Puzzles

White to play. This position is a variation from Bronstein-Zilberstein, Tbilisi 1973. Bronstein has just given up a piece on d5 but has a clever tactical idea in mind. Can you see the key move? Answers to me at The Spectator by Tuesday 7 April or via email to victoria@spectator.co.uk. The winner will be the

Black to play. This position is a variation from Ganguly-Vitiugov, Gibraltar 2014. The game started as a Caro-Kann and is mentioned in Houska’s book. Although Black is a pawn down he has very active pieces he can exploit with a clever tactic. Can you see it? Answers to me at The Spectator by Monday 30

White to play. This is from Pillsbury-Tarrasch, Hastings 1895. White has only one move to bring his kingside attack to a successful conclusion before Black lands on the other wing. Can you see it? Answers to me at The Spectator by Tuesday 24 March or via email to victoria@spectator.co.uk or by fax on 020 7681

Black to play. This is from James-Sugden, -Cambridge 1972, as featured last week. It’s a win by the Cambridge player Dr J. N. -Sugden of St John’s College. In the diagram my notes gave 1 … Bf1+ but Julian Simpole pointed out something far more effective. Can you spot it? Answers to me at The

Black to play. This is a variation from Chandler-Whiteley, Brighton 1979. Here Black can bring his attack to a successful conclusion thanks to a fine tactical idea. Can you see it? Answers to me at The Spectator by Tuesday 10 March or via email to victoria@spectator.co.uk or by fax on 020 7681 3773. The winner

White to play. This position is from Nakamura-Karjakin, Zurich classic 2015. White’s knight seems trapped but he can rescue it with a fine tactical idea. Can you see how? Answers to me at The Spectator by Tuesday 3 March or via email to victoria@spectator.co.uk or by fax on 020 7681 3773. The winner will be

White to play. This is from Anand v Kramnik, Zurich Rapidplay 2015. White has two ways to win this position, both using the same idea. Either move can be considered the correct solution. Can you see the idea? Answers to me at The Spectator by Tuesday 24 February or via email to victoria@spectator.co.uk or by

White to play. This position is a variation from Bellin-Georgiadis, Gibraltar 2015. White has given up his queen. How does he now force checkmate? Answers to me at The Spectator by Tuesday 17 February or via email to victoria@spectator.co.uk or by fax on 020 7681 3773. The winner will be the first correct answer out

White to play. This position is a variation from Nakamura-Topalov, Gibraltar 2015. Topalov has already resigned this game as he had seen what was coming. What is White’s next move? Answers to me at The Spectator by Tuesday 10 February or via email to victoria@spectator.co.uk or by fax on 020 7681 3773. The winner will be

White to play. This position is a variation from Kramnik-Nakamura, London Classic Blitz 2014. How can White make a decisive material gain? Answers to me at The Spectator by Tuesday 27 January or via email to victoria@spectator.co.uk or by fax on 020 7681 3773. The winner will be the first correct answer out of a

White to play. This position is a variation from Williams-van Wely, London Rapidplay 2014. How can White bring his kingside attack to a successful conclusion? Answers to me at The Spectator by Tuesday 20 January or via email to victoria@spectator.co.uk. The winner will be the first correct answer out of a hat, and each week

White to play. This is a position from Adams–Caruana, London Classic 2014. How did Adams convert to a winning endgame? Answers to me at The Spectator by Tuesday 13 January or via email to victoria@spectator.co.uk or by fax on 020 7681 3773. The winner will be the first correct answer out of a hat, and

White to play. This position is from Caruana–Ponomariov, Dortmund 2014. The structure is symmetrical but White’s pieces are very active. How did Caruana make the most of this with a stunning combination? Answers to me at The Spectator by Tuesday 6 January or via email to victoria@spectator.co.uk or by fax on 020 7681 3773. The

White to play. This position is from Anderssen-Kieseritzky, London 1851. It is a brilliant encounter that became known as the Immortal Game. White has already gambitted both rooks. How does he finish off?   Please note that this is not a prize competition. No need to send in answers!   Last week’s solution 1 Be3

White to play. This position is a variation from Larsen-Portisch, London 1986. How can White exploit a fatal weakness in the black position? Please note that, owing to printing deadlines, this is not a prize competition. No need to send in answers! Last week’s solution 1 Rc1 Last week’s winner Dean Davis, Kedleston, Derbyshire

White to play. This position is a variation from move 37 of today’s game. How does White win? Answers to me at The Spectator by Tuesday 2 December or via email to victoria@spectator.co.uk or by fax on 020 7681 3773. The winner will be the first correct answer out of a hat, and each week

Black to play. This is from Korchnoi-Karpov, World Championship (Game 17), Baguio 1978. Can you spot Black’s winning coup? Answers to me at The Spectator by Tuesday 25 November or via email to victoria@spectator.co.uk or by fax on 020 7681 3773. The winner will be the first correct answer out of a hat, and each week

Black to play. This position is a variation from Anand-Carlsen; World Championship, Sochi (Game 1) 2014. Can you spot Black’s winning coup? Answers to me at The Spectator by Tuesday 18 November or via email to victoria@spectator.co.uk or by fax on 020 7681 3773. The winner will be the first correct answer out of a

White to play. This position is from Carlsen-Anand, Amber Rapidplay 2008. White is a pawn ahead but Black has counterplay. How did White now increase his material advantage with a tactical shot? Answers to me at The Spectator by Tuesday 11 November or via email to victoria@spectator.co.uk or by fax on 020 7681 3773. The