In the very near future The Six Nations' Tournament for the "Clare Benedict" — Challenge Cup will be held for the thirteenth time. Since 1953, the year of the first tournament, the participants of the "Little Chess Olympiad" continue to be full of gratefulness towards the generous donor, Miss Clare Benedict, who — to our great sorrow — passed away on October 31, 1961. She laid the first financial foundations for this delightful chess event, to which those nations are invited for which she hugged a special love.

In the "Golden Book" of the "Clare Benedict" Challenge Cup we find that in 1965 the team of the German Chess Federation won the tournament for the sixth time and therefore had finally won the Cup for keeps. Mr. Emil Dähne, the energetic president of the German Chess Federation, presented us with a new Cup, for which we heartily thank the generous sponsor also on this occasion. To retain this valuable new trophy, a team has to win the event — as for the first cup — four times in a row or six times in interrupted line. Although the German team counting on its youthful talents remains hot favourites also this time most exciting battles are to be expected. The past tournaments show that ultimate victory often is only achieved in the last round and even the last hours of the tournament. In 1961, on Gurten-Kulm near Berne, there were two teams finishing with equal points — Spain and West Germany — and only by a very conscientiously elaborated tie-breaking system the cup-winner could be declared. Lies such a nerve-racking finish ahead of us also this time? No doubt whatsoever can be that the combats on the 64 squares — as merciless as they will be — are just the same fought in the same friendly atmosphere as was always the case in the Six Nations' Tournaments.

In this spirit we most heartily welcome the participating chess masters from near and far and wish them all a pleasant sojourn in the lovely resort of Brunnen.

/ Alois Nagler /

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Round 1
Switzerland becomes co-leader with Holland after round 1. The Tell-team however will not add more to their score in the next four rounds than they gathered in the first. Holland on the other hand forges the way towards victory. Germany, the favourite, misses Darga and Pfleger.

Round 2
Two groups emerge. Holland, Spain and Germany form a leading trio, out of which the winner will materialize. Nearly 12 hours fights Blau for the draw, but in vain.

Round 3
Two of the leading teams oppose each other: Spain beats Holland, for the "tulip men" their first defeat and loss of the top position. Germany strides in front with a clean 3—1 success over England. 1—3 the Swiss lose to Austria, which throws the Confederates further back.

Round 4
Again the placings are overturned. Leader Germany loses by 1—3 to Spain, whereas Holland with a 4—0 success at the expense of Switzerland again climbs to the top. Holland is now leading Spain by one point. Germany is eliminated from the race for top honors. England left the bottom place to Switzerland.

Round 5
In the last round Holland and Spain have to face the tailenders. After the normal playing time, they both lead 1½—½. The decision on the winner is still outstanding. Only virtually in the last minute of the tournament the Dutch team secures first place, the last time they finished in front was in 1955 on Mount Pélérin near Vevey. Spain is second one point behind. Germany's victory over Austria secures them the third place, but they are hardly content with this placing. Switzerland cannot leave the last place to someone else.

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PRESS COMMENTARIES

He knows how to do it. He organises the greatest and most beautiful tournaments and he finds places for them, one more delightful than the other. Alois Nagler put the 15th Clare Benedict Team Tournament into scene in Brunnen on the Lake of Lucerne where one felt at ease even when faced with material loss or mate. In the venerable Grands-Hotel (which according to competent people had been erected shortly after Tell's shot) the only question requiring an answer was, whether to admire the breathtaking scenery or the audacious chess combinations. Master Unzicker thus commented: "Oh? How beautiful? That is really too beautiful for me!"

Quite breathtakingly we were also handled by the Dutch team and later on by the Spaniards. Both teams showed great skill and top form, whereas we — apart from invaluable Hecht with 4 of 5 — and the always reliable Unzicker (5 of 5) made a tired impression and displayed a guilty look after our long row of successes. It is not good manners to win over and over again, the others also play well, much better, said Kestler, than he thought they would. Donner sparkled with 4 of 5. Medina even got 5 of 5, the absolute Clare-Benedict-record. Also the three other Dutchmen, Zuidema, Kuijpers and Langeweg showed performances — to which that of Díez del Corral must be added — which remind us of our best times. I myself learned that nerve-racking private business and chess do not necessarily agree (1 of 3), Kestler and Gerusel with 50% just about held their place internationally.

The other countries followed with respectful distance. But it would be unjust not to deliver an encouraging praise. Austria's best are really strong and nearly beat the Spaniards devastatingly. England scored in noble restraint, and our dear hosts, who in 1958 had bravely won the event, tried to make our stay as pleasant as possible also during play.

The chess battles were thrilling, especially when we were washed to the front in the third round after having had a weak start, and found ourselves half a point ahead of the Netherlands and Spain. Our neighbours then played safe in scoring 7 of 8, to which we had no answer.

In 1967 we should arm ourselves to our teeth with Darga and Pfleger, to chase Cup and medals. Until then lets enjoy pre-enjoyment and lets say thank you to our friends in Switzerland for unforgettable days.

