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May 30, 2026
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Take Part in the British Solving Championship

AI Summary
The British Solving Championship, organized by the British Chess Problem Society and sponsored by Winton, is open to British residents. The first stage involves solving a chess puzzle, with the solution to be sent by post or email.

The British Solving Championship: An Opportunity for Chess Enthusiasts

This week’s puzzle is a chance to enter an annual national competition in which Guardian readers ­traditionally perform well and in ­considerable numbers. White in the diagram, ­playing as usual up the board, is to play and checkmate in two moves, against any black defence.

The Event Details

The puzzle is the first stage of the annual Winton British Solving Championship, organised by the British Chess Problem Society and sponsored by the investment ­managers ­Winton. This competition is only open to ­British ­residents and entry is free. To take part, simply send White’s first move by post to Nigel Dennis, Boundary House, 230 Greys Road, Henley-on-Thames, Oxon RG9 1QY, or by email to [email protected].

Entry Requirements and Deadline

  • All entries must be postmarked or emailed no later than 31 July 2026.
  • Entrants must provide their name and home address.
  • Juniors under 18 on 31 August 2025 must also give their date of birth.

The Competition Structure

The best 15-20 players from the postal round, plus the best juniors, will be invited to the final at Harrow school on Saturday 13 February 2027, where the prize money is expected to be at least £1,600. The winner of the final will have the right to represent Great Britain at the 2027 world ­solving championships, an event where GB are often medal contenders.

A Note on Chess and Professionals

Back in the 1950s most top English players were amateurs, often civil servants or teachers, who competed in tournaments during their vacations. After the 1970s Fischer boom and English successes brought an influx of sponsors, chess professionals could earn a decent living, but the tide turned again during the 1990s. The breakup of the Soviet Union brought harder international competition, while Nigel Short’s world title defeat and the move to screen rather than print marketing drove sponsors away.

A New Grandmaster: Harry Grieve

Harry Grieve became England’s latest grandmaster on Tuesday when the 25-year-old, who was British champion in 2022 and helped CSC/Kingston finish second in this season’s UK 4NCL League, won first prize in Budapest with a 7/9 total.