Plane of the Week and Weekly Newsletter 9/9/2025
PLANES & CHESS WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
9/9/2025
World War II’s End
(This story was intended to be published last week, Sept. 2nd)
Today marks 80 years and one week to the day of World War II’s official end. On September 2nd, 1945, the Empire of Japan officially surrendered to the United States aboard the battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, Japan, putting an end to humanity’s bloodiest conflict. On that day, following one month after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Japanese entourage stepped aboard the deck of the USS Missouri and were greeted by the ship’s tallest sailors (the captain ordered that the tallest sailors on the ship be the ones who welcomed the Japanese aboard, so as to intimidate them). They were then greeted by the sight of over 2,500 white-clad sailors of the Missouri’s crew and representatives from every major allied nation. U.S. general Douglas MacArthur represented the United Nations, while U.S. Admiral Chester Nimitz represented the United States. It was a quick signing, lasting only 23 minutes. Following this, seemingly cued by the delegation’s departure, the defeated Japanese were met by the sight of as many as 900 planes of the air forces that destroyed them flying over in a deafening roar. It was a spectacular end to the bloodiest conflict in history. On this day, let us take a moment to remember the sacrifices of all the brave troops who participated in the fight for freedom.
Plane of the Week: The B-29 Superfortress
The B-29 Superfortress was an iconic World War II bomber aircraft that was crucial to the allied cause in the war. Flying through heavy flak to unload its thousand-pound explosive payload, the B-29 was influential to the Allies’ victory. I chose the B-29 as the Plane of the Week because, exactly one week ago, was the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. And yes- I know I forgot to mention it in the last Newsletter edition. The B-29 was the very plane that won the war, dropping two atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Though they killed, they saved the countless lives that would have been lost if the US had had to invade Japan itself.
Gambit of the Week: The Budapest Gambit
The Budapest Gambit is an incredible and deadly response to the Queen's Gambit. It's essentially Black's version of the ICBM Gambit. It is initiated by e5, sacrificing the pawn. If White captures, there's knight g4. Following Nf3, there's d6, offering a pawn trade. After captures, recapture with the bishop. Now, your knight on g4 is making White nervous. So they play the seemingly natural move, h3. However, by now it's too late. You play Nxf2, sacrificing the knight! But a mere one sacrifice is not enough. Now you play BISHOP G3, sacrificing another piece! After White captures, you can now capture their queen with yours. Now, if White didn't capture on e5, you would play Bc5. At this rate, they can't resist the pin on g5. But you don't care. You sacrifice the queen! After captures, Bxf2# is a checkmate.
News
FIDE Grand Swiss 2025: The FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 tournament has begun with plenty of action. After missing a win, World Champion GM Gukesh Dommaraju reached a draw against 14-year old Turkish chess player Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus. Meanwhile, GM Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa defeated legend Boris Gelfand in the third round of the competition.
Weekly Chess Riddle
I can't see him, but I block the king's way.
I am a knight's move, on a fateful day.
The king is in check, but he cannot run,
Irony, for those meant to protect allow him to be overrun.
What am I?
Hint: The answer is not just a checkmate.
Trophies will be awarded to the first correct answer. The answer and explanation will be in the next edition.
Previous Riddle Answer:
The answer was a windmill. A windmill is a special tactical sequence that can be carried out by a bishop and a queen or a rook (see here for the full definition), and is devastating to the opponent.
Club Happenings
New Members: Planes & Chess has grown by 7 members, marking the biggest one-week member increase in club history! Welcome to members @SumikkoRay, @s115851, @lucasli17, @lawrenceli14, @F-22AirForce, @CheckerTails31, and @kyivpilotvlad!
Feedback Center Opens: Planes & Chess now has a forum thread where you can place your feedback/suggestions/questions regarding the club. All members who post feedback will get 3 trophies for their time.
Advertising Campaign: Planes & Chess will be holding another advertising campaign to get more members. We are open to creative suggestions for advertising. Also, please invite your friends.
Dogfight Chess: Please join the latest Planes & Chess Dogfight Chess Tournament!
Vote Chess: We are playing in numerous vote chess matches against KLM Airlines, ISM Chess Crew, Baseball Chess Crew, and others. Good luck and play well!
Member Activity
New members @CheckerTails31 and @Lawrenceli were tied for the most active member this week! Great job!
To compete to be listed, post in the forums, chat, answer the riddle, and partake in other club-related activities.
Editor’s Note
Hello and welcome to the eighth edition of the Planes & Chess Weekly Newsletter! In the past week, Planes & Chess has gained more members than in any other! I would like to extend a welcome to our 7 newest members! Please invite your friends as well! Another thing I forgot to mention in the last newsletter: September 2nd, 2025 marked 80 years to the day of the end of World War II. Let’s take a moment to remember the sacrifices of the men and women who fought for our freedom.
Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed this edition. All suggestions for Plane of the Week and other Newsletter suggestions can be placed in the Suggestions Center forum. Have a great day!
