Hoyle's Games Modernized/Chess Obs

A good system for the student is to practise one Opening only, attack and defence alternately, till it is thoroughly well mastered, and so on with every other Opening. The student should not get into the habit of playing with one colour only, or he will find himself at a disadvantage when he cannot have his favourite colour. He must not make a move without carefully weighing the possible replies. If he finds a good move, let him still try to find a better one. When his opponent makes a move, he must try to discover the object of such move, whether it is immediately menacing, or only indirectly so. In the first case, a suitable defence must be found; in the latter case, he may profit by the respite to bring a piece into play.

The first principle is to develop the pieces quickly, and never to commence an attack with insufficient forces. If a player is able to bring more pieces into play than his opponent, it is obvious that he must be stronger. The Opening correctly played is frequently half the battle won.

Avoid useless checks. Avoid useless exchanges. Bear in mind that it is disadvantageous to be left with two Knights only, as mate cannot be given with them. If the player has the better game, he should avoid remaining with a Bishop of different colour from a like piece of his opponent, as Bishops of different colour frequently lead to a draw.

The student should further accustom himself to an elegant style of play—viz., strictly to adhere to the laws of the game; never to take back a move; never to touch a man until he has determined where to move it; and to move his pieces quietly.

The literature of chess is very extensive, but many of the best works would be practically useless to a beginner, as too advanced for his capabilities. Any of the works mentioned next below may be studied with advantage by the learner.


 * (Oval Series). By L. Hoffer. Routledge, 1s.


 * By E. Lasker. Bellairs & Co. 2s. 6d. nett.


 * By R. F. Green. Bell & Sons. 1s.


 * By F. J. Lee and G. H. D. Gossip. Ward & Downey. 1s.


 * By G. H. D. Gossip. Ward & Downey. 1s.


 * By I. Gunsberg. Bell & Sons, 1s.


 * By James Mortimer. Sampson Low & Co. 1s.


 * Anon. British Chess Company. 6d.


 * By S. Tinsley. British Chess Company. 6d.


 * Anon. British Chess Company. 4d.

To more advanced players may be recommended, in addition—


 * By Howard Staunton. Bell & Sons. 5s.


 * By Howard Staunton. Bell & Sons. 5s.


 * By J. Löwenthal. Bell and Sons. 5s.


 * By E. Freeborough and C. E. Ranken. Kegan Paul & Co. 8s.


 * By E. Freeborough. Kegan Paul & Co. 7s. 6d.


 * By E. Freeborough. Kegan Paul & Co. 1s. 6d. nett.


 * By J. Kling and B. Horwitz. Bell & Sons. 7s. 6d.


 * By William Cook. Simpkin, Marshall & Co. 4s.


 * By G. H. D. Gossip. Routledge. 7s. 6d.


 * By James Mason. Horace Cox. 2s. 6d.


 * By James Mason. Horace Cox. 5s. nett.


 * By James Mason. Horace Cox. 2s. net.


 * By H. E. Bird. Dean & Sons. 3s.


 * By H. E. Bird. Sampson Low & Co. 2s. 6d.


 * By H. E. Bird. Warne & Co. 3s. 6d.


 * By G. H. D. Gossip. Ward & Downey. 1s.


 * (1895). Edited by Horace Cheshire. Chatto & Windus. 7s. 6d. net.