Caïssa, the Goddess of Chess

Send us Fan MailCaissa, the Goddess of ChessMy attention was caught this week by a reference in 'X, formally known as Twitter'. The post showed a facsimile of a page from the work of Howard Staunton, one of the greatest of English chess players of all time. The post, purporting to come from someone appearing as a reincarnation of Staunton, reads as follows:If you find the key to this position in five minutes, we shall think you a promising aspirant for Caïssa’s honoursCaïssa? Many chess players will not have heard of Caïssa, unless perhaps you are also a pub quiz enthusiast. My introduction came by a casual remark some years in a report of a club chess game to our club members. I made a note of it and mentioned it the chapter 'May Caïssa be with us ' in the book The Double Houdini available from websites around the internet.I reproduce the brief chapter here for those who have not yet caught up with this masterpiece[Note to book readers: Do place this book on your reading club list TR].Stay up-to-date with all of Tudor's podcasts, blogs and current affairs commentary by signing up to our newsletter! Email [email protected] to sign up!Follow Tudor on Twitter @TudortweetFollow Tudor's blogs:everydaycreativity.ukleaderswedeserve.wordpress.com