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Counterplay / Readers Respond


More on Browne, Improving on Pandolfini, History


More on Walter BroWne


I feel sorrowful on the passing of Walter Browne and have a story to share about him. Around 30 years ago or so, he appeared at the Westfield (New Jersey)


Chess Club for an exhibition of about 24 players. I had a seat. Next to me was a child, maybe 10 years of age. The exhibition began,


Browne moving about the inner area. My game had not reached the moment of crushing just yet. Bronwe made his move and went to the child. Upon making his move the child called out, “You can’t do that—you’re


in check.” Browne re-examined the board, then with one majestic sweep of his hand sent the kid’s pieces flying and moved on the the next board. The child turned to me and said, “Did you see that!?” I told him, “You’ll remember this all your life—you’ve just beaten Walter Browne!”


Herbert C. Kaplan Westfield, New Jersey Mate in 2 is Better than Mate in 3


While there is technically nothing wrong with the giv - en solution for this problem in the “ABCs of Chess,” January 2016, Problem VI, the given solution to the diagram (right) is a mate in three when there is a more direct mate in two.


1. ... Re1+ 2. Rxe1 Qh1 mate.


This is faster than the given solution of:


1. ... Qh1+ 2. Kxh1 Rh4+ 3. Kg1 Rh1 mate.


BLACK TO PLAY The composition could be saved by adding a white pawn or piece on e3.


Jason Stein via e-mail


(Reader William Coombs also pointed out the 1. ... Re1+ move. ~ed.)


Send your letters to letters@uschess.org or post on the US Chess Facebook group or the uschess.org Issues Forum. Letters are subject to editing for style, length, and content.


8 March 2016 | Chess Life What was on our readers’ minds in March of 1986 and 1976?


30 years ago in CHESS LIFE Congratulations to the United States Chess Federation for making 1986 “The Year of the USCF Member.” Let’s pursue this personnel policy one step further by challenging USCF members also to make 1986 “The Year of the De-Nerdifi- cation of American Chess.” Stated bluntly, the relatively low status of chess in America


comes from the perception that “nerds play chess.” This public relations problem arises in part from the social distancing practiced by chessplayers themselves. Of course, detachment from life’s hustle and bustle is necessary for the pure aesthetic enjoyment of chess. Yet, too often we allow this trait to carry over to a detachment from broader social participation. In point of fact, we have created a sub-class of creative and brilliant people existing outside the mainstream culture. As a political writer I am keenly aware of the nation’s


social, economic, and political problems. In an age when America’s competitiveness is challenged on every front, it is a shame that we are losing the contributions that some of our best minds could make if chessplayers would “plug-in” to broader issues.


Tim Richardson


Editor, Quorum Report Austin, Texas


From the March 1986 Chess Life 40 years ago in CHESS LIFE


I was amused to see Karpov referred to as “FIDE champion” rather than world champion. This slight was petty and somewhat silly. If that is all the clout the USCF can muster, why bother? The USCF should either accept Karpov as world champion or publicly announce its withdrawal of recognition of the FIDE world title. Definite action is required, not childish sulking.


Stephen W. Gordon Anchorage, Alaska


From the March 1976 Chess Life


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