Swale Chess Club meets weekly and caters for chess enthusiasts from novice to expert
The Artisan Room, Central House, Central Avenue, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 4NU
Thursdays from 7.40pm Please email us or call 07724 273157
***New members always welcome!***
To view the English Chess Federation League Management System, which shows all of the fixture results, league tables etc: ecflms.org.uk
Swale Chess Club annual subscription: £70, which includes ECF Bronze membership.
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Updated 06/07/25
We received a visit from a strong team from Maidstone for our third match and lost by 5.5–10.5. Thank you to the team who were, with scores, Ashley (1.5), Andrew (1.5), Paul (1.5) and Mike (1).
Our fourth and final match will be next Wednesday the 9th of July away to Rainham.
Thank you to all who took part.
The competition was very close with both semi-finals and the final going to armageddon play-offs:
1: Trefor Owens 0–1 Keith Nevols
2: Keith Nevols 0–1 Trefor Owens
Armageddon play-off: Trefor Owens 0–1 Keith Nevols
Martin Singer 0–1 Stephen Lamb
Gary Clifford 1–0 Michael Dale
Craig Lindsay 0–1 Keith Hyde
George Amey 0–1 Kristof Siklodi
The Kent U1450 team won the final versus Essex, with Swale Chess Club member Conner Macguire (1) contributing to the victory. 7.5–4.5.
Bravo also to the Kent U1650 team, who were runners-up against Surrey. Swale Chess Club members Nick Allen (0.5) and Andrew Gillard (1) added points to the result. 5.5–10.5.
Please note that the club will be closed during all of August.
—Contributed by Kevin
From the Swale Chess Club Rapid semi-final between Kevin and Trefor. Black (Trefor) has just played Ne4. White has a mating combination; what is it?
White (Kevin) to move.
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Updated 28/06/25
Our first two matches were this week. On Sunday 22nd June, we voyaged down to Hastings—very nice place, very nice club, but a long way to go!
Hastings are the only chess club in the UK to own their own building and it is a gold mine if you are interested in chess history—the walls are covered with photos, caricatures, posters and other memorabilia.
We lost the match 10.5–5.5 with the scores being Keith N (1.5), Ashley (2.5), Andrew (0.5) and Paul (1).
Last night, Sevenoaks visited us and it was a tight contest. Keith N lost one game on time with his opponent having one second left!
We lost 9.5–6.5 with the scores Keith N (1.5), Ashley (2), Paul (2), Mike (1).
Thanks to those who took part. We have two more matches; home to Maidstone (3rd July) and away to Rainham (9th July).
George Amey 0–1 David Page
Nick Allen 0–1 Kristof Siklodi
Michael Dale 0–1 Martin Singer
Gary Clifford 1–0 Logan Stanton
Andrew Gillard 0–1 Keith Hyde
At the Greater London (Orpington) FIDE Rapidplay on 14th June, Keith N came joint second with 4 out of 5, and won £40!
This follows on from the Kentish FIDE Rapidplay on 25th May where he also came joint second in his section with 4.5 out of 6 and got £20.
Please note that the club will be closed during all of August.
—Contributed by Kevin
A draw for Black will win this recent Swale Chess Club Rapid armageddon (Kevin v Trefor); find how Black forces a perpetual check position.
Black (Trefor) to move.
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Updated 21/06/25
The results:
George Amey 0–1 Mike Ingham
Stephen Lamb 1–0 Andrew Gillard
Gary Clifford 1–0 Nick Allen
Paul Hobbs 1–0 Michael Dale
Vytautas Gedminas 0–1 Ashley Jarvis
Logan Stanton 0–1 David Page
We were pleased to meet potential new member Oliver last night.
Please note that the club will be closed during all of August.
—Contributed by Trefor
Here is a position from an online tournament game I played recently. Can you see the chance to mate the queen?
Black (Trefor) to move.
