Monday, June 28, 2010
Great news!
If people can recall my post on Robert Pye - Ireland's greatest composer! They will be aware that I think Robert isn't receiving the attention (acknowledgment) he deserves. In an attempt to remedy this I have made contact with Robert. I have asked him for some more information on his work. It's with great pleasure that I can report that Robert has made contact and has promised to supply me with studies and games! With this information I hope to write an article for the ICU site and also create a page on this blog highlighting Robert's work. Looking forward to this task, you will be kept informed.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Belfast Northern Whig
I came across the following article in the Chess Player's Chronicle of 1861. I thought it might raise a smile.
MARRIAGE VERSUS CHESS
Let it be understood that I call marriage an evil only as regards Chess; for your new-made wife is a sad drag on your ardent chess-player, and we have even known ladies, married for years, who still cry out loudly, as their lord's weekly Club-night comes round; for that night they make every possible kind of engagement - that night is the only one of the week on which they can entertain their friends, and for that night, of all others, they most gladly accept an invitation.
Then the great female failing is antagonistic to the silent game, and players are obliged to dispense with ladies' society at their meetings. This leads to bachelor parties, another great cause of conjugal offence. I entertain all possible love and reverence for the sex; but still, with this my experience, I cannot refrain from advising the bachelor chessplayer, contemplating matrimony, to pause before he take the fatal leap. He must choose for himself; but let him do it deliberately between his board and his wife - between his chess-box and her band-box. Except through many a matrimonial row, there is no middle way.
- Belfast Northern Whig.
"The Chess Player's Chronicle" lifted the piece from the "Belfast Northern Whig". This is but one of many pieces from this paper mentioned - so the chess scene in Belfast must have been extensive during this period.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Dublin Chess Congress 1865
I came across the following on page 286 of "The Chess Player's Magazine" of 1865. It makes fascinating reading. Highlighting an important stage in the development of International tournament chess. "The Chess Player's Magazine" of January 1866 reviewing 1865 stated that the "Dublin Congress was the principal event of the year". It was among the first international chess tournaments and shows the standardization of international rules of play. It replicated London 1862 in having a time-limit and also a means of controlling the same. The London tournament had a time limit of twenty-four moves in two hours, and also used hour-glasses. Also, the question of ownership of the actual game score is raised. This question is still being debated today.
So read, digest and enjoy!
So read, digest and enjoy!
DUBLIN CHESS CONGRESS – 1865
REGULATIONS TO BE OBSERVED BY PERSONS PLAYING IN THE TOURNAMENT
1. The Games shall be played according to the rules to be decided on by the players present during the opening meeting to be held on 25th September, eight o’clock, p.m.
2. The maximum time to be allowed each player for making his moves shall be two hours for twenty moves, to be measured by sand glasses, one for each player. Antagonists being at liberty to restrict the time still further, should they agree to do so. When it is a player’s turn to move, his sand glass shall be set running and shall continue so until he shall have completed his move, when it shall be stopped, and his opponent’s glass set running in the same manner; and so on to the end of the game.
3. The Games shall be divided into periods of twenty moves, commencing with the first move on each side. Should a player not have made twenty moves within two hours, and forty moves within four hours, and sixty moves within six hours, and so on, he shall forfeit the game.
4. The Games shall be played out at a sitting, and no player shall leave the room during such sitting without the consent of his opponent, except for a reasonable time, - maximum fifteen minutes, once in each sitting.
Any player analyzing an interrupted game, by moving the pieces either by himself or with others, or conferring with others upon the game, shall forfeit the game.
5. Combatants paired off for any particular day shall agree upon the hour at which their game on that day shall commence (such agreements to be entered in a book kept for that purpose); failing which it shall be left to the Managing Committee, to decide what penalty shall be inflicted. Should a player not appear within one hour of said appointed time, he shall pay a fine of five shillings; and should he not appear within two hours of the appointed time he shall forfeit the game. In Tournaments Nos. I and II., it is suggested, that in the event of a large number of entries, no hour later than eleven a.m. (half-past ten o’clock if possible) be fixed, in order that time be so divided as to allow of an average of nearly two games a day or ten games per week, but more if possible, being played.
It is hoped that players in Tournaments, I. and II., in case there should be a large number of entries, will exert themselves to play as many games as possible beyond the number of ten per week, in order not to detain visitors who have entered their names to play. Evening play, however, not compulsory in Tournaments Nos. I. and II., and day play not compulsory in Tournament No. III.
