Life
Fide Grand Swiss
Alireza Firouzja, just 18 years old, was the clear winner of the Fide Grand Swiss, which concluded in Latvia last…
High life
New York Don’t let anyone tell you the Bagel is worse off than Kabul, where three people were recently shot…
Solution to 2529: Formerly
Each of the unclued lights can be preceded by OLD. First prize Heather McLaren, Seaford, East Sussex Runners-up Rupert Cousens,…
Real life
We were enjoying our evening at the overpriced gastropub until a woman in a dark uniform appeared at our table.…
2532: Patchy?
The unclued lights (one of two words) can be arranged into two associated groups. Across 1 Company accepts blame having…
Puzzle No. 679
White to play. Trisha Kanyamarala–Roderick Mckay, EJCOA Forest Hall Invitational, 2021. White found a brilliant strike on the kingside, forcing…
The Battle for Britain
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Bridge
It can’t have been a surprise to anyone who knows him that when Andrew Black — Bertie to his friends…
Low life
For early humans there was no distinction between spirit and matter. There was no idea of self; no barrier between…
Tourist misinformation
In Competition No. 3224, you were invited to submit snippets of misleading advice either for tourists visiting Britain or for…
The turf
There are Flat people and there are jumping people. People like the late Captain Tim Forster, trainer of three Grand…
Aussie Life
I’m not sure what the sacking of Michael Leunig says more about; the state of Australian journalism or the status…
Bridge
There isn’t much Nick Sandqvist (my first bridge partner, teacher and great friend) doesn’t know about bridge. He has been…
The Battle for Britain
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2531: Villainy
The unclued lights, two of two words, are of a kind. Across 1 Eastern divine seen in pilgrimage returning to…
Real life
My pro-vaxxer friends have been a lot nicer to me since they started testing positive for Covid. I’m calling my…
When push comes to shove
One thing that surprised every-one during lockdown was how many people derived unexpected pleasure from living under imposed restrictions. Can…
Scallop
‘You say scallops and I say scallops,’ sang my husband in his best Ginger Rogers accents. Since we both pronounce…
Anyone for Dennis?
In Competition No. 3223, you were invited to supply an acrostic poem in which the first letter of each line,…
Short fights
If you play chess like a wet rag, sooner or later you will be made to regret it. In Nigel…
Deliver us from vinegar
Rich men often look out for bargains. I suppose that is why they are rich. But there can be problems.…
Dear Mary: Your problems solved
Q. I will shortly be attending a major social gathering in London at which I can look forward to seeing…
Sky’s the limit
When I promised my 13-year-old son, Charlie, that we would go to as many QPR games as possible in 2021-22…
Solution to 2528: Not to Lose
The unclued lights are all phrases in Chambers meaning ‘HURRY UP — or No T(ime) to Lose’. First prize Andy…
Puzzle No. 678
White to play. Short-Ye, Sanjin Hotel Cup 2004. A snappy finish from a game in Winning. Which move allowed Short…
