Dunedin Chess & Draughts Club
George O'Brien aspirational drawing of Dunedin from the 1860s [1]
Otago Daily Times 14 January 1863
CHESS AND DRAUGHTS. PERSONS desirous of forming a Chess and Draught Club, are requested f.o meet at Arcade Cafe and Reading Rooms, High-street, "Iharsday evening, at half-past 8.
Otago Daily Times 10 April 1863
DUNEDIN ATHEN^UVT AND MECHANICS' INSTITUTE. A LOWER ROOM of the Athenaeum has been fitted up for the purposes of Writing, Chess, and Refreshments, and will te open^ to all subscribers during the same hours as the Library. . J. S. WEBB, Secretary. Dunedin, Bth April, 1863.
Otago Daily Times 19 June 1863
CHESS. (To the MdUor of the Daily Times.) Sir—Among your numerous readers, I suppose there are many chess players, of various degrees of skill To niy own knowledge, there are several ladies who have a very good idea of the game, and take great interest in it. In n c immunity like this, most persons are strange to each other ; therefore, there is a great difficulty in players meeting I apprehend that the gnme of chess possesses raent sufficient to induce you to encourage it by devoting a airall space in your journal to that subject. It has occurred to we that it would be interesting, for a came to be played by con espondence, through your medium-each player sen'l hi- move to you; and though, even they neei not know each other, the whole community of chess players can be looking on This innocent amusement can be crealed at the fireside iv many families in the evenings, by playing over the game, trying to anticipate the move which your anxiousl>-looked-for issue next morning communicates. . . I am willing to play a same thus, against one or mora players in consultation.
l am, &c,
Chess.
Otago Daily Times 20 June 1863
CHESS.
{To the Editor of the Daily Times.) Sir—l approve of the suggestion of your conespondent to piny a game of chess through your columns Although not possessed of first-rate skill, I can force my way vis et armis through an open game, and feel inclined to accept his challenge. As an earnest of my good intention and love for tlie inrisjorating game, I shall appropriate the white men nnd the first move.
I advance King's Pawn to King s 4th Square.
I am, &c,
A Lover Chess. Dunedin, 19th Jane, 1863. *
(To the Editor of the Daily Times.) Sia, —In reference to the letter which appeared in yesterday's issue of your paper, I would s.:g\jesfc that a game of chess—played at the rate of a move per day, would probably last over six months —too long even for the patience of Job. I shall, however, be happy to assist in tlie formation of a Chess Club, or to play any gentleman a few gainjs either for love or inoaey.
I am, &c,
Rook.
{To the Editor of the Daily Times.) Sir —Observing the letter of your correspondent " Chess" in to day's pap:;r ; and being an admirer of tlie game, I shall be prepared to play him singly by correspondence, so soon as preliminaries can be arranged. To save time, I will give my opponent the first move, and play myself with the white men. It will please mo to bte his opening in Monday's issue.
I am, &c.,
Novice 19 June, 1863.
Otago Daily Times 22 June 1863
(To the- Editor of the Daily Times.) ; ' ISiß^—The gauntlet' has been. thrpwn down Jby y6iir correspondent,'' ClieSs." 'I btelieve.'iti th6'true spirit7of the game,'ari(l'beihg';'rather" partial' to it myself, .accept' the challenge in mimic warfarey'arid shall be most happy,. should your columns be placed at our disposal, to meet." Chess"; in a correspondence game, o;r shall be" inpsst happy, .through ' you, to arrange a meeting to' playan'off-haiidganidi when pieliminaries may be'arranged for theJpreceding-pro-posal.
I am &c,
Gauntlett
Otago Daily Times 24 June 1863
A letter signed -" Chess," which appeared in our columns softie" fe'w'days ago^has called forth Several Veplies, which-convince us that this fascinating game is not 'without its admirers in Dunedin. We "have determined^ therefore, to devote a portion of our space to it, in accordance with the suggestion of our' correspondent, to allow game 3to hi carried on through our columns. We will commence with three or four correspondence games, anl from time to time will also publ'sh in-,-teresting problems. Our first correspondent, " Chess," was answered by '' A Lover of Chess," who voluuteered the first move. " Chess" has now sent his reply and we commence the game below.
For " Novice," who also wished an antagonist, we have found one in " Tyro," who sends h'S first move.
"Gauntlet" is also provided with an opponent in " Excelsior," whose first move we also give.
We must; stipulate for a move a day—failing which, we will consider the person whose turn it is abandons the game.
Otago Daily Times 8 September 1863
The first practice meeting of the Chess Club vas held last evening at the Provincial Hotel. \lv Jones has with his usual liberality given the ise of a room gratis for two nights a week (Tueslays and Fridays), and we understand the Club, vhich now musters very well in numbers, will issemble regularly on those evenings. There eras great interest taken in the proceedings last light, and the Club bids fair to be a great suc;ess. We congratulate the knights of this anlienfc and cosmopolitan game on the success ivhich has attended their efforts to form an association for the cultivation of the intellectual and lelightful amusement which is to be found over the chess board. We believe a chees tournament is in course of organisation, in which the various experts will exert their skill, and we have little doubt of the result being indicative of a high state of proficiency.
Otago Daily Times 9 September 1863
The Chess Club met last evening-, at the Provincial. There was a very fair attendance of members. Some interesting games were played, and as soon as the Clnb has well dropped into its harness, arrangements will be made for a Chess Tournament, with one or more prizes of honor to reward the competitors.
Otago Daily Times 10 September 1863
The following interesting game was played between two numbers of the Dunedin Chess Club, on the evening of the 8th instant:
"player1" vs. "player2", Dunedin CC, 1863
ECO "C51" Evans Gambit, Normal Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Bxb4 5. c3 Bc5 6. O-O d6 7. d4 exd4 8. cxd4 Bb6 9. Qb3 {This last move of White is rather hazardous in the present position of Black's N.} 9... Na5 10. Bxf7+ Kf8 11. Qd5 Nf6 12. Qg5 Kxf7 13. e5 h6 14. Qh4 Ng4 15. Qxd8 Rxd8 16. h3 {Winning the N.} 16... dxe5 17. hxg4 exd4 18. Nbd2 Kg8 19. Ne5 c5 20. Ne4 Re8 21. Bf4 Bxg4 {White cannot now take the Bishop (22. Nxg4) in consequence of the position of the Black Rook. (22...Rxe4)} 22. Nf6+ {A very pretty move.} 22... gxf6 23. Nxg4 Kg7 24. Nxh6 Nc4 25. Nf5+ Kf7 26. g4 Re6 27. Rae1 Rae8 28. Nd6+ Rxd6 29. Bxd6 Re6 30. Rxe6 Kxe6 31. Bf4 Ba5 32. Bb8 a6 33. f4 d3 34. f5+ Kf7 35. Kf2 Nd2 36. Rd1 c4 37. Bf4 c3 38. Ke3 Nc4+ 39. Kd4 {White would have lost the exchange if he had taken the pawn.} 39... Nb2 40. Rxd3 {The only move to save the game.} Nxd3 41. Kxd3 Ke7 42. Be3 Kd6 43. Bf4+ Kd5 44. g5 fxg5 45. Bxg5 Ke5 46. f6 Ke6 47. Kc4 b5+ 48. Kb3 b4 49. a3 bxa3 50. Kxa3 Bb6 51. Kb3 Bd4 52. Kc2 Kf5 {The game, in any case, would have resulted in a draw; but this was a bad move of Black.} 53. f7 Bg7 54. Be7 Ke6 55. f8=Q Bxf8 56. Bxf8 {Drawn.} 1/2-1/2
Otago Daily Times 15 September 1863
The members of the Dunedin Chess Clnb meet this evening for business and practice at the Provincial Hotel. The principal business to be transacted is the ratification of a code of laws for the guidance of the Club ; arrangements will also be made for the forthcoming tournament, in which "graat interest is exhibited by the lovers of this noble game. It is creditable to Dunedin that so-marked a.success should have attended" the organization of.the Club, Avhich already musters over twenty members. Two of its best, players will this evening commenced the first of a match of five games, which will be duly recorded in our columns.
Otago Daily Times 16 September 1863
There was a good attendance last night at the meeting of the members of the Dunedin Chess Club, at the Provincial Hotel. A code of bye-laws was passed for the guidance of the Club, and a resolution unanimously carried, that the lion. John Hyde Harris (who is a member of the Club) be requested to accept the position of President After the transaction of some further •business, the meeting adjourned until Friday evening next, when the election of vice-president, council, and other officers, will be proceeded with.
Otago Daily Times 18 September 1863
At the meeting of the Chess Club, to be held this evening at the Provincial Hotel, the election of vice president, treasurer, secretary, and council of four will be proceeded with. The Hon. J. H. Harris,"Esq., has accepted the office of president of the club.
Otago Daily Times 18 September 1863
During the month, a Dunedin Chess Club has been formed, which is now in active operation, numbering between twenty and thirty members, under the presidency of the Hon. J. H, Harris Esq., Superintendent of the Province.
