.
4. K. Kt. to B's 3d. (best) 4. P. to Q's 4th.
5. P. to Q's 3d. 5. P. takes K's P.
6. P. takes P. 6. Q. takes P. (ch.)
7. B. to K's 2d. 7. Q's B. to K. B's 4th.
8. Kt. to Q's 4th. 8. Q's Kt. to B's 3d.
9. Kt. takes B. 9. Q. takes Kt.
10. Castles. 10. B. to Q's 3d.
11. B. to Q's 3d.
You have an excellent position.

GAME THE SECOND.

WHITE. BLACK.
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K's Kt. to B's 3d. 2. K's B. to Q's 3d.
3. B. to Q. B's 4th. 3. K. Kt. to B's 3d.
4. P. to Q's 4th. 4. Q. Kt. to B's 3d.
5. P. takes K. P. 5. B. takes P.
6. K. Kt. to his 5th. 6. Castles.
7. P. to K. B's 4th. 7. B. to Q's 5th.
8. P. to K's 5th. 8. Q. to K's 2d.
9. Q. to K's 2d. 9. K. Kt. to K's sq.
10. B. to Q's 5th. 10. K. B. to Q. Kt's 3d.
11. Q. Kt. to B's 3d. 11. P. to K. R's 3d.

In reply, you may now play P. to K. R's 4th, having a capital game. If, instead of 11. P. to R's 3d, he play 11. Q. Kt. to Q's 5th, you move 12. Q. to her 3d, then B. to Q's 2d, and finally castle on the Q's side. If, however, in lieu of that move, he play 11. B. to Q. R's 4th, you can move 12. B. to Q's 2d, and presently castle on the Q's side; and lastly, if he play 11. K. to R's sq., then you take your Queen to K. R's 5th, and he cannot save the game.

GAME THE THIRD.

WHITE. BLACK.
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K. Kt. to B's 3d. 2. Q. to K. B's 3d.

It is seldom good to bring the Q. into play early in the game, unless for some decisive blow, because she is so easily assailable by the opponent's minor Pieces, and in attacking her he brings his forces into action.

3. K. B. to Q. B's 4th. 3. Q. to K. Kt's 3d.

Black now attacks two undefended Pawns, but he can take neither without ruinous loss to him; for suppose on your playing P. to Q's 3d, to protect the K. P., he ventures to take the K. Kt. P., you immediately take the K. B. P. with your Bishop (ch.). If he then take the Bishop with his King, you attack his Queen with your Rook, and on her retiring to R. 6th, you win her by K. Kt. to his 5th (ch.). On the other hand, you can leave the King's Pawn, and castle safely.

4. Castles. 4. Q. takes K. P.
5. K. B. takes B. P. (ch.) 5. K. to Q's sq.

It is quite obvious that he would lose his Queen by the check of the Knight, if he took the Bishop.

6. Kt. takes K's P. 6. K. Kt. to B's 3d.

If he take the Kt., you will play R. to K's sq., compelling him either to take it with his Q. or be mated.

7. K. R. to K's sq. 7. Q. to K. B's 4th.
8. K. B. to K. Kt's 6th. 8. Q. to K's 3d.
9. Kt. to B's 7th. (ch.), and gains the Queen.

GAME THE FOURTH.
PHILIDOR'S DEFENCE.

WHITE. BLACK.
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K. Kt. to B's 3d. 2. P. to Q's 3d.
3. P. to Q's 4th. 3. P. to K. B's 4th.
4. Q. P. takes P. 4. K. B. P. takes P.
5. Kt. to K. Kt's 5th. 5. P. to Q's 4th.
6. P. to K's 6th. 6. Kt. to K. R's 3d.
7. P. to K. B's 3d. 7. Q. Kt. to B's 3d.
8. B. to Q. Kt's 5th. 8. Q. to her 3d.
9. Q. Kt. to B's 3d. 9. Q. B. takes K. P.
10. K. Kt. takes B. 10. Q. takes Kt.
11. Q. takes Q's P. 11. Q. takes Q.
12. Kt. takes Q. 12. Castles.
13. P. takes K. P.
You have a Pawn more than Black, and a better position

FIRST VARIATION OF THIS ATTACK,
_Commencing at White's 7th move._

WHITE. BLACK.
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K. Kt. to B's 3d. 2. P. to Q's 3d.
3. P. to Q's 4th. 3. P. to K. B's 4th.
4. Q. P. takes P. 4. K. B. P. takes P.
5. Kt. to K. Kt's 5th. 5. P. to Q's 4th.
6. P. to K's 6th. 6. Kt. to K. R's 3d.
7. Q. Kt. to B's 3d. 7. P. to Q. B's 3d.
8. K. Kt. takes K. R. P. 8. Q. B. takes K. P. (best)
9. Kt. takes K. B. 9. K. takes Kt.
10. Q. Kt. takes K. P. 10. Kt. to K. Kt's 5th.
11. Q. Kt. to K. Kt's 5th,
with the better game.

SECOND VARIATION OF THIS ATTACK.
_Commencing at White's 8th move._

WHITE. BLACK.
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K. Kt. to B's 3d. 2. P. to Q's 3d.
3. P. to Q's 4th. 3. P. to K. B's 4th.
4. Q. P. takes P. 4. K. B. P. takes P.
5. Kt. to K. Kt's 5th. 5. P. to Q's 4th.
6. P. to K's 6th. 6. Kt. to K. R's 3d.
7. Q. Kt. to B's 3d. 7. P. to Q. B's 3d.
8. K. Kt. takes K. P. 8. P. takes Kt.
9. Q. to K. R's 5th. (ch.) 9. P. to K. Kt's 3d.
10. Q. to K's 5th. 10. K. R. to Kt's sq.
11. B. takes K. Kt. 11. B. takes B.
12. Q. R. to Q's sq. 12. Q. to K's 2d.
13. Kt. takes K. P. 13. Q. B. takes P.
14. R. to Q's 6th. 14. Q. B. to K. B's 4th.
(the winning move.)
15. Kt. to B's 6th. (ch.) 15. K. to B's sq. (best)
16. R. to Q's 8th. (ch.) 16. K. to B's 2d.
17. B. to Q. B's 4th. (ch.) 17. B. to K's 3d. (best)
18. Kt. takes R., and wins.

