This is my last column for 2023 and I thought I would give you the highs and lows of my bridge team over the past year. The high was definitely winning the Gold Cup and almost as good was being one of two teams winning the Camrose for England. The low, by a big margin,
1 One top player, besides admiring his trainer’s creativity, noted that they had a shared appreciation of 1980s music. Who was the player and his trainer? 2 How to Win at Chess is a new book for novice players, which became a New York Times bestseller. Which popular YouTuber wrote it? 3 One episode of the
White to play and mate in two moves. Composed by Edith Baird, Illustrated Sporting and DramaticNews, 1890. Email answers to chess@spectator.co.uk by Wednesday 27 December. There is a prizeof £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 solution King
In Competition No. 3329 you were invited to submit a villanelle on a festive theme. Artistry and variety abounded in a most enjoyable entry. Hats off, everyone, and thank you for your brilliance and versatility over the year. The winners below earn £30. Happy Christmas, one and all. It seems it was a century
Unclued lights have something in common, nine of two words, five pairs, and one singleton. Across 10 Always hard to keep a maid (4) 13 Only covering one’s losing bid (6) 15 Put down women’s medieval instrument (5) 16 Follow the game secretly from chimney (5) 21 Indian wasting minutes in queue (4) 22
Unclued lights were all kinds of STEW (highlighted). First prize Pam Dunn, Sevenoaks, Kent Runners-up David Morris, Birchington, Kent; R.A. Towle, Ilkeston, Derbyshire
Fairly odd 1. What had for 50 years been the name for Fanta Pineapple & Grapefruit before it was changed this year? 2. Why did the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Justin Welby, have to pay £510 in fines and costs? 3. Which country overtook France as the biggest buyer of Scotch whisky, despite
