The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-03-21
AROUND THE WHISTTABLF.
NOT EVERY EBr THAT LOOKS
EASY IS REALLY BA8Y.
sls Connaen Person. sont Solution. 70 = su'

slp Confident Persons Sent solution. 70 = sun
Problem, and sos OF them were wrong
Common Sense whist-A P~rosiem-Hotes.
To the student of human nature nothing IN
more surprising and amusing than the diamet-
rically opposite views than can be held by per-
sons of apparently equal intelligence. That suoh
IL the case in politics and religion is well known,
but that is equally the case in the matter OF
whist problems would probably not DO suspected.
THE SUN published one or two comparatively
easy problems last month In order TO encourage
those who complained that thirteen cards and
perception were too much for them. On March
Ia double dummy problem was given with a
distinct notification that it was not as easy as 1t
looked. Nevertheless, 2l2 persons sent in solu-
tions, oil of which were apparently correct, be-
cause they all secured tho necessary ten tricks
for K and w.
Some of tho letters accompanying these solu-
tions were quite entertaining. Ono correspond
ent wrltos: THE SUNS problems are not up to
its usual standard lately. All tho clubs arc
laughing at your problem Of the 9TH. I think
you should have stated that the difficult part Of
1t was for L and w to avoid getting ten tricks,
no matter how badly thoy played" Another
says: II do not see how it is possible for L and
W to get less than ten tricks, whatever N leads,
or how N and s aftcrward play" Another
~ = oolat wa "a VI oNNSh ~
which Il and w can get ten tricks. and could
add as many more. There must be some mis-
take In the types, the problem Is so easy"
II may interest "03 of the persons who sent
THE SuN their solutions of this apparently
simple problem to learn that all their solutions
were wrong, and that only nino correct answers
were received. OF these, six are from our most
careful analysts, who havo solved almost every
problom SO far published In these articles. This
particular problem was given to the writer of
this article by "Pembridge," with the remark
that 1t was one of the nentcst little traps no
had ever seen. because every one was quito
suro he had solved 1t, when he had
done nothing OF the kind. That this
is true is shown by the following let
ter, which is from q very careful solver
and Is in strong contrast TO those already
quoted 1.-THE writer will not claim TO be among
the solvers Of your problem of March =, having
only found tho solution after discovering that
his first supposed solution, which he had in
closed In an envelope to send in. was all wrong.
After much further manipulation OF the cards.
which nearly led to his giving the problem up
altogether, the key to the solution was found,
and the play is inclosed. This problem Is, in tho
writer's opinion, the best that THE SUN has pub
lished for a long time"
As pointed out in the article OF Feb. 81 most Of
our solvers jump to the conclusion that because
they have got the necessary number of tricks
out of the problem, they have solved 1t. They
do not take the trouble TO try to defeat their own
solution by careful search for all the defences
possible for the Hdversarics. There are one or
two notable exceptions, {. II. r. OF Toronto, q.
H.. Fish, and Convent Avenue" OF New York
send solutions that show they are thoroughly
alive to the difficulties of the position. and have
forescen and provided against the best defence.
A. repeatedly pointed out /. these articles. the
proper way TO solve n problem is 10 study
the position carefully before playing IA card, and
to sec what must be done In order 10 secure the
number OF tricks required. The majority of our
sOlvers do not take this trouble. They see, or
think the see, the way To obtain the specified
number OF tricks, and they do not attempt to de-
feat their own prop o itiuu by careful search for
the best play against this result. A change in
the lead, winning Il trick by Il different player.
hrowing away a high card, or something of that
As pointed out by the editor of the West
minister Papers, many persons show all the
skill OF the hounds in hunting out the
solution, but they. do not display any
away from 1t. Most Of this can be tracedto the
bad habit OF moving the cards without having
first mastered the position and It's peculiarities.
In the old days at Simpsons chess divan In Lon
don, when u problem was put up the players i'm
mcdiatcly gathered around 1hc board to study
the position carefully. and the person who be-
gan to move the pieces before lie had any idea
OF The solution was fined "A cigar all around.
There are three or four strong points l. the
problem of March :. The best defensive lead
for. y, the difficulty of making. Es thirteenth
club. the manner OF oNhauStinE the trumps. and
king OF diamonds. The following is the authors
solution.