VARIATION OF THE DEFENCE IN THIS OPENING,
_Beginning at Black's 3d move._

WHITE. BLACK.
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K. Kt. to B's 3d. 2. P. to Q's 3d.
3. P. to Q's 4th. 3. K. Kt. to B's 3d.
4. Q. B. to K. Kt's 5th. 4. Q. B. to K. Kt's 5th.
5. P. takes K. P. 5. B. takes Kt.
6. Q. takes B. 6. P. takes P.
7. Q. to her Kt's 3d. 7. P. to Q. Kt's 3d.
8. K. B. to Q. B's 4th. 8. Q. to Q's 2d.
9. B. takes Kt. 9. P. takes B.
10. Q. Kt. to B's 3d. 10. K. B. to K. Kt's 2d.
11. Q. R. to Q's sq. 11. Q. to K's 2d.
12. B. to Q. Kt's 5th. (ch.) 12. P. to Q. B's 3d.
13. Kt. to Q's 5th,
with an excellent game.

ANOTHER VARIATION OF THE DEFENCE,
_Beginning also from Black's 3d move._

WHITE. BLACK.
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K. Kt. to B's 3d. 2. P. to Q's 3d.
3. P. to Q's 4th. 3. Q. B. to K. Kt's 5th.
4. P. takes P. 4. B. takes Kt.
5. Q. takes B. 5. P. takes P.
6. B. to Q. B's 4th. 6. Q. to K. B's 3d.
7. Q. to her Kt's 3d. 7. P. to Q. Kt's 3d.
8. Q. Kt. to B's 3d. 8. P. to Q. B's 3d.
9. Castles. 9. B. to Q's 3d.
10. P. to K. B's 4th. 10. P. takes P.
11. Q. B. takes P. 11. B. takes B. (best)
12. P. to K's 5th. 12. B. takes K. R. P. (ch.)
And White has the better game.

SUMMARY OF THE FOREGOING VARIATIONS
IN PHILIDOR'S DEFENCE.

The result of the preceding analysis serves to prove that Q. P. one, as the second move of Black, is not a tenable defence; since, play as he can afterwards, if the best moves are adopted by the first player, he will always have a very insecure or a very constrained game.

GAMES

ILLUSTRATIVE OF PHILIDOR'S DEFENCE.

GAME I.--Mr. Morphy plays without seeing the Chess
board or men, against M. Boucher, at Paris.

{PGN 01}

WHITE. (Mr. M.) BLACK. (M. B.)
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K. Kt. to K. B's 3d. 2. P. to Q's 3d.
3. P. to Q's 4th. 3. P. takes P.
4. Q. takes P. 4. Q. Kt. to Q. B's 3d.
5. K. B. to Q. Kt's 5th. 5. Q. B. to Q's 2d.
6. B. takes Kt. 6. B. takes B.
7. B. to K. Kt's 5th. 7. P. to K. B's 3d.
8. B. to K. R's 4th. 8. Kt. to K. R's 3d.
9. Q. Kt. to Q. B's 3d. 9. K. B. to K's 2d.
10. Castles on K's side. 10. Castles.
11. Q. to Q. B's 4th. (ch.) 11. K. to R's sq.
12. K. Kt. to Q's 4th. 12. Q. to her 2d.
13. Q. R. to Q's sq. 13. K. R. to K. B's 2d.
14. P. to K. B's 4th. 14. P. to Q. R's 4th.
15. P. to K. B's 5th. 15. K. R. to K. B's sq.
16. K. Kt. to K's 6th. 16. K. R. to K. Kt's sq.
17. P. to Q. R's 4th. 17. Kt. to Kt's 5th.
18. Q. to K's 2d. 18. Kt. to K's 4th.
19. B. to K. Kt's 3d. 19. Q. to Q. B's sq.[A]
20. B. takes Kt. 20. Q. P. takes B.
21. K. R. to K. B's 3d.[B] 21. Q. B. to Q's 2d.[C]
22. K. R. to K. R's 3d.[D] 22. P. to K. R's 3d.
23. Q. to Q's 2d. 23. K. to R's 2d.[E]
24. Q. takes Q. B. 24. B. to Q's 3d.
25. K. R. takes K. R. P. (ch.)[F] 25. K. takes R.
26. R. to Q's 3d.[G] 26. K. to R's 4th.
27. Q. to K. B's 7th. (ch.)
And wins; the battle having lasted about seven hours.

[Footnote A: To enable him to capture the Bishop, which is about to take the Kt., with the Q's Pawn.]

[Footnote B: The attack looks already irresistible, but the actual finish is charmingly accomplished.]

[Footnote C: By this move Black may be said to lose a Piece. His best course--but that a bad one--was possibly to retreat his Bishop to K's square.]

[Footnote D: Threatening mate in two moves.]

[Footnote E: To avert the promised mate, by R. takes Pawn, &c.]

[Footnote F: The termination is very pretty--quite an elegant little problem.]

[Footnote G: And Black has no possible means of escape; for, if he play Q. to K's sq., White simply captures the Queen for nothing; if B. to Q. B's 4th (ch.), then follows K. to B's sq., &c.]

GAME II.--Between Mr. Morphy and Mr. Harrwitz.

{PGN 02}

WHITE. (Mr. M.) BLACK. (Mr. H.)
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K. Kt. to K. B's 3d. 2. P. to Q's 3d.
3. P. to Q's 4th. 3. P. takes P.
4. Q. takes P. 4. Q. Kt. to Q. B's 3d.
5. K. B. to Q. Kt's 5th. 5. Q. B. to Q's 2d.
6. B. takes Kt. 6. B. takes B.
7. B. to K. Kt's 5th. 7. P. to K. B's 3d.
8. B. to K. R's 4th. 8. Kt. to K. R's 3d.
9. Q. Kt. to B's 3d. 9. K. B. to K's 2d.
10. Castles on K's side. 10. Q. to Q's 2d.
11. Q. R. to Q's sq. 11. Castles on K's side.
12. Q. to B's 4th. (ch.) 12. K. R. to K. B's 2d.
13. K. Kt. to Q's 4th. 13. Kt. to K. Kt's 5th.
14. P. to K. R's 3d. 14. Kt. to K's 4th.
15. Q. to K's 2d. 15. P. to K. Kt's 4th.[A]
16. B. to K. Kt's 3d. 16. K. R. to K. Kt's 2d.
17. K. Kt. to K. B's 5th. 17. K. R. to K. Kt's 3d.
18. P. to K. B's 4th. 18. P. takes P.
19. K. R. takes P. 19. K. to R's sq.
20. K. R. to K. R's 4th. 20. K. B. to his sq.
21. B. takes Kt. 21. K. B. P. takes B.
22. Q. R. to K. B's sq. 22. Q. to K's 3d.
23. Q. Kt. to Q. Kt's 5th. 23. Q. to K. Kt's sq.
24. Q. R. to K. B's 2d. 24. P. to Q. R's 3d.
25. Q. Kt. takes Q. B. P.[B] 25. Q. R. to Q. B's sq.
26. Q. Kt. to Q's 5th. 26. B. takes Kt.
27. K. P. takes B. 27. Q. R. to Q. B's 2d.[C]
28. P. to Q. B's 4th. 28. B. to K's 2d.
29. K. R. to K. R's 5th. 29. Q. to K's sq.
30. P. to Q. B's 5th.[D] 30. Q. R. takes P.
31. K. R. takes P. (ch.) 31. K. takes R.
32. Q. to K. R's 5th. (ch.) 32. K. to Kt. sq.
33. Kt. takes B. (ch.) 33. K. to Kt's 2d.[E]
34. Kt. to K. B's 5th. (ch.) 34. K. to Kt's sq.
35. Kt. takes Q. P.
And Black cannot possibly save the game.

