The winner will qualify for the GB team for the 2027 World Solving Championship, an event where they are often a medal contender
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 puzzle is the first stage of the annual Winton British Solving Championship, organised by the British Chess Problem Society and sponsored by 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 winton@theproblemist.org.
All entries must be postmarked or emailed no later than 31 July 2026, and provide the entrant’s name and home address. Juniors under 18 on 31 August 2025 must also give their date of birth. Please mark your entry “Guardian”. Receipt of the solution will be acknowledged after the closing date, when all competitors will receive the answer. Those who get it right will also be sent the postal round of eight harder problems, with plenty of time for solving.
