London, England (15 March-2 April 1887)
1 2 3 4 Wins
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Blackburne 1 1 ½ 0 2
MacDonnell 0 0 ½ 1 1
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Format: Three decisive games, draws not counting.
Introduction
The match between Mr. J. H. Blackburne and the Rev. G. A. MacDonnell, which was fixed to commence at Simpson's on the 5th March, has been postponed, owing to the death of one of Mr. MacDonnell's intimate friends, which occurred on the morning of the appointed day. As Mr. MacDonnell has long ceased to engage in serious contests, I may here mention that this match with Blackburne is not undertaken as a test of the relative strength of the combatants, but simply for the amusement of friends, and the promotion of British chess. (1)
The match between Messrs. Blackburne and Macdonnell was commenced at Simpson's Divan on Tuesday last. This little match is creating great interest, and attracting the presence of several leading amateurs. The next game will be played at Simpson's on Saturday, 19th March, at 3 o'clock precisely. (2)
The match between Messrs. Blackburne and MacDonnell was resumed on Saturday last, when for the second time Mr. Blackburne proved victorious. The contest will be resumed at Simpsons's on Saturday, 26th, at three o'clock. (3)
The third game in the match between Messrs. Blackburne and MacDonnell was played at Simpson's on Saturday the 26th, and after a hard contest, not wanting in pretty moves on both sides, resulted in a drawn battle. (4)
The fourth and last game in the match between Mr. Blackburne and the Rev. G. A. MacDonnell was played on Saturday, 2nd April, at Simpson's Divan, and after three hours' fight was won by the latter gentleman. Thus terminated this match, which consisted of three games, exclusive of draws. (5)
This match, which has been played at Simpson's Divan, terminated in favour of Blackburne. Mr. H. Baldwin, who arranged the match, made the condition that three won games have to be played, draws not counting. (6)
Sources
(1) Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, 1887.03.12, p691
(2) Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, 1887.03.19, p12
(3) Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, 1887.03.26, p40
(4) Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, 1887.04.02, p66
(5) Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, 1887.04.09, pp96-97
(6) Chess-Monthly, v8 n9, May 1887, p247
Kibitzing