Otago Daily Times 22 September 1863
At the last nieeting of the Dunedin Chess Club held on Friday evening, it was announced that his Honor the Superintendent, J. H. Harris, Esq., had complied with the request of the Club to become its president. The following officers were then elected :
- Vice-president ; A. G, McCombe, Esq.
- Honorary Secretary and Treasurer ; B. L. Farjeon, Esq.
- Council of Management l S. Marks, C. Swyer, J. Lazar, and — Fleming, Esqs.
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Otago Daily Times 8 October 1863
Match, " Tyro" vs. " Chess", Dunedin CC, Sept. - Oct. 1863
"The first winner of five games to be the conqueror."
"Tyro" vs. "Chess", 1st Match Game, Dunedin CC, 1863
Date "1863.09.25"
ECO "C30" Kings Gambit Declined
1. e4 e5 2. f4 Bc5 3. Nf3 d6 4. c3 Nf6 5. fxe5 dxe5 6. Nxe5 Nxe4 {A fatal move for Black.} 7. Qa4+ c6 8. Qxe4 O-O 9. Bc4 {To prevent Black's Re8.} 9... Be6 10. Bxe6 fxe6 11. d4 Bd6 12. Bf4 Nd7 13. Nxd7 {White feared Black's intended move of Nf6, attacking his Queen.} 13... Qxd7 14. Bxd6 Qxd6 15. Nd2 Rf4 16. Qe5 Qf8 {Better than exchanging Queens.} 17. O-O-O Rd8 {Threatening to dislodge the White Queen by Rd5.} 18. Rhf1 Rf2 19. Rxf2 Qxf2 20. Rf1 Qxg2 {He had no better move.} 21. Qxe6+ Kh8 22. Qe7 Qd5 23. Rf8+ Rxf8 24. Qxf8+ Qg8 25. Qxg8+ Kxg8 26. Ne4{{Resigns.} 1-0
"Chess" vs. "Tyro", 2nd Match Game, Dunedin CC, 1863
Date "1863.09.29"
ECO "C54" Giuoco Piano
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d4 exd4 6. cxd4 Bb4+ 7. Bd2 Qe7 8. O-O O-O 9. a3 Bxd2 10. Nbxd2 d6 11. d5 Ne5 12. Nxe5 Qxe5 13. Qc2 Bg4 *
"Tyro" vs. "Chess", 3rd Match Game, Dunedin CC, 1863
Date "1863.10.06"
ECO "C31" King's Gambit Declined, Falkbeer Counter-Gambit
1. e4 e5 2. f4 d5 3. exd5 Qxd5 4. Nc3 Qe6 5. fxe5 Qxe5+ 6. Be2 Bg4 7. d4 Qe6 8. Qd3 Nd7 9. Be3 Bf5 10. Qd2 Bxc2 {Brilliant but unsound.} 11. Qxc2 Qxe3 12. Nd5 {Attacking Queen, and threatening a formidable check by taking the c pawn, which Black averts at the sacrifice of a piece by playing:} 12... Bb4+ 13. Nxb4 {White might safely have moved his King to f1, and carried on the attack with the N.} 13... Qxd4 14. Nd3 Qh4+ 15. g3 Qe4 16. O-O-O Ngf6 {Had he taken the Rook he would have lost his Queen by White playing Bf3.} 17. Bf3 Qe3+ 18. Kb1 O-O 19. Re1 Qb6 20. Nh3 c5 21. Ng5 h6 22. Ne4 Rfc8 23. Nxf6+ Nxf6 24. Re7 Rab8 25. Qc4 Rf8 26. Ne5 {Not so strong as if played to f4, as it prevents the doubling of his Rooks, and it allows Black to commence an attack which ends in his winning back his piece with a good position.} 26... Qd6 27. Ng6 b5 28. Qf4 Qd3+ 29. Ka1 Qxg6 30. Rhe1 Nh5 31. Qe5 Nf6 32. Qxc5 Rfc8 33. Qxa7 Qc2 {Threatening mate in two moves.} 34. a3 b4 35. axb4 {If White had not taken the Pawn, mate followed in two moves.} 35... Qd2 {He should have taken Pawn with Rook.} 36. Rxf7 Rc1+ {White's last move was evidently an error, and Black did not take advantage of it; otherwise he must have won the game.} 37. Rxc1 Qxc1+ 38. Ka2 Qc4+ 39. Kb1 Qxb4 40. Rxg7+ Kh8 41. Rb7 Qe1+ 42. Ka2 Qe6+ 43. b3 {If King had moved to b1, Black would have checked at f5.} 43... Rd8 44. Rb8 Qd6 45. Rxd8+ Qxd8 46. Qa8 Qxa8+ 47. Bxa8 Nd7 48. b4 Kg7 49. Bc6 Nb6 50. b5 Kf6 51. Kb3 Ke6 52. Kb4 Kd6 53. h4 Kc7 54. Kc5 Nc8 55. g4 Ne7 56. b6+ Kc8 57. Kd6 Ng6 58. h5 Nf4 59. Ke5 Nh3 60. Kf5 Kb8 61. Kg6 Nf2 62. g5 hxg5 63. h6 Ng4 64. h7 Ne5+ 65. Kg7 {Resigns.} 1-0
The game lasted 3 hours.
Otago Daily Times 12 October 1863
"Chess" vs. "Tyro", 4th Match Game, Dunedin CC, 1863
Date "1863.10.09"
ECO "C51" Evans Gambit, Normal Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Bxb4 5. c3 Bc5 6. O-O d6 7. d4 exd4 8. cxd4 Bb6 9. Bb2 Nge7 10. d5 Na5 11. Bxg7 {A very tempting but suicidal capture, entailing on White the loss of the game.} 11... Rg8 12. Bf6 Nxc4 {Black captures the Knight in order to get his Queen on d2.} 13. Qa4+ Qd7 14. Qxc4 Rxg2+ {If White now captures the Rook, he is mated in a few moves by the Queen checking at g4, &c, he therefore plays:} 15. Kh1 {Best.} 15... Qh3 16. Rg1 Qxf3 17. Rxg2 Bh3 18. Qf1 Bxg2+ 19. Qxg2 Qxf6 20. Qf1 Qxa1 21. Qb5+ c6 22. dxc6 bxc6 23. Qd3 d5 24. exd5 Nxd5 25. Qf1 Bxf2 26. Qd3 Bb6 27. Qe4+ Kf8 28. Kg2 Qg7+ 29. Kf1 Ne3+ 30. Ke1 Qg1+ 31. Kd2 Rd8+ 32. Kc3 Bd4+ 33. Kd3 Qf1+ 34. Kd2 Qd1# 0-1
Otago Daily Times 14 October 1863
"Tyro" vs. "Chess", 5th Match Game, Dunedin CC, 1863
Date "1863.10.09"
ECO "C33" King's Gambit Accepted, Bishop's Gambit, Grimm Attack
1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3. Bc4 Qh4+ 4. Kf1 g5 5. Nc3 Bg7 6. d4 d6 7. e5 Bg4 {This variation of the Bishop's gambit is often played, and leads to a good game for the defence.} 8. Nf3 Qh5 9. Nd5 Kd7 10. Be2 Nc6 11. c3 Re8 12. exd6 Kxd6 13. Kg1 h6 14. h3 Bf5 {Better than taking the Knight.} 15. Ne5 Qh4 16. Nxf7+ Kxd5 17. Qb3+ Ke4 18. Bf3+ Kd3 19. c4+ Kxd4 20. Qc3+ Kc5 21. Qa3+ Nb4 22. Qa5+ Kd4 23. Bd2 {This move was rendered necessary in consequence of the pending check of the Black Rook.} c5 24. Bxb4 Bc2 25. Bxc5+ Kxc4 26. Nd6+ {Giving mate and winning the match.} 1-0
The score standing thus: "Tyro" 5 games; "Chess" nil.
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Otago Daily Times 19 November 1863
A meeting of the members of the Dunedin Chess Club is called for tomorrow (Friday) evening, for the purpose of making arrangements for a chess tournament. From the interest taken by the members in its organisation, the tournament is likely to prove of great interest.
Otago Daily Times 27 November 1863
The Chess Tournament of the Dunedin Chess Club is now fairly under way. ' There are to be two prizeST-the winners of" the first three games to be declared the prizemen. The pairs have been matched by ballot, and; the i first of some of the games were played on Tiie sday night: There. are sixteen entries, and as J,he" attendance of all the plkyers is .imperatively necessary this evening at the; Club," we append the names ,as they are matched, by-way of reminder :
Dunedin CC Tournament, 1863
Otago Daily Times 28 November 1863
Referring to a previous notice of the organisation of the Chess Tournament, we may state that the rules to be observed are the- same as those adopted by the players of the celebrated tournament which took place in London some time ago, and the games must all be played in the club room on club meeting nights. It is also stipulated that an opponent neglecting to attend on the nights stated will forfeit one game, unless he has previously given notice to Ms opponent of his inability to attend. The winners ot three games will be declared victors in the first circle, who will then be'paired against each other, reducing the lists to four couples, the victors in the second circle will in the same way be matched by ballot, and so on, till only two combatants remain. The. victors in this last circle will get first and second class prizes, according to the result of their play. We have to request that the members will note' down the moves of the games played and send them to us for publication.
