The Crossword Centre Clue-Writing Competition

CCCWC Christmas Special competition voters’ comments
 
Clue no. 33: Public take tips from chess wizard

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A clue to XMAS Stocking Filler (2 defs. + wordplay).
5 comments refer to this clue (from 4 competitors, 0 others)
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Here is the text

Comments on the clue
1.He's just managed to pull it off!
2.Another simple and excellent clue.
3.Original idea and well executed. I was dubious about HES, but it's in Chambers.
4.One of the best this month I think.
 
Comments on the competition
1.
Despite clear instructions, almost a third of the entries include a third definition instead of (or occasionally as well as) the wordplay that was requested. To give them any points would be unfair to the others. Many of the remainding clues are pretty feeble as well. Of the dozen or so reasonable contenders that remain, I prefer those that use no padding, or as little as possible. My top five are 10 32 37 33 and 42.

Incidentally, my apologies to the author of November's clue 39 – my comment completely missed the point.