Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-09-11
LOCAL CHESS - MATCHES

The publicat ton in last Saturdays Star
of the letter from the secretary of The
Brooklyn Chess Club concerning the next
cable match between the Brooklyn and
British Chess Club, was read with much
interest in local circles. There are proba-
bly, more players above the average iE
strength in this city now than ever before
Some persons were of the impression that
the letter of Mr.. Chadwick indicated an
intention to invite Washington repre-
sentative to play on the team, or at least
to compete for a position on the team.
There is nothing in the letter 20 warrant
the belief that Washingtonian will be
favored in making selections for the team
or that one will be invited to compete for
a place on the team. At the same time
there is nothing to preclude such a selec-
ton or invitation. 1t all depends upoa
whether there is a player in the city re-
garced as stronger than the material which
may be obtained from other places in this
country. The country is large and there
are many players to select from. AS IL
matter of fact, the same letter was ad-
dressed TO thirty-fve clubs in this coun-
try, who have been asked to co-oDerate
IN this matter. The number that will
play on each side is limited to ten who
must De natives of the country they rep
resent.
Objection was made to the manner of Sc
Letting the team in previous matches and
according to the Brooklyn Eagle the Brook
iyn club was seriously handicapped last
winter by the action of several Philadei-
phians, who declined to play merely he
cause of their allegiance to the Franklin
CHESS Club of that city, between whom and
the Brooklyn club there had passed some
spirited correspondence on the occasion OF
the initial contest. 1t is for the purpose of
removing all objection that the present step
is taken.
The New York Clipper makes the sugges-
ton that every club invited to lend its aid
in the matter be also invited to name its
absolute choice of eight men for the team,
and It's choice of the players from whom
the remaining two players should be
chosen The suggestion is worthy of con-
sideration, and would show who are re-
garded as the strongest players in the
country AT the same time 1t has its draw
backs. Only natives can play on the team.
and with some clubs there would be doubt
as to who are qualified to play and some
clubs would undoubtedly mention a PLAYER
or players of foreign birth.
1t might be a good idea for the clubs adj
dressed to send the name of the strongest
player or players in the vicinity qualified
to play on the team, and when the replies,
have been received to furnish each club
with the names of all players mentioned,
with their address, and then invite them
to suggest fifteen or twenty from whom
the team should be selected, naming the
players in the order in which their play
ing strength is regarded. 1t would un-
doubtedly be found that there is consid-
cradle uniformity of sentiment in regard
TO the strength of the players, and there
would not be great difficulty In making
the selections.
Concerning local players, there are two
or three who nave shown more than orfji-
nary strength. and who are pretty evenly
matched. but there is no occasion for con-
sidering their respective merits at the
present time.
Washington Chess Club Cameo.
MIR. Smith is reasonably certain of win.
ming first prize in the summer tournament
at the Washington Chess Club. He PLAYED
, two games this week, winning both and
| on even games played is one game ahead
| Of Capt O'Farrell, his nearest rival, who
won from Finn this week Both PLAYERS
have one game yet to play. and In each
case Prender Is the opponent Prender
mas five games yet to play, and when these
are completed the tournament will be over
unless there should be some ties for prizes
Mr.. Smith won an irregular game from
Thomas In twenty moves the latter LOSING
piece and thereupon resigning He also
outplayed Campbell in a Ruy Lopez open.
ing and secured Il mate in forty five moves
Mr.. Harris won his final game from Mr.
Tucker, and Is certain of finishing as good
as third. MIR. Tucker played the French
defense, and Mr.. Harris won In fifty moves
Mr.. Finn won his game this week from
Thomas.
The following Is the score tn date.