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Bird, H. E. (Henry Edward), 1830-1908

"Chess History and Reminiscences"

" A well known
looker on who used to lean over the board and talk a great deal
was called "The Coroner" because it was said he not only held
an inquest on the board, but also sat upon the body.
One wrote--
"I saw them sitting at a board
Like statues at a show,
And I myself was also bored
To find them move too slow."
Paulsen once after an hour's reflection moved his King one
square only, a lady observed "that it seemed a great time for
such a little move."
Three consultation games were played at one of the County
meetings which lasted together 48 hours, two were drawn and one
adjourned.
Some games in matches between Staunton and Williams, and
Paulsen and Kolisch about forty years ago were unduly protracted.
Against Medley the last named (Kolisch) took two hours for three
moves and this had much to do with the initiation of the time limit
with the encumbrances of sand glasses and clocks which the
majority of players still approve of.
------
DINNER AND CHESS
At Purssell's, people used to eat chops, smoke cigars or pipes,
play chess, and talk cricket all at the same time, which seems to
contradict the assumption that it is impossible to do two things at
once.


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