Otago Daily Times 22 March 1864
We notice that a general meeting of the members of the Dunedin Chess Club will be held this evening, at Riordan's Cafe, Princes street. Some difficulty has been experienced by the club in obtaining a room, but this difficulty no longer exists, and we shall be glad to record in our columns some good play between the members,
Otago Daily Times 25 March 1864
We are glad to learn that arrangements have been made which will enable the Dunedin Chess Club to resume its practice, Mr Riordan having kindly offered the use of a room in his cafe in Princes street, which has been accepted by the Club with thanks. The regular practice nights are Tuesdays and Fridays, on which occasions the room will be devoted exclusively to the Club, but the members will also have the advantage of being enabled to play any night during the week.
Otago Daily Times 18 June 1867
A communication was received from gentleman desirous of forming a Chess Club in connection with the Atheweum, and the following resolution was agreed to :-- ---" That the lower room (together with such chessmen, Jjoards, &c, as are'the property of the Institute) be placed at tho disposal of the Chess Club Committee for the evenings of Monday, Thursday and Saturday < s each week ; it being-understood that any member of the Institute be at liberty to attend any meeting of the Club held in the room, bat to have neither voice nor vote in managing the affairs of thy Club, unless qualified as a membsr of the sam/2.
Otago Daily Times 5 July 1867
Dunedin Athenaeum Chess Club formed.
Otago Daily Times 14 July 1868
A meeting of the Dunedin Athenaeum Chess Club was held last evening—Dr Yates, President, in the chair. A. statement of accounts was read, from which it appeared that there were 34 members of the Club.
- Dr Yates was re-elected President,
- Mr D. R Hay was chosen Honorary Secretary and Treasurer;
- Committee of Management:—Messrs Charles White, Jones, W. Taylor, R. S. Gardner, Robert Stout, and Chas. Smith.
Press 12 April 1869
chess club has been farmed in connectioa .with the Liteiirv Itibti--l^" 1 ;Uha lr^ have otdVr' ' i« in working
Press 12 May 1869
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Otago Daily Times 18 December 1869
A meeting of gentlemen favourable to the formation of a Chess Club in Dunedin, was held in the Mayor's Room, at the City Council Chambers, last evening. Mr H Ho worth was called to the chair. It was resolved that the Club be called the Dunedin Chess Club, and that the meetings be held once a week. The following gentlemen were appointed office-bearers :
- Mr H. Howorth, President,
- Mr J. B. Park, Vice President;
- Mr D. R. Hay, Secretary and Treasurer.
- Members of Committee—Dr Yates, and Messrs Jones, Gardiner, Stables, and Spedding.
Otago Daily Times 21 July 1870
The half-yearly meeting of the Dunedin 1 Chess Club was held last night.' in the Club Room of the Athenaeum, Mr J. B. Park, the vice-president, in. the chair. After the usual' business was disposed of, it was unanimously agreed to challenge the chessplayers of Otago to play a r friendly ngiatch 'either over the- board or by correspondence. In order to save time ahd unnecessary trouble, the secre-taiy,-Mr David R. Hay, was instructed to supply all necessary 'information in reference to the proposed-match.
Daily Southern Cross 29 September 1870
On Friday evening, says the Grahwmslown Mail, a consultation game of chess was played by the members of the Thames Club, which lasted from half -past eight until after one a.m., when a draw was accepted. The following were the players : — White : Messrs. Lessong, Mangham, W. D. Wilkins, Vidal, and Luks.
Black : Messrs. O'Leary, W. Dowden, G. Wilkins, P. Last, and Dr. Trousseau,
Otago Daily Times 31 May 1871
A MEETING of the Dunedin Chess Club will he held en Thursday, Ist June, at' 7.30 p.m,,in the Athenaeum restsurant.
Basinees: Election of officers for the ensuing year, and the admission of new members. Gent!emen desirous ef joia« me the Club are respectfully invited to attend. ' Members are expected to mustsr in full force.
DAVID R. HAY, : Hon, Secretory
Evening Star 2 June 1871
The annual meeting qf the Dunedin Chess Club was held yesterday, for the purpose of electing office-bearers for the ensuing year.
- Mr Henry Howorth was elected president,
- Dr Yates vice-presid nt,
- Mr David R. Hay secretary and treasurer.
Otago Witness 24 July 1875
AYe are pleased to hear that the game of Chess is attracting a great deal of attention in Dunedin at the present time. One of the most notable events of late has been a match between two of our best players, Messrs. C. Janion and D. R. Hay, terminating in favour of the former, the score being—
Janion, 9 ; Hay, 6 ; drawn, 1.
We give below one of the games,
Janion, C. vs. Hay, D. R., Match, Dunedin, 1875
ECO "C50" Giuoco Piano
Annotator "The Australian"
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. Nc3 d6 5. h3 f5 {A hazardous move, but it leads to a lively game.} 6. Bxg8 Rxg8 7. d3 f4 8. Na4 {We do not like this move. In the present position, White's object should have been the breaking up of Black's string of Pawns, which could have been effected by 8. Ne2, followed by c3 and d4.} 8... Bb4+ {This loses time; he should have played 8... Bb6 at once.} 9. c3 Ba5 10. b4 Bb6 11. Nxb6 axb6 12. a3 {We prefer 12. b5, followed by d4.} 12... h5 13. d4 g5 14. Qb3 {We think he should have played 14. b5 followed by dxe5.} 14... Rg7 15. Bb2 g4 16. hxg4 Bxg4 17. O-O-O Qe7 18. Rd2 O-O-O 19. Nh4 {19. d5 would have cramped Black's game considerably.} 19... exd4 20. f3 Be6 21. c4 Qf6 {A dangerous position for the Queen, 21... Qf7 and then b5 would have given White some trouble.} 22. Qc2 Rgd7 23. Nf5 Bxf5 24. exf5 h4 25. Qe4 d5 26. cxd5 Rxd5 27. Qxf4 Ne7 28. Rxh4 Nxf5 29. Rg4 {29. Rh7 is stronger.} 29... R5d6 30. Rg5 Rc6+ 31. Kb1 Rd5 32. Bxd4 {White makes a serious mistake here ; he should have continued the game as follows: 32. g4 Ne3 33. Qxf6 Rxf6 34. Rxd5 Nxd5 35. Rxd4, and should win.} 32... Qe6 {Black makes short work of his opponent from this point.} 33. Rxf5 Rxf5 34. Qg4 Qe1+ 35. Ka2 Qxd2+ 36. Bb2 Qd5+ 37. {Resigns.} 0-1
Otago Witness 31 July 1875
In our last we gave one of the games played recently by Messrs. Janion & Hay. It was one which went against White. We now give one which went m favour of the other side :
Janion, C. vs. Hay, D. R., Match, Dunedin, 1875
ECO "C45" Scotch Game: Classical Variation
Annotator "The Australian"
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Bc5 5. Be3 Bxd4 {Not so good as 5... Qf6} 6. Bxd4 Nf6 {Better was 6... Nxd4 7. Qxd4 Qf6, the move made soon involves him in difficulties.} 7. e5 {White gets a strong attack by this move, and maintains it vigorously.} 7... Qe7 8. f4 d6 {This adds to his difficulties, 8... Nxd4, followed by O-O, would have relieved his game.} 9. Bb5 {The correct move.} 9... Bd7 {Considering the dangerous position of the Queen, he should have Castled at all risks, 9... O-O} 10. O-O {White's attack has now become quite overpowering.} 10... Ng4 11. Bxc6 bxc6 12. exd6 cxd6 13. Re1 Be6 14. h3 h5 15. f5 Qh4 16. fxe6 f6 17. Nd2 Qg3 18. Nf3 c5 19. Bxc5 {Neatly played.} {Resigns.} 1-0
Evening Star 29 July 1875
Another attempt is being made to form a Chess Club in Dunediu. A meeting was htld in the lower room of the Athenasum yesterday evening, at which it was agreed to start one, and a committee was appointed, consisting of Dr Bakewell, Messrs F. Proctor, D. R. Hay, W, L. Tennet, R. B. Rigg, and F. Bakewell, to receive the names of persons desirous of joining the Club, and to carry out the preliminary arrangements. The meeting adjourned till eight o'clock on Saturday evening.
