“This is the final chess column to run in The New York Times” – Statement carried in the NYT on October 11, 2014 at the conclusion of an article by chess columnist, Dylan Loeb McClain.
When it was published, that terse statement came as a surprise to the chess world, especially for those aficionados who had grown accustomed to seeing the column as a weekend staple. The announcement by the Times elicited a number of comments; some enthusiasts naturally argued for the column’s continuation , while others demonstrated a quiet indifference.
Among the numerous reactions was a thoughtful article in Slate Magazine by Matt Gaffney, who wrote: