Bob and Carol were playing a game at their chess club’s new venue when Ted and Alice arrived.

They saw this position on the board.

“You seem to be missing a few pieces”, observed Ted. “Did we leave them back at the Adelaide when we moved to the Bowls Club?”.

“Maybe they’re practising their queenless middlegames in case they’re paired against Peter Lalic next time we play Kingston”, suggested Alice. “I presume it’s White to move here.”

“That’s right”, replied Bob. “I’m just about to play my 7th move. But the bar’s just opened. Can I get you both a drink?”

“While he’s gone”, said Carol, “can you work out how we reached this position playing six moves each?”

Well, can you help Ted and Alice work it out? If not, or even if you can, I’ll post the solution on Friday.