THE PROBLEMIST

SUPPLEMENT
ISSUE 116 JANUARY 2012 EDITOR: Geoff Foster 20 Allchin Circuit, Kambah ACT 2902, Australia (prob.supp@gmail.com) ORIGINALS EDITOR: John Rice 9 Manor Crescent, Surbiton KT5 8LG (jmr.64@tiscali.co.uk) Send solutions and comments to C.J.Morse 102A Drayton Gardens, London SW10 9RJ (or by email to the Editor) All originals printed in the Supplement take part in the normal Problemist tourneys, so that publication here is equivalent to publication in the main magazine. CONTENTS British Helpmate Composers: Three Directmate Specialists, by Chris Feather . Original problems PS2537-48 . . Solutions to July originals . . Miniatures solving contest, July 2011: solutions Variations on a Theme of Yuri Sushkov, by David Shire . . . P is for Promotion, by David Shire . Fairy solutions (July) . . . Fairy originals PS2549-54F . . . . . . . . . . 181 182 184 185 188 189 191 192

BRITISH HELPMATE COMPOSERS, by Chris Feather III: Three directmate specialists

The three first-rate composers featured this time all contributed prominently to the famous 1966 book The Two-move Chess Problem: Tradition and Development, which recorded a remarkable period in British directmate composition. Their helpmates are not numerous but they deserve attention, not least because they tend to be overshadowed by their composers other achievements. John Driver (1928-1980) lived all his life in Northamptonshire, where I got to know him in the 1970s. He was a semi-invalid for more than 30 years but was able to make short outings, for example to visit us in Stamford; he also very much enjoyed the day trips put on by a local coach firm. His creative talent was expressed not only in chess composition but also in painting. In addition to the orthodox mate in two he made many fine unorthodox problems; indeed he invented the edgehog, a fairy piece which deserves to be used more often. John enjoyed solving helpmates and faithfully supported the Problemist column, finally taking over as its editor, sadly for only three years at the end of the 1970s. Like Bill Trumpers, most of Johns own helpmates (there are about 50 of them) have dated rather badly. His earliest come from the beginning of the 1960s; there are quite a few single-liners among them. He became very interested in cyclic play in helpmates and gave a BCPS lecture on it in 1968, having made some pioneering examples of what was still quite a new idea at that time. Unfortunately the development of technique has since made these works unsatisfactory in their directmate-like use of white material, so I am not quoting any here. However A John Driver John was quick to learn and the development of the Problemist column under Problem Observer 1976 Trumper provided him with good models. One of his most interesting helpmates is A, which shows doubly anticipatory interferences, never an easy theme. Black wdwdwdwd must start by closing a potentially damaging line before his own king and the dwdwdwdw white mating piece open it. The reader will note some unevennesses in the way in w0wIN)wd which the idea is made to work, using varied tactics to force the move order, and dwdwdw)w incorporating a pin mate in one part only. Those features would be seen as defects by the exact correspondence school of helpmate composition. However I think pdwdkdB1 that John enjoyed mixed tactics for their own sake, provided that the main theme dwdnhRdw is crystal clear, as it is here. Quoted at the end of this article for solving is another wdw4pdw4 helpmate in two with similar qualities (defects if you like), composed jointly with dwdwdwdb our next subject. H#2 (b) Kd6>a3 (continued on page 190)

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ORIGINAL PROBLEMS PS2537-48

Only one home-grown item this month, from a composer who enjoys searching for novelty in well-known themes. Has Michael found something new in PS2538? Some good try-play in PS2539 may keep you guessing for a while. The two parts of PS2541 offer rather different play. Among the helpmates the emphasis is on attractiveness rather than difficulty. Solvers will readily appreciate why PS2547 and PS2548 have been published together. One suspects that each of these problems can be improved: who would like to have a go? Enjoy your solving and the reconstruction too, if you have any good ideas! JMR DEFINITIONS White plays up the board in all positions. In Directmates (those problems with a #n notation below the diagram, where the n denotes the number of moves) White plays first (the key) and forces mate at latest on his nth move, whatever Black plays. Set Play is what would happen if Black were to play first in the diagram position. For instance, in a #2 there is often set play where black moves are followed by white mates and this can form part of the theme of a problem. Tries are white moves that would solve but for a single black refutation. The black defences and white mates following tries can form part of the theme of a problem. In Helpmates (those problems with a H#n notation below the diagram, where the n denotes the number of moves) Black plays first and co-operates with White to enable White to mate Black on Whites nth move. These have a single solution unless otherwise indicated below the diagram. Sometimes, the number of moves asked for in helpmates includes a half-move, such as H#2. In these helpmates the normal sequence of moves is preceded by a white move. So H#2 indicates the following sequence: 1...W 2.B W 3.B W#. An asterisk following the stipulation indicates the presence of set play, so H#2* means 1W 2.B W# plus 1.B W 2.B W#. Twins, indicated by a notation such as (b) wPe2>d3 under the diagram, are problems with more than one position for solving. Unless otherwise stated, each twin position is formed from the diagram position. Duplex problems are those where White fulfils the stipulation and then Black does. So a H#2 duplex has two solutions, the first as in a normal helpmate and the second with White playing first and being mated by Black.

All the originals published in every issue of the Supplement are computer-tested. If the computer has been unable to verify soundness, the symbol C? is shown. Otherwise solvers can assume that soundness has been confirmed. Send solutions and comments to C.J.Morse (address on front page) by 1st June 2012. Solutions and comments may also be sent by email to the Editor.

PS2537 Rainer Paslack (Germany)

PS2538 Michael Lipton

PS2539 K.Seetharaman (India)

wdBdwdwd gw!w0wdw wdp)Ndwd $whriw)w wdwdwdPd dwdw)Kdw wdw)wdwd dwdwdwdw

#2

wdwdQ$wd dKdRdqdw wdwdwgwd dwdwdkdB w)wdp)wd dwdw)wdw wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw

#2

wdwdwdwd dwdpdwdw wdw0wdw0 dpdwiP0N wGpdwdP) dwIpdwdw wdwdw)wd dBdwdwdQ

#2

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183

PS2540 Petrain Petrainovi (Serbia)

PS2541 Leonid Makaronez (Israel)

PS2542 Petros Lambrinakos (Greece)

wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw wdwdpdwd dQ0wGwdw wdwdkdwd dwdNdwdw wdwdw)wd dwdKdwdN

#3

wdwdwdwd dwdwGpdw wdwdwdwd dwdw0wdw wdwdwiPd dwdwdwdw wdKdwdQd dwdwdwdw

#4 (b) Pe5>h4

wdwdwdwd dwdpdwdw wdw0wdwd dwdwiNGw wdwHwdwd dwdwdPdw Kdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw

