ready for action with utmost speed, then important positions are
occupied which give the troops freedom of action and insure safe
lines of retreat and, finally, when the formation of the enemy is
known, the strategic plan is made which the generals try to carry
out by means of different tactical maneuvers.

Considering this similarity of Chess and war it is not surprising
that Chess has gained greatly in popularity among all those whose
work or thought is more than superficially influenced by the
present war.

No special inducement, however, would be necessary to learn the
game, were it more generally known that great advantage is to be
derived from the study of Chess, quite apart from the cultivation
of strategic ability.

The faculty which is developed by playing Chess is useful
wherever logical thinking and concentration are needed, and it
cannot be denied that these qualities are most desirable in the
every day struggle in which mental work has so largely superseded
manual labor.

The thoughtful playing of the game not only cultivates the
logical quality and imaginative power of the mind but also tends
to develop strength of character. It teaches us not to be hasty
in our decisions, but to exercise foresight at all times as we
must abide by all consequences of our actions. Moreover, we learn
from it circumspection which causes us to survey the whole scene
of action and does not allow us to lose ourselves in detail; we
also learn not to be discouraged by reverses in our affairs but