Bridge is such a complex, multi-layered game that a single hand can be approached in myriad ways, depending on the skill of the player. In fact, peering into the mind of a world-class player is a bit like entering another dimension; there are possibilities you didn’t even know existed. At a recent pairs tournament,
The Isle of Lewis chess pieces are one of the proudest possessions of the British Museum and also the National Museum of Scotland, which shares the hoard discovered on Uig in 1831. They represent the oldest complete chess sets in the world, with only a few pawns and a rook missing from one set. Now the rook
In Competition No. 3102 you were invited to submit a fan letter from one well-known person from the field of fact or fiction to another. Frank McDonald’s Lady Macbeth fist-bumps Nicola Sturgeon: ‘My dearest Nicola there is no need/ For me to pour my spirits in thine ear;/ Already you excel me in your
It is the centenary of a daring feat. Unclued lights (two of two words) include two surnames, two locations (two pairs) and the aptly positioned name of a key item (a pair). Ignore an apostrophe. Across 1 Matronage almost outraged Lily (8) 6 Appear briefly and go quietly (4) 12 Toolmaker out of Alaska
The unclued lights are all hybrid animals whose names are formed by combining the names of the two original animals. First prize Miriam Moran, Pangbourne, Berkshire Runners-up David Carpenter, Sutton Coldfield; Dr R.J. Bell, Hampton Hill, Middlesex
White to play. This position is a variation from Ding Liren-So, Stavanger 2019. White could continue the attack with 1 Qc3 but which move wins material at once? Answers to me at The Spectator by Tuesday 18 June or via email to victoria@spectator.co.uk. There is a prize of £20 for the first correct answer out
