Phony Benoni: <THEORETICAL NOVELTY IN THE WANNABE GAMBIT!>A letter to the Editor of the <Baltimore American>, October 27, 1901:
Dear Sir--There is not much chess played on the top of the Great Orine, but the following spirited little game might interest your readers.
<1.e4> Not sound; 1.Nf3 is recommended here.
<1...d4> Original.
<2.Ke2> The new school advises bringing the K early into the game.
<2...h6> Best. Strong defensive move; also threatening an attack on the king's side.
<3.Kd3 Rh7> Following up the counter-attack.
<4.Removes Black's QR> This move requires care and should be made with the left hand after directing Black's attention to something behind.
<4...Castles spectacles on the forehead> Cassidy's combination.
<5.Qh5+> Avoid useless checks. Give White a bad game.
<5...Damns his eyes!> Mortimer's continuation.
<6.QR to Black's nose> Not sound, as the sequel shows.
<6...Boot to White's rear> Best. Woodgate's counter-attack.
<7.Castles into corner of room> The best play here is to catch Black by the leg and make Indian club practice with him. The move in the text was played by Steinitz against Max Judd.
<7...Advances to the 7th; 8.Expectorates wildly> This spirited move was formerly in vogue, but is not now considered effective.
<8...Chair to White's head> We are indebted for this beautiful variation to Napoleon I.
<9.Interposes poker> The only move to avoid checkmate.
<9...Retires to the 6th> Coup de repose.
<10.Slips on his back> Fatal, leaving Black an easy win.
<10...Dances on White's stomach> The Lancastrian variation; very effective.
At this point time was called, and a bystander in a blue suit, supposed to be the D. P., explained that the game would have to be left to the decision of the umpire, Mr. J. P. The combatants then proceeded to one of the principal public buildings in the town, under the escort of the D. P., where they were entertained at the expense of the rate-payers--a circumstance which shows great local interest in the royal pastime--but as strangers were not admitted, I am not in a position to state at what hour festivities were brought to a close. Next morning, the last few moves of the dashing little game were read over by Mr. J. P. in the presence of an enthusiastic crowd, and the prizes were awarded as follows: Black, first prize, 14 days; White, consolation prize, 40 shillings.
Kibitzing
