Sometimes it’s hard to be a woman. The European Championships in Tromso kicked off with a week of Mixed and by the end there was no disguising the contempt of some of the men for their partners. We had the full range, from withering sarcasm to screaming abuse. Clearly bridge is the last bastion of
I have a particular affection for Chinese involvement in mind sports. In 1981 I was invited as the first western grandmaster to compete in an international chess tournament in China, held in Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing. For this, I was awarded the gold medal of the Chinese Olympic Association. Since then, I have organised three
In Competition No. 2905 you were invited to write a sonnet whose lines begin with the letters R,O,Y,G,B,I,V,V,I,B,G,Y,O,R, in that order. Thanks to Frank McDonald for suggesting this gem of a competition. I ummed and ahed over what was a vast and accomplished entry trying to whittle it down to a winning seven. It wasn’t
Unclued lights (one of three words) are of a kind, as suggested by the title. Across 7 Mostly stern examination (3) 11 African’s body to rest briefly (6) 13 One fitted into more extensive counter (7) 15 Entice to enter round dance (5) 16 Having only a small Kazakh coin, couldn’t visit restaurant?
Films starring AUDREY HEPBURN (4 29) include MY FAIR LADY, BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S, SABRINA FAIR and ROMAN HOLIDAY in the perimeter, and (defined by the puzzle’s title) CHARADE. First prize Ray Nolan, Droylsden, Manchester Runners-up Sandra Speak, Dursley, Glos; Stephen Saunders, Midford, Bath
Black to play. This position is a variation from Hou Yifan-Kramnik, Dortmund 2015. Black is a rook down. What does he have in mind? Answers to me at The Spectator or via email to victoria@spectator.co.uk or by fax on 020 7961 0058. The winner will be the first correct answer out of a hat, and
