Tuesday, February 28, 2012
February 29th
Alois Szerencsics (29-02-1908 - 17-11-1992) Austrian composer
Alois Szerencsics has problems selected in the FIDE Album and some of his works are quoted in "Problempalette. Schachprobleme österr. Autoren aus den Jahren 1901-1970" (1972) or in "Problempalette II" (1991) by Friedrich Chlubna and Klaus Wenda.
Show Solution
Show Solution
Alois Szerencsics has problems selected in the FIDE Album and some of his works are quoted in "Problempalette. Schachprobleme österr. Autoren aus den Jahren 1901-1970" (1972) or in "Problempalette II" (1991) by Friedrich Chlubna and Klaus Wenda.
#3 v 5 + 6
Show Solution
1. Kg7? (2. f8=Q+ Se8 3. Qfxe8#)
1. Kh8! (2. f8=Q+ Se8 3. Qfxe8#)
The problem was also quoted on page 96 of Erik Zierke's very long article "Einheitliche unsymmetrische Mechanismen des reziproken Fortsetzungswechsels über zwei Phasen im vollständigen orthodoxen Direktmatt-Dreizüger" about such reciprocal exchanges in threemovers.
1... Qxf7+ a 2. Sxf7+ A Sxf7 3. Sb7# Bbut 1... Sf5+!
1... Sxf7 b 2. Sb7+ B Qxb7 3. Sxf7# A
1. Kh8! (2. f8=Q+ Se8 3. Qfxe8#)
1... Qxf7 a 2. Sb7+ B Sxb7 3. Sxf7# AThis Meredith problem shows the Tura theme, which requests a reciprocal change of continuations with interchange of the 2nd and 3rd white moves.
1... Sxf7+ b 2. Sxf7+ A Qxf7 3. Sb7# B
The problem was also quoted on page 96 of Erik Zierke's very long article "Einheitliche unsymmetrische Mechanismen des reziproken Fortsetzungswechsels über zwei Phasen im vollständigen orthodoxen Direktmatt-Dreizüger" about such reciprocal exchanges in threemovers.
Show Solution
1.Qxe6? (2.Qxe5#)
1...Sf3[a] 2.Qxg4#[B]1.Qxc7? (2.Qxe5#)
1...Rf5[b] 2.Qd5#[C]
but 1...Bf5!
1...Sf3[a] 2.Qxh7#[E]1.Rxe6! (2.Rxe5#)
1...Rf5[b] 2.Qxb7#[F]
but 1...Rxc4!
1...Sf3[a] 2.Bd3#[A]Zagoruiko 3x2 in a unified and attractive presentation.
1...Bf5/Rf5[b] 2.Qd4#[D]
Labels:
Brennert,
February,
Szerencsics
Monday, February 27, 2012
February 28th
Александр Фёдорович Феоктистов (28-02-1948) Russian composer and Grandmaster (Aleksandr Fyodorovich Feoktistov)
Aleksandr Feoktistov is the Grandmaster of the day. He's an expert in many fields and many of his works are memorable. You are certainly waiting forward to see some examples and we won't disappoint you:
Show Solution
One could also quote a #3 with a 3x3 Zagoruiko with 3 black promotions (1...a1=Q/B/S). But, since we are quite fond of batteries, we choose this one:
Show Solution
Can Feoktistov compose non-direct mate problems? A possible answer is the following item:
Show Solution
[Ofer Comay, Paz Einat and Alexander Feoktistov
receiving prizes for the Moskovskaya Matreshka tourney, Dresden congress, 2017
Variantim 73]
receiving prizes for the Moskovskaya Matreshka tourney, Dresden congress, 2017
Variantim 73]
Aleksandr Feoktistov is the Grandmaster of the day. He's an expert in many fields and many of his works are memorable. You are certainly waiting forward to see some examples and we won't disappoint you:
Show Solution
1.Qa1! (2.Rd4+! cxd4 3.Qxd4+ Rxd4# [2.Qd4+?] )
1... Sxf6 2.Rd7+ Sxd7 3.Qa8+! Rc6# (3.Sb6+?)The openings of black lines are exploited by White in 4 variations with dual avoidance.
1...gxf6 2.Re5+! fxe5 3.Sb6+! Rxb6# (3.Qa8+?) 2.Qe5+? fe 3.Sb6+ Rxb6+ 4.Rxh7
1... Bxf4 2.Sxe3+! Bxe3 3.c4+! Rxc4# (3.Qa2+?) 2.Rd7+? Bd6 3.Qd1+ Rd4+ 4.Qg4
1... Sxf4 2.Qd1+ Sd3 3.Qxd3+! Rd4# (3.Qf3+?)
One could also quote a #3 with a 3x3 Zagoruiko with 3 black promotions (1...a1=Q/B/S). But, since we are quite fond of batteries, we choose this one:
Show Solution
1.Kh6 ! (2.Sf6+ Kf4 3.Sh5#)
1...Rd3 2.Sg6+ Kf3, Kxf5 3.Se3, Se5#You have probably noticed the elegant S switchbacks.
1...Rf3 2.Sc6+ Kd3, Kd5 3.Rxd4, Se5#
1...Bg4 2.Se7+ Kf4, Kxe5 3.Sg6, Sd5#
Can Feoktistov compose non-direct mate problems? A possible answer is the following item:
Show Solution
1.Rc1 d4 2.Rg1 d5 3.Rg4 Bd3# & 1.Rc6 Bf1 2.d5 d3 3.Rg6 Bh3#
1.Kg4 Bxe7 2.Rh5 Bg5 3.Bb7 Bxd7# & 1.Ke4 Bf6 2.Rf5 Be5 3.d5 d3#
2 pairs of matched solutions.