[Footnote A: Very imprudent in such a position and against such an opponent. It must be admitted, however, that Black has no good move at this crisis.]

[Footnote B: Perfectly sound, as the sequel shows.]

[Footnote C: Taking the Pawn would have been injudicious; for example,

27. Q. takes Pawn.
28. K. R. takes K. R. P. (ch.) 28. K. takes R. (best).
29. Q. to K. R's 5th. (ch.) 29. B. to K. R's 3d.
30. Kt. takes B. 30. K. R. takes Kt.
31. Q. to K. B's 5th. (ch.) 31. Anything.
32. Q. takes Q. R., &c.]

[Footnote D: The first step in a combination of admirable daring and ingenuity.]

[Footnote E: Had he taken the Knight it would have cost him his Queen.]

GAME III.--Between Mr. Morphy and Mr. Harrwitz.

{PGN 03}

WHITE. (Mr. M.) BLACK. (Mr. H.)
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K. Kt. to K. B's 3d. 2. P. to Q's 3d.
3. P. to Q's 4th. 3. P. takes P.
4. Q. takes P. 4. Q. Kt. to Q. B's 3d.
5. K. B. to Q. Kt's 5th. 5. Q. B. to Q's 2d.
6. B. takes Kt. 6. B. takes B.
7. B. to K. Kt's 5th. 7. Kt. to K. B's 3d.
8. Q. Kt. to Q. B's 3d. 8. K. B. to K's 2d.
9. Castles on Q's side. 9. Castles.
10. K. R. to K's sq. 10. P. to K. R's 3d.
11. B. to K. R's 4th. 11. Kt. to K's sq.
12. B. takes B. 12. Q. takes B.
13. P. to K's 5th. 13. B. takes Kt.
14. P. takes B. 14. Q. to K. Kt's 4th. (ch.)
15. K. to Q. Kt's sq. 15. P. takes P.
16. K. R. takes P. 16. Q. to K. Kt's 7th.
17. Kt. to Q's 5th. 17. Q. takes K. R. P.
18. K. R. to K's sq. 18. Q. to Q's 3d.
19. K. R. to K. Kt's sq. 19. K. to K. R's 2d.
20. Q. to K's 3d. 20. P. to K. B's 4th.
21. Kt. to K. B's 4th. 21. Q. to Q. Kt's 3d.
22. Q. to K's 2d. 22. K. R. to K. B's 2d.
23. Q. to Q. B's 4th. 23. Q. to K. B's 3d.
24. Kt. to K. R's 5th.[A] 24. Q. to K's 2d.
25. Q. R. to K's sq. 25. Q. to Q's 2d.
26. P. to Q. R's 3d. 26. Kt. to Q's 3d.
27. Q. to Q's 4th. 27. Q. R. to K. Kt's sq.
28. K. R. to K. Kt's 2d. 28. P. to Q. Kt's 3d.
29. Q. R. to K. Kt's sq. 29. Kt. to K's sq.
30. Q. to Q. B's 3d. 30. P. to K. B's 5th.[B]
31. Q. R. to K. R's sq.[C] 31. P. to K. Kt's 3d.
32. Q. R. to K. Kt's sq. 32. Q. to Q's 4th.
33. Q. to K's sq. 33. P. takes Kt.
34. K. R. to Kt's 5th.[D] 34. Q. takes P.
35. Q. to K's 5th. 35. K. R. to K. B's 3d.
36. Q. to K's 7th. (ch.) 36. Q. R. to K. Kt's 2d.
37. Q. takes Kt. 37. P. takes R.
38. Q. to K's sq. 38. Q. to Q. B's 3d.
39. P. to K. B's 3d. 39. K. R. to K's 3d.
40. Q. to K. B's 2d. 40. Q. R. to K's 2d.
And White abandoned the game.

[Footnote A: This looks promising, but does not turn out well. He had better, perhaps, have played K. R. to K. Kt's 6th.]

[Footnote B: Well played. White must now beware, for his Kt. is in sore peril.]

[Footnote C: This will not save the Kt. The best move was K. R. to Kt's 4th.]

[Footnote D: Merely desperate.]

GAME IV.--Between Mr. Morphy and Mr. Bird of London.

{PGN 04}

WHITE. (Mr. B.) BLACK. (Mr. M.)
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. Kt. to K. B's 3d. 2. P. to Q's 3d.
3. P. to Q's 4th. 3. P. to K. B's 4th.
4. Kt. to Q. B's 3d. 4. K. B. P. takes P.
5. Q. Kt. takes P. 5. P. to Q's 4th.
6. Kt. to K. Kt's 3d. 6. P. to K's 5th.
7. Kt. to K's 5th. 7. Kt. to K. B's 3d.
8. Q. B. to K. Kt's 5th. 8. B. to Q's 3d.
9. Kt. to K. R's 5th. 9. Castles.
10. Q. to Q's 2d. 10. Q. to K's sq.
11. P. to K. Kt's 4th. 11. Kt. takes K. Kt. P.
12. Kt. takes Kt. 12. Q. takes Kt.
13. Kt. to K's 5th. 13. Kt. to Q. B's 3d.
14. B. to K's 2d. 14. Q. to K. R's 6th.
15. Kt. takes Kt. 15. P. takes Kt.
16. B. to K's 3d. 16. R. to Q. Kt's sq.
17. Castles (Q. R.) 17. R. takes K. B. P.
18. B. takes R. 18. Q. to Q. R's 6th.
19. P. to Q. B's 3d. 19. Q. takes Q. R. P.
20. P. to Q. Kt's 4th. 20. Q. to Q. R's 8th. (ch.)
21. K. to B's 2d. 21. Q. to R's 5th. (ch.)
22. K. to Kt's 2d. 22. B. takes Q. Kt. P.
23. P. takes B. 23. R. takes P. (ch.)
24. Q. takes R. 24. Q. takes Q. (ch.)
25. K. to B's 2d. 25. P. to K's 6th.
26. B. takes P. 26. B. to K. B's 4th. (ch.)
27. R. to Q's 3d. 27. Q. to Q. B's 5th. (ch.)
28. K. to Q's 2d. 28. Q. to Q. R's 7th. (ch.)
29. K. to Q's square. 29. Q. to Kt's 8th. (ch.)
And White resigns.

