Chess

When they select the problems for the British Chess Solving Championship, they always sneakily include a few with tempting "tries" - wrong answers that look as though they should work, but fail to an ingenious defence. This mate-in-two by Hilding Froberg caught out more than half of the finalists.

White could mate with Na4 if the black queen were not covering that square, which led several solvers to try deflection tactics. 1.Qd3 looks like a good idea. It threatens Qd4 or Qd5 mate, and 1...Qxd3 allows 2.Na4. But Black plays 1...Qd1! and there is no immediate mate. Equally, 1.Qc1 threatens Na4 mate but is met by 1...Nc4! The answer is 1.Qf8! threatening 2.Nb7 mate and ready to meet 1...Qg2 by 2.Na4 or 1...Qe4 by 2.N6xe4.

Now that you know some of the hazards, you may attempt the second diagram, also a mate-in-two, which is the starter for this year's competition. Solutions (White's first move only) should be sent to: B Stephenson, BCSC, 9 Roydfield Drive, Waterthorpe, Sheffield S19 6ND, with a cheque or postal order for the pounds 3 entry fee.

Mark your entry with your name and the "The Independent" and include a stamped addressed envelope for receipt of the postal round, to which all correct solvers of the starter will be eligible.

Only solvers resident in the UK are eligible. Entries must be postmarked no later than 31 August 1997.