No. 882

Luke McShane
issue 17 January 2026

Black to play. Trent-Hawkins, King’s Place Open, 2015. The bishop’s skewer looks set to cause heavy material losses. Hawkins next move showed that he can nevertheless win the game. What did he play? Email answers to chess@spectator.co.uk by Monday 19 January. There is a prize of a £20 John Lewis voucher for the first correct answer out of a hat. Please include a postal address.

Last week’s solution 1… Nf3! wins, e.g. 2 gxf3 Qxf3+ 3 Kg1 Qg2#. White tried 2 Bg6 but soon lost: fxg6 3 Qxd5+ Qxd5 4 Nxd5 Bxg2+ etc.

Last week’s winner Charles Alexander, Bembridge, Isle of Wight

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