GAME V.--(By Philidor.)

{PGN 05}

WHITE. BLACK.
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K. Kt. to K. B's 3d. 2. P. to Q's 3d.
3. P. to Q's 4th. 3. P. to K. B's 4th.
4. P. takes K. P. 4. K. B. P. takes K. P.
5. Kt. to Kt's 5th. 5. P. to Q's 4th.
6. P. to K. B's 4th.[A] 6. K. B. to Q. B's 4th.
7. P. to Q. B's 4th. 7. P. to Q. B's 3d.
8. Q. Kt. to B's 3d. 8. K. Kt. to K's 2d.
9. P. to K. R's 4th. 9. P. to K. R's 3d.
10. K. Kt. to R's 3d. 10. Castles.
11. Q. Kt. to Q. R's 4th. 11. B. to Q. Kt's 5th. (ch.)
12. B. to Q's 2d. 12. B. takes B. (ch.)
13. Q. takes B. 13. P. to Q's 5th.
14. P. to Q. B's 5th. 14. P. to Q. Kt's 4th.
15. P. takes P. (in passing). 15. Q. R. P. takes P.
16. P. to Q. Kt's 3d. 16. Q. B. to K's 3d.
17. B. to K's 2d. 17. Kt. to K. B's 4th.
18. K. Kt. to his sq. 18. K. Kt. to Kt's 6th.
19. K. R. to his 2d. 19. P. to K's 6th.
20. Q. to her Kt's 2d. 20. P. to Q's 6th.
21. B. to K. B's 3d. 21. K. R. takes P.
22. Castles on Q's side. 22. K. R. takes Kt.
23. P. takes K. R. 23. Q. R. takes P.
24. P. to Q. R's 3d. 24. R. to Q. B's 5th. (ch.)
25. K. to Q. Kt's sq. 25. R. to Q. B's 7th.
26. Q. to Kt's 4th. 26. Q. Kt. to R's 3d.
27. Q. to K. B's 4th. 27. Q. Kt. to B's 4th.
28. Q. takes K. Kt.
And Black mates in two moves.

[Footnote A: This is not the proper move; he should play 6. P. to K's 6th.]

GAME THE FIFTH.

PETROFF'S DEFENCE.

WHITE. BLACK.
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K. Kt. to B's 3d. 2. K. Kt. to B's 3d.
3. P. to Q's 4th. 3. P. takes P.
4. P. to K's 5th. 4. Kt. to K's 5th. (best)
5. Kt. takes P. 5. P. to Q's 3d. (best)
6. P. takes P. 6. K. B. takes P.
7. K. B. to Q. B's 4th. 7. K. B. to Q. B's 4th.
8. Q. B. to K's 3d. 8. Castles.
9. Castles. 9. Q. Kt. to Q's 2d.
The game is equal.

VARIATION I.

_Commencing at Black's 3d move._

WHITE. BLACK.
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K. Kt. to B's 3d. 2. K. Kt. to B's 3d.
3. P. to Q's 4th. 3. Kt. takes P.
4. K. B. to Q's 3d. 4. P. to Q's 4th.
5. Kt. takes K's P. 5. Kt. to Q's 3d.
6. P. to Q. B's 4th. 6. P. takes P.
7. K. Kt. takes P. 7. Q. B. to K's 3d.
8. Kt. to K's 3d. 8. B. to K's 2d.
9. Castles. 9. Castles.
You have the move, and somewhat the advantage of position.

VARIATION II.

_Beginning at White's 5th move._

WHITE. BLACK.
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K. Kt. to B's 3d. 2. K. Kt. to B's 3d.
3. P. to Q's 4th. 3. P. takes P.
4. P. to K's 5th. 4. Kt. to K's 5th.
5. K. B. to Q's 3d. 5. K. Kt. to Q. B's 4th
6. Kt. takes P. 6. P. to Q's 3d.
7. P. takes P. 7. K. B. takes P.
8. Castles. 8. Castles.

It would not be a good move for Black, instead of castling, to take your K. R. P. (ch.) and then to take the Kt., on account of your check with the B., which would leave his Q. exposed to capture.

VARIATION III.

_Beginning at White's 3d move._

WHITE. BLACK.
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K. Kt. to B's 3d. 2. K. Kt. to B's 3d.
3. Kt. takes K's P. 3. Kt. takes P.
4. Q. to K's 2d. 4. Q. to K's 2d.
5. Q. takes Kt. 5. P. to Q's 3d.
6. P. to Q's 4th. 6. P. to K. B's 3d.
7. P. to K. B's 4th. 7. Q. Kt. to Q's 2d.
8. Q. Kt. to B's 3d. 8. Q. P. takes Kt.
9. Q. Kt. to Q's 5th. 9. Q. to her 3d.
10. Q. P. takes P. 10. P. takes P.
11. P. takes P. 11. Q. to her B's 3d.
12. K. B. to Q. Kt's 5th. 12. Q. to her B's 4th.
13. P. to Q. Kt's 4th.

Winning the Q. At his 12th move, Black might prolong the game by playing 12. Q. to K. Kt's 3d, but in that case you would take 13. Q. B. P. with the Kt. (ch.), then take Q. with Q., and afterwards Q. R. with Kt.

VARIATION IV.

_Beginning at Black's 3d move._

WHITE. BLACK.
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th
2. K. Kt. to B's 3d. 2. K. Kt. to B's 3d.
3. Kt. takes K. P. 3. P. to Q's 3d.
4. Kt. to K. B's 3d. 4. Kt. takes K's P.
5. P. to Q's 4th. 5. P. to Q's 4th.
6. K. B. to Q's 3d. 6. K. B. to K's 2d.
7. Castles. 7. Q. Kt. to B's 3d.
8. P. to Q. B's 4th. 8. Q. B. to K's 3d.
9. P. to Q. R's 3d. 9. Castles.
You are now enabled to play Q. to her B's 2d, and
obtain a good attacking situation.