Otago Witness 31 July 1875
A meeting of gentlemen was held in the lower room of the Athenaeum on Wednesday evening (Dr Bakewell in the chair). It was agreeu to foiin a Chess Club, to be called the Dunedin Chess Club. A Committee was appointed, consisting of the following gentle wen. Dr Bakeweil, F. Proctor, D. R. Hay, W. L. Tennet, R. B. Rigg, and F. Bakewell, to receive tho names of persons desirous of joining the Club, and also to carry out preliminary arrangement*!. The meeting then adjourned till 8 o'clock on Saturday evening.
Evening Star 11 August 1875
A meeting of members of the Dunedin Chess Club was held last evening in the I .wer ball of the Athenaeum. Rales were submitted and adopted, aud the following officers were elected
- Mr Mouat, president;
- Mr Procter, secretary-;
- Mr Janion, treasurer ;
- members of committee—Messrs Taylor, Johnson, Archer, and Worthington.
Otago Witness 21 August 1875
A meeting of members of the Dunedin Chess Club, and gentlemen desirous of joining, was held on the 10th in the Lower Room of the Athenaeum. There was a fair attendance. A code of rules for the guidance of the Club was made out and approved of, and the officers chosen were an follows :—: —
- Mr Mouat, President ;
- Mr Proctor, Secretary;
- Mr Janion, Treasurer ;
- Committee, viz., Messrs Taylor, Johnson, Archer, and Worthington.
Otago Daily Times 2 September 1875
There was a large gathering of players at the roomtt of the Dimedm Chess Club on Tuesday evening last, and as the time for the Handicap Tournament approaches, so the players seem anxious to prepare for battle by additional practice. In order to meet the requirements of players, the Committee have arranged to have two nights in the week for practice, viz., Tuesdays and Fridays. The entries for the tournament are fixed to close on the 21st inst., and from the interest which appears to be manifested, we expect to see a large number of players enter the arena.
Otago Witness 11 September 1875
There was a large gathering of players at the rooms of the Dunedm Chess Club on Tuesday evening last, and as the time for the Handicap Tournament approaches, bo the players seem auxious to prepare for battle by additional practice. In order to meet the requirements of players, the Committee have arranged -to have two nights in .the week for practice, viz., Tuesdays and Fridays. The entries for fche tournament are fixed to close on the 21st inst., and from the interest which, appears to be manifested, we expect to see a large number of players enter the arena.
DUNEDIN CHESS CLUB HANDICAP TOURNAMENT.
Otago Daily Times 18 September 1875
DUNEDIN CHESS CLUB HANDICAP TOUftNAMENT. THE Entries will close, and a General Sleeting of Competitors take place, in the Chess Room, Athenaeum, on Tuesday, September 21st, at 8 p.m — The Tournament is open to all Chess-players on payment of an entrance fee of ss. The Scale of Odds and Resrulations for Play were published for general information, in the Otago Witness of September 11th
Evening Star 22 September 1875
At last night’s meeting of ra-mbers of the Chess Club there were twenty-one entries for the tournament, and the committee handicapped the various players. The li t will be placed in the Atheuwum room to-day and tho competitors will be able to make their arrangements. Several names of new members of tbe Club were handed in yesterday.
New Zealand Times 23 September 1875
There are twenty-one competitors in tho chess tournament, which commences to-night.
Otago Witness 25 September 1875
DUNEDIN CHESS CLUB.
The following game was played recently at the Club Room, Athensßum,by two of the strongest playera in the Club : Scotch Gambit.
Mouat, J. vs. Hay, D. R., Dunedin CC, 1875
ECO "C56" Scotch Gambit, Dubois Reti, Advance Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Bc4 {This ia considered inferior to 4. Nxd4.} 4... Nf6 5. e5 Qe7 {We prefer 5... d5.} 6. O-O Ng4 7. c3 Qc5 8. Bxf7+ Kxf7 9. Ng5+ Ke8 10. Qxg4 Be7 11. cxd4 {The exchange of Pawns here is the first cause of White's trouble. 11. Nf3 , supporting e pawn and attacking Blackg pawn, is much better. } 11... Qxd4 12. Qxd4 Nxd4 13. Nc3 d6 14. e6 {Here again White should have captured his opponent's Pawn, instead, of advancing his own. 14. exd6} 14... Bxe6 15. Nxe6 Nxe6 16. Nd5 Kd7 17. Bd2 b6 18. Rfe1 Rae8 19. Rxe6 {To capture a Pawn.} 19... Kxe6 20. Nxc7+ Kd7 21. Nxe8 Rxe8 22. Rd1 h5 23. h3 Rc8 24. g4 h4 25. Kg2 g5 {25... Rc2 would haye been more conclusive.} 26. Bc3 Re8 27. Rd5 Rf8 28. Rf5 Ke6 29. Rb5 d5 {Having a passed Pawn. Black should win.} 30. Bd2 Ke5 31. a4 Rc8 32. Bc3+ Ke6 33. a5 {Overlooking Black's powerful reply. We think White should have challenged 33. Bb4.} 33... Rc5 34. Rxc5 bxc5 35. Kf3 d4 36. Bd2 Ke5 37. Ke2 c4 38. f3 d3+ 39. Kd1 a6 40. Be3 Bf6 41. Bc1 Kd5 42. Kd2 Kc6 43. Ke3 Kb5 44. f4 gxf4+ 45. Kxf4 Bxb2 {Well played.} 46. Bxb2 d2 47. Bc3 d1=Q {and wins.} 0-1
Otago Witness 2 October 1875
DUNEDIN CHESS CLUB HANDICAP „V TOURNAMENT.
There was a large attendance^ chess-players at the Chess Club Rooms on the evening of the 21st ult., and when the entry, for the Handicap Tournament closed, it was found tbjat there were twentyj-one competitors for the tbWney. The various' players were 4 handicapped ' the same evening, and next night arrangements were made for meeting their respective opponents for play.. , . "'.'Up to the time of going to press with- our country edition, we may say that the chess tournament haa progressed very satisfactorily, . especially as regards playera endeavouring to get the first round completed within' the specified time of ten days.
The results so far are:—
Mr Mouat defeated Mr Hawkes three successive games, without his opponent scoring.
Mr Janion followed suit with Mr Innesj and
Mr Sargison defeated Mr Macintosh.
Mr Johnson has won 1 to Mr. Taylor 2.
Mr. D. R. Hay who Played Mr Throp, , scored 2 to Mr Throp's 1, so that .the, former must yet win ' another game,' or the latter 2, to declare a victory.
Mr Wilson scored his 3 to Mr Booth's 1.
Mr Archer, quite a new but promising playerj receiving a Knight, has scored 1 game against the superior .player, -Mr Singer; and Mr Perry 1 against Mr Worthragton, the oiily game played.
The other players have not vet met.
We append a somewhat interesting game between' Mr D. R. Hay and Mr Throp. The latter gentleman received the, odds' of Queen's Knight, and won the game in excellent style, ' .
Throp vs. Hay, D. R., Round 1, Dunedin CC Handicap Tournament, 1875
ECO "C41" Philidor's Defence
(Remove Black's Queen's Knight)
FEN "r1bqkbnr/pppppppp/8/8/8/8/PPPPPPPP/RNBQKBNR w KQkq - 0 1"
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 {In the absence of the QN we believe this is the best defence for the second player.} 3. d4 Bg4 4. Be2 f6 5. dxe5 fxe5 6. h3 Bh5 7. Qd5 c6 8. Qe6+ Be7 9. Qb3 {The last three moves of White have only tended to open Black'a game. "Avoid useless checks" is a maxim in chess.} 9... b5 10. Qc3 {10. Be3 is better ; but we should have prepared bolder play here - say, 10. Nxe5. If Bxe2 then 11. Qf7# and if 10... dxe5 11. Bxh5+ and retires Bg4 having made a breech through and captured one of Black's Pawns, with a good attacking position.} 10... Qb6 11. O-O Nf6 12. Nbd2 O-O 13. Qb3+ d5 14. exd5 Nxd5 15. Bd3 Kh8 16. Be4 {16. Nxe5, threatening to fork Q and R followed by Ne4 would have given White a powerful attack.} 16... Rf6 17. Bxd5 cxd5 18. Qxd5 Raf8 19. Qxe5 Bxf3 20. gxf3 {He should have played 20. Nxf3 and made an outlet for the QB. 20. Qxe7 would have been dangerous.} 20... Rg6+ 21. Kh1 Rh6 {21... Bd6 or 21... Bc5 would have given Black the game.} 22. Qxe7 Rxh3+ 23. Kg2 Rh2+ {We can only suppose that Black expected to bring his other Rook into play.} 24. Kxh2 Qh6+ 25. Kg3 Qf4+ 26. Kg2 Rf6 27. Qe8+ Rf8 28. Qe7 Rf6 29. Rg1 Qf5 30. Kf1 Qf4 31. Qxg7# 1-0
Saturday Advertiser, 1 January 1876
Below is one of the .games played by Messrs. Mandeb and' Mobkish in the recent tournament of the Dunedin Chess Club. Both players belong to the second class. We prefer publishing games of local players as much as possible, so as to stimulate all to improve. For. the same reason, we should like to receive numerous problems from players in the Colonies:
Mander vs. Morrish, Round 1, Dunedin CC Handicap Tournament, 1875
Round "1"
ECO "C24" Bishop's Opening, Berlin Defense
Annotator "Saturday Advertiser, 1 January 1876"
1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Nf6 3. d3 Nc6 4. Be3 b6 {Too cautiously played.} 5. a3 a5 6. Nc3 Ba6 7. Bb3 Bc5 8. Bxc5 {Doubling his pawns by the exchange.} 8... bxc5 9. Qd2 d5 10. O-O-O {Should have played 10. exd5 and thus would at once have obtained a winning position.} 10... Nd4 {By taking 10... dxe4, Black would have had a better game } 11. exd5 Bb7 {11... Nxb3+ preferable.} 12. Ba4+ c6 13. dxc6 Nxc6 14. Nge2 O-O 15. f4 Ng4 {Well played.} 16. Rdf1 Nd4 17. fxe5 Bxg2 18. Nxd4 Qxd4 19. Qxg2 h6 {19... Ne3, forking the R and Q much better } 20. e6 Qe3+ 21. Kb1 Qxe6 22. Bb3 Ne3 23. Qxg7+ Kxg7 24. Bxe6 fxe6 {24... Nxf1 better.} 25. Rhg1+ Kh7 26. Re1 Rg8 {White had already the best of the game, but this move completely spoils Black’s chance of winning.} 27. Rxg8 Rxg8 28. Rxe3 Rg1+ 29. Ka2 Rg6 30. b3 {30. Na4 the better move.} 30... Kg7 31. Rg3 Rxg3 32. hxg3 h5 33. Ne4 Kg6 1-0
Otago Witness 9 October 1875
There was a very large gathering of players at the Chess Club Booms on Saturday evening, at which time it was known that the drawing for thesecondjroundui the Chess Tournament w°ould take pkce. One player out of the 21 who were entered had withdrawn, thus making an even number of competitors. We now give tho names of the ten successful players in the first round, with the order in which they were drawn to compete in the second round :—
Mr Singer receivm a Pawn and move, or Mr Archer, receiving a rook and move, will play Mr Mouat.
