Best Game 2023/24 (three entries)
Winner – Michael Naylor-Eade
“In a small set of unflinching, fighting games, in this one White introduces a neatly thought-out concept in a well trodden Ruy Lopez Breyer position, carrying a piece sacrifice to springboard the attack. Black defends well, and the first player has to generate a series of complex blows to break the resistance on the move 35.” Tim Walker (judge)
Best U1800 Game 2023/24 (four entries)
Winner Benjamin Humphreys.
“In a strong field of entries, this game stood out: Black sacrifices his queen, chases White’s king halfway up the board and delivers the coup de grace with a discovered checkmate.” Stuart Humphreys (judge) Best Swindle 2023/24 (two entries) Winner Phil Morgan “This was a fight to the end, and in a way a double swindle. After White plays well, and misses an immediate win with 35. f7+ winning the h4 bishop, Black makes the most of keeping this piece. Firstly, Black’s induces 41. g3 g4+ after which the win is more tricky, and then White is unfortunate to blunder into the second ‘trap’ with 44. Ke3? I feel sorry for the first player who you imagine must have been tired or in time trouble from move 40, after a good game (we’ve all been there!) Congratulations to Black for setting the maximum number of obstacles to victory – a result for the battling bishops.” Tim Walker (judge).