A
Chess 06 Mar 1943, Sat The Minneapolis Star (Minneapolis, Minnesota) Newspapers.com
The Pawn Pusher by O.A.HOLT
WILLMAR, MINN.
Two new checker champions were crowned over cherry tree day, namely, Howard King, North Dakota and Dr. F. A. Scott, Southern Minnesota. Brief resume of the two tourneys:
Southern Minnesota at Mankato YMCA Feb. 22: Thirty-two players entered this 16th annual event, after a brief business session, conducted by Bruce Bell, Ed Bartels, P. W. Jensen. Dr. F. A. Scott, A. Belau, M. T. Jenkins, Geo. Heinl, C. Kittlesen; Ole Veum, were high point men and entered the knock-out finals (two high point men being elected from each of four sections).
D. F. A Scott, Austin, survived this knock-out play by defeating A. Belau, P. W. Jensen, and M. T. Jenkins, last year's winner, in succession. He was crowned champion at 4:20 a.m. That meant a continuous session of 16 hours of play!
Congratulations to Dr. Scott! He has always played heads up checkers in the state meet, but previously never did so well in the Southern Minnesota. He earned his title too, for you will note all the southern heavyweights were competing. J. Ovrid, South Dakota's 1943 third ranking player, was a welcome visitor.
North Dakota tourney at New Rockford, Feb. 21, 22 ad 23;, Officers elected; M. A. Wentland, president; J. Packard, J. Thorn, H. Bradahl, vice presidents; Dr. T. H. Lewis, secretary.
A round-robin was held to determine the six leading players. H. King, Enderlin, Dr. T. H. Lewis, Fargo; J. E. Berg, Fargo champ; J. Packard, New Rockford; H. P. Roberts, Carrington; and J. Thorn, Binford led the field. They then played a double knock-out to determine the winner.
Howard King, mail clerk, who won the title back in 1934, came through with flying-colors. He did not lose a match although Dr. Lewis, 1936 champion, and J. Thorn held him to ties. He defeated J. Berg in the finals, 2-1 and a draw.
GAME NO. 572
David Eliason, Minnesota's new B champion, scores a win over Dr. Knapp in the second round. David writes: “Black was lucky in this game.” Played in the Minnesota B tourney at the Minneapolis Chess and Checker club.
Dr. Lester Truax Knapp (white) vs. David Eliason (black)
Caro-Kann Defense: Advance Variation
White resigned soon after.
SOLUTION TO PROBLEM No. 770
by J. T Wing
Key: Rd8 (R-Q8)
This is a dandy 2er featuring a good enough key and numerous excellent variations;—F. G. Gardner.
This prob has more good tries than any 2er I have worked in a long time. I tried every single move for White fore trying Rd8.— E. C. Johnson.
Mr. Wing's problems have that sparkling lustre found in the works of master composers.— W. C. Nolting.
The unpinning variation is the highlight. Key did not impress me, but play is very good.—R. C. Beito.
All in all, a dandy prob. However, I think the promotion and perhaps another variation superfluous.—N. Guttman.
Fine position with many tries. 1. … Se3 best defense.— O. Aarhus.
Seven different mates. I liked it.—W. Wandel.
Unpinning variation pretty. Good 2er.—J. M.
Many fine defenses against the threat.—W. J. Holmberg.
Very interesting.—H. R. Tonning
J. T. Wing offers a half-pin today that clicks nicely. We had a bit of correspondence on this effort … you see, sometimes the Editor gets unduly inquisitive about the merit of certain pieces in the position. Well, at times one has to go deeper than the usual study to find the reason for certain pieces on the board. Take for example that Bl P on a7. Everything on the board is necessary to make it the finished work that it is. I am satisfied. Thanks, Mr. Wing.
PROBLEM NO. 773
Original for the Minneapolis Star Journal by J. T. Wing, Brainerd, Minn.
Black 10 Pieces
White 12 Pieces
FEN 1BlN1n2/plq2P2/2pn1R2/4kpPK/rbQ5/6P1/3PP3/4RlNb w - - 0 1
White to play and mate in two moves.
