Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-10-17
SOLUTION TO OUR PROBLEM NO. "a.


The following interesting letter we think
good solution to the above problem:
To the Checker Editor OF the Dispatch:
In regard to the automaton "Ajeeb. ;" chess
and checker player in New York, as you ask
for report from anyone having knowledge
of the machine, would say that about three
years ago, while living in New York, Ylslt-
ed the Eden Musee land by the way advise
every Pittsburger visiting the city not to
fail to go there and see its smany wonders),
and, accepting the general invitation given
before him. He is, apparently, swarthy
turbaned Turk, with loose-ftting tunic on,
and apparently rather large body, no lower
neck, to allow a bowling movement; also at
the shoulder and elbow joints of the right
arm; also believe the wrist. The right arm
moves unerringly to the piece he wishes
tween the thumb and forefinger,
ordinary players do; the piece is raised
from the board and set correctly in the new
position. When check is given he bows his
head. After the game is over the attendant
puts away the board and men and then
opens large door in the body, throue h, and
on the other sids of which can be seen the
wall and furniture back of the automaton
This is done for the purpose of showing that
no one is concealed within; but noticed
that there was time enough consumed IN
putting away the pieces to allow the player
to escape below. Not having played game
for 80 years l found WAS very rusty and
before 1 knew what was about he had won
piece "a Bishop from me; l saw then that
must attend strictly to- the business In
hand, and did so with such good results as
to mike drawn game. Looking at it now,
will say l can win majority of games
from the player at that time conducting the
game for "Ajeeb." My theory Of the con-
struction is this: There is an operator who
makes his entrance and exit from below He
has small peep hole commanding view
of the board. The arm is hollow and has
socket joint at the shoulder allowing
motion in all directions; also joints at
the elbow and wrist, with a spring to open
and close the finger and thumb on the piece;
then with the arm of the operator thrust
well down through the hollow arm of the
ausoueton, perhaps past the elbow, you can
readily see how all the movements could be
made,-while looking through the peep
hole. 1 think this explanation will account
for it, for think it is a pretty we'll settled
fact that wood, iron, steel and cloth cannot
play chess. E. D. MERRIcK.
New BRIGHTON, PA.
The following letter was received by us
addressed to the Checker Players at Head
quarters and as it explains itself we will be
forward all information received to the
writer:
To the Checkers Players of Pittsburg:
81 drop you this letter with the hopes of
receiving the information asked. l want to
know If there Is any way In which l can
make money out of my ability to play check
ers. 1 am young man a. Don't smoke,
chew, drink or swear, and make reason
able appearance. and am honest. 1 am single,
and if could make it pay, can go anywhere.
For about the last nine years have never
found anyone that could or did beat me two
best out of three, and in the last seven years
have never been beaten a game. l have
played with several men who have studied
Howell and others. L would bet if had the
money and was in place that could find
takers and win. Also, if any man would pay
7 T1lu wi
answer questions asked In checker columns
of papers, if 1 would get paid for it,"
Checker Gossip.
wYLLIE AT SOUTH SHIELDs.-A South Shields
correspondent writes: The "Herd Laddie"
has been playing in this district for the past
fortnight. and has drawn large crowds of
spectators. On Tuesday, the 25th ult., he
PLAYED ut the South Shields Club, winning 10
and drawing one (secured by Mr.. Fowler, OF
Gateshead). Next day he played at Mars
den, winning 10 and drawing (both secured
by Mr.. j. Bawn(. Thursday Friday and Sat-
urday were again devoted to South Shields,
during which time he won IL and drew out
of IS games; the draws were secured by
Messrs. R. Bell j. joyce, r. Leeming and j.
Lumsley, Hebburn. Wyllie is in the best of
health and spirits, and the score speaks for
itself as to his playing form. On Monday
next he plays at North Shields, and for the
remainder of the week meets all-comers at
the rooms of the South Shields Club.-GIas-
Mr. William Warnock, draughts champion
of Australasia, has just played and lost u
match for the championship title with Mr..
Robert Mar, the champion of Queensland.
Mr. Warnock won the title at the New Zea-
land Draughts Congress of 1890. and at d
recent tourney held in Sydney he added to
it the title of draughts champion of New
South Wales. He went to Brisbane at the
invitation of the Brisbane Draughts Club
the conditions of his match with Mr.. Mar
being that it should consist of 24 games at
the following openings: Alma, Bristol, Cen
ter Cross, Denny, Doctor, Fife, Kelso, Laird
and Lady, Single Corner, Souter and
Switcher. Play began on Tuesday, August
49, and ended on Saturday, August g. in a
victory for Mr.. Mar by 10 wins to wins and
5 draws. The following table gives details
as to the play, Mr.. Mar having the move in
the odd-numbered games, and Mr. Warnock
in the eYen-numbered games: