There is nothing that will improve you so much as playing with good
players; never refuse, therefore, when any one offers you odds, to
accept them: you cannot expect a proficient to feel much interest in
playing with you upon _even_ terms, and as you are sure to derive both
amusement and instruction from him, it is but fair that he should name
the conditions. It will soon happen that you yourself will be able to
give odds to many amateurs whom you meet; when this is the case, avoid,
if possible, playing them _even_, or you are likely to acquire an
indolent, neglectful habit of play, which it will be very difficult to
throw off.

Never permit your hand to hover over the board, or indeed to approach
it, until you have completely made up your mind what Piece to move; a
contrary habit begets a feeling of indecision that is fatal to success.
Play invariably according to the laws of the game, neither taking back a
move yourself, nor allowing your opponent to recall one. Do not exhibit
impatience when your adversary is long in making his move. His slowness
is a tacit compliment to your skill, and enables you to play with
proportionate quickness, because while he is meditating on his next step
you can take advantage of the time to consider what shall be your
rejoinder; besides, it is absolutely necessary for every one desirous
of excelling at chess to play slowly. A fine player examines
occasionally from five to twenty or more moves on each side: can this be
done in a moment? It is easy enough to play quick against inferior play;
but against equal and very good play one cannot play quick without
losing.

Learn to play indifferently either with the white or black men. Do not
play too many games at a sitting--and never suffer the loss of a game to