offered by his unskilfulness or inattention; but point out to him kindly, that by such a move, he places or leaves a piece en prise unsupported; that by another, he will put his king into a dangerous situation, &c. 66 By this generous civility (so opposite to the unfairness above forbidden) you may happen indeed to lose the but you game, will win what is better, his esteem, his respect, and his affection; together with the silent approbation and the good-will of the spectators." To this may be added the following, though by another pen, since it so well accords with the spirit of what precedes: "When a vanquished player is guilty of an untruth to cover his disgrace, as ‘I have not played so long; his method of opening the game confused me;-the men were of an unusual size,' &c. All such apologies (to call them no worse) must lower him in a wise person's eyes, both as a man, and as a chess-player; and who will not suspect that he, who shelters himself under such untruths in trifling matters, is no very sturdy moralist in things of greater conse quences, where his fame or honour are at stake? A man of proper pride would scorn to account for his being beaten, by one of these excuses, even if it were true; because they all have so much the appearance, at the moment, of being untrue.' 97 CHAP. VI. PRACTICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE GAME, PIECES, AND MOVES. THE chess-board, like that used at Draughts, contains sixty-four squares, eight by eight, alternately white and black; but there exist many differences between them. In the draught-board the white squares only are used, but at Chess both black and white are played upon; and therefore a chess-board may properly be made with brown and white squares, so great a distinction not being wanted as in the other. In Draughts, the right hand square is a black one; the men are leaped over in being taken, and you are compelled by the rules of the game to take any man that stands in the way; in all of which Chess differs. I am thus particular, because, most probably, many may learn Chess who have a previous knowledge of Draughts. H |