Mr.Sargison gives a pawn, and two moves to Mr Perry.
Mr D. R. Hay plays Mr Janion.
Mi- Wilson plays Mr Johnson.
Mr Mander, or Mr Morrish, receives pawn < and move, and plays Mr Christie.
As in the first round, the winner of the first three games will become the victor. Ten days are allowed for playing the round, and the next pairing of competitors will take place on the 16th inst.
While the play in the first round proved in mosfc cases rather one-sided, ' the losers will doubtless attribute theix defeat more to the want of practice than to the odds they received in the handicap. The better players conceded the longest odds given in chess tournaments, and in handicapping the competitor?, the committee had not only to consider what the starters at scratch (if we may so express it) could yield, but also what the second -and third-class players could give to their inferiors. We strongly advise the defeated, and especially those who received long odds, to acquire and indulge in a little more practice. It has been suggested that the fourth-class players should have a tournament among themselves; this is a very good idea,' and one which we shall be glad to see carried out.
In the second round, the balance of power in the respective players is very good ; and, with one exception perhaps, we do not think the drawing could have been improved upon by any special arrangement. "We therefore expect to see some of the best contested games in the match in this round, and hope next week to place one of them before our readers.
Evening Post 16 October 1875
The Dunedin Chess Club has arranged with the Telegraphic department to have the free use of the wires one operator and a room in office.
Otago Witness 16 October 1875
DUNEDIN CHESS CLUB HANDICAP TOURNAMENT.
Good progress has been made in the second round of this tournament, and to-day, in all probability, the names of the five survivors who will compete in the third round will be known.
Alrbargison scored his second victory by vanquishing Mr Perry ; and
Mr Hay has succeeded in recovering his lost laurels from Mr Janion by whom he was defeated in a match some months ago, Mr Janion then winning 9 games to Mr Hay 6. In the match referred to, both players won three consecutive games, so that the trial of strength in the present tournament between two auch equal players was a source of much interest to many members of the Club, \Yho attended to witness the competition. Mr Janion Beemed to secure best position in the openings, but the steady, slow play of Mr Hay eventually gained for him the victory, and after many hours' hard fighting he succeeded in sooruig the 3 games to hia opponent's 1. We append one of the games won by Mr Hay.
The other competitors in the second round have not finished their games.
Janion, C. vs. Hay, D. R., Round 2, Dunedin CC Handicap Tournament, 1875
Round "2"
ECO "C54" Giuoco Piano, Main Line
[Annotator "madkiwi"]
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d3 {5. d4 is considered stronger.) 5... d5 6. exd5 Nxd5 7. Bb5 (7. b4 is the move generally adopted.} 7... O-O 8. Bxc6 bxc6 9. O-O {We presume White captured the Knight with the view of doubling a Pawn and capturing Nxe5. ,We see no valid objection to his pursuing this course now.} 9... Bg4 {Black evidently sees the danger.} 10. h3 Bh5 11. g4 {White seems determined to have the KP at any cost. He succeeds, but in doing so weakens the position of his King.} 11... Bg6 12. Nxe5 Qd6 13. d4 Bb6 14. f4 {14. c4, should, we think, have secured a piece.} 14... f6 15. Nxg6 hxg6 16. a4 {Here again White loses his opportunity of capturing a piece with 16. c4.} 16... a5 17. Na3 Ba7 18. Nc4 Qd7 19. Nxa5 c5 20. Nb3 cxd4 21. cxd4 Rad8 22. Nc5 Qc6 23. Qc2 Ne7 24. Be3 Rd5 25. Qc4 Kf7 26. b4 Rh8 27. Kh2 Bxc5 28. dxc5 Qe6 29. Rf2 {An oversight, surely, which results in the loss of the^ame. 29. Rf3 or 29. Rae1 would have been ample protection; and White having a passed Pawn, should have scored this game easdy. We understand White was under the impression that if the Q moved Black's Rook would be unsupported.} 29... Qxe3 {Black immediately takes advantage of the oversight.} 30. Qf1 Rd4 31. b5 {31. Rf3 or 31. Raa2 would have relieved White's position. Better even t- have sacrificed the b pawn.} 31... Rxh3+ 32. Qxh3 Qxf2+ 33. Qg2 Qxf4+ 34. Kh1 Rd2 {Well played.} 35. Qxd2 Qxd2 36. a5 Qd5+ 37. {Resigns.} 0-1
Otago Witness 23 October 1875
DUNEDIN CHESS CLUB HANDICAP TOURNAMENT. The drawing for the third round in the Chess Tournament, which will determine two ont of three prize-takers, took place on Saturday evening last
Mr Mouat was drawn to match Mr Hay, and
Mr Christie will play Mr Sargison, to whom he will yield pawn and move.
The two defeated players will then try conclusions with each other, and the survivor will play Mr Wilson or Mr Johnton — who have not yet finished their second round — the score being Johnson 2 ; Wilson, 1 ; drawn, 1 — the only drawn game yet in the tournament. These two players are very equally matched, and, through the courtesy of a friend, we are enabled to publish one of their games, which will afford some useful study.
Johnson vs. Wilson, Dunedin CC Handicap Tournament, Round 2, 1875
Round "2"
ECO "C50" Giuoco Piano
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. O-O f6 {4... Nf6 is the best reply for Black but 4... d6 or 4... f5 are also good.} 5. c3 d6 6. b4 Bb6 7. d4 exd4 8. cxd4 Nxb4 9. Nc3 {White has opened his game well, but fails to take advantage of the stray Knight. If 9. Bxg8 Rxg8 10. Qb3 secures one or the other.} 9... a6 10. Ba3 c5 {Weak. 10... d5 was better, bringing the R into play, if White exchange pieces. We should have preferred retreating the N.) 11. Bxb4 cxb4 12. Qa4+ Bd7 13. Qxb4 Ne7 14. Qxd6 Rc8 15. Nd2 Rc6 16. Qb4 Bxd4 17. Nd5 {17. Nb3 or 17. Rac1 seems more advantageous than the exchange here offered.} 17... Bxa1 18. Rxa1 f5 19. h3 {Losing time.} 19... fxe4 20. Nxe4 Nf5 21. Re1 Be6 22. Nec3 Kf7 23. Qxb7+ Qd7 24. Qb3 Rhc8 25. Re4 Qd8 26. Qb7+ Qd7 27. Qxd7+ Kf8 {An oversight, doubtless, not to capture the Q; but Black's recovery is hopeless.} 28. Rxe6 Rxc4 29. g4 1-0
Saturday Advertiser 18 December 1875
The following interesting game was recently played between Messrs. Wilson and Johnson, in the tournament of the Dunedin Chess Club. Both players were of the second division of the first class:—
Wilson vs. Johnson, Dunedin CC Handicap Tournament, Round 2, 1875
Round "2"
ECO "C55" Giuoco Piano, Four Knights Variation
Annotator "Saturday Advertiser, 18 December 1875"
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Nc3 Bc5 5. h3 O-O 6. O-O a6 7. d3 b5 8. Bb3 Na5 {This game has been very well opened on both sides.} 9. Nxe5 Qe7 10. d4 Nxb3 11. axb3 Bb6 12. Be3 Bb7 13. Qf3 d6 14. Ng4 Nxe4 15. Nxe4 {We prefer 15. Rfe1} 15... Bxe4 16. Qg3 Kh8 17. c3 Rg8 18. Rfe1 a5 19. Bf4 Rae8 {Loses the Bishop.} 20. f3 {Well played,} 20... h5 21. Rxe4 Qf8 22. Qh4 g6 23. Rae1 {23. Rxe8 Qxe8 24. Nf6 would have been better.} 23... Rxe4 24. Rxe4 f5 25. Bh6 Qf7 26. Re7 Qxb3 27. Qf6+ Rg7 28. Qxg7# 1-0
Otago Witness 13 November 1875
DUNEDIN CHESS CLUB HANDICAP TOURNAMENT.
