The attacking party should first determine upon a plan of attack. Then proceed to arrange his figures in proper order for the accomplishment of his plan. He should guard his lines, by throwing forward Light Infantry and Cavalry; but will endeavor to avoid an engagement until his order of attack is formed.

Unless to secure a very decided advantage, when once put in operation his first plan should not be abandoned. The time lost in arranging a new plan may be taken advantage of by the defending party, who might assume the offensive and win the game.

The defending party, at the opening of the game, should throw forward Light Infantry and Cavalry, to guard against any rapid movement to take the Citadel, that may be attempted by the attacking party with Cavalry and Light Infantry. This will also give him time and space for moving up and arranging his figures in proper order for defence.

In advancing the Cavalry and Light Infantry, great caution should be observed in placing the figures on the squares most desirable for checking the advance of the attacking party, while at the same time they are not endangered.

No figure should be lost, if it can be avoided, at this stage of the game; and no figure of the attacking party, except Artillery, should be taken at the risk of the loss of one of the defending party. Indeed, the defending side should continue to remain strictly on the defence till a good opportunity is offered for an attack; as, for instance, when the figures of the attacking party are scattered, and not in supporting distance of each other.

It is, however, best not to cross the river until the attacking side is weakened by a considerable loss.

Early in the game, an opportunity is seldom offered by a good player, where it is safe for the defending party to cross the river with a single figure; and it is only when the attacking party has been weakened by the loss of three or four figures, that two or three figures can be spared from the defence.

When such advance is determined upon, be always careful to leave the Citadel as securely guarded as possible.

If the attacking party be an expert player, he will avoid an engagement until he has arranged his figures in order for a grand attack.

If it is discovered that he is thus engaged, every good opportunity to annoy him, and prevent the formation of his plan, should be taken advantage of by manoeuvres, feints, and sometimes real attacks, particularly at his Artillery: and his Artillery should be taken, if possible, even if it involve the loss of one or two figures of the defending party; for by the loss of one piece of his Artillery he will be more crippled than by the loss of almost any two other figures.

The game requires the constant attention of the players. Often the slightest mistake leads to defeat; therefore be careful that every move is for a purpose.[E]

PLATE 1.