6. In Tournament No. III., each player shall be bound to play five games in the week (failing which, the Managing Committee shall decide what penalty shall be inflicted). It is hoped, however, that the some exertions to play as many games as possible in the week will be made by the players in this Tournament, as in Nos. I. and II. Players, however, in Tournament No. III. Who have entered their names in Tournaments I. and II. Shall give preference of play to the latter, and shall not be subject to any penalties until Tournaments I. and II. Shall be decided.
7. If any Tournament shall remain unfinished by the 25th October, it shall be left to the Managing Committee to fix time and place of completion.
8. If any game shall remain unfinished at half-past ten o’clock p.m., on any day, it shall be left to the option of the Managing Committee to decide such game as won or drawn, or that it shall be played out the next day. In case of a quorum of the Committee be not present, such unfinished game to be played out the next day.
9. The second player in each game shall furnish, in an envelope addressed to the Managing Committee, a copy of same, on the day of completion of said game, legibly written, and giving full particulars, such as names of players, date of play, duration of game, number of Tournament, &c., on the printed forms to be supplied for the purpose, under penalty of five shillings for each game so omitted. The first player in each game to have choice of colour.
10. Each person, before commencing to play in any Tournament, must have previously paid to the Hon. Treasurer the entrance fee to that Tournament.
11. All games to be played in the rooms, and during the period, appointed for the Congress.
12. The Games to become the property of the Managing Committee. None shall be published, or given for publication, without the consent of that Committee, under penalty of £1 for each game so published. This regulation to remain in force until the 31st of December, 1865.
13. All fines shall be paid to the funds of the Congress.
14. Each player in any of the Tournaments shall be bound to the conditions attached to such Tournament, and shall have, prior to his commencing to play, to sign his name, consenting to abide by these rules, in a book to be opened for that purpose; but each player shall have power to appeal to the Managing Committee, whose decision, however, shall be binding and final.
15. The Managing Committee reserve to themselves the power of altering adding to, or modifying the foregoing Regulations.
2. The maximum time to be allowed each player for making his moves shall be two hours for twenty moves, to be measured by sand glasses, one for each player. Antagonists being at liberty to restrict the time still further, should they agree to do so. When it is a player’s turn to move, his sand glass shall be set running and shall continue so until he shall have completed his move, when it shall be stopped, and his opponent’s glass set running in the same manner; and so on to the end of the game.
3. The Games shall be divided into periods of twenty moves, commencing with the first move on each side. Should a player not have made twenty moves within two hours, and forty moves within four hours, and sixty moves within six hours, and so on, he shall forfeit the game.
4. The Games shall be played out at a sitting, and no player shall leave the room during such sitting without the consent of his opponent, except for a reasonable time, - maximum fifteen minutes, once in each sitting.
Any player analyzing an interrupted game, by moving the pieces either by himself or with others, or conferring with others upon the game, shall forfeit the game.
5. Combatants paired off for any particular day shall agree upon the hour at which their game on that day shall commence (such agreements to be entered in a book kept for that purpose); failing which it shall be left to the Managing Committee, to decide what penalty shall be inflicted. Should a player not appear within one hour of said appointed time, he shall pay a fine of five shillings; and should he not appear within two hours of the appointed time he shall forfeit the game. In Tournaments Nos. I and II., it is suggested, that in the event of a large number of entries, no hour later than eleven a.m. (half-past ten o’clock if possible) be fixed, in order that time be so divided as to allow of an average of nearly two games a day or ten games per week, but more if possible, being played.
It is hoped that players in Tournaments, I. and II., in case there should be a large number of entries, will exert themselves to play as many games as possible beyond the number of ten per week, in order not to detain visitors who have entered their names to play. Evening play, however, not compulsory in Tournaments Nos. I. and II., and day play not compulsory in Tournament No. III.
6. In Tournament No. III., each player shall be bound to play five games in the week (failing which, the Managing Committee shall decide what penalty shall be inflicted). It is hoped, however, that the some exertions to play as many games as possible in the week will be made by the players in this Tournament, as in Nos. I. and II. Players, however, in Tournament No. III. Who have entered their names in Tournaments I. and II. Shall give preference of play to the latter, and shall not be subject to any penalties until Tournaments I. and II. Shall be decided.
7. If any Tournament shall remain unfinished by the 25th October, it shall be left to the Managing Committee to fix time and place of completion.
