Paulsen's blindfold chess Play in England.
--The arrival of Mr. Paulson, the American chess-player, in London, has already been noticed. Mr. Paulson, it will be remembered, played against Paul Murphy at the chess tournament held in New York some time since. He now appears in London as a blindfold player, beating no less than ten opponents simultaneously. The London Star has this account of his wonderful performances:‘ Mr. Paulsen offered to play, blindfolded, ten of the best players of this country, and carry on the games simultaneously, Mr. Paulsen had previously been victorious in a contest on the same terms with fifteen players; but they were not all first class, and after his triumph he expressed a wish to be pitted against ten of the ablest players that could be produced.--The match yesterday has excited great interest in chess circles since the preliminaries were arranged, and when it commenced there was a numerous company in the room, which, it is needless to say, consisted chiefly of chess players. The following are the names of the ten gentlemen who were Mr. Paulsen's opponents, viz: 1. Mr. MacKenzie, amateur; 2. Mr. Sabouroff, Russian Embassy; 3. Mr. Maude, London Chess Club; 4. Mr. Howard, St. James's Club; 5. Mr. Barnes, St. George's Club; 6. Mr. Burden, amateur; 7. Mr. Campbell; 8. Mr. Robey; 9. Mr. Lamb, amateur; 10. Mr. Wormald, Hon. Secretary St. James's Club.
At two o'clock in the afternoon Mr. Paulsen ascended a platform in the centre of the room and seated himself in a chair. For the instruction of those who are uninitiated in chess matters it may be stated that literally he was not blindfolded — that is to say, there was no bandage round his eyes; but as his back was towards the players and his face directly towards the window it was physically impossible that he could see anything on the boards of his opponents. He was quite cool and collected, and appeared to contemplate the result without any misgiving. He had the first move in all the games, and he announced king's pawn 2 and all round. The game proceeded slowly, and it soon became apparent that, although Mr. Paulsen had undertaken to combat ten opponents, he was really playing against the most of the gentlemen in the room, who were consulting with his opponents as to the tactics by which he could be defeated.
The match was entirely for honor. Mr. Paulsen, indeed, had a small bet in his own favor with Mr. Mackenzie, but otherwise there was no betting. Now as to the result. At 5 o'clock Mr. Campbell was declared the victor in his game; at 10 o'clock Mr. Sabouroff was equally fortunate, and at half-past 10 Mr. Mackenzie confessed himself beaten and resigned. About half past 12 Mr. Robbey offered to draw, which Mr. Paulsen agreed to, although he had the best of the game, and about five minutes after the game with Mr. Barnes was also drawn. Shortly after 1 o'clock Mr. Lamb's game was drawn. The remaining games were drawn.
During the contest, which lasted nearly twelve hours, Mr. Paulsen was out of his chair for about two minutes, and the only refreshment he partook of was a glass of water.
’
