The game of chess is the most fascinating and intellectual pastime which the wisdom of antiquity has bequeathed to us.

To play with correctness and skill the ends of games, is an important but a very rare accomplishment, expect among the magnates of the game.

If either player abandon the game by quitting the table in anger, or in an otherwise offensive manner; or by momentarily resigning the game; or refuses to abide by the decision of the Umpire, the game must be scored against him.

The Bishop and Knight, in contradistinction to the Queen and Rook, are called Minor Pieces.

The Queen is by much the most powerful of the forces.

It is the duty of the Umpire to determine all questions submitted to him according to these laws, when they apply, and according to his best judgment when they do not apply.

Each player, it will be observed, has eight superior Pieces or officers, and eight minor ones which are called Pawns; and, for the purpose of distinction, the Pieces and Pawns of one party are of a different color from those of the other.