I was very much hoping to review the eagerly awaited new book by Kasparov this week. Entitled My Great Predecessors and published by Everyman, it is the first of a three-part series in which Kasparov analyses the history and games of all 12 previous World Chess Champions. However, a last minute delay stopped me from getting my copy in time, throwing all plans for this column into confusion. Then I remembered receiving some PR blurb on a forthcoming exhibition match to be held on June 28 at 11am between two chess prodigies, Sergey Karjakin, the world's youngest GM at 13, and British star 12-year-old David Howell.

A prefect chance to kill two birds: please the PR chappies and fill my vacant column. Young Howell became an instant attraction when, at eight years of age, he became the youngest person in the world to beat a grandmaster in a serious game. Even more pleasing was that the grandmaster in question was Dr John Nunn, the cleverest fellow in the world and someone who beats me with monotonous regularity. The match is being held outdoors in the Edmond J Safra Courtyard of Somerset House in the Strand, London, and is the curtain raiser to the Somerset House Art of Chess exhibition.

Spectators are welcome and, after the exhibition game, both prodigies will give an open-air, simultaneous display to members of the public. Anyone in London that day must turn up to see these youngsters in action. One of the most astounding aspects of the game of chess is that the prodigies get younger and younger. I would argue that no other sport or intellectual pursuit could boast such young masters.

To see pre-adolescent boys (and sometimes girls) playing at the standard of the world's best almost defies belief. It is perhaps a good argument for promoting chess in schools because a child can become a skilled problem solver at a very early age. This will then give them confidence to approach other subjects. In the meantime, to give you an idea of what you could be up against, here are some of the kids' past glories.

Karjakin, S -- Shirov, A
Bali Rapidplay 2002

The obvious move but it still has to be carefully calculated since White's own rook is under attack.

Very mature stuff from the then 12 year old boy. Having all his pieces on good squares he takes time out to secure his king.

As the rook returns to b8 next move, this is probably the decisive mistake. Presumably Black should try and await events with Qc7-g7, which has the small trap 35 Rf3-a3 Qg7-e5.

There is no defence to mate.

1-0

Howell, D - Stativkin
World Under-16 Olympiad 2002

Black is temporarily a piece for two pawns up, but his pieces are playing no part in the game. Howell finds an elegant sacrifice to finish it off.

1-0

And finally, here is your chance to win a copy of Garry Kasparov's eagerly-awaited new book. Just write and tell me how, when a teenage prodigy himself, did Kasparov (White) force his opponent's quick resignation?

Kasparov, G -- West, G
Telechess Olympiad 1978

Send your answers to :

Kasparov Chess Quiz, Weekend, Daily Telegraph, Canada Square, London, E14 9DT to be received by June 5. The first three correct entries opened will receive a copy of the book.