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Game II (WHITE P to K's th P to K's th)

WHITE. 1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th. 2. P. to K. B's 4th. 2. P. takes P. 3. B. to Q. B's 4th. 3. P. to Q's 4th.

We would recommend this defence to the young player, (especially when receiving the odds of a piece,) as it leads at once to at least an even game, and avoids an intricate and difficult series of moves, the least error in which would be fatal. 4. B. takes P. 4. K's Kt. to B's 3d. 5. Q. to K's 2d. 5. Kt. takes B. This is probably your best move, through Kt. to Q. B's 3d, may be played without danger. 6. P. takes Kt. (dis. Ch.) 6. B. to K's 2d. 7. Q. to K. B's 3d. (best.) 7. B. to K. R's 5th. (ch.) 8. P. to K. Kt's 3d. 8. P. takes P. 9. P. takes P. 9. B. to K. Kt.'s 4th. 10. Q's Kt. to B's 3d.

The game is about even.

Instead of Black's 8th move of P. takes P., Mr. Staunton suggests the highly ingenious move of castling; and the game would probably be continued thus:-- 8. Castles. 9. Kt. to K's 2d. (best.) 9. R. to K's sq. This is your best reply, if you capture either B. or P. you lose in a few moves. (See the "Handbook," p. 335.) 10. Q's Kt. to B's 3d. 10. B. to K. B's 3d.

We do not see that Black has anything better. 11. Q's Kt. to K's 4th.

And White has some little advantage. It is worth while remarking, that if Black now adopt the tempting move of B. to K. Kt.'s 5th, White will win at least a pawn. We leave the "modus operandi" for the investigation of the young player.

We cannot take our leave of this inexhaustible opening, without once more recommending the amateur who is ambitious of becoming initiated into the mysteries of the Bishop's Gambit, to study the admirable articles on this debut, published by Major Jaenisch, in the late volumes of the "Chess-Player's Chronicle," which exhibit, perhaps, the most patient and profound analysis the annals of Chess have ever produced.

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