Both games* were published at the time in a local newspaper, and show that he is possessed of a very unusual amount of skill for so young a player.>

*The other game Blackburne vs A Wallace, 1886 which should also be dated 1890

<The following is the only game lost by Mr. Blackburne during his simultaneous play in Belfast.>

[my note: this game was played in a twenty game simultaneous exhibition by Blackburne at Belfast in 1890 in which he won the other nineteen games.]

<The line of play adopted by Mr. A. E. N. Wallace was similar to that played by Mr. Blackburne in one of the games of the Sixth American Chess Congress, but it appears that Mr. Wallace never had an opportunity of seeing it.

NOTES.

(a) 7.a3

Tschigorin [sic], in a game with Gunsberg played 7. B to Q 3, and lost.

Chigorin vs Gunsberg, 1890

(b) 7...Nxc5

If 7... B takes P white plays 8. Q to Kt 4 with a powerful attack.

(c) 13.Ne2

White might have played here B to K 3 at once, for if Black plays 13... P to Q 5, 14 Kt to R 4 wins the pawn.

(d) 13...Nb8

Best.

(e) 24...Qb2

Black now assumes the offensive.

(f) 25...f5

Black, of course, cannot take the P on account of 26. B takes P ch, winning the R.

[ie if 25...Rxa3? then 26.Bxh7+! Kxh7 27.Qxa3 wins the exchange]

(g) 29...e5

The advance of these pawns decides the game.

(h) 38...Bf3

For if 39. Q takes B, Black mates in three moves, and if 39. Q takes Q, 39... P takes Q, winning a piece.

[ie if 39.Qxf3 then 39...Qh2+ 40.Kf1 Rf2+ 41.Qxf2 Qxf2# or if 39.Qxd2 then 39...exd2 wins]

The blindfold simul was to take place that evening: Blackburne vs A Wallace, 1890