[43] The game of Chess may be played in application of the
principles of Strategy; the game of Billiards in application of
Tactics; indeed, all man's favourite diversions and pastimes most
significantly relate to war--which has been called his natural
state--exemplifying always either the brute-force that crushes,
the skill that foils, the stratagem that surprises, or the ruse
that deceives; and such is war to all intents and purposes. The
philosophic diversions of science also come in and lend their aid
in the game of war--the pastime of heroes and the necessary
defence of nations.
The match was renewed at the ensuing Ascot meeting, at the rooms
of the celebrated Simson, so much frequented by the Etonians--
where Mr ---- again obtained the victory, by 36 games to 17.
Immense sums were sported on these occasions.
Mr ---- resided at Windsor, and was surprised by a message on the
Sunday evening preceding the Winchester races, purporting that a
gentleman wished to see him on very particular business. It
proved to be a request to play a match at Billiards during the
races at Winchester, for which the parties offered 10 guineas for
the journey. But it was explained to him that the match was of a
particular kind, and must be played in a PARTICULAR way-- either
to WIN or LOSE--so that those concerned might be sure of winning
upon the whole, let the match terminate how it would! .
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