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Updated 14/06/25
In a tough evening of chess, both of the Rapid semi-finals went to armageddon play-offs.
1: Trefor Owens 1–0 Kevin Charlton
2: Kevin Charlton 1–0 Trefor Owens
Kevin Charlton 0-1 Trefor Owens
1: Keith Nevols 0.5–0.5 David Page
2: David Page 0.5–0.5 Keith Nevols
Keith Nevols 1–0 David Page
George Amey 1–0 Michael Dale
Kristof Siklodi 1–0 Paul Hobbs
Nick Allen 1–0 Ashley Jarvis
Martin Singer 0–1 Arnaud Wisman
Mike Ingham 0–1 Stephen Lamb
Keith Hyde 1–0 Logan Stanton
We were pleased to meet two potential new members last night—Eddie and Nicholas.
Please note that the club will be closed during all of August.
Swale Chess Club Facebook page provides extra chess news. If you are not already a member, please sign up today.
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Updated 08/06/25
The results:
Duncan Marsh 1-0 Mike Ingham
Craig Lindsay 0‐1 Vytautas Gedminas
Thanks and congratulations to Duncan, Mike, Craig and Vytautas who have completed their games.
A special congratulations to Gary Clifford and Vytautas Gedminas who are joint winners of the plate.
That concludes the Swale Chess Club Championship for 2024–2025. Thank you all for taking part.
Trefor Owens 1–0 Paul Hobbs
Trefor Owens 0–1 Keith Nevols
Trefor and Keith N qualify for the semi-finals.
The semi-finals will be Kevin Charlton v Trefor Owens and Keith Nevols v David Page.
Stephen Lamb 1–0 George Amey
David Page 1–0 Michael Dale
Gary Clifford 0.5–0.5 Kristof Siklodi
Logan Stanton 0–1 Andrew Gillard
Alfie Burton 0–1 Keith Hyde
Two Swale players—Andrew and Nick—contributed to yesterday's great result. Greater Manchester 4.5 Kent 11.5.
Meanwhile clubmate Conner Macguire's win in the corresponding U1450 semi-final meant Greater Manchester 3 Kent 9.
No pawns or pieces were captured for over an hour in Andrew's county game, then both players let rip with the tactics! Here's a typical moment.
Black (Andrew) to move.
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Updated 30/05/25
Last night's results:
Andrew Gillard 0–1 Paul Hobbs
Stephen Lamb 0–1 Trefor Owens
Trefor Owens 1–0 Nick Allen
Trefor and Keith N qualify for the semi-finals.
Keith Hyde 1–0 Vytautas Gedminas
Vytautas Gedminas 0–1 Kevin Charlton
Kevin and David qualify for the semi-finals.
Gary Clifford 0–1 Martin Singer
David Page 0.5–0.5 Arnaud Wisman
Swale Chess Club Facebook page provides extra chess news. If you are not already a member, please sign up today.
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Updated 23/05/25
Our friends at Medway Chess Club will be hosting a simul vs GM Sergey Tiviakov on Wednesday 4th June, 7.45pm.
Sergey Tiviakov is a former European Champion, a World Championship quarter-finalist, and three-time Dutch champion. He is a well-known coach, author and opening expert.
Venue: English Martyrs Church Hall, Frindsbury Road, Rochester, Kent ME2 4JA
Sanderson Hall, Mickleham Road, Orpington, Kent BR5 2RW
Five-round rapidplay tournament across four sections: 25 minutes + 10 seconds increment from move #1. ECF & FIDE rated: U2100, U1800, U1500, U1200 (ECF only).
Tunbridge Wells Bridge Club, 40 London Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1DL
Five-round Swiss tournament (time Control of 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment from start). Three sections ECF & FIDE rated: Open, U1900 & U1600.
Sandwich Technology School, Deal Road, Sandwich, Kent CT13 0FA
Five-round FIDE-rated Swiss tournament. All sections are FIDE rated.
