The Field Book: or, Sports and pastimes of the United Kingdom: compiled from the best authorities, ancient and modernMaxwell, W. H. (William Hamilton)
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The Field Book: or, Sports and pastimes of the United Kingdom: compiled from the best authorities, ancient and modern
Maxwell, W. H. (William Hamilton)
Amusements -- Great Britain; Sports -- Dictionaries; Sports -- Great Britain
35. At the latter end of the game, especially when both queens are off
the board, the kings are capital pieces; do not let your king be idle;
it is by his means, generally, you must get the move and the victory.
36. As the queen, rooks, and bishops operate at a distance, it is not
always necessary in your attack to have them near your adversary’s king;
they do better at a distance, cannot be driven away, and prevent a
stale-mate.
37. When there is a piece you can take, and that cannot escape, do not
hurry; see where you can make a good move elsewhere, and take the piece
at leisure.
38. It is not always right to take your adversary’s pawn with your king,
for very often it happens to be a safeguard and protection to him. Place
a black rook on 5, with a pawn on 45, and the white king on 53, and he
will be sheltered by the black pawn from the attack of the rook.
39. When you can take a man with different pieces, consider thoroughly
with which you had best take it.
APPLICATION TO SOME OF THE FOREGOING RULES.
1. Whether you play the open or close game, bring out all your pieces
into play before you begin the attack; for if you do not and your
adversary should, you will always attack, or be attacked, at a great
disadvantage; this is so essential, that you had better forego an
advantage than deviate from it; and no person can ever play well who
does not strictly practise this. In order to bring out your pieces
properly, push on your pawns first, and support them with your pieces,
by which your game will not be crowded, and all your pieces will be at
liberty to play and assist each other, and so co-operate towards
obtaining your end; and either in your attack or defence, bring them out
so as not to be driven back again.
2. When you have brought out all your pieces, which you will have done
well, if you have your choice on which side to castle; then consider
thoroughly your own and adversary’s game, and not only resolve where to
castle, but likewise to attack where you appear strongest, and your
enemy weakest. By this it is probable you will be able to break through
your adversary’s game, in which some pieces must be exchanged. Now pause
again, and survey both games attentively, and do not let your
impetuosity hurry you on too far; at this critical juncture (especially
if you still find your adversary very strong) rally your men, and put
them in good order for a second or third attack, still keeping them
close and connected, so as to be of use to each other. For want of this
method, and a little coolness, an almost sure victory is often snatched
out of a player’s hands, and a total overthrow ensues.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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