No figure should be lost, if it can be avoided, at this stage of the game; and no figure of the attacking party, except Artillery, should be taken at the risk of the loss of one of the defending party. Indeed, the defending side should continue to remain strictly on the defence till a good opportunity is offered for an attack; as, for instance, when the figures of the attacking party are scattered, and not in supporting distance of each other.
It is, however, best not to cross the river until the attacking side is weakened by a considerable loss.
Early in the game, an opportunity is seldom offered by a good player, where it is safe for the defending party to cross the river with a single figure; and it is only when the attacking party has been weakened by the loss of three or four figures, that two or three figures can be spared from the defence.
When such advance is determined upon, be always careful to leave the Citadel as securely guarded as possible.
If the attacking party be an expert player, he will avoid an engagement until he has arranged his figures in order for a grand attack.
If it is discovered that he is thus engaged, every good opportunity to annoy him, and prevent the formation of his plan, should be taken advantage of by manœuvres, feints, and sometimes real attacks, particularly at his Artillery: and his Artillery should be taken, if possible, even if it involve the loss of one or two figures of the defending party; for by the loss of one piece of his Artillery he will be more crippled than by the loss of almost any two other figures.
The game requires the constant attention of the players. Often the slightest mistake leads to defeat; therefore be careful that every move is for a purpose.[E]
PLATE 1.