London, England (20 June-July 1866)
1 2 3 4 5 Score* Place/Prize
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1 De Vere ••• 111 111 111 +++ 4 1st £26 5s. and the Challenge Cup
2 MacDonnell 000 •••• 11½1 ××× +++ 2
3 Minchin 000 00½0 •••• 1101 111 2
4 Bird 000 ××× 0010 •••• +++ 1
5 Trelawney --- --- 000 --- ••• 0
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* Score was based on matches won.
Unplayed games: + for a win, = for a draw, - for a loss.
× denotes an unplayed game with no result.
Introduction
On June 9th they issued a programme of the Congress, the principal features of which were as follows:—
Grand Challenge Cup, open to British players only. A cup of the value of £50, in which were to be placed the entrance fees of the combatants, £3 3s., in addition to a money prize of £10 10s. The winner to receive the cash, but the cup not to become his property unless won by him for the second time at the Congress to be held in London in 1868, he in the meantime to hold the cup as a trophy, on giving usual securities. (1)
There were five entries for the Challenge Cup—Sir John Trelawny, Bart., Messrs. Bird, De Vere, MacDonnnell, and Minchin. The terms of the contest were that each competitor should play with every other a three-game match, the winner of the greatest number of matches to be the winner of the prize. (2)
Summary
Play commenced at the various clubs on Wednesday, the 20th; and on the following Friday, Saturday, and Monday the Association met at St. James's Hall. (3)
The British Chess Association met three days in the St. James's Hall, Piccadilly, concluding their seances there on Monday, and transferring the numerous matches then and there arranged to be played out in the London Club, the St George's Club, and Ries's Grand Divan, at either of which localities all particulars may be learned. (4)
The quaint little tournament of the B. C. Association still creeps slowly on; Mr De Vere has scored 3 to 0 against Mr M'Donnell, and the only two rounds now to be decided for the cup are between Mr M'Donnell and Mr Bird, and Mr Bird and Mr De Vere. (5)
The silver cup given by the so-called "British Chess Association", has bene won, we are glad to hear, by M. de Vere, one of the youngest and one of the strongest English players of the day. (6)
Conclusion
The Challenge Cup. In this contest Mr. De Vere carried off the prize, having won the requiest three games from Messrs. MacDonnell, Bird, and Minchin, Sir John Trelawny having resigned. The result of the play among the other competitors was that Mr. MacDonnell won 3 with 1 draw from Mr. Minchin; Mr. Minchin won 3 to 1 from Mr. Bird, and 3 to 0 from Sir J. Trelawny. (7)
Sources
(1) Transactions of the British Chess Association, 1866-1867, Lowenthal & Medley, London, 1868, pp3-4
(2) Transactions of the British Chess Association, 1866-1867, Lowenthal & Medley, London, 1868, p4
(3) Transactions of the British Chess Association, 1866-1867, Lowenthal & Medley, London, 1868, p5
(4) Bell's Life in London, 1866.06.30, p3
(5) London Field, 1866.07.21, p59
(6) Illustrated London News, 1866.07.28, p99
(7) Transactions of the British Chess Association, 1866-1867, Lowenthal & Medley, London, 1868, p6
Kibitzing