8. If any game shall remain unfinished at half-past ten o’clock p.m., on any day, it shall be left to the option of the Managing Committee to decide such game as won or drawn, or that it shall be played out the next day. In case of a quorum of the Committee be not present, such unfinished game to be played out the next day.
9. The second player in each game shall furnish, in an envelope addressed to the Managing Committee, a copy of same, on the day of completion of said game, legibly written, and giving full particulars, such as names of players, date of play, duration of game, number of Tournament, &c., on the printed forms to be supplied for the purpose, under penalty of five shillings for each game so omitted. The first player in each game to have choice of colour.
10. Each person, before commencing to play in any Tournament, must have previously paid to the Hon. Treasurer the entrance fee to that Tournament.
11. All games to be played in the rooms, and during the period, appointed for the Congress.
12. The Games to become the property of the Managing Committee. None shall be published, or given for publication, without the consent of that Committee, under penalty of £1 for each game so published. This regulation to remain in force until the 31st of December, 1865.
13. All fines shall be paid to the funds of the Congress.
14. Each player in any of the Tournaments shall be bound to the conditions attached to such Tournament, and shall have, prior to his commencing to play, to sign his name, consenting to abide by these rules, in a book to be opened for that purpose; but each player shall have power to appeal to the Managing Committee, whose decision, however, shall be binding and final.
15. The Managing Committee reserve to themselves the power of altering adding to, or modifying the foregoing Regulations.
PETER JONES, Jun., Hon.
THOMAS LONG, Secretaries.
Dublin, August, 1865.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Don't Resign Too Early!
This is the snappy title to an excellent article run in the original "Ficheall" in 1958. I present, verbatim, a fascinating position from the May issue. Again you may call it laziness - but I say why fix it if it isn't broken.
"Most players are inclined to resign too late rather than too early, but the opposite case is not unknown. In this page of missed last-minute escapes we refrain from giving such well-known chessnuts as von Popiel-Marco; all our examples are relatively recent and, we hope, new to our readers."
White looked at 1.Rh7 Ka5 2.Rxb7 Ka3 3.Rb8 Ka7 and resigned. He could have saved the game in two different ways!
Solution - don't peek till you've tried!
This is one of the strangest happenings in the history of tournament chess. After Mieses had resigned, his colleagues pointed out to him that 1.Rh7 Ka5 2. Rh8 (instead of Rxb7!) would probably have won, because with the king on the a-file the threat of Ra8+ could not be parried.
Could it not? In 1950 – 36 years after the event – grandmaster Szabo pointed out that 1...Ka5? Is a serious error for Black, instead of which he must play (1...a1=Q if then 2.Rxb7+ Ka5 3.Ra7+ Kb4! 4.Rxa1 – and Black is stalemated.
But this is not the end. Another seven years later. S. Driman, of Johannesburg (South Africa) found that Mieses’ first idea, 1.Rh7 Ka5 2.Rxb7 Ka6 and now 3.Bf3! was also good enough to draw. For if now 3... a1=Q 4.Bd5! the Black queen is helpless to budge the position of the White Rook, Bishop and pawn, with the easiest of easy “positional“ draws!
A remarkable position - again showing why chess is such an attractive game. However, on research I have encountered a number of problems with this position. Firstly, the game was not played in the Mannheim tournament of 1914. Secondly, on a web search of games databases I can not find the game either. It may have been played during the internment of the players in Mannheim but you would expect the score to be available. Anyone who can clarify these questions please contact me.
"Most players are inclined to resign too late rather than too early, but the opposite case is not unknown. In this page of missed last-minute escapes we refrain from giving such well-known chessnuts as von Popiel-Marco; all our examples are relatively recent and, we hope, new to our readers."
White looked at 1.Rh7 Ka5 2.Rxb7 Ka3 3.Rb8 Ka7 and resigned. He could have saved the game in two different ways!
Solution - don't peek till you've tried!
This is one of the strangest happenings in the history of tournament chess. After Mieses had resigned, his colleagues pointed out to him that 1.Rh7 Ka5 2. Rh8 (instead of Rxb7!) would probably have won, because with the king on the a-file the threat of Ra8+ could not be parried.
Could it not? In 1950 – 36 years after the event – grandmaster Szabo pointed out that 1...Ka5? Is a serious error for Black, instead of which he must play (1...a1=Q if then 2.Rxb7+ Ka5 3.Ra7+ Kb4! 4.Rxa1 – and Black is stalemated.
