Showing posts with label May. Show all posts
Showing posts with label May. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
May 31st
Michael Keller (31-05-1949) German composer and Grandmaster
Michael Keller is specialized in two- and threemovers.
The Keller paradox is a direct mover theme that requests that "White moves to a square just controlled (or controlled again) by Black."
In 1994 Friedrich Chlubna wrote the collection "Michael Keller. Ein Meister der Schachkomposition" comprising 279 problems by Keller.
On Wikipedia you may see an excellent and strategically very rich threemover of his. Of course Michael Keller composed many beautiful problems, but here is a typical one:
Show Solution
Michael Keller, Martin Wessels and Thorsten Zirkwitz, 2000
[Photo by Günter Büsing]
[Photo by Günter Büsing]
Michael Keller is specialized in two- and threemovers.
The Keller paradox is a direct mover theme that requests that "White moves to a square just controlled (or controlled again) by Black."
In 1994 Friedrich Chlubna wrote the collection "Michael Keller. Ein Meister der Schachkomposition" comprising 279 problems by Keller.
On Wikipedia you may see an excellent and strategically very rich threemover of his. Of course Michael Keller composed many beautiful problems, but here is a typical one:
Show Solution
1.Bxf7 ! (2.Se6+ Sxe6 3.Qe4#)
1...Sf4 (guards d3) 2.Qxd3+! Kxe5, Sxd3 3.Sd7, Sf5#
1...Sf6 (guards d7) 2.Qd7+! Kxe5, Sxd7 3.Sxd3, Sf5#
Keller paradox.
1...Sf4 (guards d3) 2.Qxd3+! Kxe5, Sxd3 3.Sd7, Sf5#
1...Sf6 (guards d7) 2.Qd7+! Kxe5, Sxd7 3.Sxd3, Sf5#
Keller paradox.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
May 30th
John Brown (30-05-1827 - 17-11-1863) British composer
John Brown published his problems as “J. B. of Bridport” and was one of the outstanding chess
problem composers of the nineteenth century.
John D. Beasley made a book review of "John Brown / The forgotten chess composer?" by Brian Gosling (2011) which can be read here.
Here is an example of John Brown's style:
Show Solution
John Brown published his problems as “J. B. of Bridport” and was one of the outstanding chess
problem composers of the nineteenth century.
John D. Beasley made a book review of "John Brown / The forgotten chess composer?" by Brian Gosling (2011) which can be read here.
Here is an example of John Brown's style:
Show Solution
1.Rf6! waiting, with two variations:
1...Kd4 2.Bf3 ZZ
Only waiting moves.
1...Kd4 2.Bf3 ZZ
2...Ke3 3.Bc5#1...Ke2 2.Bd2 ZZ b4 3.Bc4#
2...Kc4 3.Rf4#
2...Ke5 3.Bc3#
Only waiting moves.
Labels:
Abrosimov,
Bakke N.A.,
Bertin,
Brown of Bridport,
May
Monday, May 28, 2012
May 29th
Francis (Frank) Bradley Phelps (29-05-1847 - 16-05-1916) American composer
Francis Bradley Phelps was a direct mate composer.
Show Solution
Frank Bradley Phelps' grave
[FindAGrave]
[FindAGrave]
Francis Bradley Phelps was a direct mate composer.
Show Solution
1.Ra4-e4 ! ZZ
1...Kg4xf5 2.Re4xf4+ Kf5-e5 3.Rf4-f5#A good flight-giving key and three motivating variations.
1...e6-e5 2.Kc8-d7 Kg4xf5 3.Re4xf4#
1...e6xf5 2.Bb1-a2 f5xe4 3.Ba2-e6#
Labels:
Holzhausen,
May,
Phelps,
Schonert,
Uddgren
Sunday, May 27, 2012
May 28th
Richard Réti (28-05-1889 - 06-06-1929) Slovak-Austrian composer
Richard Réti was a famous player and endgame composer. In 1931 was published "Samtliche Studien", the compilation by Artur Mandler of Reti's 53 studies. It can be read here.