1.Kg4 Bxe7 2.Rh5 Bg5 3.Bb7 Bxd7# & 1.Ke4 Bf6 2.Rf5 Be5 3.d5 d3#
2 pairs of matched solutions.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
February 27th
Петко Андонов Петков (27-02-1942 - 11-08-2024) Bulgarian composer and Grandmaster (Petko Andonov Petkov)
Text withdrawn upon request of GM Petko A. Petkov, who did not have time to send us his updated text before he left us in August 2024.
Text withdrawn upon request of GM Petko A. Petkov, who did not have time to send us his updated text before he left us in August 2024.
February 26th
Bo Waldemar Lindgren (26-02-1927 - 04-06-2011) Swedish composer and Grandmaster
Bo Lindgren was the son of Fritjof Lindgren (see February 23rd). International Judge since 1966 and Grand Master since 1980, he was the editor of the problem columns of Skakbladet from 1952 until 1957 and collaborated with Stella Polaris from 1966 until 1970.
A collection of 197 of his best problems was published in 1978 by Walther Jørgensen, titled "Maskrosor" (Dandelions).
John Rice wrote an inspiring two-part article "The Lindgren Legacy" selecting 52 of Lindgren's problems in The Problemist November 2011 and January 2012: a worthy homage to the Swedish GM. The problems below were also quoted by John Rice.
Let's start with a longmover:
Show Solution
Show Solution
One of Bo Lindgren's most impressive achievements was the following series selfmate:
Show Solution
Show Solution
Bo Lindgren was the son of Fritjof Lindgren (see February 23rd). International Judge since 1966 and Grand Master since 1980, he was the editor of the problem columns of Skakbladet from 1952 until 1957 and collaborated with Stella Polaris from 1966 until 1970.
A collection of 197 of his best problems was published in 1978 by Walther Jørgensen, titled "Maskrosor" (Dandelions).
John Rice wrote an inspiring two-part article "The Lindgren Legacy" selecting 52 of Lindgren's problems in The Problemist November 2011 and January 2012: a worthy homage to the Swedish GM. The problems below were also quoted by John Rice.
Let's start with a longmover:
Show Solution
1.Rc2? ZZ Kd3!
1.Kc2? ZZ Ke4!
1.Bc2! ZZ Kc4 2.Bf5+ Kd4 3.Kc2 Kc4 4.Kd1+ Kd4 5.Bc2 Kc4 6.Bb1+ Kd4 7.Rc2 Ke4 8.Rc5+ Kd4 9.Kc2 Ke4 10.Kc3+ Kxf4 11.Rxd5 Rxd2 12.Rf5#
Many successive interferences at c2.
Critical and anticritical play, combined with pendulum manoeuvres.
1.Kc2? ZZ Ke4!
1.Bc2! ZZ Kc4 2.Bf5+ Kd4 3.Kc2 Kc4 4.Kd1+ Kd4 5.Bc2 Kc4 6.Bb1+ Kd4 7.Rc2 Ke4 8.Rc5+ Kd4 9.Kc2 Ke4 10.Kc3+ Kxf4 11.Rxd5 Rxd2 12.Rf5#
Many successive interferences at c2.
Critical and anticritical play, combined with pendulum manoeuvres.
Show Solution
1.g1=S 2.Se2 3.Kg2 4.Kg1 5.Sc1 6.a1=Q 7.Qa8 8.Qh1 Bd4#
1.g1=B 2.Be3 3.Bc1 4.a1=R 5.Ra4 6.Bf4 7.Ke3 8.Re4 Rb3#
Allumwandlung with only 6 pieces.
1.g1=B 2.Be3 3.Bc1 4.a1=R 5.Ra4 6.Bf4 7.Ke3 8.Re4 Rb3#
Allumwandlung with only 6 pieces.
One of Bo Lindgren's most impressive achievements was the following series selfmate:
Lindgren, Bo Waldemar
feenschach, 1987
Dedicated to Walter Jörgensen for his 70th birthday
1st Prize
feenschach, 1987
Dedicated to Walter Jörgensen for his 70th birthday
1st Prize
Ser-s#42 9 + 10
Show Solution
1. e8=S 2. Sxf6 3. Sd5 4. f6 5. f7 6. f8=Q 7. Qxf3 8. Qg2 9. f4 10. f5 11. f6 12. f7 13. f8=B 14. Bxh6 15. Be3 16. h6 17. h7 18. h8=R 19. Rxh4 20. Re4 21. h4 22. h5 23. h6 24. h7 25. h8=Q 26. Qxb8 27. Qe5 28. b8=B 29. Bxa7 30. Bc5 31. a7 32. a8=R 33. Rxa4 34. Rb4 35. a4 36. a5 37. a6 38. a7 39. a8=S 40. Sb6 41. Sc4 42. Qxe2+ Sxe2#
Double white Allumwandlung ! An incredible achievement in series selfmate. Unsurprisingly it was awarded 12 points (out of 12) in the 1986-88 FIDE Album.
However, it was cooked by Arnold Beine in 2022: : 1.e8=S 2.Sxf6 3.Se4 4.Sd2 5.f6 6.f7 7.f8=Q 8.Qxf3 9.Qxe2 10.f4 11.f5 12.f6 13.f7 14.f8=B 15.Bxh6 16.Be3 17.h6 18.h7 19.h8=R 20.Rxh4 21.Re4 22.h4 23.h5 24.h6 25.h7 26.h8=Q 27.Qxb8 28.Qe5 29.b8=B 30.Bxa7 31.Bc5 32.a7 33.a8=R 34.Rxa4 35.Rb4 36.a4 37.a5 38.a6 39.a7 40.a8=B 41.Bd5 42.Sc4+ Sxe2#
For the achievement of the double white Allumwandlung, please have a look at this ser-s#37 problem by G.P. Sphicas, 1st Prize StrateGems 2013.
