Last weekend’s women’s trials for the European championships – a playoff between two teams of four – was surprisingly enjoyable. Not only was I lucky enough to be partnering Paula Leslie, but also all eight of us got on exceptionally well. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced that level of friendliness in such a crucial
Find the best move! Once upon a time, I sincerely believed that was my overriding goal during a game of chess. Naive, but nowadays I know better. The truth is that dodging banana skins is more fruitful, so to speak, than the pursuit of golden apples. In part, this is a simple story about experience and
White to play. Brkic-Shengelia, Bundesliga, February 2024. White’s pieces coordinate far better than Black’s. Which move cashes in? Email answers to chess@spectator.co.uk by Monday 18 March. There is a prize of £20 for the first correct answer out of a hat. Please include a postal address and allow six weeks for prize delivery. Last week’s
In Competition No. 3340 you were asked to submit a poem calling for a particular food to be banned. It was Julie Bindel’s impassioned anti-balsamic vinegar piece that prompted me to invite you to share your culinary bêtes-noires (three of mine – Battenberg, tripe and Liquorice Allsorts – cropped up in the entry). Adrian Fry
Unclued lights make up a group, its members and location (two pairs, one doubly hyphened). Ignore one accent Across 1 Red Route heartless? Tough (5) 4 Hugo’s girl’s medals are amazing (9) 11 Possible political pact on the left, I spill the beans (3-3) 12 From the outside, edged in to brush chamber (7) 15
The unclued lights (with 38/20 paired) can all mean ‘nothing’, as does the word ‘cipher’. First prize Rebecca Clark, Geldeston, Beccles, Suffolk Runners-up Martin Dey, Hoylandswaine, Sheffield; D.V. Jones, Llanfair Caereinion, Powys
