Notes by S,.

1. 1.f4 This has often been quoted Bird's Opening.' It is Mr. Bird's by adoption only. In early issues of the 'Chess Player's Chronicle,' before Mr. Bird's playing days, there are questions relating to this P to K B 4 (White) opening. But a writer in the ' B.C.M.' goes much further back and shows conclusively that this, like a good many other ' Chess Novelties,' belongs to the sixteenth century! It, in fact, appears in one of the Polerio MSS. 1590 (vide 'British Chess Magazine,' vol. xv. p. 463, November 1895). Mr. Bird deserves the credit of demonstrating again and again that the opening may be productive of highly interesting games, of which this present partie is a case in point.
2. 1…d5 This is often said to be the best reply. I am reminded of what was said to me once by a player in the North. I adopted something very irregular, and he played Herr Walbrodt's move, remarking ' When I have to meet anything about which I know nothing, I always play P to Q 4 and trust to Providence.' This example is a good one for the inexperienced to imitate. The From Gambit i. P to K B 4, P to K 4; 2. P X P, P to Q 3; 3. P x P, B x P, &c. (another ancient game), is also an effective defence for Black here.
3. 4.b3 This is the point to which attention should be directed, for in this Queen’s side development (B to Kt 2, &c., to follow) lies the whole secret of White’s attack, Black usually Castling King’s Rook.
4. 6…Be7 Instead of the text move B to Q 3 is preferable. Players are sometimes advised to play for Black about this period P to K Kt 3, and develop the Bishop at K Kt 2, meeting White in that way by his own tactics. But very likely a sort of Fianchetto on the Queen's wing is better: P to Q Kt 3, P to Q R 3, if necessary; B to Q Kt 2, &c.
5. 7…Nh5 Apparently recognised as a wasted move later. But Black has already a poor game.
6. 9…Qb6 With a view to P to B 5, Sue. He is apparently afraid to Castle.
7. 12…g6 To prevent P to K B 5. His game is, however, still further compromised.
8. 15…Nd8 In the absence of anything very threatening he could perhaps do better by some little Queen's side attack—say P to Q R 3, followed by P to Q Kt 4. He cannot Castle because of Kt x B P.
9. 21…Ne7 There seems no harm in Kt to B 2 now. If 21. Kt x Kt, K x Kt, and 22. B to K 5, though embarrassing, is not very serious.
10. 23.e4 This is the true line of attack, and if properly followed up should break down the defences. The point is, it opens a file to the King and the weak King's Pawn.
11. 24…fxe4 The Knight was excellently posted. R to K sq seems effective and obvious. P x P is then threatened; B to B 6 and other good openings are in prospect, and I think White should win.
12. 26…Nd6 Shattering at a blow or two every winning prospect of White, and mainly as result of White's weak 24th move. Now everything is exchanged and there is nothing left in the game.
13. 30.Re1 A good many moves too late, as we have shown. Furthermore, it allows the exchange of Queens as well as the other Pieces, and a Pawn becomes isolated. The ending is as poorly played by White as the opening and middle game are well conducted. Except that Herr Walbrodt takes advantage at the end, this game shows little of his true genius.