Game, Close.—A “close” game is one wherein the development both of pieces and Pawns is mainly of a conservative or non-committal nature, the Pawns being very cautiously advanced, and the pieces mainly massed behind them. The term “close” is used to designate this class of openings, because, as a rule, for many moves the board presents a crowded appearance, owing to the massing of the pieces and Pawns, and the few exchanges effected. Great nicety is required in playing the “close” game, so that when the time does come for dissolving the close position, the pieces may occupy commanding positions.
Game, Open.—An “open game” is one wherein the opening moves are of a more immediately attacking nature, and where the pieces are more quickly marched to the front. The game is termed “open” because the board, as a rule, soon presents an open appearance. Pieces and Pawns are often got rid of early, and attack and defence embarked on at an early stage. Formerly all games commencing 1 P K 4 on each side were classed as open, and all games, such as the French, etc., wherein one or both players adopted other opening moves were classed as “close.” This is, however, now given up, for as a matter of fact, many French defences develop into very “open” games indeed, whilst games commencing 1 P K 4, P K 4 often early take on a “close” character.
“Hole,” A.—This is a modern term greatly used by Mr. Steinitz, who may be considered as the “great apostle” of what is called the “modern school” of chess. As used by him, a “hole” means any square on the third rank left unguarded by a Pawn during the developing or opening moves. For example, if a player having advanced both his K P and Q P, should follow this up by advancing his K B P, or his Q B P, in each case he creates a “hole”; in one instance at K 3, in the other at Q 3. These “holes” are regarded by modern theorists as very dangerous, for an adverse piece can often be posted with great advantage on the unguarded square.
XII
Interpose.—To move a man between an attacked man and the opponent’s piece which attacks it. Very often “checks” to the King, and attacks upon the Queen are warded off by interposing a Pawn or piece. As an illustration of “interposing” let the student refer to the diagram on page 289. If White play 1 Q R 3 ch, then Black plays 1 ... P Kt 5, thereby warding off the check. The Pawn thus moved is said to be interposed. Similarly, if it were Black’s turn to move, and he played 1 Q K 8 ch, or 1 R Q 8 ch, then White could play either 1 ... R Kt sq, or 1 ... Kt B sq, either piece then warding off the check, or “interposing.”
Isolated Pawn.—When a Pawn occupies any file, both the adjoining files of which are unoccupied by any Pawns or Pawn of the same colour, such Pawn is said to be “isolated.” In the diagram on page 286, White’s Pawns on Q B 3 and Q R 7 are both “isolated.” Isolated Pawns in an end game are often weak, whilst Pawns on adjoining files are generally strong.
J’adoube.—This is a French term, and means “I adjust,” and is used by players who may touch a man without intending to move it. Any English expression signifying that the man is touched merely with the intention of adjusting it on the board may be used. Any man that may be touched without such intimation being given, must be moved should it be the player’s turn to move, hence the importance of saying "j’adoube" (or similar words) in such cases. Young players (and indeed old ones also for that matter) should never get into a habit of touching any piece unless they intend to move it, except such piece manifestly needs to be adjusted on its square. Such a habit is likely to irritate your opponent.
I
Draughts in Nineteen Easy Lessons.—It is very easy to learn the moves of the men on the draught-board, but it is not quite so easy to learn to play draughts. Draughts is not a complex game like chess, but simple and straightforward, and herein lies its charm to many people who are afraid of chess with its variety of men, and their diverse powers and moves. In draughts there is only one description of men when the board is set for play, and the only addition is when any of these men become promoted to Kings by gaining the opposite side of the board from that whence they started. It is plain then that any boy can learn the moves of the game in a few minutes, and can at once commence to play.