optimal play: <<<<<<<<THE CHESS CONGRESS.>The match between Messrs. Crewe and Hall was evenly contested, and at the 75th move adjourned.>
- South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA) issue Monday 22 August 1887>
The game between Messrs, Hall and Crewe, which commenced on Saturday, was finished during Monday, Mr. Hall winning. This was the longest struggle of the series, lasting 9 hours 59 minutes.>
- The South Australian Advertiser (Adelaide, SA) issue Tuesday 23 August 1887>
ADELAIDE, Monday.>
The adjourned game between Hall and Crewe was won by Hall, after 10 hours' play, Crewe resigning on the 81st move.> - The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW) issue Tuesday 23 August 1887>
Up to about the 48th move it looks like Crewe was winning, but his advantage began to unravel at 51.g3? Although even up to the adjournment at move 75 Crewe might have still saved it had he not played 75.Ke3? Better would have been 75.Rc5 which prevents 75...b3
Going into the 4th round, John Crewe & George Hall were both on 0 points so there was clearly desperation in this long game.
After 4 rounds (with 5 more to play) the points table stood as follows:-
Henry Charlick (1-1-1-½) [+3 =1 -0] (3½/4) = 1st
Frederick Karl Esling (1-1-½-1) [+3 =1 -0] (3½/4) = 1st
David Heiman (1-1-0-1) [+3 =0 -1] (3/4) 3rd
George Hatfeild Gossip (1-0-1-½) [+2 =1 -1] (2½/4) = 4th
Henry Hookham (0-1-½-1) [+2 =1 -1] (2½/4) = 4th
William Tullidge (0-1-1-0) [+2 =0 -2] (2/4) 6th
George B Hall (0-0-0-1) [+1 =0 -3] (1/4) = 7th
Joseph George Witton (0-0-1-0) [+1 =0 -3] (1/4) = 7th
Patrick Eiffe (1-0-0-0) [+1 =0 -3] (1/4) = 7th
John E Crewe (0-0-0-0) [+0 =0 -4] (0/4) 10th