It’s no surprise that so many bridge players are computer programmers or systems analysts; it’s an ideal game for those who excel at logic and puzzle-solving. But at the highest level, a strong imagination is what really gives you the edge. Certain players have an extraordinary ability to visualise their opponents’ cards, put themselves in
World champion Magnus Carlsen missed several chances to win with black in the first game of his title defence, currently continuing in London. A black win right at the start is by no means ultimately a match winner, but is rather like breaking serve in the first set of the Wimbledon final. Alexander
In Competition No. 3074 you were invited to submit a scam letter ghostwritten by a well-known author, living or dead. Falling for a scam is costly and tedious (and more easily done than you might think), but the comedian James Veitch found a silver lining when he decided to engage with his persecutors: the
The theme is two historic people who were contemporaries. Unclued lights give their forenames, places of birth and death and occupations. A geographical feature (5) linking the two will appear in the completed grid and must be shaded. Elsewhere, ignore an apostrophe. The solutions at 22 and 27 share the same two unchecked letters.
The quotation is 10/11/39. Remaining unclued lights are all daggers. First prize G. Snailham, Windsor Runners-up Lynne Gilchrist, Willoughby, New South Wales; Kevin Bentley, Anglesey
Black to play. This is a variation from Carlsen–Caruana (Game 2), London 2018. White has forked the black bishop and queen. How should Black react? Answers to me at The Spectator by Tuesday 20 November or via email to victoria@spectator.co.uk. There is a prize of £20 for the first correct answer out of a hat.
