Kent Junior Chess Association (KJCA) Coaching

Sadly last month former Kent player Nigel Donovan passed away at the age of just 65. As well as being a kind and friendly man, he was also a very strong player. This position is from his best ever game, against fellow Kent player Chris Howell in the 1997 Major…

This is a famous study by Richard Reti in 1921. It’s White to play. From a first glance, it may seem extraordinary, but White can draw this one. How? Answer to Puzzle No. 23: White plays 1 B x f7 + ! After 1… K x f7 then 2 Ne5…

It’s White to play. What is the best move? Answer to puzzle No. 22 Chris played 1 Q x f8 !! After 1… K x f8, 2 Rd8 ++ That’s how to become British Champion!

This is from a game by our very own Grandmaster Chris Ward from the British Championship 1996. The position looks difficult for White, but Chris had it all planned. Can you see how he forced checkmate in just two moves? The game was key in Chris winning that year’s Championship…

Another opening trap. This game started as a Caro Kann defence. White’s best move may be 1 Nf3. They actually played the sneaky 1 Qe2. What happened when Black replied with 1… Ng f6? Answer to Puzzle No. 20 After 1 c x d5 e x d5, 2 N x…

Another opening trap. The game opened with the Queen’s Gambit and it’s White to play. Can White win the d5 pawn? Answer to Puzzle No. 19 After 1…. c x d4, 2 c x d4 Nxd4? 3 N x d4 Q x d4??, White wins the Black Queen with a…

This one is an important opening trap. The game opened with the Advance Variation of the French Defence and it’s Black to play. Can Black win a pawn by taking on d4? Answer to puzzle 18. Black wins with the spectacular 1… Qg2! + After 2 B x g2 .…

It’s Black to play. How can they force checkmate in just 3 moves? Answer to Puzzle No 17. White played 1 Re-g1. Black is unable to avoid the threat of 2 Qxh7!! and 3 Rh4 ++

This is from the game John Nunn v Craig Pritchett in 1985. Nunn is one of Britain’s finest ever players, reaching the top ten in the world at his height. How did he force a win in just two moves? Answer to the previous puzzle (No 16). White wins with…