Double white Allumwandlung ! An incredible achievement in series selfmate. Unsurprisingly it was awarded 12 points (out of 12) in the 1986-88 FIDE Album.
However, it was cooked by Arnold Beine in 2022: : 1.e8=S 2.Sxf6 3.Se4 4.Sd2 5.f6 6.f7 7.f8=Q 8.Qxf3 9.Qxe2 10.f4 11.f5 12.f6 13.f7 14.f8=B 15.Bxh6 16.Be3 17.h6 18.h7 19.h8=R 20.Rxh4 21.Re4 22.h4 23.h5 24.h6 25.h7 26.h8=Q 27.Qxb8 28.Qe5 29.b8=B 30.Bxa7 31.Bc5 32.a7 33.a8=R 34.Rxa4 35.Rb4 36.a4 37.a5 38.a6 39.a7 40.a8=B 41.Bd5 42.Sc4+ Sxe2#
For the achievement of the double white Allumwandlung, please have a look at this ser-s#37 problem by G.P. Sphicas, 1st Prize StrateGems 2013.
Show Solution
1.Qf2 ! ZZ
1...e2 2.Rd4+ exd4 3.Qf5+ Ke3 4.Bb8 d3 5.Be5 d2#An amazing key is followed by good play in three lines.
1...exd2+ 2.Kd1 Kd3 3.Qf4 exf4 (3...e4 4.Sh4/Rf2/Rg2) 4.Re2 f3 5.Bf2 fxe2#
1...exf2+ 2.Kf1 Kf3 3.Re2 e4 4.Rd2 e3 5.Rd4 e2#
Labels:
Batori,
February,
Klemensiewicz,
Kuijers,
Lindgren Bo,
Paliulionis,
Shankar Ram,
Smits,
Štúň,
Sukharev
Saturday, February 25, 2012
February 25th
János Lázár (25-02-1909 - 01-05-1981) Hungarian composer
János Lázár was a study composer. He published his first study in 1936 and accomplished his first success in the same year. He was particularly interested in Rook endgames and in twin studies. More details, as well as three other studies, can be seen on this page.
Show Solution
János Lázár
[magyarsakkszerzok]
[magyarsakkszerzok]
János Lázár was a study composer. He published his first study in 1936 and accomplished his first success in the same year. He was particularly interested in Rook endgames and in twin studies. More details, as well as three other studies, can be seen on this page.
Show Solution
1.Se5+ dxe5 2.h7 Qxd5+
{2...Ra7 3.d6 b5 4.h8Q Qd5+ 5.Kh7 Ra4 6.Be7 Qe4+ 7.Kg8 Qd5+ 8.Kh7 =}
3.Kh8 Qf7 4.g8=B!
{4.g8=Q? Rxf8 5.Qxf8 Qxf8#}
4...Ra7 5.Bg7 Ra8 6.Bf8 Rxf8 stalemate
{2...Ra7 3.d6 b5 4.h8Q Qd5+ 5.Kh7 Ra4 6.Be7 Qe4+ 7.Kg8 Qd5+ 8.Kh7 =}
3.Kh8 Qf7 4.g8=B!
{4.g8=Q? Rxf8 5.Qxf8 Qxf8#}
4...Ra7 5.Bg7 Ra8 6.Bf8 Rxf8 stalemate
Labels:
February,
Lázár,
Mironenko,
Rasmussen H.M.G.,
Youngs
Friday, February 24, 2012
February 24th
Georges Emile Barbier (24-02-1844 - 16-12-1895) French composer
Barbier became famous for the 1895 endgame study which was initially published as a draw study, until Rev. Saavedra found the winning promotion.
Show Solution
For a quick look at the history of this endgame, you may look at the Wikipedia webpage. For further details and a reproduction of Barbier's column in the Weekly Citizen, browse Tim Krabbé's website.
Consider solving the problem below, for the fun of it:
White retracts one moves and mates in one.
Show Solution
Barbier became famous for the 1895 endgame study which was initially published as a draw study, until Rev. Saavedra found the winning promotion.
Show Solution
1. c7 Rd6+ 2. Kb5 Rd5+ 3. Kb4 Rd4+ 4. Kb3 Rd3+ 5. Kc2 Rd4! 6. c8=R!
{Barbier's solution continued with 6. c8=Q Rc4+ 7. Qxc4 stalemate}
6... Ra4 7. Kb3 and wins.
{Barbier's solution continued with 6. c8=Q Rc4+ 7. Qxc4 stalemate}
6... Ra4 7. Kb3 and wins.
For a quick look at the history of this endgame, you may look at the Wikipedia webpage. For further details and a reproduction of Barbier's column in the Weekly Citizen, browse Tim Krabbé's website.
Consider solving the problem below, for the fun of it:
White retracts one moves and mates in one.
Show Solution
-1.f7xSg8=R & 1.f8=S#
Labels:
Barbier,
Bridgewater,
February,
Forsberg R.,
Gavrilovski,
Goldstein,
Karlsson,
Kudelich,
Melnichuk,
Nichtawitz,
Visintin,
Zilahi
Thursday, February 23, 2012
February 23rd
Fritjof Lindgren (23-02-1897 - 08-11-1957) Swedish composer
Fritjof Lindgren composed more than 600 problems, most of them three-movers and many excellent miniatures. He also wrote some books about chess composition: "Schackkuriosa", "Moderna svenska schackproblem" (1936) and "33 Schackminiatyrer" (1937).
He was the father of GM Bo Lindgren - more about Bo in another post.
