Inside Chess
As you all know, when you are playing chess everything around you dissolves. There are no rooms, no bars, no people – just you and the chessboard. Chess takes us anywhere we want to go. With that in mind, this Christmas time I want you to use the power of your imagination when playing chess in your cells, as I know so many of you do. Imagine being in a warm room with Christmas decorations, a roaring log fire and the sound of carols being sung outside. You are in leather chairs, drinking fine Cognac, and you might even have a grand cigar of your choice for this special occasion. There’s the aroma of Christmas pudding and the dog is sleeping at the foot of the tree. You have a beautiful chessboard with fine wooden pieces in front of you and you are playing someone – anyone – of your choice. You are surrounded by chess books, and paintings of the great world champions such as Capablanca, Lasker and Alekhine adorn your walls. Let the snow fall outside. Sit back and enjoy the game, for this is your game and nothing else matters.
Yuletide blessings to one and all – and thank you for supporting my chess column.
This month I am offering you this rather elegant ‘Christmas Tree’ puzzle. It is White to play and checkmate Black in two moves.
Write to me with your answer: Carl Portman, (Chess Correspondent), c/o Inside Time ‘CHESS’, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Also, please include your name, prison number, prison address, and the month of the puzzle (question) you are entering. The first correct answer drawn wins a back copy of ‘CHESS’ magazine donated by Chess & Bridge of London.
The answer to November’s puzzle was 1.Re4-e8+ Ra8xe8 (if 1…Bc6-e8 then 2.Qf4-f8 is mate) 2.Re1xe8 Bc6xe8 3. Qf4-f8 mate – the winner will be announced.
October’s winner was Alberto from HMP Gartree.
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