In the latter part of 1918 Stasch Mlotkowski, a strong Philadelphia player, now residing at Los Angeles, played in two interesting events. In the Los Angeles Tournament he tied with E. R. Perry for first place and in the play-off defeated Perry with a score of two wins, one loss and three drawn games. The following game is one of the contest.

7B--(a) Black could have played B-Q2 Q-N3 or Q-R4ch, but played the text under, the impression that he would get sufficient attack by his next move in reply to PxP to compensate for the break up of the position on the Queen's side.

9W--(b) Well played, in fact, the saving move, as B-N5ch was threatened.

12W--(c) White again chooses the best move. 12. P-K4 BxP; 13. Q-Q2 NxR; 14. Q-K3 looked tempting, but would be answered by NxP with advantage to Black.

15W--(d) White might have played 15. P-B7 QxP; (if Q-R5; R-R2 and, the Knight is still imprisoned); 16. N-N6 Q-Q1; (best) 17. NxR KxB; 18. BxP and now P-N4 could be replied to with Q-N4ch, K-N1; B-Q6.

16B--(e) White threatened Q-N7. The text is to prevent this and give Black's Knight a chance to develop at R3 if White does not continue as in the actual game. P-N4 would have been answered by NxP, PxB; N-R6 dis ch, K-R1: NxB, RxN; Q-N7.

23W--(f) White could have safely continued with P-Q5, as Black could not play R-N7ch, K-N3 and take Pawn either Rook or Bishop. However, the move made is also a good one, as if the Pawn is not taken it will hold Black from making full use of his forces, and if it is White gets a winning end game.

27B--(g) R-K1 should have been played, holding back the King's Pawn. After the text move, Black's game is lost. This seems to indicate White should have played 26. P-K4.

30B--(h) Not a good move on general principles.

32W--(i) P-Q5ch would have won more quickly.

34W--(j) If now P-Q5ch, Black would play BxP and draw.

42W--(k) K-Q6 was somewhat quicker.

42B--(l) B-R6; K-N6; K-B1 would have made it more difficult. White could then win by P-B7, B-Q2; K-B5, B-R5, P-K6; P-K7, B-B2: K-B6, B-K1ch; K-Q5 and bringing the King over to KB8.