Here is a example of his threemovers:
Show Solution
Fritjof Lindgren composed more than 600 problems, most of them three-movers and many excellent miniatures. He also wrote some books about chess composition: "Schackkuriosa", "Moderna svenska schackproblem" (1936) and "33 Schackminiatyrer" (1937).
He was the father of GM Bo Lindgren - more about Bo in another post.
Here is a example of his threemovers:
Show Solution
1.Sf4 ! (2.Sxd7 ~ 3.Qxc5#)
1...Kxe5 2.Bc3+ Kxf4 3.Qh6#
1...Sc8 2.Qe6 (3.Qd5/Se2#) 2...dxe6 3.Sc6#
1...d6 2.Qxb5 (3.Qb2#) 2...Sxb5 3.Sc6# (2...c4 3.Qd5/Se2/Se6#)
1...Bxe5 2.Qg6 (3.Qe4#) 2...c4, d5 3.Qb6, Se2/Se6#
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
February 22nd
Edith Elina Helen Baird - née Winter-Wood (22-02-1859 - 01-02-1924) British composer
Edith Baird is renowned for her works (a total of 2000 problems) as well as for the books she wrote : "Seven Hundred Chess Problems" in 1902 (which can be downloaded here) and "The Twentieth Century Retractor" in 1907.
Let's quote the justifiably proud ChessDevon website [broken link]:
Here is this first prize:
Show Solution
Edith Baird
[Wikipedia]
[Wikipedia]
Edith Baird is renowned for her works (a total of 2000 problems) as well as for the books she wrote : "Seven Hundred Chess Problems" in 1902 (which can be downloaded here) and "The Twentieth Century Retractor" in 1907.
Let's quote the justifiably proud ChessDevon website [broken link]:
In 1893, for instance, she entered The Hackney Mercury 3-mover tournament, with a limit of 6 pieces. Most of the great composers of the time had entered, - B. G. Laws, P. H. Williams and James Raynor among them, but she won 1st prize. As one American critic observed, "The fact that the tourney assumed an almost international character rendered the triumph of the distinguished lady victor as noteworthy as it was creditable".
Show Solution
1.Qg7 ! (2.Qc7#)
1...Kc6 2.c5 Kxc5 3.Qc7#
1...Kxc4 2.Qd4+ Kb3 3.Qb4#
1...Kb6 2.Sb5 Ka6/Ka5, Kc6/Kc5 3.Qa7, Qc7#
1...Kd6 2.Sb5+ Ke6, Kc7/Kc5 3.Sd4, Qc7#
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
February 21st
Let's start mentioning in passing Sawielly Tartakower (21-02-1887 - 05-02-1956) the Polish-French chess player and witty writer whose aphorisms are remembered by all well-read chess players.
Karel Pospíšil (21-02-1867 - 06-04-1929) Czech composer
Karel Pospíšil was a pianist and music composer, but also a chess composer.
The problem below has nice key and a brutal threat, but the variations deserve being sought:
Show Solution
Karel Pospíšil (21-02-1867 - 06-04-1929) Czech composer
Karel Pospíšil was a pianist and music composer, but also a chess composer.
The problem below has nice key and a brutal threat, but the variations deserve being sought:
Show Solution
1.Bh2 ! (2.Sd2/Sd6#)
1...Kxe6 2.Qd7+ Kxf6, Kxd7 3.hxg5, Sb6#
1...Be5 2.Se3+ Kd6, Ke4 3.Sf5, Bd5#
1...Ke4 2.Sd6+ Kf3 3.Bd1# (this variation explains why 1.Bg3? would be too short)
1...Rxb5 2.Sd2+ Kc6 3.Qc7#
1...Ra3 2.Se3+
1...axb5 2.Sd2+ Kc6 3.Qc7# or 2.Se3+ etc.
Labels:
Falk,
February,
Joseph D.,
Pospíšil K.,
Vančura Josef
Monday, February 20, 2012
February 20th
Herman Leonard Jonsson (20-02-1860 - 31-12-1936) Swedish composer
Herman L. Jonsson mostly composed orthodox direct mates. This one is definitely not too easy to solve:
Show Solution
Herman L. Jonsson mostly composed orthodox direct mates. This one is definitely not too easy to solve:
Show Solution
1.Sd7? (2.Sc6#[A]/Rd6#[B])
1...Rxd7[a]/Se3 2.Sc6#[A]1.Re6[E]! ZZ
1...Rc8[c]/Bxd7[b]/Rxc3 2.Rd6#[B]
1...Sxf4 2.Rxf4#/Sc6#[A]/Qg1#[C]
but 1...Rxd2!
1...Rd7[a]/Bc6[a] 2.Sc6#[A]Grimshaw (on d7), transferred mates, Rudenko.
1...Rd6[b]/Rc8[c]/Rb8[b]/Ra8[b]/Bd7[b] 2.Rxd6#[B]
1...Sh4/Sxf4/Se1 2.Qg1#[C] ; 1...Se3 2.dxe3#
1...Rd5/f6 2.Re4#; 1...fxe6 2.Sxe6# 1...f5 2.Qg7#
1...Rb2/Ra2/Rxd2 2.Rc4#[D]; 1...Rxc3 2.dxc3#
1...Bxb5 2.Sxb5#
1...bxc5 2.Bxc5#
1...Sc1~ 2.Sb3#
Labels:
Dalla Rosa,
Dietrich A.,
Dumić,
February,
Fenoglio,
Jonsson H. L.,
Kayev,
Lazard,
Murdzia,
Păcurar,
Samotugov,
Svoboda,
Vlasák
Sunday, February 19, 2012
February 19th
Francis Charles Collins (19-02-1843 - 29-07-1898) British composer
Francis C. Collins published in 1881 an anthology titled "A Selection of 107 Chess Problems".
Show Solution
Francis C. Collins published in 1881 an anthology titled "A Selection of 107 Chess Problems".
