For all you notation experts

trapper4, you are not wrong that is Bg4

My best guess:

Move 3 must simply be a typo. Following the notation, this was game I had.

I think GreenCastleBlock has come to my rescue. Thanks so much.

Here is a composed problem from that issue of "La Stratégie."  The figurines are so cute.

Ah GreenCastleBlock beat me to it again!

Moi aussi!

Mathijs,

Yes. I think you're pgn with explanations is completely correct.  Thank you.

White to mate in 4 I'm guessing.

I used to take French.  5 F . 4FD = 5. B-QB4 = 5.Bc4.  You read adjectives backwards.  The fourth bishop square of the Queen.  (ironically Queen = Dame and our D file is the Queen's file.)

"The better way to decline the gambit is with 2...Bc5"

"4...Nf6 with the idea of ...Be7 is better"

"It was necessary to play 5...Bxf3"

"The attack is always in the style of the master (wtf?)"

"25...Qd6 prolongs the game"

MetalRatel,

I think I'm the only person unable to figure this out  :-D

Thanks for you effort.

what???

I tought it was me who disentangled all this stuff.

See the guy just post the solution just after my key revelation it was French, capisci?

Sorry all I saw was the batgirl in distress, I ignored the devil on my shoulder

I posted the composed problem in your honor because all problems need a key.

Or a tool.

Or a

Nobody's found the key to the "La Stratégie" problem?

Batgirl, I think I figured out that game record.  Someone pointed out the conflict between White's apparent 3.Nc3 and 4.c3.  I think Nc3 ("C.3FD") is a typo.  If you assume instead Nf3 ("C.3FR"), you get the following:

EDIT: I just noticed someone beat me to the punch.  Oh well, enjoyed the exercise anyway.

Let me take a gander. It would help if the stipulation "White to play and mate in 4" was translated, as well as explaining the bishops in French are Fous or "Fools" literally.

The actual moves are 3. Nf3 and 9. Ng5. The other knight goes to d2 (15. Nd2)

Remellion, I tried to find a cook to your solution but couldn't.  Nice.

Owltuna, thanks. I used your and Slowhand99's refinement (with credit to everyone, of course) in The Kolisch Supplement.