Capablanca in Paris: Visitor wins two simultaneous clock games

In Paris at the famous Café de la Régence on the 22nd inst. José R. Capablanca provided yet another demonstration of his chessboard prowess by defeating first-rank French players Adolphe Silbert and André Muffang in two clock games conducted simultaneously. The Cuban visitor scored both contests to his credit in his customary lucid style, the apparent ease of the victories belying the great mastery required to produce such effects. Ars est celare artem.

Silbert, with the move, handled the White pieces in rather unenterprising fashion against Capablanca's aggressive defense to the Ruy Lopez 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Bc5 4.c3 f5, and soon found himself with the inferior game. A King-side initiative by Black, capped with the fine stroke 28...Nf3!, brought about the decision. The young Muffang, as second player in a Queen's Pawn Game, appeared at first glance to have obtained free play for his pieces after 17...e5, an illusion soon dispelled by Capablanca, who deftly essayed the temporary sacrifice of a Bishop in order to win a pawn and, in due course, the game.

We present both contests below.