Last night's results:
Trefor Owens 0.5–0.5 Arnaud Wisman
Congratulations to Trefor Owens, Arnaud Wisman and Kevin Charlton who are the joint club champions for 2024–25.
The entirely green table illustrates that all players have completed all their games; a sign of a committed and well-organised club. Well done, everyone, and our compliments to tournament organiser Keith Nevols.
Martin Singer 1–0 Logan Stanton
Nick Allen 0.5–0.5 Andrew Gillard
David Page 1–0 Kristof Siklodi
Paul Hobbs 1–0 Owen Taylor
Stephen Lamb 1–0 Paul Hobbs
George Amey 0–1 Ashley Jarvis
Gary Clifford 0–1 Keith Hyde
Vytautas Gedminas 0.5–0.5 Gary Clifford
Ashley Jarvis 0–1 Keith Hyde
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Updated 18/05/25
Donnington Manor Hotel, London Rd, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks TN13 2TD
Six-round rapidplay tournament—20 + 5. ECF & FIDE rated: Open, U1800, U1400 (ECF only).
Sandwich Technology School, Deal Road, Sandwich, Kent CT13 0FA
Five-round FIDE-rated Swiss tournament. All sections are FIDE rated.
Sanderson Hall, Mickleham Road, Orpington, Kent BR5 2RW
Five-round rapidplay tournament across four sections: 25 minutes + 10 seconds increment from move #1. ECF & FIDE rated: U2100, U1800, U1500, U1200 (ECF only).
Tunbridge Wells Bridge Club, 40 London Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1DL
Five-round Swiss tournament (time Control of 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment from start). Three sections ECF & FIDE rated: Open, U1900 & U1600.
Last night's results:
Keith Nevols 1–0 Arnaud Wisman
We have finally finished Group Two—well done to Arnaud and Stephen for jointly winning the group.
There is one game left and it is Trefor v Arnaud. The winner will take the Championship. If it is a draw, then there will be a three-way tie.
Duncan Marsh 1–0 Michael Dale
Thanks and congratulations to Michael for finishing the fixtures.
There are two games left in the plate: Craig v Vytautas and Duncan v Mike I. Vytautas needs to beat Craig to tie. Otherwise Gary will win the Plate.
Martin Singer 1–0 Andrew Gillard
Kristof Siklodi 1–0 Mike Ingham
Logan Stanton 0–1 Alfie Burton
No Group One games.
Keith Hyde 0.5–0.5 George Amey
Ashley Jarvis 1–0 Gary Clifford
David Page 0.5–0.5 Keith Hyde
Vytautas Gedminas 0–1 Ashley Jarvis
Gary Clifford 1–0 George Amey
David has qualified for the semi-finals.
Two Swale players—Andrew and Nick—contributed to yesterday's great result. Kent 10 Worcestershire 6.
Andrew's finish from the county match; White turned around a tough game with a decisive midgame mating attack!
White to move.
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Updated 09/05/25
Last night's results:
Paul Hobbs 0–1 Keith Nevols
Andrew Gillard 0–1 Stephen Lamb
Paul Hobbs 0.5–0.5 Nick Allen
Owen Taylor 1–0 Stephen Lamb
Keith Hyde 0–1 Kevin Charlton
Ashley Jarvis 0–1 David Page
Kevin Charlton 1–0 Ashley Jarvis
The tables:
Michael Dale 0–1 Mike Ingham
Kristof Siklodi 1–0 Logan Stanton
We were pleased to meet a potential new member, Michael, last night.
Swale Chess Club Facebook page provides extra chess news. If you are not already a member, please sign up today.
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Updated 02/05/25
Last night's results:
Keith Hyde 0–1 Arnaud Wisman
Thanks and congratulations to Keith for completing all his games.
Paul Hobbs 1–0 George Amey
Michael Dale 0–1 Gary Clifford
Thanks and congratulations also to Paul for finishing the games.
