the limited nature, and the simplicity and uniformity of their moves, that little difficulty could arise, and no great study or examination be neces sary. If, indeed, the value of the Pawns, like that of the superior Pieces, were to be estimated only by the power they originally possessed, such a supposition would doubtless be correct; but the peculiar privilege by which, under certain conditions, they may be elevated to the rank of the most valuable Pieces, brings a new and very interesting element into the calculation, and renders this particular species of termination at once one of the most difficult and most important branches of chess strategy. It is at the same time one which is generally very imperfectly understood by amateurs; and perhaps it is amongst finished players only that its essentia: importance is fully recognised, because from that class chiefly those wellcontested and equal games proceed which are most frequently brought to similar conclusions. And even amongst the very first-rate practitioners numerous instances occur, where the slightest miscalculation leads to the loss of an otherwise secure battle. Nothing can well be conceived more trying to the nerves and temper, than after hours of the intensest mental effort, and when a difficult game has been successfully conducted through danger, and against a superior force, until it is safely reorganised with victory in view, to see the well-earned conquest suddenly fall from you. hands by some momentary lapse of the overstrained attention, or some paltry artifice which a tyro would have penetrated. A remarkable example of this kind occurs in the eleventh game of the great match played in Paris in the year 1843. After a long and severe struggle, conducted by the English player with some inferiority of force (his opponent having gained an advantage at the commencement), the following position (see Diagram 95) occurred; Black (Mr. S.) having to play. There can we think be little doubt that, under ordinary circumstances, Black would at once have played the correct move of K. takes Q. P. and by so doing have won the game with ease. Instead of this, however, from momentary inadvertence, the consequence of nine or ten hours' incessant mental exertion, he moved K. to his 5th, and the game was pursued as follows: But had Black, on the contrary, played as already suggested, he would have won the game; thus, WHITE. BLACK. 1. K. takes P. 2. K. to Q's sq. (If, in place of this move, he advance K. Kt. P., Black will equally win by playing K. to his 5th, then taking the Knight's Pawn in another move or two, and afterwards returning with his King in sufficient time to defend his own King's Pawn.) 3. P. to K. Kt.'s 4th. 5. P. to K. Kt.'s 5th. 7. P. to K. Kt.'s 7th. 10. Q. takes Q. 2. K. to Q's 6th. 3. P. to K's 7th (ch.) 4. K. to Q. B's 7th. 5. K. takes Q. Kt. P. 6. P. to Q. B's 6th. 7. P. to Q. B's 7th. 8. P. "Queens" (ch.) 9. Q. to Q. B's 5th (ch.) 10. P. takes Q. And must evidently win. The student will naturally enquire how a proficiency in the art of playing Pawns may be best attained? And whether he can hope to gain much benefit in it from books? We can only say, that it is a matter exceedingly difficult to generalize upon, or to reduce to rules, and that, therefore, great and incessant practice is the grand requisite ; but it should never be forgotten that the required practice may be obtained equally, and perhaps even in a superior degree, by the study of those critical and ingenious positions which are given by our best authors, as by actual play, and we strongly recommend attention, therefore, to the selection of situations which form the subject of the present Chapter. KING AND PAWN AGAINST KING AND PAWN. WE have already seen (p. 409) the method of playing a single King against a King and Pawn. When a Pawn is left on each side, and both are able to Queen at the same time, the result is usually a drawn game; there are, however, exceptions of some importance which, before exchanging the last Pieces, it is necessary to bear in mind. These may arise either through one of the Pawns giving check at the time it becomes a Queen, or from the King of the party "Queening" last being on the same file as his Pawn, so that his opponent, by a simple check, forces the King to move and wins the Queen. The following, from Lolli, will be a suffi. cient illustration. Here, Black having the move, may draw the game by advancing P. tc Q's 7th; if, on the contrary, he take P. with R. (ch.), expecting to Queen his Pawn, he will lose it. (e. g.) KING AND TWO PAWNS AGAINST KING AND PAWN. Most commonly the two Pawns win, but many cases occur where the game is drawn. If Black have to The first position (see Diagram 97) is by Philidor. play, White will win, but if otherwise the game is drawn. This instance forcibly exemplifies the importance in similar cases of gaining the opposition with your King, or of so placing him opposite the adverse one. with one square between them, that he, having to play first, is compelled to retreat and leave you to take up the position you may require. First, suppose White moves : WHITE. 1. K. to Q's 4th. BLACK. 1. K. to Q's 3rd. Had he played K. to B's 4th, you would have won by moving K. to his 3rd.) (Had he taken the Pawn you would have retaken his, and have then easily Queened your Kt.'s Pawn, first placing your King on his R's 7th sq.) 3. P. to K. B's 6th (ch.) (If you had taken his Pawn, he would have drawn the game.) |