optimal play: Wallace-Esling 1895 Australian Championship
Game 7, Wednesday 19th June to Saturday 22nd June
<On the resumption of play at 7.45 p.m., Mr. Esling, having the move, commenced the seventh game with the Spanish opening, and on his 12th move began a strong assault on the quarters of Mr. Wallace's castled king, sacrificing his K P, and afterwards disdaining to win the exchange on his 18th move, preferring to push on with his attack.He continued pressing his attack until the adjournment, at which time he had recovered the pawn, and won another.
Mr. Wallace sealed his 26th move at the adjournment at 11 p.m.
It was announced that Mr. Wallace had, in consequence of suffering from insomnia, asked for a suspension of play to-day, as he is entitled to by the conditions of play, and therefore the match will not be resumed till 2 o'clock next Saturday afternoon.>
<The Age (Melbourne, Vic.) Thu 20 Jun 1895 Page 6>
<The contest for the Australian chess championship was resumed at 2 p.m. on Saturday last at the rooms of the Melbourne Chess Club when Mr. Wallace's sealed move proved to be 26 Kt to B sq.When play ceased on Wednesday last the game was clearly in favor of Mr. Esling, as he had won a pawn, and would inevitably win another, Mr. Wallace's position at the same time being exposed and disrupted.
The latter made as good a fight as possible, but his opponent kept up the pressure, and conducted his game with the utmost care, although he should undoubtedly have played Q takes P on his 28th move, which must have ended the game more speedily.
Again, on his 31st move we think he could have played K R to K 3 with more summary effect.
In the end Mr. Esling changed off pieces, and working another pawn remained with bishop and six pawns against knight and three pawns, but Mr. Wallace still fought on till 4.45, when he overturned his king in token of resignation.
Play will he resumed at 2 p.m. to-day.
Score: Mr. Wallace, 3 games; Mr. Esling, 2 games; drawn, 2.>
<The Age (Melbourne, Vic.) Mon 24 Jun 1895 Page 5>
Kibitzing
