"Chess Page-A-Day Calendar for 2000" by Robert Byrne, 1999
Workman Publishing, $9.95

As many of our readers already know, over the years, we have had
more than just a passing interest in chess calendars. We published
the International Chess Calendar for twelve years, 1988-1999. The
1999 calendar was the last in the series.

During that time, several other chess calendars appeared. One
features modern, fantastical art with a chess theme; the
International Chess Calendar took a more cerebral approach, laying
out the dates of birth and death of chess figures. Then, two or three
years ago, one of the major publishers of wall and desk calendars,
Workman Publishing, added a chess calendar to its line. Under the
guidance of American grandmaster Robert Byrne, the Chess Page-
A-Day Calendar made its appearance.

As the name suggests, one page is devoted to each day of the year.
There is a position on each page that features a tactical theme with
White to move and win. A heading and brief comment gives a hint
of the solution which is found overleaf. Immediately below each
diagram is the reference to the game in which the particular
position arose.

The calendar measures about 4.25" by 5.25" (and is approximately
1.5", padded) and rests on a plastic base. Most people will probably
use the calendar on a desk, although the design of the base will
allow it to be hung on a wall. Five lines at the bottom of each page
allow for brief notes to be entered.

The daily positions are not that difficult to solve, falling for the
most part in the easy to middle difficulty range. The position
offered for May 15 is typical. (See Diagram)

White: Kf1, Qc2, Ra1, Rh1, Nf3, Be4, Bg5; pawns - a3, b2, e5, f2,
g2, h2
Black: Ke8, Qd7, Ra8, Rh8, Nb8, Nd5, Bc8, Bc3; pawns - a7, b5,
c4, f7, g6, h7

The heading reads "Skewer" followed by: "White wins a piece,
exploiting Black's uncastled King." Flipping the page gives the
solution: 1 Bxd5 and Black resigned as 1...Qxd5 allows 2 Rd1 Qe6
3 Rd8 mate.

The publisher has also come up with an interesting bonus: Each
calendar comes with its own particular code that allows you to
download an electronic, digital version of the calendar for use on
your computer. Unfortunately, the digital version was still
unavailable as of the time of the writing of this review. When we
inquired when it would be available, we were informed that the
Page-A-Day Chess calender was still in beta testing. The company
spokesman went on to point out that the electronic, digital version of the
calendar would be different than the printed desktop calendar, "more
fun, more complicated."

It seems to us that this handy little calendar is an ideal gift or
stocking-stuffer for almost anyone who enjoys chess, children or
adults. Inexpensive and interesting, it will keep you in touch with
the royal game from the beginning of January to the end of
December.