Keith Nevols 1–0 Andrew Gillard
Stephen Lamb 0.5–0.5 Nick Allen
Owen Taylor 0–1 Trefor Owens
Andrew Gillard 0–1 Trefor Owens
Keith Nevols 0–1 Stephen Lamb
Nick Allen 1–0 Owen Taylor
Kevin Charlton 0.5–0.5 David Page
David Page 1–0 Vytautas Gedminas
The tables:
Mike Ingham 1–0 Logan Stanton
Kristof Siklodi 1–0 Alfie Burton
From last night's rapid tournament. The engine assesses this one as “Sharp—A back and forth game where both players had chances.”
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Updated 25/04/25
The sudden appearance of the Hastings team brought about panic! Fortunately an emergency team had been arranged so thank you to them. The match was lost 3–1—Vytautas (0), Paul (0), Craig (1) and we had to default the fourth board.
This was the final Fuller match and we ended at the bottom with one drawn match and six losses. Thank you to all who played—Tyrone and Craig were our joint top scorers with 2.5 out of 3.
We have now completed all our club matches for the season.
Alfie Burton 0.5–0.5 Duncan Marsh
Thank you and congratulations to Alfie for completing all his games.
1: Nick Allen 0–1 Keith Nevols
1: Owen Taylor 1–0 Andrew Gillard
2: Kevin Charlton 0.5–0.5 Gary Clifford
2: David Page 1–0 George Amey
1: Keith Nevols 1–0 Owen Taylor
1: Nick Allen 0–1 Andrew Gillard
2: George Amey 0–1 Kevin Charlton
2: Gary Clifford 0–1 David Page
The tables:
Michael Dale 0–1 Logan Stanton
Martin Singer 0–1 Kristof Siklodi
Last night's exhilarating Nick v Andrew rapid game. Both players maintained decent accuracy throughout; 73.1% and 81.0% respectively. Not bad, considering the limited time allocation (25m + 10s). Enjoy!
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Updated 18/04/25
Nick Allen 0–1 Kevin Charlton
Thanks and congratulations to Nick and Kevin who have now completed all their games.
There are three games left and three possible winners.
Paul Hobbs 0–1 Gary Clifford
George Amey 0–1 Vytautas Gedminas
There are 15 games left. Three players tying at the top and four possible winners.
The tables:
Trefor Owens 1–0 Kristof Siklodi
Stephen Lamb 1–0 Michael Dale
David Page 0–1 Ashley Jarvis
Keith Hyde 1–0 Andrew Gillard
From a recent club night.
White implemented the best winning strategy here.
White to move.
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Updated 12/04/25
Trefor Owens 0.5–0.5 Keith Nevols
Kevin Charlton 0–1 Arnaud Wisman
There are four games left.
Mike Ingham 1–0 Craig Lindsay
Gary Clifford 0–1 Vytautas Gedminas
The tables:
Andrew Gillard 0–1 David Page
Keith Hyde 0.5–0.5 Martin Singer
Ashley Jarvis 0.5–0.5 Paul Hobbs
From a recent club night.
Material is equal after precise opening play from both players: Opening accuracy White 98.8%, Black 98.7%. Two rooks have just come off the board because Black has played 24. …Rf8xRf1+ to force the overloaded queen away from the defence of the e4 pawn with 25. Qe2xRf1. If Black goes ahead with 25. …Qxe4 what is White's best response?
White to move after 25. …Qxe4.
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Updated 05/04/25
Nick Allen 0.5–0.5 Keith Hyde
There are six games left.
Michael Dale 0–1 Craig Lindsay
Emma Walker 0–1 Andrew Gillard
Luke Johnson 1–0 Alfie Burton
Logan Stanton 0–1 Paul Hobbs
Congratulations and thanks to Andrew for completing his games.
There are 21 games to go.
The tables:
David Page 1–0 Mike Ingham
Kristof Siklodi 0–1 Stephen Lamb
From a recent club night.
Black to move.
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Updated 28/03/25
We won a close battle—3.5–2.5 with the results being (in no particular order):
Michael D (0), Emma (0.5), Luke (0), George (1), Craig (1), Mike I (1)
Kevin Charlton 0.5–0.5 Keith Nevols
Arnaud Wisman 0–1 Martin Singer
Thanks and congratulations to Martin who has now played all his games.
There are seven games left in the championship.
Vytautas Gedminas 1–0 Duncan Marsh
Andrew Gillard 0.5–0.5 Paul Hobbs
The tables:
Stephen Lamb 1–0 Logan Stanton
David Page 0.5–0.5 Gary Clifford
Kristof Siklodi 1–0 Keith Hyde
Trefor Owens 1–0 Ashley Jarvis
Swale Chess Club Facebook page provides extra chess news. If you are not already a member, please sign up today.
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Updated 21/03/25
In a programme showing how to play better chess, British grandmasters Dan King and Ray Keene go through a demonstration game from opening gambit to checkmate.
This week's results:
Keith Hyde 1–0 Keith Nevols
Martin Singer 1–0 Nick Allen
Andrew Gillard 0–1 Mike Ingham
George Amey 1–0 Alfie Burton
Vytautas Gedminas 1–0 Logan Stanton
Michael Dale 0–1 Luke Johnson
Paul Hobbs 1–0 Emma Walker
Group One is now complete.
Arnaud Wisman 1–0 Andrew Martin-Luce
Ashley Jarvis 0–1 Kristof Siklodi
David Page 0.5–0.5 Stephen Lamb
The tables:
Three games left.
Another nice finish from the recent East Kent FIDE Congress at Folkestone—this time from Swale Chess Club member Stephen.
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Updated 14/03/25 (AKA 3.14)—Happy Π day!
Our final En Passant match of the season was a 3–3 draw away to Rainham on the 12th of March.
The scores were:
Keith N (0), Stephen (0.5), Nick (0.5), Andrew (0.5), Paul (1), Duncan (0.5).
We finished fifth out of six teams with one match win, one draw and three losses. Well done especially to Stephen who played in all five matches with a creditable 60% and a rating performance of 1890.
Last night's results:
David Page 0–1 Kevin Charlton
Keith Nevols 0.5–0.5 Martin Singer
Arnaud Wisman 0.5–0.5 Kristof Siklodi
Craig Lindsay 1–0 Alfie Burton
Logan Stanton 1–0 Michael Dale
Mike Ingham 0–1 Gary Clifford
Owen Taylor 0–1 Luke Johnson
Andrew Gillard 1–0 George Amey
Congratulations and thanks to David Page, Kristof Siklodi and Ashley Jarvis who have now played all their championship games for the season. The tables:
Four games left.
Stephen and Andrew attended last weekend's inaugural East Kent FIDE Congress at Folkestone, scoring a respectable 4 points between them. Well organised, as always by Psyon Chess, and a marvellous seaside venue. Here is an efficient conclusion by Andrew:
White to move.
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Updated 07/03/25
Make the first move. Sue Perkins challenges rising chess stars to take on the legendary game of psychology, strategy and intensity. It'll take nerves of steel to win the title.
Yesterday's results:
Kristof Siklodi 0–1 Nick Allen
Stephen Lamb 1–0 Martin Singer
David Page 0.5–0.5 Keith Hyde
Keith Nevols 1–0 Ashley Jarvis
Well done to Stephen who has now completed his games.