#5

PS2543 Slobodan aleti (Serbia)

PS2544 Menachem Witztum (Israel)

PS2545 Andy Kalotay (USA)

rdwdkdw4 0wdndwdp Kdwdwdwd dwdBdwdw wdwdw1wd dwdwdwdw wdRdwdwd dwdwdwGw

H#2 2 solutions

wdw4wdwd dbIwdw$w wdwdw0wd dwdwHRdw wGwdw1P0 dwdPdwdp wdw)wipd dwdrdwdw

H#2 2 solutions

wdRdwdwd dw0wdwdw wdwdwdwd dwdRdwdw pgwdndwd dwdwdwdw wdkdwdwd dwGwhKdw

H#2 (b) d5=wB

PS2546 Roland Lecomte & Jean Morice (France)

PS2547 Jos C.Vinagre (Portugal)

PS2548 S.K.Balasubramanyam (India)

wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw Kdwdwdwd dwdwdwdk wdw)wdwd dwdNdP4w wdwdNgpd dwdwdbdw

H#3 2 solutions

wdqdwdwd dwgwdwdw wdbdwdwd dw4wdwdw wdwdkdwd dwdw0wdw wdPdwdwd Iwdwdwdw

H#5

wdwdwgwd dwdwdqdw wdwdw4wd dwdwdndw wdwdw4wd dwIwdpdw w0wdw)wd iwdwdwdw

H#6

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PS2459

THE PROBLEMIST SUPPLEMENT

JANUARY 2012

wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw wHwdndwd dwdwdwdw wGNipdwd dwdw0rdw wIBdwdQd dwdwdwdw

#2
PS2460

SOLUTIONS (July)
PS2459 (Lyons) 1.Qe2? (>2.Qd1) Sf4! 1.Qg1? (>2.Qd1) Rf2! 1.Qh1? (>2.Qd1) 1Rf2, Rf1 2.Qxe4; 1e2! 1.Qg4! (>2.Qxe4) 1Rf4 2.Qd1; 1Sf4 2.Qg7; 1Sg5 2.Qd7; 1Sc5 2.Bc3. Interesting tries to threaten 2.Qd1. The most important of these tries is 1.Qh1?, since this gives a pseudo le Grand relationship with the key phase. A first contribution of considerable promise! (D.J.Shire). A fine problem (B.Conway). The pseudo le Grand theme (1.Try? (>2.A) 1x 2.B; 1.Key! (>2.B) 1y 2.A) differs from the le Grand theme in that the thematic defence is not the same in each phase (MMcD). PS2460 (Lewis, after Heathcote) 1.Qg3? (>2.Bg6) 1Rg5 2.Qh3; 1Kh6 2.Qg6; 1Bxh8! 1.f8Q? (>2.Q8f7,h6) 1Rc6 2.Q8f5; 1Rg5! 1.f8S! (>2.Bg6) 1Re5+ 2.Be4; 1c3+ 2.Bd3; 1Rb2+ 2.Bc2. A neat cross-checker with an underpromotion key (J.Gill). Checks by Black interfere with the B at a1 (C.C.Frankiss). A delight to solve! (BC). The best setting of Heathcotes original to date with promotion try and key validating the set checks. Is there a version to be discovered with an acceptable and genuinely thematic key? (DJS). The original setting was G.Heathcote, 1 Pr Revue dEchecs 1904 b4b2/3r4/3pr3/8/1K5S/ 2PR4/Q3p3/5kBR #2 1.Qa6. PS2461 (McDowell, after Chepizhny) 1.Qd2? (>2.Qd5) 1Kg5 2.Ke4; 1Ke6 2.Qd7; 1c6! 1.Qe2! (>2.Qg4) 1Kg5 2.Qh5; 1Ke6 2.Kf4. The Q ambushes itself behind the K and orchestrates two good changes following the flights (DJS). The idea (inspired by the Myllyniemi zeroposition in my January 2011 Browsing article) was to show two sets of three precisely matching variations. Viktor Chepizhnys miniature (Sp.Pr. Shakhmaty v SSSR 1991 4R3/8/ 4Sp2/4k3/8/3K1B2/8/3Q4 #2 1.Ba8? (-) 1Kf5 2.Qh5; 1Kd6 2.Ke4; 1f5!; 1.Qc2? (>2.Qc5) 1Kf5 2.Kd4; 1Kd6 2.Qc7; 1f5!; 1.Qa4! (>2.Qf4) 1Kf5 2.Qe4; 1Kd6, f5 2.Qd4) shows a 3x2 Zagoruiko, but both threats are unrealised, and 1.Bb7? has the same effect as 1.Ba8? (MMcD). PS2462 (Guida) 1.Sc~? (>2.Qxc5/Rc4/Rd3) Sxe4! 1.Sxe3? (>2.Qxc5/Rd3) 1Sxe4 2.Se6; 1Sxf3! 1.Sxe5! (>2.Qxc5) 1Sxf3 2.Rc4; 1Sxe4 2.Rd3; 1Se6+ 2.Sxe6; 1Kxe5 2.Qf6. Good threat reduction with a beautifully economical separation of 2.Rc4/2.Rd3 in the actual play. Initially I missed the try play, as wRh5 totally telegraphs the key (DJS). The sacrificial key yields four pleasing mates (JG). Nice PS2463 mates after captures by bSg5 (CCF). There must be wdwIwdwd a reason for the wR on h5 (M.Merkert).

wdwdwdw$ dwdwdPdB wdwdwdwd db4wdwdk w4pdw!wd dwdwdwdw wdwdKdwd gwdwdwdw

#2
PS2461

wdwdwdwd dw0wdpdw wdwdwHw$ dwdwdkdw wdNdwdwd dwdwIw0w Qdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw

