| 9. Q - Q 2 | B - Kt 2 | |
| 10. B - K 2 | Kt - Q 2 | |
| 11. P - B 4 | Q - K B 4 | |
| 12. O - O - O |
An original idea, I believe, played for the first time in a similar position in a game against Mr. Walter Penn Shipley, of Philadelphia. My idea is that as there is no Black Bishop and because Black's pieces have been developed with a view to an attack on the King's side, it will be impossible for Black to take advantage of the apparently unprotected position of White's King. Two possibilities must be considered. Firstly: If Black Castles on the Queen's side, as in this game, it is evident that there is no danger of an attack. Secondly: If Black Castles on the King's side, White begins the attack first, taking advantage of the awkward position of Black's Queen. In addition to the attacking probabilities of the text move, White in one move brings his King into safety and brings one of his Rooks into play. Thus he gains several moves, "tempi" as they are called, which will serve him to develop whatever plan he may wish to evolve.
| 12. ........ | O - O - O | |
| 13. Q - K 3 | K R - Kt 1 | |
| 14. P - Kt 3 | Q - Q R 4 |
Unquestionably a mistake, overlooking White's fine
reply, but a careful examination will show that White already has the better position.
| 15. R - Q 3 ! | K - Kt 1 | |
| 16. K R - Q 1 | Q - K B 4 |
| 17. Kt - R 4 |
This move has been criticised because it puts the Knight out of the way for a few moves. But by forcing Q - K Kt 4; White gains a very important move with P - B 4, which not only consolidates his position, but also drives the Queen away, putting it out of the game for the moment. Certainly the Queen is far more valuable than the Knight, to say nothing of the time gained and the freedom of action obtained thereby for White's more important pieces.