Boston, MA, United States (16 May-20 June 1896)
1 1 1 1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 Wins
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Showalter ½ ½ 0 1 1 ½ 1 1 ½ 1 0 1 1 7
Barry ½ ½ 1 0 0 ½ 0 0 ½ 0 1 0 0 2
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Format: The winner of the first seven games, draws not counting, is the victor.
Time Control: 30 moves first two hours then 15 moves per hour.
Stakes: $2000 ($1000 a side).
Venue: Boston Chess Club.
Introduction
"J. F. Barry, the local chess expert, and J. W. Showalter of Kentucky, who is champion of the United States, are matched to play for $1000 a side in this city under the auspices of the Boston chess club. They will begin May 16 and will play on alternate days from 2 pm to 6 pm, and again from 7:30 to midnight.
The winner must capture seven clear games, draws not counting. In case the score reaches 6 to 6 play must go on until one of the contestants has a clear lead of two games.
Messrs. A. K. Soden, J. M. Lesser, W. F. Miller, H. Webster, and J. S. Gannett have been appointed match committee."(1)
"The big chess match for a prize of $1000 and the championship of the United States, between champion Jackson W. Showalter of Kentucky and J. F. Barry of this city, was begun at the Boston chess clubrooms, 18 Boylston pl, this afternoon.
Before the game was started Mr Prentiss Cummings, vice president of the West End street railway, explained the conditions of the game to the 75 or more devotees present. He introducted Mr Showalter, and hoped no ill-feeling would be shown should the Kentuckian win. The conditions of the game were to be 30 moves in the first two hours, and 15 moves an hour thereafter. George H. Walcott was chosen referee, F. R [sic; K]. Young umpire for Mr Barry and P. J. Hill umpire for Mr Showalter."(2)
Barry started well, drawing the first two games and winning the third. In Game 3, Showalter drifted into a bad opening position and lost the exchange to a fairly simple tactic. After that, Barry's technique carried him through to a won ending. Showalter bounced back in Game 4, driving Barry's king across the board into a mating net. For the rest of the match Barry was unable to keep up with Showalter, winning only one additional game (Game 11).
Notes
For other US championship matches see Game Collection: US Championship matches (meta).
Sources
(1) Boston Daily Globe, 1896.05.11, p8
(2) Boston Daily Globe, 1896.05.16, p7
Credit
Original collection: Game Collection: Showalter - Barry 1896 match by User: crawfb5.
Kibitzing