Show Solution
1.Kd5 ! g2(e6+) 2.Kc5 e6(g2) 3.c4 bxc3 ep.#
A tricky zugzwang selfmate.
A tricky zugzwang selfmate.
Labels:
Baló,
Blom,
Bronstein,
Collins,
February,
Fröhlich,
Garn,
Gartser,
Høeg,
Ķeirāns A.,
Meiners,
Mira-Kraft,
Reeves,
Rudenko,
Slesarenko
Saturday, February 18, 2012
February 18th
Meindert Niemeijer (18-02-1902 - 05-10-1987) Dutch composer and International Master
Niemeijer was a prolific author of 600 chess problems and of over 30 books and brochures. He worked in the insurance business like Wolfgang Pauly and also collected chess books. He gave his 7000-book collection to the Koninklijke Bibliotheek in The Hague in 1948, which now detains the richest chess books collection - the "Bibliotheca Van der Linde-Niemeijeriana".
Niemeijer also wrote a monography about Wolfgang Pauly which was the reference book about the Romanian composer until Marian Stere published his voluminous "Challenge of a Legacy" in 2001. Niemeijer also dedicated a problem to W.Pauly at the occasion of Pauly's 50th birthday:
Show Solution
Show Solution
Niemeijer was a prolific author of 600 chess problems and of over 30 books and brochures. He worked in the insurance business like Wolfgang Pauly and also collected chess books. He gave his 7000-book collection to the Koninklijke Bibliotheek in The Hague in 1948, which now detains the richest chess books collection - the "Bibliotheca Van der Linde-Niemeijeriana".
Niemeijer also wrote a monography about Wolfgang Pauly which was the reference book about the Romanian composer until Marian Stere published his voluminous "Challenge of a Legacy" in 2001. Niemeijer also dedicated a problem to W.Pauly at the occasion of Pauly's 50th birthday:
Show Solution
1.Bg7 ! (2.Sf6+ Kxe5+ 3.Sd5+ Kxd5 4.Rxd4#)
1...Qf2/Qg1/Bc3 2.Rc7 (3.Bc8 ~ 4.Bxb7#) 2...Bc4 3.Sf6+ Kxe5+ 4.Sxc4#Obstructions.
1...Be3/Re4 2.Bxh6 (3.Bxf4 ~ 4.Be6/Sf6#)
1...Rxd3 2.Be8 (3.Bf7+ Se6 4.Bxe6#)
Show Solution
1.e7 ! (2.e8=Q)
(This one too was selected in the FIDE Album).
1...b5 2.e8=S+ Ke5 3.Bg3#Allumwandlung, Pickaninny.
1...b6 2.e8=Q (3.Qe6/Bg3/e5#)
1...bxa6 2.e8=B ZZ 2...Ke5 3.Bg3#
1...bxc6 2.e8=R ZZ 2...Kd7 3.Rd8#
(This one too was selected in the FIDE Album).
Thursday, February 16, 2012
February 17th
Виктор Александрович Калягин (17-02-1953 - 26-10-2010) Russian composer (Viktor Alexandrovich Kalyagin)
Kalyagin is a study composer. The selected endgame study below is not too complicated and should not give the reader any headache (those who want tougher nuts can take a look at this one)
Show Solution
Kalyagin is a study composer. The selected endgame study below is not too complicated and should not give the reader any headache (those who want tougher nuts can take a look at this one)
Калягин, Виктор Александрович
Olimpiev JT Уральский проблемист 2001
Special Honorable Mention
Olimpiev JT Уральский проблемист 2001
Special Honorable Mention
+ 3 + 4
Show Solution
1. Sf2+ Kg1 2. Ke2 h2
{2... d1=Q+ 3. Sxd1 h2 4. Ba7+ Kh1 5. Sf2+ Kg1 6. Se4+ Kh1 7. Sg3#}
3. Ba7 h1=S 4. Sg4+ Sf2 5. Sxf2 Kh2 6. Bb8+ +-
{2... d1=Q+ 3. Sxd1 h2 4. Ba7+ Kh1 5. Sf2+ Kg1 6. Se4+ Kh1 7. Sg3#}
3. Ba7 h1=S 4. Sg4+ Sf2 5. Sxf2 Kh2 6. Bb8+ +-
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
February 16th
Knud Harald Hannemann (16-02-1903 - 01-05-1981) Danish composer and International Master
Knud Hannemann is another legend of chess problems. He wrote an anthology of his chess problems: "The Danish wizard: one hundred chess problems of Knud Harald Hannemann selected by their author""which was edited and issued by Dr M.Niemeyer (1963).
We have selected only from the problems that have appeared in the FIDE Albums:
Show Solution
Show Solution
Show Solution
Knud Hannemann
[Source: "The Danish Wizard"]
[Source: "The Danish Wizard"]
Knud Hannemann is another legend of chess problems. He wrote an anthology of his chess problems: "The Danish wizard: one hundred chess problems of Knud Harald Hannemann selected by their author""which was edited and issued by Dr M.Niemeyer (1963).
We have selected only from the problems that have appeared in the FIDE Albums:
Show Solution
Show Solution
1.Rh5 ! (2.Bc5#)
1...Rc3 2.Sb3+ Rxb3 3.Bc5#A classical threemover with theme AntiBristol.