ANOTHER VARIATION,

_Beginning at the 3d move of White._

WHITE. BLACK.
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K. Kt. to B's 3d. 2. K. Kt. to B's 3d.
3. K. B. to Q. B's 4th. 3. Kt. takes P.
4. Q. to K's 2d. 4. P. to Q's 4th.
5. Kt. takes K. P. 5. K. B. to Q. B. 4 (best)
6. P. to Q's 3d. 6. B. takes K. B. P. (ch.)
7. K. to Q's sq. (best) 7. B. to Q. Kt's 3d.
8. Kt. takes K. B. P. 8. Q. B. to K. Kt's 5th.
9. Kt. takes Q. 9. B. takes Q. (ch.)
10. K. takes B. 10. Kt. to K. B's 7th.
11. R. to K. B's sq. 11. P. takes B.
12. Kt. to K's 6th. 12. P. takes P. (ch.)
13. P. takes P. 13. K. to his 2d.
14. Kt. takes K. Kt. P. 14. R. to K. Kt's sq.
15. Kt. to K. B's 5th. (ch.) 15. K. to his 3d.
16. Q. B. to K's 3d. 16. B. takes B.
17. Kt. takes B. 17. Kt. to K. Kt's 5th.
The positions are equal, but you have a pawn more.

VARIATION (A.)

_Beginning at Black's 6th move._

WHITE. BLACK.
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K. Kt. to B's 3d. 2. K. Kt. to B's 3d.
3. K. B. to Q. B's 4th. 3. Kt. takes P.
4. Q. to K's 2d. 4. P. to Q's 4th.
5. Kt. takes K. P. 5. K. B. to Q. B's 4 (best)
6. P. to Q's 3d. 6. Q. P. takes B.
7. Q. takes Kt. 7. Castles.
8. Q. takes doubled P. 8. Q. to K's 2d.
9. P. to K. B's 4th. 9. Q. Kt. to B's 3d.
10. Q. to K's 4th. 10. K. R. to K's sq.
11. K. to Q's sq. 11. Q. to K. R's 5th.
12. P. to K. Kt's 3d. 12. Q. to K. R's 4th. (ch.)
13. K. to Q's 2d. 13. Kt. takes Kt.
14. P. takes Kt. 14. R. takes P.
Winning easily.

Instead, however, of playing 12. P. to K. Kt's 3d, you might at that moment move Q. Kt. to Q's 2d.

12. Q. Kt. to Q's 2d. 12. Q. to K. R's 4th. (ch.)
13. Q. Kt. to K. B's 3d. 13. Q. B. to K. Kt's 5th.
(best)

and now, play as you can, Black must gain a decided advantage by taking the K. Kt. with Kt., &c.

VARIATION,

_Beginning at White's 11th move._

WHITE. BLACK.
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K. Kt. to B's 3d. 2. K. Kt. to B's 3d.
3. K. B. to Q. B's 4th. 3. Kt. takes P.
4. Q. to K's 2d. 4. P. to Q's 4th.
5. Kt. takes K. P. 5. K. B. to Q. B. 4th. (best)
6. P. to Q's 3d. 6. Q. P. takes B.
7. Q. takes Kt. 7. Castles.
8. Q. takes doubled P. 8. Q. to K's 2d.
9. P. to K. B's 4th. 9. Q. Kt. to B's 3d.
10. Q. to K's 4th. 10. K. R. to K's sq.
11. Q. Kt. to Q's 2d. 11. Q. to K. R's 5th. (ch.)
12. P. to K. Kt's 3d. 12. Q. to K. R's 4th.
13. Q. Kt. to K. B's 3d. 13. Q. B. to K. B's 4th.
14. Q. to K's 2d. (best) 14. Q. B. to K. Kt's 5th.
15. K. R. to B's sq. 15. Q. Kt. to Q's 5th.
And Black must win.

GAMES

ILLUSTRATIVE OF PETROFF'S DEFENCE.

GAME I.--Mr. Morphy plays without seeing the
Chess-board or men, against M. Potier, at Paris.

{PGN 06}

WHITE. (Mr. M.) BLACK. (M. P.)
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K. Kt. to K. B's 3d. 2. K. Kt. to K. B's 3d.
3. K. B. to Q. B's 4th. 3. Kt. takes K. P.
4. Q. Kt. to Q. B's 3d. 4. K. Kt. to K. B's 3d.[A]
5. Kt. takes K. P. 5. P. to Q's 4th.
6. K. B. to Q. Kt's 3d. 6. K. B. to K's 2d.
7. P. to Q's 4th. 7. P. to Q. B's 3d.
8. Castles. 8. Q. Kt. to Q's 2d.
9. P. to K. B's 4th. 9. Q. Kt. to Q. Kt's 3d.
10. Q. to K. B's 3d. 10. P. to K. R's 4th.
11. P. to K. B's 5th. 11. Q. to Q. B's 2d.
12. Q. B. to K. B's 4th. 12. K. B. to Q's 3d.
13. Q. R. to K's sq. 13. K. to B's sq.
14. Q. to K. Kt's 3d. 14. P. to K. R's 5th.
15. K. Kt. to Kt's 6th. (ch.)[B] 15. K. to Kt's sq.
16. Q. B. takes B. 16. P. takes Q.
17. Q. B. takes Q. 17. P. takes Kt.
18. K. B. P. takes P. 18. P. takes K. R. P. (ch.)
19. K. to R's sq. 19. B. to K. Kt's 5th.
20. Q. R. to K's 7th. 20. Q. Kt. to Q's 2d.
21. Q. B. to K's 5th. 21. K. to B's sq.
22. Q. R. to K. B's 7th. (ch.)[C] 22. K. to Kt's sq.
23. Kt. takes Q. P. 23. P. takes Kt.
24. K. B. takes P. 24. Q. Kt. to Q. Kt's 3d.
25. K. B. to Q. Kt's 3d.
And Black abandons the game.

[Footnote A: It is to be regretted that Mr. Potier did not take the Kt. rather than retreat, as many amateurs would have been pleased to see Mr. Morphy carrying out the attack of this interesting and comparatively novel début.]

[Footnote B: Finely played.]

[Footnote C: The termination of this _partie_ is remarkably elegant and finished.]

GAME II.--Skilfully conducted _Partie_ played in 1837, by M. Petroff, against three Russian Amateurs in council together.