#2
PS2462

wdwdwHwd dwdwdnIw w!wdwdpd dw4w0whR bdNiBdwd dw$w0Pdw w)wdwdwd dwdwdwdw

#2
PS2464

dwdwdwdw wdNdpdwd dwdkHPdw wdpdw0w) dwdwdwdw wdwdwdwd dQdwdwdw

#3
PS2465

PS2463 (Lambrinakos) 1.Qf1 (>2.Qxc4+ Kd6 3.Qd4/Sf7) 1Ke4 2.Ke7 Kxf5 3.Qb1; 2Kd5 3.Qxc4; 2Ke3 3.Qe1; 2exf5 3.Qf3; 2f3 3.Qxf3; 2c3 3.Qd3; 1Kc5 2.Kc7 ~ 3.Qxc4. The waiting 2.Ke7 is the Petros trademark with quite unexpected and extensive play (DJS). I solved this by looking for a variation where the hP is needed (MM). PS2464 (Piet) 1.e6 Sf7 2.Rg5 Sh6; 1.Rgg4 Se6 2.Bg5 Sg7. The wS does the multi-tasking efficiently (JG). A Grimshaw shut-off in each line (CCF). Neat Grimshaw play. I think I would have chosen twin form to avoid any redundancy 7K/5p2/2S2kS1/5br1/24/4r3 (b) c6 > d4 (DJS). PS2465 (Vinagre) 1.Qg1 Rc2 2.d2 Qe2; 1.Sd5+ Qxd4+ 2.Kxd4 Re4; 1.e5 Re4 2.Kd5 Rxd4; 1.Kb5 Re5 2.Be3 Qb4. Attractive pin-mates though at the cost of much spare material (JG). The white Q and R get through a lot of work but I am not sure what the theme may be (DJS).

wdwdwdwd dwdw0wdK wdwdw0wd dwdwdkHw wdwdrdwd dwdwdw4w wdwgwdwG dwdwdwdw

H#2 2 solutions

wdwdwdwd dwhpdwdw pdwdpdwd dw0wdwdw wdkgwdQd )whpdwdw wIwdR0wd dwdwdqdB

H#2 4 solutions

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PS2466 PS2467

185

PS2466 (Simadhinata) 1.Ke5 Bd3 2.Rd5 Sc4; 1.Ke6 Sf5 2.Rd5 Bc8. The bK moves along the pin lines, allowing one of the Rs to move (CCF). Nicely varied reciprocation (JG). Very fine analogy (R.Lazowski). The matching strategy is put together most efficiently with a nice role swap between wBa6 and wSe3. I am fearful of anticipation(DJS). PS2467 (Jones) 1.Sb3 dxe4 2.Kd3 Rxc4 3.Kxc4 Ba6; 1.Ke3 dxc4 2.Rcd3 Bxe4 3.Kxe4 Re7. Nice correspondence (MM). More solver friendly than the average Jones (JG). Chris is no longer holding me up for so long! All the familiar elements are here, woven together with customary skill (DJS). Zilahi captures with matched play in this composers style (CCF). PS2468 (Milewski) (a) 1.Rg2 Kxf3 2.Rh2+ Kf4 3.Bd5 cxd5; (b) 1.Bg2 Kxg3 2.Bh1+ Kf4 3.Qg5+ hxg5. Switchbacks by both sides to allow the opening of lines (CCF). The SE cluster is a clear clue but a lot goes on in this problem. A good example of how solving can be straightforward but satisfying (DJS). Simple but effective (JG).

wdwdwdwd dwdwdpdw B$w4wiwd dwdwdwdp wdw4wdwd dwdwHwIw wGwdwdwd dwdwdwdw

H#2 2 solutions
PS2468

wdwdwdwd dB$wdwdw wdw0wdwd dwdwdwdn w)p4pdKd )w4Pdwdw wdwhkdwd dwdwdwdw

H#3 2 solutions
PS2469

wdwdwdwd dw0Rdwdw wdPdk0wd dwdwdwdP wdPdwIw) dwdpdp0p wdw)w0w4 dwdwgr1b

H#3 (b) bKe6<>bPf6

wdbdwdw1 dwdn0pdw wdwdwdwd dwdrdw0w wdwdwdKd dwhriwdB wdwdwdwd dwdwgwdw

H#4 (b) h3=wS
PS2470

PS2469 (Ramaswamy) (a) 1.Qd4+ Kh5 2.e5 Be6 3.Ke4 Kg4 4.Re3 Bf5; (b) 1.f5+ Kxg5 2.Kd4 Kf4 3.Ba6 Sg5 4.Bc4 Se6. Not easily fathomed. Satisfying to solve (JG). I much appreciated the role of the bBc8, selfblocking in (b) and determining an avoidance of 2Bxd7 in (a) (DJS). Nice twinning (CCF). PS2470 (Kupper) 1.Kg2 Ke1 2.Kh3 Kf2 3.Kh4 Kf3 4.Kg5 Ke4 5.Kf6 Kd5 6.Ke7 Kc5 7.d5 Kxb4 8.Kd6 Ka3 9.Kc5 b4+ 10.Kc4 b3. An efficient marshalling of the Ks with a timely d7-d5 (DJS). Remarkable that the play is exact (CCF). Commentating on PS2416 David Shire opened up an interesting debate. For my own part I find these long forced one-liners quite fascinating, though quite different from the complex intricacies of modern 2-movers. Perhaps different parts of the brain are involved. But I doubt David would deny the intellectual/ aesthetic pleasure in uncovering the secret of this particular 10-mover (JG). Comments edited by Michael McDowell.

wdwdwdwd dwdpdwdw wdwdwdwd dpdwdwdw w0w0wdwd dPdpdwdw w)w)wdwd dwdKdkdw

H#10
PS2477

MINIATURES SOLVING CONTEST, JULY 2011:

Solutions
PS2477 (Lincoln) 1.Qb4? (>2.Qe7) Rh7! 1.Qb2? (>2.Qxh8) 0-0/Rf8 2.Qg7/Qe5; 1R~! 1.Qb3! (>2.Qf7) Rf8/Rh7/Bd5 2.Qe6/Qg8/Qb8. Good that 1.Qb3! succeeds in preference to the stronger-looking 1.Qb4? (PB). PS2478 (Morse) By my reckoning every move of PS2478 every piece is a key (BC) unless there is some wdwiwdwd trick that I havent spotted (CF). I started counting dwdPdwIw and counting some more. Finally I realised! (SP). So its 64 keys altogether, with no trick (JMR). wdw$wdwd Possibly a record in miniature (Composer). dwdQdwdw Imaginative task very well achieved (PB). w$wdwdwd PS2479 (Howard) 1.Kd8 (-) Kf3 2.Be5 d4 3.Qg3; 1Kf5 2.Qg3 Ke6 3.Qg6. Key-move difficult (BC). Key-move only has use after 1Kf5 (CF). A very nice problem (RC). Took me a while to see it (SP).

wdwdkdw4 dbIRdwdw wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw wdwdpdwd dwdwdwdw wdwdwdwd dQdwdwdw

#2
PS2479

dwdwGwdw wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw

#2 How many keys?

wdKdwdwd dwdwdwdw wdwdwdwd dwdpdwdw wdwGwiwd dwHwdwdw wdwdwdwd dwdwdw!w

#3

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PS2480 PS2481

THE PROBLEMIST SUPPLEMENT

JANUARY 2012

wdwdwdwd dwdPdwdw wdBdkGKd dwdwdwdw wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw

#4
PS2482

wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw wdwdwdwd dwdwdw!w wdwdkdwd dwdpGwdw wdwIwdwd dwdwdwdw

#4 (b) rotate 90 clockwise
PS2483

PS2480 (Fenton) 1.Be5 (>2.d8Q) Ke7 2.Bc7 Ke6 3.d8R ~ 4.Re8. The composer has set a trap: 3.d8Q? is stalemate. I have only attempted a few problems, but this I enjoyed most (BC). Good key: not obvious the bK can be caught after 1Kxe5 (PB). PS2481 (Makaronez) (a) 1.Bf2 Kf3 2.Qh4 Kg2 3.Qg3+; (b) 1.Ka5 Kc3 2.Ka4 Kd4 3.Ka3. Mate by suffocation. Neat white play in (b) (CF, sim.PB). Solution to (b) is very difficult (RC). PS2482 (Grinchenko) 1.Kxh4 Bd1 2.Bh3 Bf6; 1.Kxh5 Sf3 2.Bg4 Bg6. Enjoyable for solving (RC). I had a hunch the Ss could be sacrificed one at a time and still have enough strength left for a mating net. This puzzle presents a valuable solving experience (SP). Surprise captures of wSs (CF). PS2483 (Carf) 1.Bf5 Se6 2.Ke4 Qe2; 1.Bd7 Se8 2.Ke6 Qf6; 1.Rd7 Sa6 2.Kd6 Qc5. Selfblocks by bR and bB; a nice composition (RC). Variety of mating patterns (PB). The first two solutions came fairly quickly, but for the third I was stumped, until I thought about symmetries I love the sparseness here a beauty (SP). PS2484 (Bantush) 1.Kd5 Kf5 2.c6 Be5 3.Rc5 Se3; 1.Rd3 Se3 2.Kd4 Kf4 3.c5 Be5. Ideal mates (AN). All units move a perfectly crafted endeavour (SP). PS2485 (Prcic) 1Rxa2 2.Kb5 Rb2 3.Ka4 Rb1 4.Ka3 Ra1; 1c3 2.Kb5 Kd2 3.Ka4 Kc2 4.Qb5 Rxa2. Chameleon echo (AN). Chameleon mates with nice rundlauf in the first line (CF). SP found a H#3 and then realised that triangulation would add the extra half-move. His comment continued: Then I looked some more and found another H#3 wow! Greater puzzle than I thought before. Pleasing echoed mates and very nice minimal rundlauf (PB). PS2486 (Diaz) (a) 1.Bd4 Kd6 2.Bg1 Ke5 3.Rh1 Kf4 4.Kh2 Kxg4; (b) 1.Be5+ Kd7 2.Bg3 Ke7 3.Kh4 Kf6 4.Rh3 Kg6. Chameleon mates but rather obvious play (CF). Echoed mates and matching play (PB). PS2487 (Sobrecases) 1.Qc5 Rh1 2.Kc1 Ke2+ 3.Qg1 Kd3 4.Kd1 Rxg1; 1.Kc2+ Ke2 2.Kb1 Kd3 3.Qf1+ Kc3 4.Kc1 Rxf1. Difficult to find the first move 1.Qc5 (RC). A beauty. I found the 1.Kc2+ solution through symmetry; it had to start something like this to give the wK some breathing room (SP). Very nice play, particularly by bK (CF). Surprising and matching active sacrifices of bQ (PB). PS2488 (Solja) 1.Qc1+ Kg2 2.Bf4 Sb4 3.Bd2 Sc6 4.Kd3 Kf3 5.Qc2 Se5. I like the way the bB chases the bQ. The S has to be pulled out of the corner with haste rewarding (SP). PS2489 (Carf) 1.Bd6 Kd2 2.Qd5+ Ke3 3.Kf5 Sb3 4.Ke5 Sc5 5.Bf5 Sd7. Straightforward selfblocking problem (CF).

wdwdwdwd dwdbdKGw wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdN wdwdwdkH dwdwdwdw wdBdwdwd dwdwdwdw

H#2 2 solutions
PS2484

wdwdwdwd dwHwdwdw wdwdbdwd dwdriwdw wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw wdwdw!wd dwdwdwdK

H#2 3 solutions
PS2485

wGwdwdwd dw0wdwdw wdwdwdwd dwdwiwdw wdwdwdKd dw4wdwdw wdNdwdwd dwdwdwdw

H#3 2 solutions
PS2486

wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw wdkdwdwd dwdwdwdw w1wdwdwd dwdwdwdw pdPdpdwd $wIwdwdw

H#3 2 solutions
PS2487

wGwdwdwd dwIwdwgw wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw wdwdwdpd dwdwdwdk wdwdwdp4 dwdwdwdw

H#4 (b) Bb8>d8
PS2488

wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw wdwdwdwd dwdwdw0w wdwdwdPd dw1kdK$w

H#4 2 solutions
PS2489

wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw wdw0k1wd dw0wdwdw Ndwdwdwg dwdwdwdK

H#5

wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw wdwdpdwd dwdwdwdw wgwdwdkd dqdwdwdb wdwdwdwd HwIwdwdw

