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It isn’t going to happen overnight but 2021 already looks like being a much better year than it’s immediate predecessor.

Vaccinations are giving everyone realistic hopes for some normality following the pandemic, although, of course, we must continue to keep staying safe.

The World seems to be coming together on important issues such as climate change

Chess has not only thrived during lockdown but has also found new devotees

 

Over the Board chess has made a comeback at the highest level: The Tata Steel Tournament is currently underway, with 5 players tied for the lead after 4 of the 11 rounds played. World Champion Magnus Carlsen and his last Challenger Fabiano Carauna are amongst the leaders.

Talking of the World Championship there should be a title match played towards the end of this year. Naturally this depends on the disrupted Candidates being concluded. This has been scheduled for Spring this year, currently two exciting players Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Ian Nepomniachtchi are a full point ahead of the field.

However the biggest chess event of 2021 will be the 51st Thanet Chess Congress which we sincerely hope will take place August 20th-22nd 2021 …..watch this space

Game of the Week

Our third game from the Thanet All Play All, played last night on Lichess

Your scribe had the White pieces. With the players pretty level after eleven moves my opponent made a mistake and then suffered with the infamous two weaknesses. Lack of development and not finding a secure place for his King

White:  TreforHO       Black:  RichardDavies

LiChess 60-minute + 15s game

Puzzle no. 2

The position this week is from a game played in the 2019 Tunbridge Wells Congress

Does anyone remember over the board chess?

Can you find the move that White should have played to force Checkmate in the fewest moves?

White to play

Puzzle no. 1 Solution

 

Black to play

1…. Rxg2+ 2. Kh1  Rxf2+ 3. Nxc6 Rh2+  4. Kg1  Qg2 mate

Instead of 3. Nxc6 White can block the check but 3. Bd5 changes nothing and 3. Nf3 allows Rxf1

Game of the Week

Another game from the Thanet All Play All, played last night on Lichess

Please enjoy this game, which is full of twists and turns: indeed both sides were winning at various times and the result was uncertain until very close to the end!

Congratulations to both players for an exciting contest, very much a toe to toe battle, eventually won by Broadstairs club member Andy Flood

White:  FloodA01       Black:  Knightclubber

LiChess 60-minute + 15s game