15. By Herr Brede, in three moves : 16. By Ercole del Rio, in four moves 17. By Lolli. White moving first, to mate in four moves Black moving first, to mate in four moves. 18. By the Rev. H. Bolton, in four moves 19. By Herr Horwitz, in four moves 20. By M. Calvi, in four moves 28. By Shagird, the Hindoo Chess-player, in four moves 30. By Salvio. White moving first, to mate in four moves Black moving first, White to mate in five moves 31. By W. Bone, Esq., in four moves 32. The Capped Pawn, an Indian problem, in four moves 40. Selbstmat. White compels Black to mate him in five moves to mate in five moves . SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS ILLUSTRATIVE OF STALEMATE THE HISTORY, ANTIQUITIES, AND CURIOSITIES OF THE GAME OF CHESS. The game of Chess is not merely an idle amusement; several valuable qualities of the mind, useful in the course of human life, are to be acquired and strengthened by it, so as to become habits ready on all occasions: for life is a kind of Chess, in which we have often points to gain, and competitors or adversaries to contend with, and in which there is a vast variety of good and ill events that are, in some degree, the effect of prudence, or of the want of it.-FRANKLIN, Morals of Chess. CHESS. B CHESS KING, AS DESIGNED BY FLAXMAN. High in the midst the rev'rend kings appear, They gravely move, and shun the dang'rous foe; He once imprison'd, all the conflict ends.-SIR W. JONES. CHAPTER I. Beneficial influence of Chess as an amusement-Caution as to its useInquiry into the origin of the game-Claims of various nationsPalamedes-Ancient games from which Chess is supposed to have been derived-The game of pebbles-Nine Men's Morris, or Merelles-Its ' probable origin among the Asiatic Shepherds-Points of resemblance in Chess-The Ludus Latrunculorum of the Romans-Chinese Chess -Traditional origin of the game-The Chinese game described-Claims of the Brahmins of India-Traditional origin of their game-Dr. Hyde and Sir William Jones support their claim-Chess among the Malays and Javanese-Claim of the Egyptians-The Egyptian game described -Introduction of the game into Europe, viâ Constantinople-Knowledge of the game in the time of Charlemagne-Chess known in Europe before the first Crusade-Anecdote-Discovery of ancient chess-men in the Isle of Lewis-The pieces described-Sir Frederick Madden's inquiry respecting them-His theory of the introduction of Chess into Europe'Another theory referring it to the Arabs by way of Spain. THE beneficial influence of the game of chess has been so completely acknowledged by many pious, learned, and eminent men, that it would be superfluous to give any lengthy statement of our reasons for inviting attention to some of its historical as well as practical details. With the former a large amount of curious information is connected; and a very large number of admirable works have been devoted to the latter. Both are calculated to impart amusement and instruction; although this pursuit, as well as most others, has its objectors. The only plausible objection we have ever heard is, that “chess answers no useful purpose," and therefore involves a "waste of time." In reply to this we would inquire, are all our actions to be restricted to the one purpose of utility? Is it possible, constituted as we are, to find at all times sufficient recreation in the mere exchange of one duty for another? Are there not moments when the mind as imperatively calls for diversion, as the body for exercise? If this be granted, and we see not how it can be denied, then we must be allowed to express our own conviction, that, provided chess be restricted to leisure hours, its general introduction into families and schools would be productive of benefit. It is capable of affording innocent recreation and healthy mental exercise to most persons. To thread the mazes of its wonderful and numberless combinations requires the exertion of caution, forbearance, and forethought:-it produces none of the pernicious excitement of games of chance; nothing is staked upon the issue of the game but skill, and in the attainment of that skill, the mental powers are called into agreeable exercise. While we estimate chess as decidedly the best of games, inasmuch as it gives a wholesome exercise and discipline to the mind, and is, at the same time, a recreation from other pursuits, we must also confess that there was much truth in the remark of James the First, that chess is "overwise." When played scientifically it certainly is too absorbing and difficult a subject for mere amusement. Some studious persons find rest and refreshment in a change of pursuit, even though it be from one difficult subject to another equally difficult; but there are few such. We would therefore advise our young readers to restrict themselves in the time they devote to chess, lest this fascinating game ́become the great object of study and set aside other and more important pursuits. Every age does not produce its Philidor, nor would it, generally speaking, be a wise application of time and talent to aim at reaching his standard of excellence in this game. The origin of the game of chess has been the subject of very laborious research and warm argument; and, although the results are by no means satisfactory, yet the inquiry has afforded a good deal of valuable and amusing information; a selection from which will probably be interesting to the general reader, as well as to the amateurs of this noble and scientific game. Some historians have referred the invention of chess to the philosopher Xerxes; others to the Grecian prince Palamedes; some to the brothers Lydo and Tyrrhene; and others, again, to the Egyptians. The Chinese, the Hindoos, and the Persians, also prefer their claims to be considered as the originators of chess, but the testimonies of writers, in general, prove nothing except the very remote antiquity of the game. In examining the testimonies of various writers, on a subject so obscure, we must always make considerable allowance for that prejudice in favour of certain opinions which habit and local circumstances apart from sound reasoning have tended to confirm. Thus, a historian who has passed much of his time in India, studying the manners and customs of the native tribes, tracing out their history, |