H#5

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187

PS2490 (Mintz) 1.e1Q f4 2.Qe8 f5 3.Qg6+ fxg6 4.a1Q g7 5.Qe5 g8Q 6.Qb5 Qa2. Enjoyable problem to find the first 3 moves of Black (RC). A puzzlers delight: lots of misdirection. I learned plenty about the physics of the chessboard from this one (SP). 3 promotions to Q in a miniature setting; fine composition (CF). Good problem with excelsior and phoenix. Nice that the black sacrifice facilitating promotion takes place on the remote g-file (PB). Excelsior: a pawn moves from its initial square to the promotion square; phoenix: a captured unit is replaced by means of promotion (JMR). PS2491F (Rice) 1.Qf7 (-) BPg6/BPf5/BPg4/Kg4/Kh6 2.Qf4/Qg7/Rh5/Qxh5/Rxh5. Neat waiter with good play (CF). 5 mates economically shown (PB). Entertaining. Fairy chess sure is a different world, like an alternate universe or something, pushing your PS2490 PS2491F imagination. This puzzle is a lovely thing it has purity of thought, an elemental simplicity, and hence wdwdwdwd wdwdwdwd a captivating quality (SP). Thanks for this comment dwdwdwdp dwdwdwdw but Im not sure this simple problem deserves it! wdwdQdwd wdwdw0wd (JMR). PS2492F (Sobrecases) Set 1Ke5 2.Qh5+ Kf4. 1.Kf5 Qd5 2.Qg5 Ke6; 1.Kf4 Qd4+ 2.Qg4 Ke5. Ideal mates, chameleon echo (AN). Isardam play is always rather tricky (CF). PS2493F (Tritten) 1.Bh7 Bf6+ 2.Kxf6-h8 Sf7; 1.Kg6 Sf7 2.Kxf7-d8 Bf6. Nice point in solution with 2Kxf7-d8 that 3.Kxd7? would mean the only make was back to d8 (PB). Reciprocation of white moves is an attractive feature (JMR). PS2494F (Tar) 1.Rb3 Bxd3[Pd7] 2.d5 Se3 3.d4 Sd1; 1.Rb2 Sg3 2.dxc2[Bf1] Bc4 3.Qd4 Se4. Clever Circe mates with the bQ unable to capture the wS in both lines (CF). Very clever problem (PB, who makes the same point about the illegal captures). PS2495F (Feather) (a) 1.Be5 Ef3 2.Bf4 Rd3 3.e5 Bf5; (b) 1.f3 Ee1 2.Bd3 Be3+ 3.Ke4 Re5. Most ingenious (CF). CJF always produces problems of very high quality (PB). Nobody remarked on Tar and Feather side by side! (JMR). PS2496F (Ibran) 1.Kf6 Kxc7[Bf8] 2.Kxf7[Bf1] Be2 3.dxe2[Bf1] Bxe2[Pe7] 4.Ke8 Bh5. Good use of the Circe condition, particularly black capture on e2 to get bP on right file (CF). Surprising tempo loss by bK and even more surprising play by wB. Remarkable problem (PB). PS2497F (Dietrich) (a) 1.Sc3 Gb1 2.Sd5 Gb3 3.Ga2 Ge6 4.Sb6 Ga6+ 5.Sa4 Ga3; (b) 1.Bb3 Kd2 2.Ga2 Kc1 3.Bd5 Ge4 4.Bb7 Ga8+ 5.Sa4 Ga3. As expected, Black guides wG onto a-file; well done, though (CF). I would have preferred to omit (b), as there are two repeated PS2496F black moves and the strategy seems too wdwdwdwd similar to (a) (PB). dKgwiBdw PS2498F (Rallo) (a) 1.Kd3 Gf1 2.Gc2+ Gb2 3.Ke2 Gh3 4.Gf2 Kh1 5.Kf1 Gg2; (b) 1.Ge5 Gf4+ 2.Kg5 Kh2 3.Gg4 Gh4 4.Gh5 Ge1 5.Kh4 Gg3.

dwdwdwdw k0wdwdwd dwdwdwdw pdwdp)Kd dwdwdwdw

dwdwdwip wdwdwdwd dwdwIwdR wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw

H#6
PS2492F

#2 Berolina pawns
PS2493F

wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw wdwIwdqd dwdwdwdw wdwdwdkd dwdwdwdw wdwdwdwd dwdQdwdw

H#2* 2 solutions Isardam
PS2494F

wdwHwIwG dw0Pdwdw wdwdwdwd dwdwdbiw wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw

H#2 2 solutions Take&Make
PS2495F

wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw wdwdwdwd Iwdwdwdw wdwdwdwd dwipdwdw wdB1wdwd drdwdNdw

H#3 2 solutions Circe
PS2497F

wdB$Kdwd dwdQdwdw wdwgpdwd dwdwdwdw wdwdkdwd dwdwdwdw wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw

H#3 (b) rotate 90 clockwise Equileaper d7
PS2498F

wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw wdwdwdwd dwdpdwdw wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw

H#4 Circe

wdwdwdwd dQdwdwdw wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw ndqdwdwd dwdwdwdw whwdwdwd iwIwdwdw

H#5 (b) a4=bB Grasshoppers

wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw wdwdw!wd dwdwdwdw wdwiqdwd dwdwdwdw wdwdw!Kd dwdw1wdw

H#5 (b) bK>f5 Grasshoppers

188
PS2499F

THE PROBLEMIST SUPPLEMENT

PS2500F

JANUARY 2012

wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw wdwdwdwd dwdKdwdw wdwdwdwd dwdwdnHn wdwdwdwd dwdkdwdB

H=5 Circe

wdwiwdwd dwdw4wdw w0wdwIwd dwdpdwdw wdw)wdwd dwdwdwdw wdwdwdPd dwdwdwdw

Ser-S=22

Similar final positions which must be on an edge; not easy to find (CF). Bewildering G-play (PB). Ideal mates (AN). PS2499F (Bakcsi) 1.Ke1 Ke6 2.Kf2 Kf7 3.Kxg3[Sg1] Kg8 4.Kh2 Sxf3+ 5.Kxh1[Bf1] Bxh3. Very ingenious play all black moves made by K (CF). One of the best problems of the set (PB). PS2500F (Morse) 1.g4 4.g7 8.Kf8 9.g8Q 10.Qf7 12.Kf6 13.Qe6 15.Kd6 17.Kxb6 19.Qb7 21.Ka8 22.Qc8+ Kxc8. Good accurate play with wQ providing necessary guards (CF). Good problem with 5 anticipatory interferences (PB).

Many thanks to all who sent solutions, and particularly to those solvers who also commented: Paul Bissicks (PB), R.Chandramouli (RC), Bryan Conway (BC), Charles Frankiss (CF), Alexander Nikolichev (AN) and Spiros Pantos (SP). Last year Charles narrowly missed the prize, but this year he has been luckier, sending a complete set of correct solutions and brief comments on everything. Congratulations to him, and also a pat on the back to Paul Bissicks, whose comments are quoted extensively above. I enjoyed Spiros Pantoss comments too: they revealed a refreshing enthusiasm! I hope there will be enough miniatures in the file for a further set next July (JMR).

Variations on a Theme of Yuri Sushkov, by David Shire

In Mansfields classic tome, Adventures in Composition, the author describes how the novice composer can adapt the matrix of a completed problem to create the basis of a new work. For example, he suggests a change of axis as one possibility of potential. However, there is validity in using the same matrix to different ends. Threat correction and threat avoidance are close allies; these were the interests of Yuri Sushkov when A was published. 1.Rf1? (>2.Sf2) 1fxe2 2.Qd5; 1f2! 1.Rxf3!? (>2.Qd5) 1Bxf3 2.Sf2; 1Kxf3 2.Qg4; 1Sb4! 1.Bb4? (>2.Sc5) 1d3! 1.Ba7? (>2.Sc5) 1d3 2.Rxe3; 1Rb5! 1.Bxd4! A Yuri Sushkov (>2.Qg4) 1Sxd4 2.Sc5; 1Kxd4 2.Qd5; 1fxe2 2.Qd5; 1Sxe5 2.Qxe5. This Probleemblad 1976 is both heavy and complex. In particular, there are parallels to be drawn in the relationship between the threat correction phases, 1.Rxf3!? and 1.Bxd4!. The wdwdwdwd threat of one phase is transferred to the bK flight in the other, with the primary wS dwdw0wdw threat recurring after a self-blocking capture. Sadly wSa6 serves only to mate on NdndQdpd c5 whereas wSd1 mates and essentially guards both f2 and c3. There is a sense of dwGw)w0w imbalance here and moreover the wPh3 is a little naughty, since the solver may wdP0kdwd feel that such a unit should ideally be employed in the post-key play.