{PGN 07}

WHITE. (M. Petroff.) BLACK. (Amateurs.)
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K. Kt. to K. B's 3d. 2. K. Kt. to B's 3d.
3. P. to Q's 4th. 3. Kt. takes K. P.
4. K. B. to Q's 3d. 4. P. to Q's 4th.
5. Kt. takes K. P. 5. K. B. to Q's 3d.
6. Castles. 6. Castles.
7. P. to Q. B's 4th. 7. P. to K. B's 4th.
8. P. to K. B's 4th. 8. P. to Q. B's 3d.
9. Q. B. to K's 3d. 9. Q. B. to K's 3d.
10. P. takes Q. P. 10. P. takes P.
11. Q. Kt. to B's 3d. 11. Q. Kt. to B's 3d.
12. Q. R. to Q. B's sq. 12. K. R. to B's 3d.[A]
13. B. takes Kt. 13. K. B. P. takes B.
14. Q. Kt. to his 5th. 14. Kt. to K's 2d.
15. Kt. takes B. 15. Q. takes Kt
16. P. to K. Kt's 4th. 16. P. to K. Kt's 3d.[B]
17. P. to K. B's 5th.[C] 17. P. takes P.
18. B. to K. Kt's 5th. 18. K. R. to B's sq.
19. B. to K. R's 6th. 19. K. R. to Q. B's sq.[D]
20. Q. to her 2d. 20. Q. to her square.
21. R. takes R. 21. R. takes R.
22. P. takes P. 22. Kt. takes P.
23. Q. to K. Kt's 2d. (ch.) 23. K. to R's sq.
24. R. takes Kt. 24. Q. to K. Kt's sq.
25. R. to B's 6th. 25. B. to K. R's 6th.
26. Q. to K. Kt's 3d. 26. Q. takes Q.
27. P. takes Q.
On this move, the Amateurs abandoned the game.

[Footnote A: This unfortunate counter attack is admirably taken advantage of by M. Petroff.]

[Footnote B: They do not appear to have had a better move.]

[Footnote C: Well played.]

[Footnote D: It would have been better to leave the Rook _en prise_, and advance the Pawn to King's Bishop's 5th.]

GAME III.--Between M. Tchigorin and H. N. Pillsbury.

{PGN 08}

WHITE. (Mr. T.) BLACK. (Mr. P.)
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K. Kt. to B's 3d. 2. K. Kt. to B's 3d.
3. Kt. to B's 3d. 3. Kt. to B's 3d.
4. B. to Kt's 5th. 4. B. to Kt's 5th.
5. Castles. 5. Castles.
6. P. to Q's 3d. 6. P. to Q's 3d.
7. B. to Kt's 5th.[A] 7. B. takes Kt.
8. P. takes B. 8. Kt. to K's 2d.[B]
9. B. takes Kt. 9. P. takes B.
10. Q. to Q's 2d. 10. Kt. to Kt's 3d.
11. K. to R's sq.[C] 11. K. to R's sq.
12. P. to Q's 4th. 12. R. to K. Kt's sq.
13. B. to Q's 3d. 13. Q. to K's 2d.
14. Q. R. to Kt's sq.[D] 14. P. to Kt's 3d.
15. Kt. to Kt's sq. 15. B. to K's 3d.!
16. P. to Q's 5th.? 16. B. to Q's 2d.
17. P. to Kt's 3d. 17. R. to Kt's 2d.
18. Q. R. to K's sq. 18. Q. R. to K. Kt's sq.[E]
19. P. to B's 3d.[F] 19. P. to K. R's 4th.!
20. R. to K's 2d. 20. Kt. to B's sq.
21. P. to K. B's 4th. 21. P. takes P.
22. Q. takes P. 22. Kt. to R's 2d.
23. Kt. to B's 3d. 23. B. to Kt's 5th.
24. Kt. to Q's 4th.[G] 24. P. to R's 5th.!
25. R. to K's 3d. 25. Q. to K's 4th.
26. P. takes P.? 26. B. to B's 6th. (ch.)
27. Resigns.

[Footnote A: NOTES by JAS. MASON.--In this familiar "double Lopez" predicament, 7. B. takes Kt. is highly recommended, if a dull but durable kind of game is desired.]

[Footnote B: ... Something like a leap in the dark. If the doubled Pawn can be "dissolved" betimes, or the open file well used in attack, a safe landing may be confidently expected.]

[Footnote C: More or less necessary, sooner or later. Black does not attempt to dissolve, just here; for then Q. to R's 6th, threatening Kt. to Kt's 5th, might be uncomfortable.]

[Footnote D: Routine--indirectly including the questionable 16. P. to Q's 5th? At once Kt. to Kt's sq., to be speedily followed by P. to Kt's 3d and P. to K. B's 4th, would have given the matter another and perhaps very different complexion.]

[Footnote E: ... The difference is in favor of the young American representative, who presses it fully.]

[Footnote F: Manifestly weakening. The Russian champion feels himself on the defensive, and at a loss how to continue. Thus the text move may be as good as any other.]

[Footnote G: 24. Kt. to R's 4th would be much stronger, the importance of halting the advancing Rook Pawn duly considered. Going from bad to worse, the downright blunder two moves later caps the climax--and more need not be said.]

GAME THE SIXTH.

WHITE. BLACK.
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K. Kt. to B's 3d. 2. K. B. to Q. B's 4th.
3. Kt. takes K. P. 3. Q. to K's 2d.
4. P. to Q's 4th. 4. B. to Q. Kt's 3d.
5. K. B. to Q. B's 4th. 5. K. Kt. to B's 3d.
6. B takes B. P. (ch.) 6. K. to B's sq.
7. B. to Q. Kt's 3d. 7. Kt. takes K's P
8. Castles,
And you have an excellent position.

GAME THE SEVENTH.

COUNTER GAMBIT IN THE KNIGHT'S OPENING.

WHITE. BLACK.
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K. Kt. to B's 3d. 2. P. to K. B's 4th.

This second move of Black gives the name of Counter Gambit to this game.

