4. K. to Q. 3d sq.

5. K. to Q. B. 4th sq., and stops the Pawns.

4. K. to Q. Kt. 3d sq.

5. K. to Q. B. 4th sq., &c.

From the foregoing you will observe that when the three Pawns are abreast, and not too far advanced, if the King can be played to the 4th sq., from the middle Pawn inclusive, on the same perpendicular line, he will stop the Pawns simply by playing the K. before the Pawn his adversary moves; for example:

Having seated your Pawns as in the diagram, place black King at either his Q. Kt. sq., Q. B. sq., Q. sq., Q. Kt. 2d sq., Q. 2d sq., Q. Kt. 3d. sq., Q. B. 3d sq., or Q. 3d sq.

Black to move.

In this situation, the King being able to move from any of the above eight squares to his Q. B. 2d sq., which is the 4th sq. from the middle P. inclusive, will stop the Pawns simply by playing before the Pawn his adversary will move; for example: If you play Q. P. one sq., he ought to play to Q. 3d; if Q. B. P. one sq., he should move K. to Q. B. 3d; and if Q. Kt. P. one, he should play K. to Q. Kt. 3d sq.

In this situation the Pawns will win whether they begin or not; for example:

Suppose Black to play first:

1. K. to Q. B. sq.

2. K. to Q. Kt. 2d. sq.;

or to Q. 2d sq.

Suppose the White begin:

1. Q. P. one sq.

2. Q. P. one, or Q. Kt. P. one,

and becomes a Queen.

1. If you were to play Q. P. one sq., he would move King to Q. B. sq., and win all the Pawns, therefore,

Q. B. P. queens and checks.

2. Q. P. one.

1. K. takes Q.

2. If he play K. to Q. sq.,

or to Q. 2d sq., the Q. Kt. P. will become a Queen in two moves; and if he play elsewhere, the Q. P. will become a Queen in two moves.

In conclusion, we would remark, that a thorough knowledge of the method of playing Pawns properly at the end of a game, is indispensable to those who wish to become good players; and although the positions in the preceding lessons have necessarily been strictly elementary, yet we trust enough has been shown of the principles upon which the play is founded, to convince the learner of the advantage he will often derive from a superior knowledge of this part of the game; for example: suppose you have discovered that the position is such as would give you a decided advantage over your adversary if you could exchange pieces and reduce the game to Pawns only; you immediately endeavor to effect those exchanges, while an adversary, not perhaps so well acquainted with playing Pawns as yourself, will probably not

endeavor to prevent it; if, on the contrary, you find his Pawns better placed than yours, you will try to make the position equal, before you permit the exchange of pieces.

LESSON XII.

THE LAWS OF THE GAME.

THE information contained in the previous lessons constitutes as it were the Vocabulary and Grammar of Chess. You have now to become acquainted with the Laws of the game. The following is the code of Laws adopted by the London Chess Club, established in 1807; recently revised by the committee of that institution; sanctioned also and adopted by the NewYork Chess Club. We submit these laws to your notice without attempting to explain or illustrate them. Chessplayers in general object to any commentary on their laws: they consider them adequate to explain their own meaning, and should any doubtful case arise as to the intention of a particular law, reference to some disinterested party is far more satisfactory than to the remarks of a commentator. But before you read these laws we would impress upon you the advice of Mr. Lewis, the eminent player, and author of sev eral valuable works on the game :-"Always play strictly according to the laws of the game: even if your adversary take back moves, or do not play a piece he has touched, never do so yourself; I have met with many who entirely object to take odds, but who nevertheless are willing enough to take back moves, as if that were not taking odds, and great dds too."

We may add that unless this advice be strictly attended

to, you will soon contract a careless and slovenly style of play, and most of the beneficial influence of this noble game will be lost upɔn you.

THE LAWS OF CHESS.

1. PLACING THE BOARD.-The chess-board must be so placed that each player has a white corner square nearest his right hand. If the board have been improperly placed, it must be adjusted, provided four moves on each side have not been played, but not afterwards.

2. PIECE OR PAWN MISPLACED.-If a piece or Pawn be misplaced at the beginning of the game, either player may insist upon the mistake being rectified, if he discover it before playing his fourth move, but not afterwards.

3. PIECE OR PAWN OMITTED.-Should a player at the commencement of the game, omit to place all his men on the board, he may correct the omission before playing his fourth move, but not afterwards.

4. PIECE OR PAWN NOT REMOVED.—If a player, undertaking to give the odds of a piece or Pawn, neglect to remove it from the board, his adversary, after four moves have been played on each side, has the choice of proceeding with, or recommencing, the game.

5. DETERMINING FIRST MOVE.-When no odds are given, the players must take the first move of each game alternately, drawing lots to determine who shall begin the first game. If a game be drawn, the player who began it has the first move of the following

one.

6. THE MOVE WHEN ODDS ARE GIVEN.-The player who gives odds, has the right of moving first in each game, unless otherwise agreed. Whenever a Pawn is given, it is understood to be always the King's Bishop's Pawn.