drdwgp)P wdPdR$wI dwdNdwdb

#2

B Yuri Sushkov

The Problemist 1977

wdwgrdwd dwdKhwdw wdN0wdwd dp0wdw$w wdwdk0Qd dqdwdwdw wdwGPdnd dNdwdwdb

#2

In B the bQ exerts focal control over e6 and f3. We further notice that bRe8 and bBh1 would also guard the relevant squares were it not for the fact that they are currently ambushed behind bSs 1.Rd5? (>2.Qe6) 1Se~ 2.Qf5; 1Sxd5 2.Qg6; 1Qxd5 2.Sc3; 1Qb2 2.Qf3. It is unfortunate that the threat recurs after the flight but 1Qh3! is a fine refutation. 1.Be3! (>2.Qf3) 1Sg~ 2.Qxf4; 1Sxe3 2.Sd2; 1Qxe3 2.Qe6. Again the flight capture fails to defeat the threat. The theme of A is C Yuri Sushkov white correction. Yuri achieves the object of black Pedagogusok Lapja 1981 correction with the matrix in B but still the restless searching continued. wdwdwdwd

dpIndpdw w4pdw0wd dpdwdBdw w!Piwdw4 dwdwdwHw wdw)Rdwd dwdwhwdw

#2

C 1.Bd3? (>2.Qd6) 1Sxd3 2.Sf5; 1Kxd3 2.Qc3; 1c5,Sc5 2.Qc3; 1Rh5! 1.Re5! (>2.Qc3) 1Sxe5,fxe5 2.Se2; 1Kxe5 2.Qd6. A bare minimum of white force is used and we witness the matching play normally associated with a two solution h#2. In this the role of wSg3 is crucial for across the twin phases it both guards and mates on the squares e2 and f5. I just love this and the FIDE Album judges were similarly impressed!

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D Yuri Sushkov

189
1 Pr Vecherny Leningrad 1983

D 1.Bd4? (>2.Qg4) 1Sxd4 2.Sf2; 1Kxd4 2.Qd5; 1Bf5 2.Qd5 1Rf1! 1.Rf3! (>2.Qd5) 1Sxf3 2.Sc3; 1Kxf3 2.Qg4; 1Bg8 2.Qf5. Up to this point D seems to repeat C with the difference that a telling wPh3 has re-emerged. (Fortunately in this instance the offender cannot be classified as camouflage!) What did the author have in mind? The extra try, 1.Kf6?, places guards on both e5 and f5 so that 2.Qg4 and 2.Qd5 are threatened. The pinning 1Ra6! defeats this Barnes try. A further layer has been added but is more necessarily better? This quartet of #2s is presented in chronological order of publication but this may not necessarily imply a similar sequence of composition. Nonetheless a connecting thread of thought is apparent. You can guess that my favourite is C. Before casting your vote you must decide which features you value most!

wdwdwdwd dpdwdwIb wdwdQdwd dpdw)w0w wHwdkdwd dn$wdw)P wdwhwGpd 4wdN4wdw

#2

A Ottavio Stocchi

2 Pr LItalia Scacchistica 1958 (v)

P is for Promotion, by David Shire

In the orthodox twomover we normally take into account promotion to Q and S only. Let us analyse A. There are set mates (with dual avoidance) for the selfblocking promotions; 1e1Q/e1S 2.Rd4/Be3. However, there is no provision for 1Ke1 and this suggests an opening move by wSd1. 1.Se3? (-) e1Q/e1S/Ba3 2.Qc2/Sf1/Sce4 but 1Bb2! a refutation making subtle use of the distant wK. 1.Sf2! (-) gives a second flight! 1e1Q/e1S/B~/Ke1/Ke3 2.Qd3/Sfe4/Sfe4/Qxc1/ Qd3. Here we have 3x2 mate change; a Zagoruiko rendering of the theme using only 9 units. A sensational work of art! Since the queen combines the powers of R and B, it is fascinating to encounter those problems where all four promotions (Allumwandlung) are pertinent. The BK has two flight squares, b6 and d5, in B and 1.d8Q? takes both of them; stalemate! 1.d8R? (>2.Be3) Kb6! and 1.d8B? (>2.Rh5) Kd5! force the pace with threats. The gentle 1.d8S! (-) solves. The key arranges guards for b7 and e6 in the extended bK field so that a paradox emerges; 1Kb6/Kd5 2.Be3/Rh5. The black defences that refute certain threats in the try play allow these very moves to function as post-key mates. This may not be a true Dombrovskis in the sense that the virtual threats can never be realised. Nevertheless, this twomover is amazingly rich given its miniature form. Jacques Savournin is one of the relatively unsung composers of his generation. He achieves something very novel in C. Set 1c5 2.Se3 1.Bg8? threatens any promotion of wPf7. However, a guard of e4 is released so that 1cxb6!/cxd6!/c6! and c5! all defeat the intention by opening a line for the bRa7. 1.f8R? (>2.Bg8) c5 2.Se3 1cxb6!/cxd6!/c6! 1.f8B? (>2.Bg8) cxb6 2.Sxb6 1cxd6!/c6! 1.f8Q? (>2.Bg8,Qg8,Qff7) cxd6 2.Qxd6 1c6! Key 1.f8S! (>2.Bg8) cxb6/cxd6/c6 2.Qb5/Qb5/Qe6. Allumwandlung is here combined with refutation reduction; a most original conception. See also the very recent C10946 in the November 2011 issue of the main magazine.
D Jan Strydom

wdwdwdwI dwdwdwdw wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw wdRdwdwd dwHwdwdw wdwipdwd dQgNdwGw

#2

B Michel Caillaud

2 Pr Probleemblad 1985

wdwdNdw$ dwdPdwdw wdwdwdwd dwiwdwdw Qdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw wdwdwdwd dwGwdwdK

#2

C Jacques Savournin

5 Pr Thmes-64 1966

1 Pr The Problemist 1996

wdNIQdwg 4w0wdPdB w)w)wdwd dwdk0wdw wdwdRdNh dwdwdwdw whwdwdwd dwdw$wGw

#2

wdwdwdwd dw0wdwdw wdpdwdpd dw)Ndw$w K)k0wdPd dwdRdwdw p0Pdpdw0 grhwHwdB

#2

Black Allumwandlung is demonstrated in the combinative separation scheme of D. Black has three set defences; 1cxd5/Sb3/Sxd3 answered by 2.Bxd5/cxb3/cxd3. If the innocent BPe2 were removed, no mate would be apparent to follow 1Se2. In the absence of a waiting move we try 1.Sf3! with three threats; 2.Rxd4(A)/2.Se5(B) /2.Sd2(C). 1e1Q/Sb3/Sxd3 2.A/B/C. 1e1B 2.A/B, 1cxd5 2.B/C, 1e1R 2.C/A. 1e1S 2.A/B/C. Black has just seven defences to yield every possible permutation of the three threats. To achieve this in block-threat form is truly remarkable.

