Everyone over a certain age can remember the sense of shock that comes when policemen start looking like mere boys. Now I’m in my mid-forties, I get that kind of jolt quite frequently. It seems incredible to me that so many ‘authority’ figures in my life — my boss, my doctor, my lawyer, and so
As predicted last week, the samurai standoff between Anand and Carlsen was swiftly shattered. After quiet draws in games one and two, Anand missed a golden opportunity in game three, while Carlsen returned the compliment in game four. Then Carlsen struck, cutting Anand down in two consecutive endgames which the young Norwegian handled with awesome
In Competition 2824 you were invited to submit double clerihews about a well-known sporting figure past or present. The clerihew was invented by Edmund Clerihew Bentley as a bored schoolboy. His son Nicolas subsequently came up with the double clerihew and trebles have been recorded. Other noted practitioners include Chesterton and Auden — and,
Our hero must be revealed by shading six cells appropriately. Four unclued lights are key words in 11s featuring the hero. Remaining unclued lights (including one of three words) each need shading appropriately to produce four further 11s (minus definite articles), each one connected to one of the previous 11s. Unchecked and cross-checking letters in
The two words were BULL and BEAR. BULL is suggested by 36, 41, 6 and 10; BEAR by 34, 37, 1D and 5. First prize M. Purdie, Ceres, Cupar, Fife Runners-up Rhidian Llewellyn, Minchinhampton, Glos; Ben Stephenson, London SW12
Black to play. This is a variation from Anand-Carlsen; World Championship (Game 4), Chennai 2013. Anand avoided this position, although he is material ahead. What had he foreseen? Answers to me at The Spectator by Tuesday 26 November or via email to victoria@spectator.co.uk or by fax on 020 7681 3773. The winner will be the first