/ Lothar Schmid "Schach-Echo" /

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Holland were worthy winners of this year's Clare-Benedict International Team Tournament at Brunnen. A strong Spanish team, led by Pomar, were second. The Dutch team were an impressive four of fairly young yet experienced international player. Donner, of course, has been one of the strongest West European players for a number of years and at Brunnen he was at his best scoring 3½ of 5. Spain owed their success mainly to Díez del Corral who after losing an exciting game to Dückstein then made amends with four sparkling wins; and to Medina who was the outstanding player of the tournament registering five straight wins.

Despite the absence of Darga and Pfleger, the West German team were inevitably the pre-tournament favourites. After all they had won the event for the last four successive years, and, more impressive still, they were third behind the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia in the last Olympiad at Tel Aviv in 1964. But in the event they never recovered from a first round 1½—2½ defeat by Holland.

England's placing of fifth, ahead of only the host nation, was very disappointing. With Penrose and Kottnauer on the top two boards we should have been one of the leading teams but as things turned out we were always struggling near the bottom of the list.

/ Owen Hindle "British Chess Magazine" /

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Brunnen on the Lake of Lucerne, surrounded by snow-clad mountain peaks, was the picturesque venue of this year's Clare Benedict Tournament. Mr. Alois Nagler as always had looked well after the wellbeing of the participants, which permitted all to relish in the traditional family atmosphere of this tournament. Nevertheless, there were bitter and exciting chess battles, for whose smooth course Hansjörg Leuzinger was responsible. As the Federal Republic of Germany had to do without their experienced players Darga and Pfleger, there was no clear favourite.

Besides the Dutch team, also the Spaniards were given good chances for victory. As it turned out, Kestler and Gerusel were not sufficient replacements for Darga and Pfleger, and this permitted Holland to score a somewhat lucky victory. The moral winners were the Spanish team, which did not lose a match and only drew with Austria. The weak performance by Pomar on first board prevented complete success. The German team, coming third, Schmid proved to be out of form, Kestler and Gerusel obtaining medium results. Only Hecht showed an outstanding performance.

Austria followed in fourth place. Robatsch showed fine games on top board. Also with Dr. Dückstein (3 of 5) we can be content with. His liking for risky variations brought him an unnecessary loss. Struner was himself not satisfied with his result. Auer, scoring 1 of 3 had in both lost games won positions, but ruined everything in time-trouble. Holaszek scored 2 of 3. Captaincy was in the hands of President Cejka.

England slightly disappointed. Also of the Swiss team better results had been expected.

/ "Austrian Chess Review" /

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Superb Spring weather waited upon us in Brunnen, where the Clare Benedict Tournament was held this time. The Lake of Lucerne glistened in abundant sun galore and the ships ploughed silver furrows into the water.

Everywhere blossoming trees and summerly dressed people. Above all that, above this Spring world, the snow-clad mountain peaks towered. This was the picture when we arrived at the Grand-Hotel, where the tournament was to take place.

From the programme we saw that a strong contingent of players had assembled. Foremost Spain, but also Austria with Robatsch and Dückstein had to be reckoned with. The German team missed Darga and Pfleger, naturally a considerable handicap, but surely the reserves will also make their stand.

Before the last round we were one point ahead of Spain, but is the last round the Spaniards faced an easier task against Switzerland than we had against England, who had always been uncomfortable opponents to us. Zuidema held Kottnauer to a quick draw. On the other side Pomar and Kupper drew. Langeweg sacrificed a pawn for larger manoeuvrability and won with a beautiful king attack. Kuijpers first declined an offer for a draw by Hindle but then he slipped into a precarious position. At the end of normal play Holland had 1½ point and 2 adjourned games. Donner enjoying an excellent position, but Kuijpers not at all comfortable. Spain had ½ point and 3 adjournments. In the second session Spain quickly scored a 3—1 win against Switzerland, therefore Holland needed 2½ point to win. We scored 3 points, because Kuijpers saved his game to a draw, when Hindle missed the best continuation. The clock now reached 6 o'clock in the evening — at 9 in the morning play had started. After 8½ hours Penrose bent his head to Donner, who could finally force the win after subtle and precise play.

For the first time after eleven years Holland won the Cup again. At the Closing Supper Alois Nagler presented us with the Clare Benedict Cup and our players received a medal each.

Final remarks, superbly organized, an agreeable and competent tournament director, Hansjürg Leuzinger, a stately tournament hall, good playing material, exquisite accommodation in the hotel.

Langeweg started badly, but then he scored 3½ of 5, Kuijpers was not content with himself after his game with Medina, but with 3½ of 5 he should not complain. Zuidema was lucky against Walther, but luck is with the stronger, he remarked not without justification. 3½ of 5 he can claim. Donner was in splendid form (4 of 5). The spirit and the understanding in our team were excellent, each one contributed to that.

/ H. de Graaf "Schakend Nederland" /