SPOT ON CHESS PUZZLES for MONDAY, April 24th of 2023

SPOT ON DRAW... Nepo holds the 1 point lead as we enter the home stretch phase of the World Chess Championship!

So the match score stands at 6 to 5, Nepomniachtchi leading by that one game... To win he need only achieve one more victory and a draw and then he will have crossed the seven and a half score point finishing line. Ding Liren has the tougher task ahead as, should he take risks in seeking a favorable result, he could very well give Ian the winning chances. But to achieve much sometimes risks must be taken... Ding needs to win one game and draw two to force a playoff for the title now. Two wins and a draw would win the match outright for him but would require the full 14 game contest... not too likely. Should he end up losing a game he would have to win two to force the playoff. So... it becomes an even more intense battle of nerves! Fascinating match... oh but were it 24 games long instead! Or, in an ideal universe, until one player had achieved 10 wins with draws not counting - crazy Bobby Fischer's preferred format! So I guess... we are lucky to have what we have!

Enjoy the game and catch you on the flip ~ Sean.