New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-12-30
MUCH INTEREST IN THE CONTEST.

PII.LsBURY WON GOLDEN OPINIONS FROM THE
PEOPLE IN THE NEvA CITY.
ST. Petersburg Dec 1s.-IAttle interest in chess.
outside Of the chess circle has been the rule In
the Neva city; but when the great tournament
was announced. which TO bring 70 Russia
from your country and from Europe the greatest
chess players Of the world. new spirit was In
fused and even before the masters arrival the
public which hardly knows pawn from queen.
began 10 discuss their coming. The delay in Las
kers arrival created the first excitement 1t nav
ing been rumored that he would not come at all
The splendid rooms OF the Chess Club. much finer
and larger than any you said to have In New
York are on the most fashionable street in our
city the Newsky Prospect and already before the
play actually began. were filled nightly AFTER your
young countryman Pillsbury. made his appearance
II must he said of PIsbury that he at once won
his way to the favor OF all Russians. every one
finding him magnetic and charming. and without
affectation or arrogance; In short natural and I'M
spoiled by success.
On Friday the first day OF play, the club be-
came uncomfortably filed with spectators anxious
to catch a glimpse OF the champions engaged III
battle The four masters had large saloon for
themselves. and the officials connected with the
tournament their two tables being quite separate.
In the other large saloons upward OF nifty tables
we're placed for those wishing anayze the games.
the moves OF which were repeated in THIS room On
giant boards with movable suspended chess
At Board No Lasker engaged Pllsbury at play
and for some reason the game OF the young mas
ters excited the most curiosity. AS soon as II was
seen tina, the American had selected the Russian
counter-attack his debut. there was instant ex-
element and a suggestion OF applause, al least TO
the extent Of recognition Of the intended compii-
nent What was most surprising 10 all was Pills
bury's extreme GOODNESS. During the first few
moves his face seemed 10 express almost indlner-
ence 10 his opponents strength, and he made his
nays with a languid. deliberate ease that aston
ished the specta tors But suddenly, after Laskers
eleventh move B-K 1. all the apparent apathy
vanished Pillsbury sweeping Oft Laskers kn!Sht
with a snap and thereupon playing with such rapid
itv as to show that he had seen through the game
"a victory At conclusion of the brilliant game
yo,,r colntryman was congratulated most enthu-
siastcally but hardly waiting TO receive which, ne
sat down quietly at the scoring table to copy out
the moves. ,a .,.h .ho snoo
.ators for few moments after his defeat returning
to the playing room presently TO watcl the contest
still in progress at the other board:
The game between SteintZ and Tschigorln WIS
characterized by animation at the outset,
both masters being highly excited Ste;nitz showed
nusly and Tschigorin first being hardly able TO
sit 0ie. on his chair Later. when ne had Steinitz
involved In some complications, he became more
reposeful But not till Steiniz was unable 10 take
me offered exchange was the Russian completely
PI,lshurv's demeanor and chess play have made
q overwhelming impression. 50 much so that al
ready he Is first favorite in the betting, large sums
having been wagered on his winning hrst prize