1...Qd5 2.Re4+ Qxe4 3.Bc5#
1...Qc3 2.Qe3+ Qxe3 3.Bc5#
1...Qf5 2.Qf4+ Qxf4 3.Bc5#
1...Bd5 2.Sc6+ Bxc6 3.Bc5#
1...Rf5 2.Qg7+ Rf6 3.Bc5#
Show Solution
1.Qd3 ! ZZ
1...e1=Q 2.Qg3+ Qxg3 3.Bc3+ Qxc3#A very elegant s#3 with AUW
1...e1=S 2.Qf5+ exf5 3.Sd3+ Sxd3#
1...e1=R 2.Qe3+ Rxe3 3.Bc3+ Rxc3#
1...e1=B 2.Bc3+ Bxc3 3.Qd4+ Bxd4#
February 15th
Daniel Papack (15-02-1957) German composer
Daniel Papack was an International Master in May 2020 when he withdrew his problems from all sections of the FIDE ALBUM 2016-2018 and requested that his name be removed from the list of title-holders.
Many problems by Daniel Papack could be quoted. Let's just choose one with a rare combination of themes:
Show Solution
Daniel Papack was an International Master in May 2020 when he withdrew his problems from all sections of the FIDE ALBUM 2016-2018 and requested that his name be removed from the list of title-holders.
Many problems by Daniel Papack could be quoted. Let's just choose one with a rare combination of themes:
Show Solution
Set play: 1...Kc3[a] 2.Sb3#[A]/Sc2#[B]
Try: 1.Rf5[C]? (2.Qh8#[D])
1...Kc3[a] 2.Sb3#[A] ; 1...Qa8[b] 2.Sc2#[B]
but 1...dxe6!
1.Qh8[D]! (2.Rf5#[C])
1...Kc3[a] 2.Sc2#[B] ; 1...Qa8[b] 2.Sb3#[A]
1...dxe6 2.Rxe6#
Threat reversal. Reciprocal change of mates (after 1...Kc3/Qa8).
Try: 1.Rf5[C]? (2.Qh8#[D])
1...Kc3[a] 2.Sb3#[A] ; 1...Qa8[b] 2.Sc2#[B]
but 1...dxe6!
1.Qh8[D]! (2.Rf5#[C])
1...Kc3[a] 2.Sc2#[B] ; 1...Qa8[b] 2.Sb3#[A]
1...dxe6 2.Rxe6#
Threat reversal. Reciprocal change of mates (after 1...Kc3/Qa8).
Labels:
Beasley,
Cristoffanini,
February,
Klyatskin,
Kurjatņikovs,
Mai,
Papack,
Schindler
Monday, February 13, 2012
February 14th
Jean Dufresne (14-02-1829 - 13-04-1893) chess player, composer and author
He is known for the Evergreen game with Adolf Anderssen, whose student he was and for his "Kleines Lehrbuch des Schachspiels" (1881). What's he doing here?, you may righteously ask. Dufresne also composed some studies, of which you can find a sample below. Our readers will enjoy his anthology published in the end of the 19th century and kindly hosted by Anders Thulin:
"Sammlung leichterer Schachaufgaben, I " (1881)
"Sammlung leichterer Schachaufgaben, II " (1882)
"Sammlung leichterer Schachaufgaben, III " (1887)
An easy study:
Show Solution
Jean Dufresne [Wikipedia]
He is known for the Evergreen game with Adolf Anderssen, whose student he was and for his "Kleines Lehrbuch des Schachspiels" (1881). What's he doing here?, you may righteously ask. Dufresne also composed some studies, of which you can find a sample below. Our readers will enjoy his anthology published in the end of the 19th century and kindly hosted by Anders Thulin:
"Sammlung leichterer Schachaufgaben, I " (1881)
"Sammlung leichterer Schachaufgaben, II " (1882)
"Sammlung leichterer Schachaufgaben, III " (1887)
An easy study:
Show Solution
1. b7 a2 2. b8=Q a1=Q+ 3. Qe5+ Qxe5+ 4. fxe5 and nothing can save Black.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
February 13th
C. C. Moore (13-02-1830 - ?) American composer
This author is quoted in American Chess-Nuts (1868), for instance:
Show Solution
This author is quoted in American Chess-Nuts (1868), for instance:
Show Solution
1.Bg4 ! (2.Rd4/Re2#)
1...Kxe4 2.h4 Kf4 3.Rd4#
1...Kg5 2.Rd6+ Kh4 3.Rh6#
Saturday, February 11, 2012
February 12th
Александр Дмитриевич Петров (12-02-1794 - 22-04-1867) Russian composer and chess player (Alexandr Dimitrievich Petrov)
Petrov, the first great Russian chess master, was considered as Russia's best player for half of the 19th century. He is the Petrov of Petrov's Defense (also known under the name of Russian game).
His best-known problem is "The Retreat of Napoleon I from Moscow" (St Petersburg 1824) that can be seen on Wikipedia.
Here is an interesting long selfmate:
Show Solution
And here is a representative moremover (not too hard to solve):
Show Solution
Aleksandr D. Petrov [Wikipedia]
Petrov, the first great Russian chess master, was considered as Russia's best player for half of the 19th century. He is the Petrov of Petrov's Defense (also known under the name of Russian game).
His best-known problem is "The Retreat of Napoleon I from Moscow" (St Petersburg 1824) that can be seen on Wikipedia.
Here is an interesting long selfmate:
Show Solution
1.Kh6+ Se5 2.Re4+ Kd5 3.Rxe5+ Kd4 4.Re4+ Kd5 5.Qf7+ Kd6 6.Qe7+ Kd5 7.Qd7+ Sd6 8.Re5+ Kd4 9.c3+ Bxc3 10.Sb5+ Bxb5 11.Qa7+ Rxa7 12.Rh5+ Rg7 13.Sf5+ Sxf5#
Pin-mate.
Unfortunately cooked with: 1. c3+ Bxc3 2. Kh6+ Se5 3. Re4+ Kd5 4. Rxe5+ Kd4 5. Re4+ Kd5 6. Qf7+ Kd6 7. Sc4+ Bxc4 8. Qc7+ Kd5 9. Qd7+ Sd6 10. Re5+ Kd4 11. Qa7+ Rxa7 12. Rh5+ Rg7 13. Sf5+ Sxf5#
Pin-mate.
