<<<<CHESS IN MELBOURNE.>Petroff's Defence.>
Notes from the 'Leader'.>
<5.Nf3>
A tempting move here is Kt takes P, for if Black replies with K takes Kt, White recovers his piece with the better game by Q to R 5 ch, &c.
Black, however, could reply with Q to K 2, maintaining the piece.
<7.Qe2 was a novelty in 1889 but rarely played since.>
<9...dxe4>
Played without consideration, and losing the exchange; P takes Kt is the right move and would have given Black much the better game.
<14.Be3>
He should have Castled, which is prevented by Black's next move.
<14...Ba6>
This Bishop now dominates White's position, and more than compensates for the loss of the exchange.
<16.Qd5>
Bad; Castling seems his best course.
<19.Bg5>
Fearing P to B 5.
<23.Rde1>
We believe White's course here is to give up the exchange by playing K R to B sq.
<24...e3>
Kt takes P is a tempting move, and would have won provided White takes the Kt; he could, however, play K R to B sq, with the better game.
<25...Kg8>
This secures the piece.>
Kibitzing
sac: 9...dxe4