optimal play: <<The Chess Championship.>HODGSON v. WALLACE.>
<The fourth game was begun by Hodgson with the "Ruy Lopez" opening, and the game proceeded on lines similar to those in the Hall v. Hodgson game in the last inter-colonial contest with Victoria.When the opening merged into the middle, the game became interesting, and a struggle for position ensued, in which both players showed excellent judgment.
With his eighteenth move Hodgson initiated a vigorous attack, which was carefully met by his opponent.
The position is now critical [*], and perhaps Hodgson was somewhat too anxious to force matters.
The fourth game is decidedly the best yet played in the match.>
[*] At the adjournment (Sealed move 24.Be3)
<<ANOTHER WIN BY WALLACE.>SYDNEY, SUNDAY.>
<Play in the chess match was continued yesterday afternoon, fourteen moves finishing the fourth game.On Wallace's move in game 4 Hodgson's sealed move was B to K 3, and Wallace replied with Q takes B P, the winning of the game then becoming only a question of time.
The game was very well contested, Hodgson's attack requiring patient defence on the part of the champion.>
< - Wagga Wagga Advertiser (NSW) issue Tuesday 28 April 1896>
13...Kh8 compare
previous A Wallace vs W Crane, 1893 13...f6 1/2-1/2
subsequent Simagin vs Konstantinopolsky, 1949 13...d5 1-0
25.Qb4 was a serious mistake, 25.Nb3 would have kept him in the game.
<offramp> <he stares at the board in amazement> Yes, I imagine Hodgson did just that >:O
The game is already lost by this point, although 37.Kxg1 could have prolonged the ending, but 37...d3 was a very nice way to finish!
Match score after four games:-
1-0-1-1 [+3 =0 -1] (3/4) Wallace
0-1-0-0 [+1 =0 -3] (1/4) Hodgson
Championship to be awarded to the player to seven wins.
Kibitzing
