THE CHESS MONTHLY

London, England

April 1896

(pages 229 - 231)

THE MONTH.

THE UNIVERSITY WEEK.

The trial matches of the Universities against the leading Metropolitan clubs, previous to the match between the sister Universities, commenced on Monday, March 23, with a match of the combined Universities against North London; on Tuesday they encountered the British Chess Club; on Wednesday, the City of London; and Thursday, the Metropolitan. The following are detailed scores:

[ . . .]

THE UNIVERSITIES MATCH

The twenty-fourth annual match between the Universities was play on Friday, March 27, at the British Chess Club. The importance of chess at the Universities is making itself manifest since our best amateurs have taken their degree of Masters of Chess at the Universities, and in the Cable Match three former captains of the ’Varsity teams have creditably taken part—Locock, Atkins, and Jackson.

It stands to reason that, given two men of equal mental capacity but unequal culture, the cultured mind will have the advantage. We find this proposition to be true amongst the great masters too—examples: Anderssen, Zukertort, Tarrasch, Lasker. That is the reason that the members of the British Chess Club and Sir George Newnes, foremost amongst them, receive the Universities at their club with such marked distinction. The club was tastefully decorated with the ’Varsity colours during the whole week, and presented a gay appearance; but especially so on Friday, when the match was played. Play commenced at 2.20, and was fixed to conclude at 6 p.m.; unfinished games to be adjudicated by Messrs. Hoffer and Lasker. Time limit, twenty moves per hour; clocks to be in use.

The toss being won by the Cambridge Captain, Cambridge had the move on four boards, Oxford on the three even boards; but, in spite of this disadvantage, Oxford won the match by 4 games to 3.

Boards No. 2, 5, and 7 were adjudicated when time was called. It will be noticed from the score that Oxford had three and Cambridge four new men. Oxford won with comparative ease; as a matter of fact Robbins lost a won game by not noticing that he was short of time.

[ . . . ]

THE BANQUET.

After the match the two teams dined with the members of the British Chess Club. Sir George Newnes was in the chair, having on his right the Oxford captain, Mr. E. Lawton, and on his left the Cambridge captain, Mr. W. V. Naish. About a hundred members and guests sat down to the convivial board. Amongst the guests were the Lord Chief Justice, Mr. Seton-Karr, M.P., and a number of artists who were to enliven the proceedings both during the customary toasts and at the smoking concert that was to follow. After the loyal toasts, Mr. Thos. Hewitt proposed “Both Houses of Parliament,” coupled with the name of Mr. Seton-Karr, who replied. The Lord Chief Justice proposed the toast of the evening, “The University Teams,” coupled with the names of Mr. Lawton and Mr. Naish, and both gentlemen responded, Mr. Naish including in his reply, “The British Chess Club,” coupled with the name of the popular president, and Sir George Newnes replied. Mr. W. Donisthorpe proposed “The Press,” coupled with the name of Mr. Frank Newbolt, and the latter replied in his usual humorous vein to Mr. Donisthorpe’s humorous speech. Mr. Atherley-Jones, M.P., proposed “The Visitors,” coupled with the names of Mr. Bentley, who replied, and Mr. Lasker concluded the proceedings with a brief address. An excellent smoking concert, to which a large number of well-known artists lent variety and mirth, kept the audience in unflagging enjoyment till an advanced hour.

The teams were invited by Sir George Newnes to witness the boat-race on the following day on the electric launch, the Vicountess Bury, and, in spite of the inclemency of the weather, they put in an appearance.