3. K. Kt. takes P. (best.) 3. Q. to K. B's 3d. (best.)
4. P. to Q's 4th. 4. P. to Q's 3d.
5. Kt. to Q. B's 4th. 5. P. takes K's P.
6. Q. Kt. to B's 3d. 6. P. to Q. B's 3d.
or First Variation.
7. Q. Kt. takes K's P. (best.) 7. Q. to K's 3d.
8. Q. to K's 2d. 8. P. to Q's 4th.
9. Q's Kt. to Q's 6th. (ch.) 9. K. to Q's 2d.
10. Q. Kt. to K. B's 7th. 10. Q. P. takes K's Kt.
11. Q. takes Q. (ch.) 11. K. takes Q.
12. K. B. takes P. (ch.) 12. K. to his 2d.
13. Kt. takes R. 13. Q. B. to K's 3d.
14. K. B. to Q's 3d. 14. K. Kt. to B's 3d.
15. Q. B. to K. Kt's 5th. 15. Q. B. to K. Kt's sq.
16. Castles, with a fine game.

FIRST VARIATION,

_Beginning at Black's 6th move._

WHITE. BLACK.
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K. Kt. to B's 3d. 2. P. to K. B's 4th.
3. K. Kt. takes P. (best) 3. Q. to K. B's 3d. (best)
4. P. to Q's 4th. 4. P. to Q's 3d.
5. Kt. to Q. B's 4th. 5. P. takes K. P.
6. Q. Kt. to B's 3d. 6. Q. B. to K. B's 4th.
7. P. to K. Kt's 4th. 7. Q. B. to K. Kt's 3d.
8. K. B. to Kt's 2d. 8. P. to Q. B's 3d.
9. B. takes K's P. 9. B. takes B.
10. Q. Kt. takes B. 10. Q. to K's 3d.
11. Q. to K's 2d. 11. P. to Q's 4th.
12. K. Kt. to Q's 6th. (ch.)

If now Black take the Knight with his Bishop, you retake with the Q. Kt. (ch.), then exchange Queens, and win the Q. Kt. P. He may, however, move 12. K. to his 2d, whereupon you check with K. Kt. at K. B's 5th, and afterwards liberate your other Kt.

SECOND VARIATION,

_Beginning at Black's 6th move._

WHITE. BLACK.
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K. Kt. to B's 3d. 2. P. to K. B's 4th.
3. K. Kt. takes P. (best) 3. Q. to K. B's 3d. (best)
4. P. to Q's 4th. 4. P. to Q's 3d.
5. Kt. to Q. B's 4th. 5. P. takes K. P.
6. Q. Kt. to B's 3d. 6. K. Kt. to K's 2d.
7. P. to Q's 5th. 7. Q. to K. Kt's 3d.
8. Q. to her 4th. 8. Q. B. to K. B's 4th
9. Q. Kt. to his 5th,
gaining a Pawn.

THIRD VARIATION,

_From Black's 6th move._

WHITE. BLACK.
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K. Kt. to B's 3d. 2. P. to K. B's 4th.
3. K. Kt. takes P. (best) 3. Q. to K. B's 3d. (best)
4. P. to Q's 4th. 4. P. to Q's 3d.
5. Kt. to Q. B's 4th. 5. P. takes K's P.
6. Q. Kt. to B's 3d. 6. Q. to K. Kt's 3d.
7. P. to K. B's 3d. (best) 7. K. Kt. to B's 3d.
8. P. takes K's P. 8. Kt. takes P.
9. Q. to K's 2d. 9. Q. B. to K. B's 4th.
10. K. Kt. to Q's 2d. 10. Q. Kt. to B's 3d.
11. K. Kt. takes Kt. 11. Kt. takes Q. P.
12. Q. to her 3d, having
won a Piece.

FOURTH VARIATION OF THIS GAME,

_Beginning at Black's 4th move._

WHITE. BLACK.
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K. Kt. to B's 3d. 2. P. to K. B's 4th.
3. Kt. takes K. P. 3. Q. to K. B's 3d.
4. P. to Q's 4th. 4. P. takes K. P.
5. K. B. to Q. B's 4th. 5. P. to Q. B's 3d.
6. B. to B's 7th. (ch.) 6. K. to his 2d.
7. P. to K. R's 4th. 7. P. to K. R's 3d.
8. Q. to K. R's 5th. 8. K. to Q's 3d.
9. Q. B. to K. Kt's 5th. 9. P. takes B.
10. Q. takes R.,
and you have an easy game.

ANOTHER VARIATION,

_Beginning at the 3d move of White._

WHITE. BLACK.
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K. Kt. to B's 3d. 2. P. to K. B's 4th.
3. K. B. to Q. B's 4th. 3. P. takes K's P.
4. Kt. takes P. 4. Q. to K. Kt's 4th.
5. Kt. to K. B's 7th. (best) 5. Q. takes K. Kt. P.
6. R. to K. B's sq. 6. P. to Q's 4th.
7. Kt. takes R. 7. P. takes B.
8. Q. to K. R's 5th. (ch.) 8. P. to K. Kt's 3d.
9. Q. takes K. R. P. 9. Q. B. to K's 3d.
10. Q. takes K. Kt. P. (ch.) 10. Q. takes Q.
11. Kt. takes Q.,
and you have "the exchange" and a Pawn advantage.

VARIATION OF THIS GAME,

_Beginning at White's 3d move._

WHITE. BLACK.
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K. Kt. to B's 3d. 2. P. to K. B's 4th.
3. P. takes P. 3. P. to Q's 3d.
4. P. to Q's 4th. 4. P. to K's 5th.
5. Kt. to his 5th. 5. Q. B. takes P.
6. Q. to K's 2d. 6. P. to Q's 4th.
7. Q. to her Kt's 5th. (ch.) 7. Q. Kt. to B's 3d.
8. Q. takes Q. Kt. P. 8. Q. Kt. takes Q. P.
9. B. to Q. Kt's 5th. (ch.) 9. Kt. takes B.
10. Q. takes Kt. (ch.) 10. Q. to her 2d.
11. Q. to Q. Kt's 7th. 11. Q. R. to B's sq.
12. Q. takes Q. R. P. 12. P. to K. R's 3d.
13. Kt. to K. R's 3d. 13. B. takes Kt.
14. K. Kt. P. takes B. 14. Q. takes P.
And he has the superiority in position.

GAME THE EIGHTH.

WHITE. BLACK.
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K. Kt. to B's 3d. 2. P. to Q's 4th.
3. P. takes P. (best) 3. Q. takes P.
4. Q. Kt. to B's 3d. 4. Q. to K's 3d.
5. B. to Q. Kt's 5th. (ch.) 5. B. to Q's 2d.
6. Castles. 6. B. takes B.
7. Kt. takes B. 7. K. B. to Q's 3d.
8. R. to K's sq. 8. P. to K. B's 3d.
9. P. to Q's 4th. 9. P. to Q. B's 3d.
10. Q. P. takes P. 10. P. takes P.
11. K. Kt. takes P.
Winning of course.

