The European bridge championships are over, and although all the England players did well, the real stars were the women’s team, who won gold. Congratulations to Sally Brock, Nevena Senior, Nicola Smith, Heather Dhondy, Susan Stockdale and Fiona Brown. In the Open series, there was never really any question who would win, although a few
Black to play. This position is from Morozevich-McShane, Tal Memorial, Moscow 2012. Black’s next move did not elicit an immediate resignation but nevertheless essentially destroyed the white position. What was it? Answers to me at The Spectator by Tuesday 3 July or via email to victoria@spectator.co.uk or by fax on 020 7681 3773. The winner
Magnus Carlsen, the Norwegian chess superstar, has added to his numerous laurels by winning the Tal Memorial in Moscow, ahead of most of the world’s elite. The absentees were Anand and Gelfand, presumably exhausted after their strenuous efforts in the World Championship, also held in Moscow, just before the Tal. Magnus escaped, as if by
In Competition No. 2752 you were invited to submit a short story ending with the phrase: ‘It is not all pleasure, this exploration.’ Dr Livingstone’s pronouncement, written in 1873 a few days before his wretched death, is putting it mildly. His final days had been plagued by pneumonia, malaria, foot ulcers, piles, rotting teeth, leeches,
The ten unclued lights were all types of ants and were therefore defined by 7D. First prize B. Taylor, Bolton Runners-up Neville Twickel, Shipston-on-Stour, Warks; M. O’Hanlon, North Berwick, Scotland
The 36 gives 34 that, if combined, 42 and suffixed to the word defined by each of 7, 10, 12 and 22, produce a 8. The defined word appears hidden in the completed grid and must be shaded. Elsewhere, ignore an accent. Across 1 Parties have a nap then start Olympic event (14, four words)
