For the first time since early last year the members clinic featured over-the-board games, making me increasingly hopeful that we really are returning to some kind of new normal. My son and I were involved in two of them having played in the 4NCL Congress in Leamington near Coventry. It was good to get out and play chess again after living under various degrees of restrictions since March last year.

The following position arose in Sam's second round game. His opponent has just played 32.Be7 intending 33.Bf6, a threat which needs to be countered (see diagram). 

Black countered White's threat with 32…Bh1 threatening mate with 33...Qg2. There followed 33.Rf2 Ra1+ 34.Nf1 Qe4! 35.Qxg4 Nd5 0-1, White resigning because 36.Bf6 is met by 36...Rxf1+! with either mate on g2 or a knight fork on e3.

Nigel Davies