Witney 1 have added the Frank Wood Shield to the first division title to complete ‘the double’ for the second time in as many years.

The final of the Frank Wood — against Witney 2 — proved something of a walk-over for Witney 1 who have only suffered one defeat all season.

That defeat — back in November and actually something of a rout — proved a false dawn for the victors, University 1. International Master Raja Panjwani beat Witney’s Marcus Harvey in that match — but Raja, the University’s best player, has only played one league game all season. In contrast, Marcus has turned out ten times in the league alone and consistency of line-up is one reason for Witney’s great success.

Former Cowley star and now full-time chess coach, Adam Hunt, has written a book for Everyman Chess. His Chess Strategy, Move by Move is aimed at club players and juniors, but delivers strategy only in its broadest sense. To be sure, there are strategic lessons — but this is a general guide for improving your chess rather than a strategy manual.

Over 100 master games are analysed; divided into twelve chapters with titles including ‘Improving the Worst Piece’, ‘Winning Won Positions’ and ‘Chess Psychology and Practical Tips’. The chapter subjects are well chosen and the themes appropriately and systematically developed for the intended readership. Hunt has obviously worked hard on this, his first book, and succeeded in delivering an honest and highly readable work which will both entertain and reward study — highly recommended. This week’s game — played in 2012 — is taken from the book’s chapter on the initiative, and shows Hunt’s deadly eye for this aspect of the game remains as keen as ever.

White: Adam Hunt Black: Alexander Yakimenko 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Fischer considered this to be the most principled reaction to Black’s French Defence. 3...Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 Qa5 This is one of a number of possible moves at this juncture — the most common 6...Ne7 7.Bd2 Qa4 8.Nf3 Nc6 9.dxc5!? ‘Raising the stakes’ is how Hunt comments on this move. White wants an open position for his two bishops and is willing to destroy his structure to achieve it. 9...Qe4+ 10.Be3 Nxe5 11.Nxe5 Qxe5 12.Bb5+ Bd7 Here’s the payoff for the wrecked pawns — Black is denied castling right and White grabs an initiative which he doesn’t let slip for the rest of the game.

13.Bxd7+ Kxd7 14.0–0 Nf6 15.Rb1 Rhb8?! 16.c4! Ke7 17.Bd4 Qf5 18.Re1! b6 19.Rb3! bxc5 20.Rf3! Qh5 21.Bxc5+ Ke8 22.c3! Opening a line for the queen to attack.

22...Rb7 23.Qa4+ Rd7 24.Qc6 Rad8 25.Rxe6+ 1–0.