October 13 1888
The Ilfracombe Chronicle, etc., Ilfracombe, Devon, England, Saturday, October 13, 1888
BLINDFOLD CHESS.
Mr. J. H. Blackburne, the English chess player has given another exhibition of his skill as a blindfold player at the City of London Chess Club, where he encountered eight members of the club simultaneously, without seeing either board or men. The séance commenced at 6 o'clock p.m., the single player having taken the move on each of the eight boards. The first nine moves and replies on each board making a total of 72 moves, were made rapidly and did not consume more than 45 minutes; the next four moves naturally were made at a slower pace because the opening being then over, the blindfold player had to shape his plan of campaign upon each board which took him nearly one hour. When the games were fairly merging into the middle-play, some interesting positions occurred on several of the boards. On No. 6 Board the blindfold player was enabled to sacrifice his queen and conclude with a charming termination at 8.45, amidst the applause of a numerous and appreciative audience. An adjournment of 20 minutes then took place and upon resuming his difficult task the blindfold player called over the position of Board No. 1 just as a test to the spectators that he had the games well in his mind. At 10 o'clock Board No. 1 offered a draw, which Mr. Blackburne accepted. At 10.50 No 7 offered a draw which was also accepted by the single player; Nos. 2 and 4 resigned at 11.10; No. 5 resigned at 11.30, Mr. Blackburne regretting this resolution as he had a nice mate prepared for him; No. 8 had to strike his colours at 11.30, when Mr. Blackburne proposed to draw to the last board which was accepted with alacrity, the final score being, Mr. Blackburne won five, drew three, and lost none—a splendid performance, indeed. Mr. Blackburne sat with his back to the audience quietly calling out his moves after a short deliberation. During the play he smoked and drank coffee.
