Exeter Chess Club:

For:	Fri. 31 ^st Dec. 1999

On this last day of the 2 ^nd Millennium, it is difficult to know whether to look back and reflect or look forward and anticipate - this is why the two-faced Roman god Janus could do both at the same time.

100 years ago today, the good folk of Devon were busy planning the creation of a new association to foster the development of chess within the county. This came about the following year, and it is gratifying to know that the DCCA has survived the whole of the 20 ^th century unscathed and is preparing to enter the 21 ^st , trying to adapt to inevitable changes in life style that affect playing habits. Chess folk, by and large, both players and organisers, have embraced the computer age with open arms. The computer and its access to the internet, for example, makes world-wide chess immediately available to anyone from the comfort of their fireside laptop. Hence it's becoming increasingly difficult to get people to attend their local club, let alone drive 200 miles on a Saturday afternoon to represent their county. This is one of the issues the Devon & Cornwall Associations need to address if they are to meet the challenges the new millennium will inevitably bring.

The 20 ^th century has seen Britain's strongest-ever player, Michael Adams, emerge from Truro School, and after honing his skills on the local westcountry congress circuit, come so close to becoming World Champion finalist. Next, we are looking for him to get the chance for another tilt at the ultimate title. And after that, who will be the westcountry's next Michael Adams? Is he or she already playing in some rural primary school team?

After all, Britain's most talented problemist, Comins Mansfield, came from deepest Devonshire.

Here is a very early Mansfield position from 1917, when he was still a lad in Witheridge.

White to mate in two.