So much interest has been centred in the Chess match with Lawrence, that very little has been manifested meanwhile in the tournament. The players have now been reduced to four, viz., Messrs Mouat, Hay, Sargison, and Johnson. In the course of the week Mr Hay and Mr Johnson will contest for one of the prizes, and the winner and Messrs Mouat and Sargison will then be drawn in the usual way, and the winner of the first three games will then play the odd man for the first prize, the two defeated players contending for the second and third prizes. The prizes will consist of—
- 1st prize, handsome set of chessmen and board, together with a copy of the latest new and excellent work on chess — "The Chessplayer's Manual" — an elegantly printed book, compiled by Mr Gossip, and issued from the press of George Routledge ;
- 2nd prize, handsome set of chessmen and board ;
- 3rd prize, "The Chessplayer's Manual" 1875.
Otago Witness 20 November 1875
Ab we stated in our last issue, the number of competitors in the Chess tournament had been reduced to four, three of whom would take prizes. Mr Hay having defeated Mr Johnson becomes a prize-taker, as also Messrs Mouat and Sargison. The two last-mentioned players met during the week to contest for position for prizes, and, contrary to general expectation, Mr Mouat was defeated by Mr Sargison, to whom, however, he had to yield Pawn and two moves. Mr Hay and Mr Sargison will now play together Mr Hay yielding the same odds as Mr Mouat, and should Mr Hay be successful again, he will take first prize, Mr Sargison secoud, and Mr Mouat third. If Mr Sargison conquer Mr Hay, lie will take first prize, aud Mr Hay and Mr Mouat will then play for second and third prizes, the winner (as in all other matches throughout the tournament) of the first two games becoming the victor for places.' We append one of the very interesting games played between Mr Hay and Mr Johnson, the former conceding the odds of Pawn and move :
Johnson vs. Hay, D. R., Dunedin CC Handicap Tournament, Round ?, 1875
ECO "B00" Nimzovich Defence, Bogolyubov Variation
Annotator "Otago Witness 20 November 1875"
FEN "rnbqkbnr/ppppp1pp/8/8/8/8/PPPPPPPP/RNBQKBNR w KQkq - 0 1"
(Remove Black's King's Bishop's Pawn.)
1. e4 Nc6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 {3. e5 is White's best move.} 3... Nf6 4. e5 Ne4 5. Bb5 Bf5 6. Qf3 e6 7. Ba4 {We prefer 7. Nge2 followed by Ng3.} 7... Bb4 8. a3 Bxc3+ 9. bxc3 O-O 10. Ne2 Nxf2 {Black seems to prefer a very open game.} 11. Qxf2 Bxc2 12. Nf4 {After taking the Knight for P, we should have been disposed to take R & B also for Q & P. 12. Qxf8+ and 13. Bxc2. The aggregate value of the exchanges would decidedly have been in White's favour.} 12... Bxa4 13. O-O Qe7 14. Qg3 Bb5 15. Rf2 Rf5 16. Qg4 {Why not 16. Nxd5?} 16... Raf8 {Black now gets a strong and powerful attack.} 17. h4 h5 18. Qg3 g5 19. hxg5 {Not so good as Be3, or the bolder play of Ng6 which would have weakened Black's attack, and given White the better game. The position is an extremely interesting one, and if White had now played the last suggested move, he must, we think, have gained considerably by the exchanges that would have iollowed.} 19... Rxg5 {The capture of this Pawn seems injudicious. White might now have taken R with Q 20. Qxg5+ and if 20,.. Qxg5, White might have replied 21. Nxe6, obtaining two Rooks for Queen.} 20. Qh3 {White fails to take advantage of his fine attack.} 20... Qf7 21. Be3 Rf5 22. Qg3+ Kh7 23. Raa2 Nb8 {23... Na5 seems more desirable.} 24. Rf3 {He might safely have played Nh3, threatening Ng5.} 24... Nd7 25. a4 Bc4 26. Raf2 c5 27. Nh3 Kh8 28. Ng5 Qg6 29. Qh3 cxd4 30. cxd4 Rg8 31. Nxe6 Rxf3 32. Rxf3 Be2 33. Nf4 Qb1+ 34. Kh2 Bxf3 35. Qxf3 Qf5 36. Qxd5 Qg4 37. Kg1 {37. Qf3 to capture R P aud then force an exchange of Queens.} 37... h4 38. e6 Nf6 39. Qxb7 {Losing time, the attack, and, in fact, giving the game away. He should have playe 39. Qe5.} 39... Qg3 40. Qb3 Ng4 41. Nd5 Qe1# 0-1
Evening Star 23 November 1875
DUNEDIN CHESS CLUB HANDICAP TOURNAMENT.
This tournament, which was thrown open to the chess-players of the Province, wa« finished on Saturday last, taking exactly two months to decide the victory. There were twentry entries in all. Seventeen of these were handicapped, varying from pawn and move to rook and move. The handicappers did their duty so fairly that winners and losers were alike pleased. Great interest was taken in the contests, and the club rooms were often crowded to witness the decisive games. Everything has passed off most pleasantly, and the Dunedin Chess Club may well congratulate themselves |)>U managing the various arrangements so effi jpiently. Intrinsically the prizes are of no ; £reat value; but as chess is the king of all skilful games, the honor of winning is highly prized'by all chess-players.
The prizes, of which there are three, are small iivvahie;'but; as inchessevery playerattaches more importance to the honour of winning, especially against superior players, the prizes are only regarded as secondary considerations. The first prize, will consist of a selection of books to the value of £2 10s: the second, a handsome set of chessmen and board; and the third, " The Chens-player's Manual," a-new and beautifully-printed book, compiled by Mr G. H. D. Gossip, wiuner of the first prize in the correspondence tournament of the " Chessplayer's Chronicle," -1873-4.
The following are the prize-takers:
- Mr David R. Hay (1st class), first prize
- Mr Sargison (2nd class), second prize
- Mr John Mouat (1st class), third prize.
New Zealand Herald 6 December 1875
AUCKLAND CHESS CHALLENGE. ALL Chess Players of Dunedin are requested to attend a public meeting at Chess Rooms, Athenaeum, on Saturday. 4th inst,, at 8 p.m., to consider challenge Auckland v, Dunedin,
J. S. ARCHER, Hon. See. Dunedin Chess Club.
Saturday Advertiser 11 December 1875
We have much pleasure in publishing the following lively and interesting game, played on Tuesday evening last, at the rooms of the Dunedin Chess Club, by Messrs. D. R. Hay and B. Throp. Mr. Hay gives the odds of a Knight. Before beginning, please remove White’s Queen’s Knight from the Board.