But this is not the end. Another seven years later. S. Driman, of Johannesburg (South Africa) found that Mieses’ first idea, 1.Rh7 Ka5 2.Rxb7 Ka6 and now 3.Bf3! was also good enough to draw. For if now 3... a1=Q 4.Bd5! the Black queen is helpless to budge the position of the White Rook, Bishop and pawn, with the easiest of easy “positional“ draws!
A remarkable position - again showing why chess is such an attractive game. However, on research I have encountered a number of problems with this position. Firstly, the game was not played in the Mannheim tournament of 1914. Secondly, on a web search of games databases I can not find the game either. It may have been played during the internment of the players in Mannheim but you would expect the score to be available. Anyone who can clarify these questions please contact me.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Dun Laoghaire Master Tournaments
It's absolutely great news that the Dun Laoghaire Chess Club with the ICU and Rathdown County Council are organizing two closed all play all tournaments in Aug. Details of which can be seen on the ICU site. These tournaments will hopefully provide Irish players with GM and IM norms.
Now, for the real reason for this post! In today's world the profile of these tournaments (and Irish chess) can be highlighted easily, and for free, with the use of the internet. A blog could be created giving the results of each day’s games and the game scores. This event provides the ideal opportunity because of the small number of competitors involved. A simple hit counter would provide the necessary feedback on the interest generated.
Finally, it would be great if these tournaments became an annual event. For this reason I think the rough costs of organizing the event should be made public. The figure would provide a useful reference for other potential organizers.
Now, for the real reason for this post! In today's world the profile of these tournaments (and Irish chess) can be highlighted easily, and for free, with the use of the internet. A blog could be created giving the results of each day’s games and the game scores. This event provides the ideal opportunity because of the small number of competitors involved. A simple hit counter would provide the necessary feedback on the interest generated.
Finally, it would be great if these tournaments became an annual event. For this reason I think the rough costs of organizing the event should be made public. The figure would provide a useful reference for other potential organizers.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Ireland's greatest politican?
Came across the following image on Edward Winter's "chess notes" site. It was too good to let go. Whatever your politics it has to make you think!
An Tostal (VI)
Well here, about time you say, is the final report on An Tostal, Cork 1955. This, I'm sorry to say, represents all the knowledge available, to me, on this tournament. It's such a pity that such an important event should be almost forgotten.
COUNT O’KELLY WINS TOSTAL TOURNAMENT
With a quick draw with Van Scheltinga of Holland, Count O’Kelly last night assured himself of first place in the Tostal International Tournament held in Cork, repeating his success of last year. Van Scheltinga played the Sicilian Defence, but an early exchange of queens left a level position.
Reid against Dr. Bernstein played the Exchange Variation of the Lopez. In a complicated position the balance remained even, until Reid sacrificed a pawn on move 30 for dubious prospects, and got into difficulties. He resigned on move 36 as a piece was lost.
B.H. Wood against J.J. Walsh launched a massed Kingside attack against Walsh’s King’s Indian. Walsh defended carefully and reaches a queen and pawn ending with fair prospects. The game is adjourned.
E.N. Mulcahy went for a Q-side attack against A.J. O’Sullivan’s King’s Indian, having a knight against a bad bishop. On move 33 O’Sullivan blundered and lost two pawns. The game is adjourned.
Position with one round to go; Count O’Kelly, 5½ pts.; T.D. van Scheltinga, 4 pts.; Dr. Bernstein, 3½; B.H. Wood, 2 ½ (and one adjourned); E.N. Mulcahy, 2 (and one adjourned); J. Reid 2; Walsh 1 ½; O’Sullivan 1.
"Examiner" Thursday 19th May 1955
TOSTAL CHESS TOURNAMENT CONCLUDES
Count O’Kelly And Dr. Bernstein Draw
The Tostal International Chess Tournament concluded last night in Cork. Count O’Kelly de Galway enhanced his reputation as one of Europe’s foremost chess exponents by winning the masters section.
The first game to finish was that between the tournament winner O’Kelly and the veteran Dr. Bernstein – a 21 move draw from a French Defence.
B. H. Wood got the worse of his King’s Indian Defence with D. O’Sullivan, but when it looked as if the Irishman was going to spring a surprise he gave Wood an immediate win by putting a piece en prise.
