Preface

The following pages were written to accompany the very elegant Chessmen with which the Designers have complimented the Author by associating his name.

Being intended only for beginners, they are divested as much as possible of whatever might appear perplexing or repulsive; and the examples for study presented in the order conceived to be the most natural and easy for apprehension.

To profit fully by these examples the learner will do well, when he is thoroughly conversant with the preliminary matter of the first six chapters, to restrict himself to the examination of one position at a sitting. Let him commence, for instance, with the easy Check-mate of Diagram No. 4. and when he quite comprehends the object of each move, proceed to the next diagram, and the next, and so on through the whole, in the sequence in which they appear. He will soon master this series of short contests wherein one or two pieces only are engaged on each side, and then be in a condition to enter on the study of the Openings, when the conflict is begun with the full array of both armies in opposition.

In playing over the several demonstrations his labour will be greatly lightened, and his progress facilitated, by the use of the Chessmen to which we have alluded. To say nothing of their unquestionable superiority in form and proportion to all others intended for actual play, the happy thought of distinguishing the Pieces appertaining to the King, so that no confusion can arise throughout the longest game between the King's Rooks and Knights and those belonging to the Queen,