Hay, D. R. vs. Throp, B., Dunedin CC, 1875
ECO "C42" Petrov Defence, Italian Variation
FEN "rnbqkbnr/pppppppp/8/8/8/8/PPPPPPPP/R1BQKBNR w KQkq - 0 1"
Annotator "Saturday Advertiser, 11 December 1875"
(Remove White’s Queen’s Knight)
1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Nf6 3. Nf3 d5 4. exd5 e4 {4... Nxd5 would have been better.} 5. Ne5 Bd6 6. d4 O-O 7. f4 Bxe5 8. dxe5 Ng4 {Had Black played 8... Nfd7 , it would have been much stronger.} 9. h3 Nh6 10. O-O {A very good move.} 10... Nf5 11. Qe1 {To prevent Ng3.} 11... a6 12. g4 Ne7 13. Qxe4 c6 14. Bd3 g6 15. c4 f5 {Well played.} 16. gxf5 Bxf5 17. Qf3 Qb6+ 18. Be3 c5 19. Bxf5 Nxf5 20. Rae1 a5 21. d6 Nxe3 22. Rxe3 Nc6 23. Qd5+ Kh8 24. e6 {White has now an overwhelming attack} 24... Rf5 25. Qe4 Nd4 26. e7 Qxd6 27. e8=Q+ Rxe8 28. Qxe8+ Kg7 29. Qe7+ Qxe7 30. Rxe7+ Kh6 31. Rxb7 Ne2+ 32. Kh2 Nxf4 33. Rb5 {As Black now saw his position’ hopeless (White being able to Queen one or two more pawns, if necessary), he resigned the game. Mr. Throp is comparatively a young player, but he promises, with careful practice, to be a good one.} 1-0
New Zealand Herald 13 December 1875
A meeting of the Duuedin Chess Club was held on the 4tli. Dr. Bakewell occupied the chair. There was a very good attendance of members. The first business before the meeting was to consider the advisability of playing a preliminary match, as had been suggested by the Auckland Club, prior to the contest for the Challenge Cup which had been offered by an Auckland gentleman for a friendly contest. The question as to the preliminary match was discussed at some length, and opinions expressed pro and con., but it appeared to be the opinion of the great itiajority of the members that this match should not be engaged in, and It was accordingly decided to decline that challenge. In reference to tho match for the cup referred to, and which, according to the tenor of the communication from Auckland, had to be won three years in succession before it became the absolute property of any province, it was at first decided to accept that challenge, but on subsequent consideration this decision was rescinded, and it was at length decided, after much discussion, on the motion of Mr. Janion, seconded by Mr. Peake, that the secretary should send in reply a letter to the effect that the players of Duhedin declined a preliminary contest, but were willing to play a friendly contest with Auckland between seven and nine players, and without any reference to the cup.
Saturday Advertiser 8 January 1876
The game below was played on New Year’s Day between R. H. Bakewell, M.D., and Mr David R. Hay.
Bakewell, Dr. R. H. vs, Hay, D. R., Dunedin CC, 01/01/1876
ECO "C37" King's Gambit Accepted, King's Knight's Gambit
Annotator "Saturday Advertiser, 8 January 1876"
1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3. Nf3 g5 4. Bc4 Nh6 5. b3 Bc5 6. Bb2 O-O 7. d4 Bb6 8. h4 g4 9. Ng5 c6 10. O-O {The game up to this point is very even, and has been well opened out on both sides.} 10... d5 11. Be2 {Better 11. exd5} 11... f6 {Hemming in the Knight.} 12. Nxh7 Kxh7 13. Rxf4 dxe4 14. Rxe4 f5 15. Re3 f4 16. Re5 Qxh4 {Black has now a strong attack.} 17. Bd3+ Kh8 18. Bg6 {18. Nd2 preferable.} 18... Bf5 19. Bxf5 Nxf5 20. Qe2 Ne3 {Completely guarding against the threatened attack.} 21. Rxe3 fxe3 22. d5+ Kg8 23. d6 Rf1+ {A neat move, because if Kxf1 by playing Qh1# the game is finished, and if Qxf1 by playing e2 discovering check, White’s only reply is to interpose the Q (Qf2), then Black queens the pawn and mates (e1=Q#).} 0-1
Tuapeka Times 5 February 1876
The following is the score of the second of a series of gameß now being played in Dunedin between Mr. R. Cross, (late President of the Lawrence Chess Club) and Mr. J. Mouat (President of the Dunedin Chess Club.) The contest is for'-a trophy. The first game resulted in' a draw ; and the second, ,as will be seen below, resulted in a victory for Mr. Cross :
Cross, R. vs. Mouat, J., 2nd Match Game, Dunedin CC, 1876
ECO "C30" King's Gambit Declined, Classical Variation
1. e4 e5 2. f4 Bc5 3. Nf3 d5 4. exd5 exf4 5. d4 Bd6 6. Bb5+ c6 7. Qe2+ Ne7 8. dxc6 bxc6 9. Bc4 O-O 10. O-O Ng6 11. Bd2 Bg4 12. Nc3 Nh4 13. Rae1 Bxf3 14. gxf3 Nd7 15. Ne4 Re8 16. Kh1 Nf5 17. Qg2 Nf6 18. Rg1 Nh5 19. Qg4 Rxe4 20. Rxe4 Nfg3+ 21. Rxg3 Nxg3+ 22. hxg3 fxg3 23. Bh6 Qf6 24. Bf4 Bxf4 25. Rxf4 Qh6+ 26. Qh4 g2+ 27. Kxg2 Qg6+ 28. Kh3 Qg1 29. Bxf7+ Kh8 30. Qxh7+ Kxh7 31. Rh4# 1-0
Saturday Advertiser 12 February 1876
The game below was played recently between two of the nine players who represent Dunedin in the match with Auckland :
Cross, R. vs. Mouat, J., ? Match Game, Dunedin CC, 1876
ECO "C30" King's Gambit Declined, Classical Variation
Annotator: "Saturday Advertiser, 12 February 1876"
1. e4 e5 2. f4 Bc5 {Considered the strongest way of declining.} 3. Nf3 d6 4. Bc4 Nc6 5. b4 Bb6 {Better than taking the P. } 6. c3 Bg4 7. Qb3 {A lost move.} Qf6 8. Qd1 exf4 9. d4 Bxf3 10. Qxf3 Nxd4 {A capital move, and virtually wins the game.} 11. Qd3 {The correct move.} 11... f3 12. O-O Qg6 13. Bxf7+ {A desperate move, but White has almost no other resource. } 13... Kxf7 {Better than N with the Q.} 14. Rf2 Ne6 15. Qxf3+ Nf6 16. Be3 Bxe3 17. Qxe3 Rhf8 18. Nd2 {A good move.} 18... Kg8 19. h3 Ng5 20. Re1 b5 21. Rf4 Rae8 22. h4 {White is playing well an uphill game.} 22... Nf7 23. Nf3 Nd5 {An ingenious move. White’s game is now hopelessly lost.} 24. Qd2 Ne5 25. Nxe5 Rxe5 0-1
Evening Star 14 February 1876
At a committee meeting of the Athenseum Chess Club, held on Saturday night, it was resolved to have , another handicap tournament for the benefit of the third and fourth class players. This is a good idea, because it will stimulate the junior players to go in for practice. Entries will close: in about a fortnight. Members joiping the Club in the meantime will be entitled to compete. We aro pleaded to Ram that several additional members have joined 'the, Club since the .match with Auckland. Onr' players will, no doubt, have gained experience from the many mishaps which occurred in the late chess match, spoiling their chance of winning ; and we believe that, were another match to . take place, the result would be very different.
. Gentlemen who are desirous of joining the Club, by sending their names t6 Mr‘J. S. Archer, honorary secretary,' or leaving them with Mr Black, the librarian, will be duly attended to.
Evening Star 2 March 1876
The Dunedin Chess Club tournament for third and fourth-class pliers is causing a considerable amount of interest. There are now a dozen entries, and as the list is to be kept open till Saturday night other gentle-, men will no doubt avail themselves of the opportunity of meeting foemfen worthy of their steel. No matter who the winners of the prizes are this tournament will do a great amount of good, because all those already entered may be seen nightly at the Club-rooms of the Athenaeum. keenly: practising with one another, so as to be in proper form when the day of battle arrives. Messrs D. R. Hay and C. Janion have been appointed handicappers by the. players. Mr Archer, hon. sec., or Mr Black, librarian, will receive additional names up to Saturday night,
Otago Daily Times 6 March 1876
There were twelve entries for the Chess tournament for third and fourth-class players of the Dunedin Chess Club on Saturday evening. They were arranged in four divisions—viz., six in the first division, four in the second, one in the third, and one in the fourth. The players in the first division will give to the players of the second division pawn and move; to the third, pawn and two moves ; and to the fourth, a knight. The second division will give to the third division pawn and move, and to the fourth pawn and two moves. The third division will give to the fourth, pawn and move. The number of competitors who have entered for this tournament, considering it was confined to third and fourth class players, is very satisfactory, and is indicative of an increasing interest in "ye ancient and honourable game of chesse." The number of members of the Club has hem gradually increasing duriug and Bince the late telegraph matches, and the Club ia likely to be much strengthened for the return match with Auckland.
Otago Witness 18 March 1876
The twelve competitors who entered for the Chess Handicap Tonrnament for third and fourth-class players finished their first round within the specified time of one week, and the victors were drawn on Saturday evening last to compete in the second round as fol« lows :—
- Mr Peake (Ist division) vs. Throp (Ist division),
- Mr Carr (2nd division) v. Mr Archer (3rd division),
- Mr Dalm (Ist division) v. Mr Day (4th division).
The same journal of March 3rd states :—": — " Another chess match between Auckland and Dunedin is on the tapis. It will probably be played on the Queen's Birthday (24th of May)."
