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 action; and said to begin when theoretical analysis ends. Many of the most brilliantly played games are brought to a finish in the "Middle Game," before "End Game" positions are reached.

Minor Piece. The Bishop or Knight in contradistinction to the more valuable mating forces such as the Queen or Rook.

Move. The person who begins the game has the move; a slight but uncertain advantage. The term is also used with reference to the person whose turn it is to play, when a critical stage of the game is reached, and the issues have been fairly joined, or the contest is drawing to a close. In such a case the person who plays next has the move.

Notation. The system or method of recording the moves of a game.

Odds. An initiary advantage conceded to a weaker player by a stronger one. All important Chess clubs have a carefully graded scale of odds, marking the classes of players. A common gradation is given in the following:—