The Chess-Player's Text Book/Chapter 5

This work was published before January 1, 1930, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.

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CHAPTER V.

A FEW HINTS FOR AN INEXPERIENCED PLAYER.

BEFORE commencing a game be very careful that the men on both sides are in their proper places.

2. Habituate yourself to play indifferently either with the white or black men.

3. As nothing conduces so much to improvement as playing with fine players, never lose an opportunity of doing so by the silly pride of refusing to take odds.

4. Play invariably according to the strict laws of the game : neither recalling a move yourself, nor permitting your adversary to retract one.

5. Do not acquire the bad habit of hovering with your hand over the board : it annoys your opponent, and will beget, on your own part, a feeble, hesitating style of play that is fatal to excellence.

6. Learn to play slowly :

"—————————other graces
Will follow in their proper places."

7. Exhibit no impatience when your adversary moves slowly : but look upon his tardiness as a compliment to your skill.

8. Never play too many games at a sitting.

And, lastly, When your game is hopeless, surrender at once, and with a good grace, and do not permit the loss of it to discompose you over much.

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