J.J. Walsh who earlier in the day lost his adjourned game to Wood, scored an incisive win over J. Reid. The game was a Sicilian Defence and was adjourned after 34 moves, Reid resigned without resuming.
Mulcahy, against Van Scheltinga, defended with the King’s Indain and got a cramped position. He eased his position by exchanging; Van Scheltinga then opened the Q-side too hastily and Mulcahy won a pawn. The position then came down to Rook and two pawns against Rook and one pawn, which Mulcahy tried hard to win as it would put him in the prize list. Van Scheltinga, however, defended carefully and drew after 69 moves and seven hours play.
Final positions: A. O’Kelly de Galway, 6 ½ pts.; B.H. Wood and T. Van Scheltinga 4 1/2 ; Dr. O. Bernstein 4; E.N. Mulcahy, 3 ½ ; J.J. Walsh 2 ½; J. Reid, 2, D. O’Sullivan 1.
"Evening Echo", Friday 20 May 1955
The following game is annotated by Maurice Kennefick who represented Ireland in the 1970 and 1976 Olympiad. He had the remarkable result of drawing nine of his eleven games in Siegen Olympiad.
And now a cross-table, stolen of course, from the ICU site.
Just to warn you, if I come across any new information on this event I am liable to post it!
COUNT O’KELLY WINS TOSTAL TOURNAMENT
With a quick draw with Van Scheltinga of Holland, Count O’Kelly last night assured himself of first place in the Tostal International Tournament held in Cork, repeating his success of last year. Van Scheltinga played the Sicilian Defence, but an early exchange of queens left a level position.
Reid against Dr. Bernstein played the Exchange Variation of the Lopez. In a complicated position the balance remained even, until Reid sacrificed a pawn on move 30 for dubious prospects, and got into difficulties. He resigned on move 36 as a piece was lost.
B.H. Wood against J.J. Walsh launched a massed Kingside attack against Walsh’s King’s Indian. Walsh defended carefully and reaches a queen and pawn ending with fair prospects. The game is adjourned.
E.N. Mulcahy went for a Q-side attack against A.J. O’Sullivan’s King’s Indian, having a knight against a bad bishop. On move 33 O’Sullivan blundered and lost two pawns. The game is adjourned.
Position with one round to go; Count O’Kelly, 5½ pts.; T.D. van Scheltinga, 4 pts.; Dr. Bernstein, 3½; B.H. Wood, 2 ½ (and one adjourned); E.N. Mulcahy, 2 (and one adjourned); J. Reid 2; Walsh 1 ½; O’Sullivan 1.
"Examiner" Thursday 19th May 1955
TOSTAL CHESS TOURNAMENT CONCLUDES
Count O’Kelly And Dr. Bernstein Draw
The Tostal International Chess Tournament concluded last night in Cork. Count O’Kelly de Galway enhanced his reputation as one of Europe’s foremost chess exponents by winning the masters section.
The first game to finish was that between the tournament winner O’Kelly and the veteran Dr. Bernstein – a 21 move draw from a French Defence.
B. H. Wood got the worse of his King’s Indian Defence with D. O’Sullivan, but when it looked as if the Irishman was going to spring a surprise he gave Wood an immediate win by putting a piece en prise.
J.J. Walsh who earlier in the day lost his adjourned game to Wood, scored an incisive win over J. Reid. The game was a Sicilian Defence and was adjourned after 34 moves, Reid resigned without resuming.
Mulcahy, against Van Scheltinga, defended with the King’s Indain and got a cramped position. He eased his position by exchanging; Van Scheltinga then opened the Q-side too hastily and Mulcahy won a pawn. The position then came down to Rook and two pawns against Rook and one pawn, which Mulcahy tried hard to win as it would put him in the prize list. Van Scheltinga, however, defended carefully and drew after 69 moves and seven hours play.
Final positions: A. O’Kelly de Galway, 6 ½ pts.; B.H. Wood and T. Van Scheltinga 4 1/2 ; Dr. O. Bernstein 4; E.N. Mulcahy, 3 ½ ; J.J. Walsh 2 ½; J. Reid, 2, D. O’Sullivan 1.
"Evening Echo", Friday 20 May 1955
The following game is annotated by Maurice Kennefick who represented Ireland in the 1970 and 1976 Olympiad. He had the remarkable result of drawing nine of his eleven games in Siegen Olympiad.
And now a cross-table, stolen of course, from the ICU site.
Just to warn you, if I come across any new information on this event I am liable to post it!
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