Evening Star 10 April 1876
The tonwyi.meuf. among third and fourth class players of the Dunedin Athenaeum Chess Club is now finished, resulting in Mr Archer (third division) taking firatprize, and Mr Dalm (firstdivision) second. The prizes were presented to the winners on Saturday night by Mr Mouat, the president of the dub, who hoped that they would go in still deeper into the study of the noble game, so as to be able to hold their own with the very best players that could be pitted against them. The handicappers were complimented on their success in making the contest so even and interesting to
Auckland Star 5 May 1876
The chess players of Otago are in active training for the coming tournament for Mr W. Aitken's cup, and we learn that many new players have come forward as candidates for the honour of representing that province.
Mr Nixon, formerly of Auckland, and now resident in Dunedin, has commenced a private match with Mr Hay, of Dunedin, for a small trophy. Both gentlemen played on opposite sides in the game Auckland v. Dunedin.
Mr Janion, one of the Dunedin representatives on that occasion, has commenced a match against Mr Benbow, of Wellington. They are playing three games simultaneously, the winner of the most games to be the victor.
- Board A—Philidor's defence ;
- B—Two Knight's defence;
- C— Sicilian defence.
Saturday Advertiser 6 May 1876
The game below was played recently by Mr David H. Hay and Mr H. Cross, two of the Otago representatives in the recent match with Auckland.
Hay, D. R. vs. Cross, H., Dunedin CC, 1876
ECO "C51" Evans Gambit
Annotator: " Saturday Advertiser, 6 May 1876"
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Bxb4 5. c3 Bc5 6. d4 exd4 7. cxd4 Bb6 8. O-O d6 9. a4 a5 10. Ba3 Nge7 11. Re1 O-O {The game has been well opened on both sides.} 12. Nc3 Bg4 13. Ne2 Nxd4 {Evidently a miscalculation.} 14. Nfxd4 Ng6 15. f3 {Making the most of Black’s mistake.} 15... Bd7 16. Kh1 Kh8 17. Ng3 Qg5 18. Bb2 Ne5 19. Bb3 {Wisely avoiding the exchange.} 19... c5 20. Ndf5 c4 21. Qxd6 {White has now the game all his own way.} 21... cxb3 22. Bxe5 f6 23. Qxb6 fxe5 24. Qxb3 Rf6 25. Qxb7 Bc6 26. Qc7 Qg6 27. Qxe5 Re8 28. Qc5 {And in a few more moves, Black resigns.} 1-0
Auckland Star 13 May 1876
The chess match in Dunedin between Messrs Nixon (late of Auckland) and Hay, resulted in favour of the former, who won three p>mes and drew one to his opponent's one. They intend having a return match Khortly. A larcre number of Dunedin chessplayers are studying hard nightly,^ at the Chess Rooms, pettini? themselves in good trim for the Tup match, and feel sure if Auckland should win the result will bo very close.
Otago Daily Times 19 November 1884
DUNEDIN CHESS AND DRAUGHTS CLUB.
There was a very large attendance at the Club-room, Baldwin Hotel, on Monday evening, 17th inst. The president (Mr David R. Hay) in a few appropriate remarks presented the winners iv the late chess handicap tournament with their respective prizes.
- Mr W. B. Eyre gained the first prize, which consisted of a handsomely-illustrated edition of "The Inventions of the Nineteenth Century" ;
- Mr Oscar David won the second prize, consisting of an illustrated edition of Longfellow's poems ;
- the third prize was gained by Mr G. R. Bowman, being an illustrated edition of Mrs Hemans' poems.
Otago Daily Times 14 November 1884
DUNEDIN CHESS AND DRAUGHTS CLUB.
The chess handicap tournament which has been in progress for some considerable time past is now finished, the winners being : W B. Eyre (16J games), first prize ; Oscar David (12 games), second prize; and G, R. Bowman (10J games), third prize. Chess has become very popular with a number of the members of the Club, and several good draughts-players have recently taken a fancy to the game, and practise it very frequently. The prizes will be presented to the successful competitors on JTonday evening next, in the Clubroom, Baldwin Hotel, at half-past S o'clock. The Club is in a very flourishing state, and the draughts-players are ateadily practising in preparation for the various matches that are to be played shortly. There was a very good attendance of the members at the ordinary meeting of the Club last night.
Evening Star 9 June 1934
Otago Chess Club Jubilee
Games and Champions of the Past
The first Dunedin Chess Club was founded in 1865. The idea originated with Sir Robert Stout, then M.H.R. for Caversham, who 'wrote a letter signed “ Rook ” in the ‘ Otago Daily Times ’ suggesting the formation of a chess club. Mr Stout, as he was then, was, assisted in his efforts, by Captain Baldwin, and , Messrs Ferdinand and Faithful Begg, brothers of the late Mr A,. C. Begg. This earliest club met in the Dunedin Athenaeum, then at the corner of Manse and High streets, the opposite corner being in after years she home of the Otago Chess Club. The first club became moribund, but was resuscitated in 1875, the first office bearers being:—
- President, John Mouat;'
- secretary, R. Proctor;
- treasurer, C. Janion
- committee —Messrs Taylor, Johnson, J. S. Archer, and Worthington.
In 1883 there was in existence in Dunedin a chess and draughts club, I but there are no records of its activities. Mr D. R. Hay was the president, and the moving spirit in this club.
In August, 1885, the club, which up to that time had the use of a room two evenings a week. at the Coffee Palace, moved its quarters to Watson’s Hotel. There appears on record that about this time an annual meeting was hold in the Excelsior Hotel, but I have on. June 9, 1884, a meeting was held in the Coffee Palace, Moray place, when the Otago Chess Club was founded'
Evening Star 13 May 1933
OTAGO CHESS CLUB.
We have to thank Mr O. Balk for the following interesting information relative to the earlier chess clubs in Dunedin and the foundation of the Otago Chess Club: —
First club:
Dunedin Chess Club, founded about 1865-66 by Mr Robert Stout, M.H.R. for Caversham, Mr Faithfull Begg (a brother of Mr A. C. Begg and Walter Bentley), and Mr Baldwin Pig, who afterwards changed his name to Mr Baldwin. Other prominent players in this club were Messrs Farjeon, Park, John Mouat, D. R. Hay, and Dr Yates. The club met in the lower room of the Dunedin Athenaeum, then situate at the Manse and High streets corner.
Second club:
The Dunedin Chess Club, founded in 1875, and the first annual meeting was held on August 4, 1876. This club played three telegraph matches, one against; Lawrence and two against Auckland. It had about sixty members.
Third club:
Extract from ‘Stone’s Directory,’ 1885: “Dunedin Chess and Draughts Club, established May, 1885. Annual meeting in May; ordinary meetings on Mondays and Thursdays, 7.30 to 11 p.m., dt Baldwin Hotel,'34 Princes street (now Jackson’s Private Hotel).
- President, David R. Hay;
- secretary, J. S. Wilson.”
Fourth club:
Otago Chess Club, founded June 9, 1884, at the Coffee Palace, Moray place, E. E. C. Quick in the chair. The “following were, the first officers: —
- President, E. C. Quick
- vice-presi-dents, C. S. Reeves and Dr Batchelor;
- hon, treasurer, J. Mander;
- hon. secretary, W. H. Fitzer:
- committee—J. S. Archer, W. S. Lawless, J. R. Morris, J. Richardson; and B. Throp.
The following is the promised .list of past presidents of the Otago Chess Club;—
1834-87 —E. C. Quick.
1888-89—C. S. Reeves.
1890-93—Dr W. M. Stenhouse.
1894 R. A. Cleland.- .
1895 W. Elder.
1896 H. J. Cleland.
1897 B. M. King.
1898 O. Balk.
1899 J. Edwards.
1900— A. R. Barclay.
1901— L Warsaw.
1902 T, Johnstone.
1903—J. Crow.
1904 J. Stone.
1905 Rev. A. T. Chodowski.
1906 S. S. Myers.
1907—J. H. F. Hamel.
1908— G, ,D,. Wright.
1909 J. J. Marlow
1910— A. Ellis.
1913 Archdeacon H. G. Gould.
1914 P. M’Laurin.
1915 D, Harris Hastings.
1916 L. D. Coombs.
1917 W. H. Allen.
1918— R. A. Cleland.
1919 H. H. Henderson.
1920 N. Fulton.
1921-22—T M. Gillies.
1923 R. J. Penrose.
1924-25 O. Balk.
1926 J. S. M. Lawson.
1927 S. S. Myers.
1928 L. D- Grigg.
1929 Rev. Dr Merrington,
1930 Dr Barnett.
1931 W. Herbert.
1932 R. M‘Dermid.
1933 A. J. M'Dermott.
Notwithstanding the boisterous and in« clement, weather last Monday evening, the opening ’of the Otago Chess Club’s fiftieth season was well attended, and the' function was a distinct success; In accordance with time-honoured custom, the newly-elected, mayor (Rev; E. T, Cox) performed bis first official function by declaring the season open. The newly-elected president (Mr A, J. M'Dermott) made a yerv happy and opportune address, and His Worship was also in a humorous vein. The usual opening match,, President v. Vice-President, resulted in a . win for the latter by one game.
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References:
[1] Wikipedia - History of the Dunedin urban area