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British Helpmate Composers (continued from page 181)

Barry Barnes is well known to almost all readers. His range in composition is largely limited to his outstanding directmate twomovers, but in his work for the BCPS he ranged very widely, notably geographically, attending many international meetings as an affable advertisement for Britishness! It would be futile for me to attempt to supplement here what he has written about himself in Barnes about Chess Problems, a unique book which I very much recommend. Barry has composed (so far? regrettably, I fear, he may now have abandoned composition altogether) about 30 helpmates, often technically B Barry Barnes good ones, but very much influenced by directmate ideas. The crosschecks in B The Problemist 1974 would surely have appealed to Mansfield! Many a helpmate composer would be pleased to have composed this problem, and the various motifs incorporated are wdwdw4wd all interesting, but the idea clearly evolved backwards, with the first moves being Gwdwdw$w added to supplement the spectacular ending, rather than the whole thing having wdw0Kdwd been conceived as a characteristic helpmate theme. That may sound a little harsh, dpdwdwdp but such a meticulous composer as Barry would, I feel sure, not take it amiss. wdwdwdN0 Undoubtedly a perfectionist, he would worry ideas as a dog does a bone, but I dwgw)wdp think that he found the cook-prevention work in helpmate composition extremely Rdw)q0w) irksome, which is perhaps why he did not persevere with a genre which he could surely have mastered as thoroughly as the directmate twomover. dbdwdwir
H#2 (b) Pe3<>Sg4
C John Rice

1 Pr Zajic TT 2000-1

wdndwdwd dwhpdwdw w0wgk1wd dw0w4wdw pdKdw0wH dwdw4pdw w$wdpdwd dwdwdwdw

H#3 2 solutions
D Barry Barnes & John Driver

The Problemist 1974

wdwdwdwd Gwdwdwdw wdwdwdwg dwdwdwdp RdwdKdw) dwdwhpib wdndwdwd dw4wdwdw

H#2 (b) wBh3

Finally we come to John Rice. Appropriately for this article, it was John Driver who introduced him to helpmates, about 50 years ago. JMR is of course successful in all genres, including helpmates, although he has composed scarcely more examples than Barry. He is also an accomplished helpmate judge, and from his wide knowledge he knows the difficulty of finding original ideas. Perhaps the most notable talent which emerges from Johns many writings is the ability to analyse compositions and understand their workings, so that he very quickly grasps the mechanisms and techniques and sees further possibilities. That may be why he likes composing to set themes, as in the case of C. Zajics paradoxical idea was that Blacks penultimate move should block the square to which his king finally needs to move, thus requiring a clearance sacrifice by White and potentially creating a Zilahi when paralleled in a second line, as here. In writing about this theme, I had opined that it was unsuitable for a three-move setting because the first moves would be superfluous, but John was no doubt delighted to prove me wrong by making Blacks first moves vacate the thematic square, a novel enhancing and unifying effect (and not as easy E John Rice as he makes it look). In contrast to the previous two 3 Pr Magyar Sakklet composers, it is impossible to detect from Johns 1971 helpmates that they are the work of someone who is wdwdwdwd not primarily a helpmate specialist. He is still composing in the rare intervals allowed by editing, dwdwdwdw so let us hope for more! wdwdwdwd

dwiwdwdw wdwdqdw$ dwdwdwGR wdwdw)wd dbdwdwIB

Solutions: A (a) 1.Rg2 Kc6 2.Ke5 Rxe3; (b) 1.Sf4 Kb4 2.Kd3 Bf5. B (a) 1.f1R d3 2.Qxe3+ Se5; (b) 1.f1B dxc3 2.Qxg4+ Sf5. C 1.Rf5 Sxf3 2.Ree5 Sxe5 3.Kxe5 Rxe2; 1.Be7 Sf5 2.Sd6+ Sxd6 3.Kxd6 Rxb6. D and E are for solving (solutions on page 192).

H#2 2 solutions

For PS2459 (see page 184), one solver incorrectly described the defences on f4 as showing dual avoidance. This would only be the case if a dummy piece arriving on f4 allowed the mates on d1 and g7, with the moves of R and S each introducing an element which eliminates the other mate (MMcD). Fairy definitions (see originals on page 192) Helpselfmate (HS#n): with White starting, Black plays helpful moves until his final (mating) move, which must be forced. Series-helpmate (Ser-H#n): Black plays a series of n consecutive moves (White not moving at all) until at the end of it White can mate in one. Check may be given only on Blacks last move.

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191

Parry-series-helpmate (Pser-H#n): as Ser-H#n, except that Black may check in the course of the series. If this happens, White parries the check immediately and then the series resumes. There is no limit to the number of checks allowed. Parry-series-selfmate (Pser-S#): White plays a series of consecutive moves (Black not moving at all) until at the end of it White can force Black to mate in one. Check may be given in the course of the series, in which Black moves to parry the check before the series resumes. There is no limit to the number of checks allowed. Grasshopper (q): moves and captures on Q-lines by hopping over another unit of either colour (the hurdle) to the square immediately beyond it. A capture may be made on arrival, but the hurdle is not affected. Koeko (Klner Kontaktschach): the arrival square of any moving unit must be adjacent to a square occupied by another unit of either colour.

