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.

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

A Rook is of the value of five Pawns and a fraction, and may be exchanged for a minor Piece and two Pawns. Two Rooks may be exchanged for three minor Pieces.

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.

The Bishop moves diagonally forwards or backwards, to the extent of the Board.

When a Piece or Pawn is in a situation to be taken by the enemy, it is said to be en prise. To put a piece en prise, is to play it so that it may be captured.