Unfortunately cooked with: 1. c3+ Bxc3 2. Kh6+ Se5 3. Re4+ Kd5 4. Rxe5+ Kd4 5. Re4+ Kd5 6. Qf7+ Kd6 7. Sc4+ Bxc4 8. Qc7+ Kd5 9. Qd7+ Sd6 10. Re5+ Kd4 11. Qa7+ Rxa7 12. Rh5+ Rg7 13. Sf5+ Sxf5#
And here is a representative moremover (not too hard to solve):
Show Solution
1. Qxf4+! Kxf4 2. Rf1+ Kg4 3. Rf4+ Kxf4 4. 0-0+ Kg4 5. Se3+ Kh4 6. Sf3#
Clearance sacrifices in order to unpin the wSd1.
Clearance sacrifices in order to unpin the wSd1.
Labels:
Feast,
February,
Gurvich,
Petrov A.D.,
Sonntag
Friday, February 10, 2012
February 11th
Arthur James Mosely (11-02-1867 - 15-04-1930) Australian composer
Some biographical details about Mosely and about his activity at the Brisbane Courier can be found on our Australian friends' website Ozproblems: this is an article by Geoff Foster and Bob Meadly published in The Problemist, November 2005.
Show Solution
Arthur Mosely
[from G.Foster and B.Meadley's article in the Problemist]
[from G.Foster and B.Meadley's article in the Problemist]
Some biographical details about Mosely and about his activity at the Brisbane Courier can be found on our Australian friends' website Ozproblems: this is an article by Geoff Foster and Bob Meadly published in The Problemist, November 2005.
Show Solution
Set play:
1...c4[a]/Bd6[e] 2.Sb6#[A]1.Sc4[M]! ZZ
1...Sc6[b]/Sc8[c] 2.Qxc6#[B]
1...b4[d] 2.Bc4#[C]
1...Be5[f] 2.Be4#[D]
1...Sxg6/Sh7/Se6[g]/Sd7 2.Qe6#[E]
1...Bc7 2.Sxc7#
1...bxc4[a] 2.Bxc4#[C]The first ideal Rukhlis in mutate form. It was fascinating to discover this problem in Milan Velimirovic's article in Mat Plus Review.
1...Sc6[b] 2.Sab6#[A]
1...Sc8[c] 2.Qb7#[K]
1...b4[d] 2.Be4#[D]
1...Bd6[e] 2.Qxd6#[J]
1...Be5[f] 2.Rxe5#[N]
1...Sxg6/Sh7/Se6[g]/Sd7 2.Qe6#[E]
1...Bc7 2.Sxc7#
Thursday, February 9, 2012
February 10th
Konrad Erlinger (10-02-1856 - 31-12-1944) Austrian composer
Konrad Erlinger published problems under the pseudonym of Konrad Erlin. He was a prolific composer, a lover of model mates and of sacrifices of white pieces, and a precursor of the Bohemian school.
Show Solution
1.Qe7 ! (2.Qxd6+ Kxd6 3.Rd7# or 2...Kc4 3.Rxc6/Qc5#)
Show Solution
Show Solution
Konrad Erlinger published problems under the pseudonym of Konrad Erlin. He was a prolific composer, a lover of model mates and of sacrifices of white pieces, and a precursor of the Bohemian school.
Show Solution
1.Qe7 ! (2.Qxd6+ Kxd6 3.Rd7# or 2...Kc4 3.Rxc6/Qc5#)
1...Bxd4 2.Qe6+ Kc5 3.Sd7#Three of the four white pieces get to sacrifice themselves.
1...Kc4 2.Rxc6+ Kxd4 3.Qd6# Kd5 3.Qxd6#
1...Sd4 2.Qe5+ Kxe5 3.Rc5#
1...Sxe7 2.Rc5+ Kxd4 3.Se6#
1...Se4 2.Qxe4+ Kd6 3.Rxc6/Rd7/Qxc6# or 2...Kc4 3.Rxc6#
1...Sb7 2.Rxc6 (3.Qe4#) 2...Kxc6, Sc5+, Sd6 3.Qd7, Qxc5, Qxd6#
Show Solution
1.Bc7 ! ZZ
1...Bf2 2.Rd3+ exd3 3.Qxd3#The white Rook is sacrificed actively in two variations and passively in the third.
1...Bh2 2.Bxb6 (3.R~#)
1...Kxd4 2.c3+ Kd5 3.Qf7# or 2...Ke3 3.Bf4#
1...Bd5 2.Bf4+ Kxd4 3.c3#
1...Be8/Bd7 2.Rxe4+ Kxe4 3.Qd3# or 2...Kd2 3.Re2#
#3......7 + 7
Show Solution
1.Qa6! (2.Qe6+)
1...Kxd5 2.Qb7+ Kxc4 3.b3#Sacrifices of wSs.
1...Kf5 2.Qc8+ Ke4 3.Sf6#
1...Sf4 2.Sf6+ Kf5 3.e4#
1...Re5 2.Qxg6+ Kxd5, Rf5 3.b6, Sf6#
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
February 9th
Valeriu Petrovici (09-02-1932) Romanian composer and editor
Valeriu Petrovici was editor of Romanian magazine Buletin Problemistic (now defunct and replaced by a new magazine, "Componist"). He is the author of a selection of his best problems. He was also the captain of the Romanian team for WCCT8 and the president of the Romanian Chess Composition Committee. He is very keen on historical research about early Romanian composers and also on the Valladao task.
