Note 27 — EXAMPLE XV. Game of Involved Combinations,

Takes the pawn, passing by. To some readers this will be an enigma, and to them is offered the solution. It was an institute of Mr. Philidor, that when a pawn has penetrated to the fifth square, of his own file, which is the fourth on the adversary’s side; adverse pawns, on adjoining files, not having moved, forfeit the privilege of going two squares; and if one of them should move two squares, the advanced pawn may take him, placing himself as if the captured pawn had moved but one square. This player, celebrated for his skill, was very anxious to have this rule, and the mode of enforcing it, received into general practice; but notwithstanding the dazzle of his example, there seems, in its principle, an unnecessary deviation from system, into caprice and irregularity. In the appendix, its claims to be a permanent institute of Chess, are analysed.