The names of Cochrane and Minchin stand foremost in
memory among the inceptors.
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The wonderful Evans Gambit attack which has ever in its
manifold branches continued so intensely popular, had been
invented by Capt. W. D. Evans, in 1830.
It was played 23 times, the attack won 15, the defence 5, and
3 were drawn.
The Belfast amateur gained considerably in form in the latter
stages and at the conclusion, whether in brilliancy or depth, there
was not much to choose between them, though the great French
professional would seem to have been the more rapid player.
McDonnell died on the 14th September, 1834, aged 37, and
La Bourdonnais on the 13th December, 1840, aged 43, being about
five years before the appearance in the chess arena of the writer
of this article, and who now, owing to the hospitality and liberality
of Belfast has the honour and pleasure of taking part in a national
British competition in the native place of one who so greatly
contributed to the pioneering of these interesting tests of skill.
NOTE. The match between La Bourdonnais and McDonnell produced games
which for originality, enterprise and spirit have never been
surpassed.
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