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Show Solution
Valeriu Petrovici was editor of Romanian magazine Buletin Problemistic (now defunct and replaced by a new magazine, "Componist"). He is the author of a selection of his best problems. He was also the captain of the Romanian team for WCCT8 and the president of the Romanian Chess Composition Committee. He is very keen on historical research about early Romanian composers and also on the Valladao task.
Show Solution
Show Solution
Set play:
1...Qxh2 2.Sxf3#1.Qxf3! (2.Rd5#)
1...Bxh2 2.Qxf2#
1...Bg2/Bf1/Be6/Sg4 2.Se6#
1...Qxf3+ 2.Sxf3#
1...Se4 2.Qd3#
1...Sb4 2.c3#
1...Sc3 2.Bxc3#
1...Be6 2.Sxe6#
1...c6 2.Qe3#
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
February 8th
Virgil Nestorescu (08-02-1929 - 21-06-2018) Romanian composer and Grand Master
Virgil Nestorescu was, with his friend Emilian Dobrescu, Romania's leading composers and only Grand Masters in chess composition. He was less active for the last ten years due to health problems.
He wrote, alone or together with Emilian, several books about chess problems and studies. He is also an International Judge and was Romania's delegate at the PCCC in the 1990s. He composed in all genres, with a predilection for endgames and direct mates.
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Show Solution
Virgil Nestorescu, Bratislava 1993 [Wikipedia]
Virgil Nestorescu was, with his friend Emilian Dobrescu, Romania's leading composers and only Grand Masters in chess composition. He was less active for the last ten years due to health problems.
He wrote, alone or together with Emilian, several books about chess problems and studies. He is also an International Judge and was Romania's delegate at the PCCC in the 1990s. He composed in all genres, with a predilection for endgames and direct mates.
Show Solution
1. Bf6+
{1. Rg6+ Kf7 2. Rf6+ Kxe7 3. Ra6+ [3. Rc6+ Kd7 4. Rxc3 a1=Q+ 5. Rc1 Qg7 6. Rc5 Qd4+] 3... Kd7 4. Rxa2 Qc5+ }
{1. e8=Q Qg3+ 2. Kf1 a1=Q+ 3. Re1 Qa6+ 4. Re2 [4. Qe2 Qf3+ 5. Kg1 Qaxe2] 4... Qf3+ 5. Ke1 Qa1+ 6. Kd2 Qfc3#}
1... Qxf6 2. e8=S+ Kh8 3. Sxf6
{3. Rxf6 a1=Q+ 4. Rf1 [4. Kf2 Qe5 5. Rh6+ Kg8 6. Nf6+ Kg7 7. Ng4 Qf4+] [4. Kg2 Qa8+] 4... Qd4+ 5. Rf2 Qd1+ 6. Kg2 [6. Rf1 Qg4+] 6... Qd5+ 7. Kf1 [7. Kh2 Qh5+] [7. Kg1 Qg8+] [7. Rf3 Qg8+] 7... Qh1+ 8. Ke2 Qe4+}
3... a1=Q+ 4. Kf2 Qa2+
{4... Qb2+ {main variation} 5. Kf3 [5. Kf1 Qb1+ 6. Kf2 (6. Kg2 Qa2+) 6... Qf5+] 5... Qb3+ 6. Re3 Qf7 7. Kg2 Qg6+ 8. Rg3 Qxf6 9. Rh3+ Kg7 10. Rg3+}
{4... Qd4+ 5. Kf3}
5. Re2 Qf7 6. Kg1 Qg6+ 7. Rg2 Qxf6 8. Rh2+ Kg7 9. Rg2+ perpetual check or win of the black Queen.
{1. Rg6+ Kf7 2. Rf6+ Kxe7 3. Ra6+ [3. Rc6+ Kd7 4. Rxc3 a1=Q+ 5. Rc1 Qg7 6. Rc5 Qd4+] 3... Kd7 4. Rxa2 Qc5+ }
{1. e8=Q Qg3+ 2. Kf1 a1=Q+ 3. Re1 Qa6+ 4. Re2 [4. Qe2 Qf3+ 5. Kg1 Qaxe2] 4... Qf3+ 5. Ke1 Qa1+ 6. Kd2 Qfc3#}
1... Qxf6 2. e8=S+ Kh8 3. Sxf6
{3. Rxf6 a1=Q+ 4. Rf1 [4. Kf2 Qe5 5. Rh6+ Kg8 6. Nf6+ Kg7 7. Ng4 Qf4+] [4. Kg2 Qa8+] 4... Qd4+ 5. Rf2 Qd1+ 6. Kg2 [6. Rf1 Qg4+] 6... Qd5+ 7. Kf1 [7. Kh2 Qh5+] [7. Kg1 Qg8+] [7. Rf3 Qg8+] 7... Qh1+ 8. Ke2 Qe4+}
3... a1=Q+ 4. Kf2 Qa2+
{4... Qb2+ {main variation} 5. Kf3 [5. Kf1 Qb1+ 6. Kf2 (6. Kg2 Qa2+) 6... Qf5+] 5... Qb3+ 6. Re3 Qf7 7. Kg2 Qg6+ 8. Rg3 Qxf6 9. Rh3+ Kg7 10. Rg3+}
{4... Qd4+ 5. Kf3}
5. Re2 Qf7 6. Kg1 Qg6+ 7. Rg2 Qxf6 8. Rh2+ Kg7 9. Rg2+ perpetual check or win of the black Queen.
Show Solution
1.Sc5 ! (2.Qd8+ Rxd8#)
1...Bxf6 2.Sb7+ Sxb7#Battery play, pin mates.
1...Bxe6 2.Qxe6+ Sxe6#
1...Sb7+ 2.Qf8+ Rxf8#
1...Sxe6+ 2.Bf8+ Rxf8#
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