The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-12-27
CHAMPION CHESS PLAYER
WONDERFUL WORK DONE BY HARRY
NELSON PILLSBURY.
He Refused to Go to Dinner and
Played on for Hours-'Blind-
fold" Play.


NJ. C. A. building. at which Harry Nelson
Pillsbury was the chief attraction, was a
more interesting event TO the chess players
of the city and State than has taken place
here for some time. 1t was also an event in
which those who knew not the first prin-
ciples of the fascinating game took much
interest. The remarkable feats of memory
shown by Mr.. Pillsburya was the chief point
of interest, and second was his skill at play.
He is the champion player in the United
States and is second in the list of worlds
champions. He is quite young, appearing
not more nal twenty-five, and is very
slender. The profile of his head brings to
mind the advertising cut of the long
headed man" in general use several years
ago. His eyes are dark brown. of a dreamy,
far-seeing appearance. They are very
bright and indicate, at times, the delight
talks in a very low voice and while at the
board with no opponent, seemingly uncon-
sciously, moves the pieces about with a
running comment upon the possible and the
best plays, referring to games played dur
ing the day, and games played weeks,
months and even years ago.
Yesterday he went to the Association
rooms at 2 p. m. and did not leave them
until after IL o'clock, and then he did not
seem anxious to get away to lunch, evil
IDENTIFY preferring, after that length of time.
without a bite to eat, to sit there and talk
reminiscently and illustrate plays to a
small group standing about him.. He was
subjected to a great number of curious
questions. to which he made ready re-
sponses, calling off plays made in noted
Journeys. Many of the questions were d1-
rect and relative to his requirement. which,
he said. he did not understand, except that
when he saw a play he made a mental m
preston in his mind of the positions of the
pieces and was able at any future time to
call them again to mind.
FOURTEEN GAMES.
Yesterday afternoon he played stimuli
taneously fourteen games-twelve of chess
and two of checkers. The games were
what are called 'blindfold." Mr.. Pillsbury
was in one room and unable to see any of
the other players, whom he knew only by
humber The pieces were placed on the
board and then the plays Of his opponents
were called off to him.. the number of the
board being given, when he would with
but little hesitation dictate the play. Fol-
lowing are the names of the players OPP
posing him.:
&c. B. Cooper. Columbus, Ind.....won.
-Ewald Over,
3-Rev. ID. r. Lucas, city
fl. w. Sansbury. Anderson-....Lost-
6W. r. Ballard, Lost.
6-Rev. +. 0. Ballard. ............ Drawn.
7-Dr. c. T.
S-H. c. Brown, Anderson. Won.
e-Dr. McClain, Mario Drawn.
10-Dr. c: L. Kissinger, M'rtinsv'le.. Lost.
11-R. w. Lost.
I'm. G Heaton, knightstown......Lost.
% r-A1 NJ n----.
1ICheckers, Professor Karslake.. Lost.
The record On the "blindfold" m is
the playing of sixteen games at one time,
taking sixteen hours. The playing of these
games, the largest number ever undertaken
by Mr.. Pillsbury. took from 2:3O O'Clock
until 7:30 o'clock, at which time the players
who had finished their James earlier and
new players came in for the games ''over
the board" He declined to act upon the
suggestion that he go out for dinner, and
at once began the new series. There were
twenty-five boards placed about the rooms.
and the champion walked up and down
the room, glancing at the plays made on
each board and moving his own pieces as
fast as his opponents would permit. This
play lasted until nearly IL o'clock. and all
were won by Mr.. Pillsbury. There were
no records of these games kept except an
individual record by some of the players.
After the games Mr.. P~illsbury said he was
able TO recall every play made on the twen-
ty-five boards, and several tests showed
the truth of his assertion.
The matter of chess playing in this city
was discussed in the after-lneeting, and
there was some talk of again attempting
10 start and maintain a chess club, such as
Is in vogue in other cities. The enthusiasm
of a number of players was renewed, and
nation of a state society will be taken
soon.