10 Most Confusing Scenes In Doctor Who History

During the climax of The Curse of Fenric, Ace inadvertently reveals the solution to the Seventh Doctor's chess puzzle, which was designed to fox his ancient foe.

The correct solution is that "the black and white pawns don't fight each other – they join forces."

Now, you can look through chess message boards for hours and hours and not find a single explanation for how it's possible that a black pawn and a white pawn can work together. What is this, bloody wizard chess?

Famously, The Curse of Fenric had to be cut down for broadcast, with a feature-length edit being released years later, with 12 more minutes of material. But it still doesn't make this moment any less confusing.

The point being made by writer Ian Briggs is that Fenric's view of the universe is so binary that he can't foresee a solution where two opposing forces would work together for the greater good. But to be fair to Fenric, that solution will win you no favours at your local chess club.