E(MANUEL) LASKER, COMMON SENSE IN CHESS — Truth derives its strength not so much from itself as from the brilliant contrast it makes with what is only apparently true. This applies … to Chess, where … often … the profoundest moves do not much startle the imagination.
| A. | Strategic finale | ENDGAME |
| B. | Element in some batteries and medications | LITHIUM |
| C. | In the most dire case (2 wds.) | ATWORST |
| D. | Surprising term for an extravagant shopper | SPENDTHRIFT |
| E. | Role in a Medieval Times show | KNIGHT |
| F. | Body; being | ENTITY |
| G. | Kind of retirement account since 1998 | ROTH |
| H. | Protect a king; protected abode for kings | CASTLE |
| I. | Sect; limb | OFFSHOOT |
| J. | Paul ___, 19th-century prodigy whose career arc foreshadowed Bobby Fischer's | MORPHY |
| K. | Packed in a cedar chest, say | MOTHPROOF |
| L. | Eruptions | OUTBURSTS |
| M. | What follows the plighting of troths | NUPTIALS |
| N. | "The ___ Seal," 1957 film featuring a match played against Death | SEVENTH |
| O. | How skydivers fall | EARTHWARD |
| P. | At all, in old-timey lingo | NOHOW |
| Q. | Word after human or before fly | SACRIFICE |
| R. | Eco-friendly requests (hyph.) | EVITES |
| S. | Hyundai Ioniq or Dom Pérignon, e.g. | IMPORT |
| T. | Third option, sometimes | NEITHER |
| U. | Magnus ___, five-time World Chess Champion | CARLSEN |
| V. | Composer whose interest in astrology inspired his most famous work | HOLST |
| W. | Knocks out; rules out; wipes out | ELIMINATES |
| X. | Leaps from a speeding train, e.g. | STUNTS |
| Y. | No-win situation | STALEMATE |