Check is in the Mail, January 2026: Let's start the year with E-Quads!

Happy New Year!

This year will mark the first time since I took on the role of editor for Check is in the Mail that we plan to provide an issue every month.

This issue of Check is in the Mail features games from the Walter Muir E-Quads, specifically section 25W09. Similar to the later issues from last year, this issue follows what is provided by the Front Office results. With seven games available from the ICCF archives for the tourmament section, rather than choose the typical six games for an issue, I decided to start the year off with an extra game.

I believe it's time to start (at least attempting) to follow regular monthly issue themes, at least for some months. For example, last year the February issue focused on combinations, the July issue was readers' games, the August issue focused on a specific opening, and, of course, the December issue is always dedicated to miniatures. Feel free to request a theme for an issue, a new recurring theme, or even a specific focus (for example: an opening for the next August issue). With that in mind, you can probably expect the February issue to focus on combinations.

I hope you enjoy the issue!

Games

Image

Reminder when reviewing the crosstables:

X^D = result by default
X^E = exceeded time limit

The latest results are displayed in red.

Game 1

This game was played by Mark Windsor and Paul D. Shannon using the D04: Colle System. The game ended in a draw after Windsor's 21st move.

Game 2

This game was played by Mark Windsor and Robert L. S. Angres using the A40: Unusual replies to 1. d4. Windsor forced a resignation from Angres after his 34th move.

Puzzles

Here are some puzzles from the provided games. Answers can be found by scrolling to the very end of the issue.

Reminder: Puzzles can be solved online. Click/tap on a puzzle diagram below to access the interactive version of the puzzle. Once a puzzle is displayed, the last move will be shown and then the puzzle will wait for a move to be entered. It is not necessary to return to this page in order to access the other puzzles and games for this issue. However, clicking/tapping on a diagram below will take you directly to the puzzle selected. Note: Interactive puzzles are provided beginning with the June 2025 issue.