Reno Gazette-Journal Reno, Nevada Saturday, April 29, 1972 - Page 5
EVANS ON CHESS
S. Loyd, U.S.A.
Problem: (04/29/1972) White mates in two.
Stockfish Analysis.
A Miss By Miles
A stratagem, the dictionary tells us, is “a trick for surprising or deceiving the enemy.” Stratagems, tactics and strategy are very much a part of chess.
Legend has it that the eccentric Nimzovich extracted a promise from the mighty Emanuel Lasker not to smoke any of his big black cigars during their game. After a few moves Nimzovich protested to the tournament director that Lasker had a cigar in his mouth. The director pointed out that it was not lit. “Yes, I know,” sputtered Nimzovich. “‘But he's threatening to smoke — and everyone knows that Lasker considers a threat ‘stronger than its execution!’”
A stratagem that backfired was employed by Ms. Sylvia Miles, an avid woodpusher and a talented actress who received an Oscar nomination for her role in the film “Midnight Cowboy.” Between performances in Broadway plays she usually dashes into the famed Manhattan Chess Club.
Once she toyed with the idea of improving her game and entered an all-male club tournament. For this occasion Sylvia sought advice from our leading players. The ploy she adopted was suggested by a woman champion.
On opening night Sylvia arrived in a low cut gown and a special hairdo. She reeked of exotic perfume and her shapely legs were very much in evidence. The pairings were announced and Sylvia made her way to the table to work her wiles on her unsuspecting opponent who was already seated.
He turned out to be a 12-year-old with thick glasses and a rare assortment of pimples. He asked matter of factly if she was on her way to a movie set for a seduction scene. “No,” she swallowed. Undistracted, the boy made his first move and never again took his eyes off the board. A couple of hours later he announced “Checkmate!”
PROBLEM SOLUTION: This exquisite theme was dubbed “The American Indian” by Loyd. It was posed to be puzzling and the extra men on the board were intended to resemble actual play. So as to entice practical players. 1 B-B8!! threatening 2 Q-R1. If 1…BxR 2 BxQ. If 1...KxR 2 Q-R3 mate. S. Loyd, U. S..A..
