Some players are very slow, hence one was called the
"Telegraph" and others by appropriate names of which I
recollect best "West Australian" and the "Flying Dutchman."
About forty years ago there were eight young and rising players
nearly approaching first class, they were S. S. Boden, the Rev.
W. Audrey, Captain Cunningham, G. W. Medley, J. Medley,
C. T. Smith, A. Simons and H. E. Bird. Three of these,
remarkable for ingenuity and sudden surprises had familiar
appellations. One was termed "The Snake," another that
"Old Serpent," I was "The enemy of the human race." 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.
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