Daily puzzle
#36 · July 15, 2026
David Howell
The Hungarian-American grandmaster Pal Benko was born on this day in 1928. Most famous for the opening that bears his name, the Benko Gambit, he was a world-class player at his prime. Fun fact: Benko generously gave up his spot in the 1970 Interzonal tournament to Bobby Fischer, who went on to qualify for (and win!) the world championship. Can you navigate the tricky variation that allows White to win material in today's puzzle?
Played 1965, in US Open • Benko vs Byrne • San Juan