I really enjoy this episode. I think the story, clues, and twists and turns of the plot are very interesting. I agree that the final clue is not as strong as some of the other clues in the episode, but I still like it. And I think there is enough evidence altogether.

I really like this episode, but that's normal for me cause I like chess.

7) The phone call about dog can have gone either way: it can have been a legit call, and it also can have been a plot to check his reaction, columbo would be capable of having that legit reaction and would also be capable of using such a trick.

8) Curious, exactly 80% of the episode, was really hoping dudek would survive, he was great; someone else mentioned no time to die and I have to say the prospects of living for the kidnapper don't seem very bright in that episode, so if that's the case, it should be an even later death.

9) Definitely possible that the autopsy would reveal clayton tampered with the medications.

One thing that's not been mentioned is: clayton must be the weakest chess world champion of all time! Falling for a fool's mate? Even leaving that aside, the way he plays isn't any better than mine as a 1,4-1,6k player, he just has crazy memory, but that won't help you with the mistakes he makes.

I find it unrealistic such a weak player became world champion, ofc dudek is way above (and he actually can compete with modern GMs), but there had to have been other players not as strong as dudek but that definitely wouldn't have been beaten by clayton.