A splendid game, between Messrs. J. G. Witton and James Channon, was the most brilliant in the tournament.>

NOTES.

<6...Nd7>

We should prefer 6... B to Q 3.

<9.a3>

It was unnecessary thus to weaken the Queen's wing, except for purposes of attack, in the event of Black Castling on the Queen's side.

<11.Qe2>

11. Kt to K 5 seems more attacking.

<12.b4>

Not commendable.

<13...Re8>

13... Kt to Q Kt 3, followed by B to K Kt 5 and, perhaps, Kt to Q 4, looks stronger.

<16.Qd2>

It was better to exchange Kt's on account of his weak Q B 4th square.

<20.Nc1>

20. R to Kt sq was the correct move.

<21...Ra4>

A fine move; much stronger than 20... R to R 6, for if now White plays Kt to Q 3, Black wins the Queen by R to R 6.

<25.Qb3>

The Queen can win nothing here; was much better posted where she was.

<27...Ra3>

A highly ingenious and brilliant sacrifice, but hardly sound, as it should only have drawn against the best defence; whereas, by patient, homely play, Black's extra Pawn would ultimately win.

<30.Bg3>

Here Kt to Q 3 appears to draw; e.g., 30. Kt to Q 3 ; Q to Kt 3 (ch) ; 31. K to B sq ; R takes R P ; 32. Q to K 7 ; R to R 8 (ch) ; 33. K to K 2 ; Q to R 4 (ch) ; 34. P to B 3 ; R takes R ; 35. Q to Q 8 (ch), and draws by perpetual check.

<30.Nd3 Qg6+ 31.Kf1 Rxh3 32.Qe7 Rh1+ 33.Ke2 Qh5+ 34.f3 Rxd1 35.Qd8+>

click for larger view

<30...Rxg3+>

All in capital style.

<32.Kf1>

But here, again, analysis shows that White might have drawn; e.g., 32. K to Kt 2 ; Q to K 5 (ch) ; 33. K to Kt sq ; Q to K 6 (ch), and draws by perpetual check,

<32.Kg2 Qe4+ 33.Kg1 Qe3+>

or if 33... Kt to K 6, then 34. R to Q 2 ; Q to B 6 ; 35. Q to Q 6 ; Q to B 8 (ch) ; 36. K to R 2 ; Q takes Kt ; 37. Q to K 6 (ch) ; K to B sq ; 38. Q takes Kt, and wins.

<32.Kg2 Qe4+ 33.Kg1 Ne3 34.Rd2 Qf3 35.Qd6 Qf1+ 36.Kh2 Qxc1 37.Qe6+ Kf1 38.Qxe3>

<36...Ne3>