Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-07
Draughts and Draught Players.

We are told Dy competent autnOrItleS tnat
draughts is one of the oldest games in ex-
is believed to be much older than the cele-
brated game of chess, but, unlike chess, has
been handed down to us without the slight
est change in its system or style of play, a
good evidence Of its simplicity of design
and stability of character. Much has been
said and written about the comparative
wish to enter into a discussion on the sub
ject, 1 would simply dismiss it with
the remark that it is hard to tell
which Of two seas is the he
The simplicity of design in draughts is one
of its most striking peculiarities, for while
its rudiments may be learned in an hour q
lifetime may not insure its perfection. The
practice of draughts is an interesting stndy
and an amusing recreation, stern though
bloodless battle-ground, and an arena for
friendly rivalry. 1t browns care, soothes
pain, ana is pleasant enlivener of the
leisure hour. 1t promotes harmony, good
feeling, good fellowship and friendship, and
is an "open sesame" to the hearts and homes
of MANY who would otherwise have re-
manned strangers to each other for life.
Though simple in its origin and nature, yet
the merits and beauties of draughts lie not
OH its surface. 'Tis not to the careless OBJ
server and needless player that the beauti-
full science of draughts exposes her intricate
problems and grand combinations. 'Tis not
to those who will give no thought, devote
no time, nor exert no faculty in acquiring
the method of extracting the richness and
variety of her treasures, that her secrets
are unfolded-'tis only to the student,
the careful, ,painstaking, persevering student
in her cause that said secrets are unfolded
and her treasures developed. How marvel
GUS the variety of her mode Of conducting
the mimic warfare-the well-planned at.
tack, the skillful defense, the cut, the blow,
the block, the broken crowned-head and the
captured men. Think on its strong posi-
ways and drawing propensities, and say
have we not good reasons for enjOying the
game of draughts. Many and varied are the
opinions regarding the necessary qualiflca-
been set down to his caution, his calcula-
tion his concentrativeness memory. local
ity. foresight, etc., but l think there are
ally overlooked. One is combativeness.
without a certain amount of that essen
tial qualification, the student of the game
would soon be borne down in the conflict
and obliged to retire; with it, even an in
different player is no despicable antagonist.
Temperance would also enumerate among
the necessary qualifications, for no man can
tainly we never knew an habitual drunkard
to be a good draught player. Patience also
should not be underrated, for unless you
have patience Ss You on Ca cannot bring your
freedom of action and calmness of mind
at ease" SO indispensable in game of
draughts. Calculation has frequently been
put forward as an important element in
draught playing. This, in the ordinary sig
MITIGATION of the word, deny, for Know
many good arithmeticians who are no
draught players, and vice versa. 1 rather
incline to think that when people say it re.
quires great calculation it Is but the simple
mode of expressing the meaning of the
power of foreseeing and retaining in the
mind the impression that the various
changes OF the game give rise to, and judg-
ing accordingly what Is best to be done.
Good temper 1 would rank high as neces-
sary qualification in every game or match at
draughts. 1t should ever be the draught-
players ruling star, for it helps him to vic
tory, and sustains him in defeat. 1t moder-
ates the triumph OF the victor, and enliyens
the spirit of the vanquished.
Hope is another qualification which am
surprised to see so generally ignored and
almost universally underestimated. Hope
should ever be by the draught players side.
no matter how untenable his positions or
doleful his prospects. Hope on, hope ever"
should be his motto. Let him remember the
race is not always to the swift nor the battle
to the strong, and that few men well
handled are better than more numbers
ba dly man9uvrcd. At the same time every
PLAYER should guard against a false security
Perseverance I would name as the corner
stone of them all. 1t is the cement which