Answer: mates

AnswerCrossword Clue
MATESWins at chess
MATESHubbies
MATESHusbands or wives
MATESWins, a la Karpov
MATESThey're well matched
MATESBlokes
MATESBeats Kasparov
MATESBritish buddies
MATESTraps the king
MATESShips' officers
MATESFriends in Melbourne
MATESChess defeats
MATESChess wins
MATESEnds a chess game
MATESShip's crew
MATESPals
MATESWhat some socks are missing
MATESChess match enders
MATESMarine officers.
MATESPetty officers.
matescompanion
MATESSome game enders
MATESHusbands and wives
MATESBetter halves
MATESThreatens Kasparov?
MATESBreeds
MATESPerth pals
MATESPub pals
MATESFinishes off, in chess
MATESSpouses
MATESHusband and wife
MATESChess endings
MATESA couple
MATESPartners
MATESCrew members
MATESShip buddies
MATESPaired socks
MATESGood buddies
MATESIdentical socks
MATESBuds