Hastings 1895, Problem-Solving Tourney

from The Hastings Chess Tournament 1895  by Horace F. Cheshire

Problem-Solving Tournament

THE bye day, August 22, has arrived with its full programme. In the morning we all drive to visit Mr. Farmer Atkinson (former M.P.), and to lunch with him at his pretty place at Ore (near Hastings), where we are most hospitably treated by our jovial host, shown numerous curiosities, well fed, and sent back to the afternoon Problem-solving Tournament, where we find Messrs. Studd and Schwann patiently waiting for us as we are late. We get ready as quickly as possible, and about forty solvers enjoy the intellectual meal. The three problems prove to be very fine, and the whole affair is exceedingly well arranged by its promoters, who deserve the very best thanks of the Committee.
     The competition is held in the large room of the Tournament, and the intending solvers having settled themselves in various ways, mostly at the tables that on other days are used for the games, are each supplied by Mr. Studd with a handsomely got up double sheet. The first page is a frontispiece in red and gold ; page two contains the three problems with their inscriptions ; page three is for the solutions, and bears the instructions : 'These must include all variations, but in case of possible duals one continuation given will be sufficient. The problems must be solved from the diagram only.'

     The fourth page is left blank, but can be used for the solutions if necessary. The managers sit at a large table on the platform overlooking the room and attend to the solvers. It is also explained that the problems are guaranteed by their authors not to have been published, and that they have been most carefully examined ; but that should any problem be cooked, the cook would be taken. Every try is examined with praiseworthy care before it is returned to the solvers.
     Mieses is the first to give in solutions, but proves not to be quite correct, and others keep popping up to the platform only to return discomforted, or to try again. 

     Marco is after all first to be correct — time, 1 hr. 35 min. ; Schlechter second, in 1 hr. 40 min. ; and Mieses third, in 1 hr. 55 min. 

PROBLEMS SET IN THE SOLUTION TOURNEY OF
THE HASTINGS INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT

Problem No.1

Problem No.2

Problem No.3

SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS SET IN THE SOLUTION TOURNEY.
No. 1. Berger. — Key : K to Kt 2, followed by 2. K to B2, 2. Q to R2, 2. Q to B2, 2. Kt to Kt5, &c., accordingly.
No. 2. Gold.— Key : R to Kt2, followed by 2. Q to R3, 2. Q to B3, ch, &c., accordingly.
The near tries of RxP and R to Q4 (which have been claimed by some as cooks) are both defeated by R to B4.
No. 3. D. P.— Key : K to K7, threatening 2. K to B8 ; 3. Q to K8 (!) ; 4. R to B4, mate.
Unfortunately, No.1 had an obscure cook which was not discovered at the time ; the position as given has been amended by Mr. Studd, with the author's consent, by a slight alteration.