FAIRY SOLUTIONS (July)

PS2471F (Bowden) 1.Qb3 2.Kd3 3.Bd2 4.Be3 5.Ke4 6.Ke5 7.Sxc7 8.Se6+ Rxe6. One battery unloaded, another spiked, the wK shielded by a vital pinning unit, and the black battery unspiked. The bBb8 points to the graveyard, but there is lots of good strategy. Fun to solve! (C.C.Lytton). Clever sequence (CCF). Fine construction (M.Merkert). PS2472F (Tritten) 1.Bf1+ Kxf1-d3 2.Sc3 Rxc3b5; 1.Sg3 Kxg3-f5 2.Ba6 Rxa6-d3. Exchange of functions by the wRs and black minor pieces, with rotated echoed ideal mates, from only 6 pieces. My only gripe with Take & Make is that it seems to lead to much black slaughter by White (CCL). Pleasing T&M miniature (RL). Curious mates (CCF). PS2473F (Satkus) 1.Kxd5-b4 Rxg7-g6 2.Bc3 Rxd6-b7; 1.Kxd5-c3 Bxg7-g6 2.Bd4 Bxd3-e1. Reciprocal batteries, with double-check aspects impossible in orthodox chess, and preparatory annihilation clearances for the bB. Difficult finales to see, though the outlying wPb3 should have been a hint (CCL). More curious mates (CCF). With the Take&Make condition H#2 doesnt actually feel like a helpmate in 2, as its potentially 4 moves by each side (MM). PS2474F (Parrinello) 1.Qxf8 Re3 2.Qxa3 Rxe5+ 3.Qc5+ Rxc5; 1.Qxh3 Bh6 2.Qxa3 Bd2+ 3.Qc3+ Bxc3. Zilahi and matched strategy for pin-mates, though I was disappointed that the bR doesnt imitate the bB and go via h6, following the Q (CCL). Circuits by the wQ with matching moves by the R and B (CCF). Good work (RL). Solutions are indeed neatly matched; the realisation is a bit brutal, though (MM). PS2475F (Poissant) 1.Rb5=B Ra6=B 2.Bf1=S Bxf1=R; 1.Rc5=B Ra7=B 2.Bg1=S Bf2=S; 1.Kg1 Rc1=B 2.Re2=B Bxg5=R. Chameleon effect with parallel play in the first two lines. The third line was very difficult, but worth the effort, with a black hideaway behind the wBf3 (CCL). Three good Einstein mates (CCF). PS2476F (Rallo) 1.Ke4 Gd4 2.Kf5 Sf4 3.e4 Se6 4.Ge5 Sg7; 1.Ge6 Gd2 2.Ke3 Gf4 3.Ke4 Gd6 4.Kf5 Sg3. Reflected echo with bK tempo in the 1.Ge6 solution, highlighted by the try 1.Ke4 Kh4 2.Kf3

PS2471F

PS2472F

wgwdwdwd dwhwdwdw w$w4wdwd GwiNdwdR wdwhwdwd dwIwdwdw wdQdrdwd dwdwdwdw

Ser-S#8

wdwdwdwd dw$wdwdw wdwdw$wd dwdkdwdw wdbdndwd dwdwdwdw wdwdwdKd dwdwdwdw

H#2 2 solutions Take&Make
PS2474F

PS2473F

wdwdwGwg dwdwdw0w wdwhwdwd 4wdNdwdw wdwdkdwd dPdndw$w wdwdwdwd dKdwdwdw

H#2 2 solutions Take&Make
PS2475F

wdwdwgwd dqdwdwdp wdwdwHw! Iwdw)pdw Ndpiwdwd 0wdwdwdr wdPdwdwd 4wdwdwdw

HS#3 2 solutions
PS2476F

wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw wdwdwdwd dwdwdw4w wdwdwdwd dwhwdBdw wdpdwdr0 $wdwIwdk

H#2 3 solutions Einstein Chess

wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw wdwdwdwd dwdw0wdK wdwdwdwd dwdk1wdw wdwdN!wd dwdwdwdw

H#4 2 solutions Grasshoppers

Kh3 3.e4 Gd4 4.?? Sg1 (CCL). As JMR said, a neat miniature (CCF). First I had a look whether mate is possible in the middle of the board (S covers 2 squares, G 2, K 3, +2 blocks = 9), and it was not too hard to construct several such positions with bK on the f-file, blocks along the e-file and the wS delivering mate (MM).

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FAIRY ORIGINALS PS2549-54F

PS2549F Christopher Jones PS2550F Zlatko Mihajkoski (Macedonia) PS2551F Dan Meinking (USA)

wdbdwdwd dwHNdwdw w0wIwdBd gwdw0wdw w0wiwdwd dPdwdpdw wdwdwdqd dwdw4wdw

HS#3 (b) c8=bR

wdwdwdwd 0pipdpdQ wdwdw0wd dpIwdwdw wdw0w1wd dwdw4wdw wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw

HS#3 2 solutions

wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdN wdwdwdw4 Iwdwdwdk

PSer-H#12

PS2552F Mark Kirtley (USA)

PS2553F Arthur Willmott (Australia)

PS2554F Vito Rallo (Italy)

Kdwdwdwd dPiwdwdw wdwdwdwd dwdRdwdw wdwdbdwd dwdwdwdw wdwdwdwd dwdQdwdw

PSer-S#5 2 solutions

wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw Qdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw wHKdwdwd dwdwiwdw wdbdrdwd dw!wdwdw

H#3 (b) BK>d6 (c) BK>f2 (d) Gc1>g2 Grasshoppers

wdwdwdwd dwdwdwdw wdwdwdnd dwdwdwdk wdwdKdwd dwdw)wdw wdwdwdwg dwdwdwdw

HS#4 Koeko 2 solutions

Solvers should certainly enjoy this months selection of mainly helpselfmates and series-movers. Apologies to Christopher Jones, whose PS2549F has had to wait longer than it should for publication. We sent Arthur Willmott congratulations in the November Problemist on his recent 90th birthday, and its a pleasure to publish another of his ingenious Grasshopper helpmates. A further pleasure for me was to meet Vito Rallo at the Congress in Jesi last August. From the solvers angle, the good thing about Koeko is that the choice of moves is limited. Inevitably with these things, theres a drawback: the mating position can be very hard to spot. Have fun anyway! JMR Solutions to helpmates for solving (page 190) D (a) 1.Sg4 Kf5 2.Kxh4 Bf2; (b) 1.Sc4 Kd3 2.Kf4 Bb8. E 1.Qc6 Re4 2.Kd5 Rh5; 1.Qc4 f4 2.Kd4 Bf2.

The Problemist Supplement is one of the two magazines produced for its members by the British Chess Problem Society, which exists to promote the knowledge and enjoyment of chess compositions. Membership is by calendar year and is open to chess enthusiasts in all countries. Membership subscriptions (due 1st January) are 32.50 for Fellows and 25 for members (12.50 for under-21s). New members joining during the year pay a proportion of the subscription (exact amount to be negotiated with the Treasurer). Payments, in sterling to BCPS, should be sent to the Assistant Treasurer, Sally Lewis, 16 Cranford Close, Woodmancote, Cheltenham GL52 9QA (sally.lewis89@btinternet.com).