1886.
Bookmakers’ Handicaps. The Reeves-Johnson match of 1883, which was a heavily speculative event, led to a series of bookmakers’ tournaments in this city, February 8–18, 1886; January 31st to February 14, 1887; January 23–27, 1888; and January 14–22, 1889, the winners of which severally were Chas. Davis, Joseph Cotton, Davis again, and David Johnson. The last-named was at “scratch” in two out of four, and Davis always at “scratch” except in the third, when Reeves, playing 170 to his 150, tied him, but was beaten in the play-off. All but the 1887 tournament were on a 4½ × 9.
Only Real Sweepstakes Known to Billiards. Two of the foregoing bookmakers’ handicaps—those of 1888 and 1889, Davis winning one and Cotton the other—were genuine sweepstakes. Entrance fees may combine to form stakes, but not sweepstakes when portioned out.
Slosson vs. Schaefer. Masonic Hall, St. Louis, November 27, 1886.—First game of home-and-home match, each for $2,000 a side. Slosson, 500—4.07—26; Schaefer, 469—26.
Return game, Central Music Hall, Chicago, December 17th.—Schaefer, 500—4.50—48; Slosson, 430—22.