VARIATION.

WHITE. BLACK.
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K. Kt. to B's 3d. 2. P. to Q's 4th.
3. Kt. takes K's P. 3. Q. to K's 2d. (best).
4. P. to Q's 4th. 4. P. to K. B's 3d.
5. Kt. to his 4th. 5. B. takes Kt.
6. Q. takes B. 6. Q. takes P. (ch.)
7. Q. takes Q. (ch.) 7. P. takes Q.
There is no advantage on either side.

GAMES

ILLUSTRATIVE OF THE PRECEDING VARIATIONS.

GAME I.--Between Messrs. Cochrane and Staunton.

{PGN 09}

WHITE. (Mr. C.) BLACK. (Mr. S.)
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K. Kt. to B's 3d. 2. P. to Q's 4th.
3. Kt. takes K. P. 3. Q. to K's 2d.
4. P. to Q's 4th. 4. P. to K. B's 3d.
5. Q. Kt. to B's 3d. 5. P. takes K. Kt.
6. Kt. takes Q. P. 6. Q. to K. B's 2d.
7. K. B. to Q. B's 4th. 7. Q. B. to K's 3d.
8. Castles. 8. P. to Q. B's 3d.
9. P. to K. B's 4th. 9. P. takes Kt.
10. B. P. takes P. 10. Q. to her 2d.
11. K. P. takes P. 11. B. takes P.
12. P. to K's 6th. 12. Q. to her B's 3d.
13. Q. to K. R's 5th. (ch.) 13. P. to K. Kt's 3d.
14. Q. takes B. 14. K. Kt. to K's 2d.
15. Q. to K's 5th. 15. Q. takes B.
16. Q. takes R. 16. Kt. to K. B's 4th.
17. Q. B. to K. R's 6th. 17. Q. to her Kt's 5th.
18. Q. takes B. (ch.) 18. Q. takes Q.
19. B. takes Q. 19. K. takes B.
20. P. to K. Kt's 4th.
Black surrenders.

GAME II.--Between MM. Jaenisch and Petroff.

{PGN 10}

WHITE. (M. J.) BLACK. (M. P.)
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th.
2. K. Kt. to B's 3d. 2. P. to Q's 4th.
3. K. Kt. takes P. 3. Q. to K's 2d.
4. P. to Q's 4th. 4. P. to K. B's 3d.
5. Kt. to B's 3d. 5. P. takes P.
6. K. Kt. to Q's 2d. 6. P. to K. B's 4th.
7. K. B. to K's 2d. 7. Q. Kt. to B's 3d.
8. K. Kt. to Q. Kt's 3d. 8. K. Kt. to B's 3d.
9. Castles. 9. Q. to K. B's 2d.
10. P. to Q. B's 4th. 10. Q. B. to Q's 2d.
11. Q. B. to K. B's 4th. 11. Castles.
12. Q. Kt. to B's 3d. 12. P. to K. R's 3d.
13. P. to Q. R's 3d. 13. P. to K. Kt's 4th.
14. Q. B. to Q's 2d. 14. P. to K. B's 5th.
15. P. to Q's 5th. 15. Q. Kt. to K's 4th.
16. K. Kt. to Q's 4th. 16. K. B. to Q. B's 4th.
17. Q. B. to K's square. 17. K. R. to Kt's sq.
18. P. to Q. Kt's 4th. 18. K. B. to K's 2d.
19. P. to K. B's 3d. 19. P. to K's 6th.
20. Q. to her Kt's 3d. 20. P. to K. Kt's 5th.
21. P. to Q. B's 5th. 21. P. takes K. B. P.
22. Kt. takes P. 22. Kt. takes Kt. (ch.)
23. B. takes Kt. 23. Kt. to K. Kt's 5th.
24. Q. to her B's 4th. 24. K. to Kt's sq.
25. Q. to K's 4th. 25. Q. R. to K's sq.
26. P. to Q's 6th. 26. Q. B. to his 3d.
27. Q. to her 4th. 27. B. takes B.
28. R. takes B. 28. B. to K. Kt's 4th.
29. Q. Kt. to his 5th. 29. P. to Q. B's 3d.
30. P. to Q's 7th. 30. Q. R. to K's 3d.
31. B. to K. Kt's 3d. 31. P. takes Q. Kt.[A]
32. B. takes B. P. (ch.) 32. Kt. to K's 4th.
33. B. takes Kt. (ch.) 33. R. takes B.
34. Q. takes R. (ch.) 34. K. to R's sq.
35. R. takes Q. 35. P. to K's 7th.
36. Q. to K's 8th. (ch.) 36. R. takes Q.
37. P. takes R., becomes a Queen (ch.), and wins.

[Footnote A: If Black had taken the B. with K. B. P. at this point, the following moves show that he would have equally lost:--

31. P. takes B.
32. Q. takes Kt. 32. P. takes P. (ch.)
33. K. to R's sq. 33. Q. takes Q. P.
34. Q. to K. Kt's 3d. (ch.), and wins.]

GAME THE NINTH.

THE GIUOCO PIANO.

An attentive examination of the eight separate methods of reply to your second move of K's Kt. to B's 3d in the antecedent games, will have enabled you to understand that four at least of these defences, viz.: P. to K. B's 3d, B. to Q's 3d, Q. to B's 3d, and B. to Q. B's 4th, are untenable and injurious for the game of the second player, and that the remaining four, if not absolutely bad for him, are unsatisfactory, because against the best attack, they leave the balance of advantage in favor of the party playing first.

It is now time to consider the consequences to both parties when Black, abandoning the objectionable or uncertain modes of play he has hitherto adopted, shall answer with the move which the best authorities at length concur in recommending as the proper one, _i.e._ 2. Q's Kt. to B's 3d. Upon his playing thus, you have the choice of three good moves: in the first place to play 3. K's B. to Q. B's 4th, as in the present game; secondly, 3. P. to Q's 4th; and thirdly, P. to Q. B's 3d. The two latter of which will form the subjects of games hereafter.

WHITE. BLACK.
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th
2. K. Kt. to B's 3d. 2. Q. Kt. to B's 3d.
3. K. B. to Q. B's 4th. 3. K. B. to Q. B's 4th

It is generally admitted that Black's third move is the best he can adopt; and the opening now formed is that which the Italians have entitled the "Giuoco Piano;" an opening, less attacking than many others, but one perfectly safe for both players, and therefore always in request, and which usually generates games of the most solid and instructive kind.

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The blue book of chessChapter II: The King's Knight's Opening (1)

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