Mike Ingham 0–1 George Amey
Andrew Gillard 1–0 Michael Dale
Gary Clifford 1–0 Alfie Burton
Duncan Marsh 0.5–0.5 Paul Hobbs
The updated tables:
From a recent club night:
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Updated 01/03/25
Last night's results:
Michael Dale 0–1 Vytautas Gedminas
Duncan Marsh 1–0 Andrew Martin-Luce
Kevin Charlton 0.5–0.5 Stephen Lamb
Martin Singer 1–0 David Page
Nick Allen 0–1 Trefor Owens
Paul Hobbs 0–1 Craig Lindsay
Kristof Siklodi 0–1 Andrew Gillard
The tables:
Group One—one game left:
Group Two—five games left:
This week the tenth world champion (1969–72) Boris Spassky passed away at the age of 88. Spassky was one of the best players in the world from the late 1950s through to the 1970s, but is unfortunately best known for losing the ‘match of the century’ to Bobby Fischer in 1972.
Swale Chess Club Facebook page provides extra chess news. If you are not already a member, please sign up today.
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Updated 21/02/25
Grand Burstin Hotel, The Harbour, Marine Parade, Folkestone, Kent CT20 1TX
Our Intro team were at home to Snodland but unfortunately lost 4–0. Thanks to Alfie, Mike, George and Emma for playing.
That was our last Intro Cup match of the season and we finished with Played 7 Won 1 Draw 2 Lost 4.
Thanks to all those who took part, especially Alfie, who played in six matches and finished with a creditable 50%, and also to Craig for captaining the team.
Last night's results:
Keith Hyde 1–0 Michael Dale
Duncan Marsh 1–0 Luke Johnson
David Page 0–1 Trefor Owens
Keith Nevols 1–0 Kristof Siklodi
Arnaud Wisman 1–0 Ashley Jarvis
Vytautas Gedminas 0.5–0.5 Andrew Gillard
The tables are:
From last night. The Vytautas–Andrew game was well balanced to say the least, with the engine declaring just a 0.1% difference between the accuracies! White 80.8% and Black 80.9%. The game ended in a draw, appropriately enough, but there were some fine tactics along the way. Here Vytautas as White found the best move, and likewise Andrew as Black found the best response. What were the two moves in question?
White to move, then Black to respond.
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Updated 14/02/25
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Some sad news. Following a heart attack at the weekend, our friend and clubmate Tyrone Jefferies passed away yesterday evening at Ashford Hospital.
Tyrone was very enthusiastic about his chess and played a leading organising role, not only with Swale but also Kent and London chess in general.
He will be missed. Thoughts are with Tyrone's family.
Thank you to the team for playing v Maidstone Knights at short notice.
Unfortunately we lost 1.5–2.5, with the team being:
Vytautas (walkover), Gary (0.5), Paul (0) and Mike (0)
Group Two
Craig Lindsay 0–1 Duncan Marsh
Club Championship
Kristof Siklodi 1–0 Andrew Martin-Luce
Ashley Jarvis 1–0 David Page
Trefor Owens 1–0 Stephen Lamb
Plate
Alfie Burton 1–0 Logan Stanton
Michael Dale 0–1 George Amey
The tables:
Group One: No games
We were pleased to meet a potential new member, Norman, last night.
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Updated 08/02/25
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Last night's results:
Group One
Vytautas Gedminas 1–0 Emma Walker
Group Two
Nick Allen 0–1 Arnaud Wisman (Tuesday, Strood)
Luke Johnson 0–1 Andrew Martin-Luce
Championship
Kristof Siklodi 1–0 David Page
Keith Hyde 0–1 Stephen Lamb
Plate
Alfie Burton 0.5–0.5 Andrew Gillard
Logan Stanton 0–1 Mike Ingham
Therefore the tables are:
There are four games left—if Tyrone beats Emma then there will be a play-off for the sixth place in the championship.
Eight games to go. Andrew Martin-Luce has got the sixth and final qualification place.
Here is the final position from Thursday's Alfie–Andrew game in the Plate. The players have agreed a draw after a sharp and well-matched game, with the engine awarding Alfie as White 84.8% and Andrew as Black 85.9% accuracy respectively. Both players had seen the continuation here but decided it was better to let sleeping dogs lie!
Black to move.
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