John D. Beasley (yes, John again) recently edited the complete presentation of Richard Réti's endgames, who has always been "one of his chess heroes". You can enjoy this presentation and John's prose here on John's website and there is not much that could be added to John's work.
You may also enjoy reading Edward Winter's chess notes about the Réti Brothers.
Show Solution
Richard Réti
[Wikipedia]
[Wikipedia]
Richard Réti was a famous player and endgame composer. In 1931 was published "Samtliche Studien", the compilation by Artur Mandler of Reti's 53 studies. It can be read here.
John D. Beasley (yes, John again) recently edited the complete presentation of Richard Réti's endgames, who has always been "one of his chess heroes". You can enjoy this presentation and John's prose here on John's website and there is not much that could be added to John's work.
You may also enjoy reading Edward Winter's chess notes about the Réti Brothers.
Show Solution
1. Sd4+ Kc5 2. Kh1!! and White wins.
An exceptional domination of a Bishop by a Knight in an open position.
An exceptional domination of a Bishop by a Knight in an open position.
Labels:
Caresmel,
Evseev G.A.,
Godal,
Larrain,
Marker Y.,
May,
Pankratiev,
Réti,
Sola,
Zajic
Saturday, May 26, 2012
May 27th
We may now mention in passing Thomas Winter-Wood (27-05-1818 - 07-05-1905), a British chess player and patriarch of a Devon chess dynasty. His three children were chess players and two of them composed chess problems: Edward and Edith, who later became Mrs. Edith Baird, the "queen of chess".
Georges Mathieu Fuchs (27-05-1908 - 22-12-1992) French composer
Georges M. Fuchs learned chess at 8 and composed his first problem at 14. At the age of 18, he wrote in the French magazine "La Stratégie" and translated Franz Palatz's articles and book about strategic miniatures. He composed endgames, fairy problems and direct mates, mostly twomovers.
170 of his problems were collected in a monography by Jean Bertin in 1984.
Show Solution
Georges Mathieu Fuchs (27-05-1908 - 22-12-1992) French composer
Georges M. Fuchs learned chess at 8 and composed his first problem at 14. At the age of 18, he wrote in the French magazine "La Stratégie" and translated Franz Palatz's articles and book about strategic miniatures. He composed endgames, fairy problems and direct mates, mostly twomovers.
170 of his problems were collected in a monography by Jean Bertin in 1984.
Show Solution
1.Sd7! (2.Bxb6#)
1...Kc4+/Kc3/Se4 2.Be5#Levman, give-and-take key.
1...Sc4 2.Se2#
1...Sb3 2.Qb4#
1...Qc3 2.Qh4#
1...Qc4 2.Qe5#
Friday, May 25, 2012
May 26th
Pietro Rossi (26-05-1924 - 18-11-2020) Italian composer
Pietro Rossi was one of the most prominent study composers from Italy and you can have a look at this win study to have an idea about his style.
According to his Wikipedia webpage, The Italian Chess Federation awarded him a gold medal in May 2007 for "high achievements in the field of endgame-study composition".
Show Solution
Pietro Rossi
[Wikipedia]
[Wikipedia]
Pietro Rossi was one of the most prominent study composers from Italy and you can have a look at this win study to have an idea about his style.
According to his Wikipedia webpage, The Italian Chess Federation awarded him a gold medal in May 2007 for "high achievements in the field of endgame-study composition".
Show Solution
1.Rb3-b6 d7-d8=Q 2.Bc2-a4 Qd8xb6#
1.Rb3-b5 d7-d8=S 2.Bc2-a4 Sd8-c6#
DUPLEX:
1.d7-d8=R Bc2-e4 2.Rd8-a8 Rb3-b7#
1.Ka7-a8 Ka5-a6 2.d7-d8=B Bc2-e4#
The theme is of course the Allumwandlung achieved with a record number of pieces.
1.Rb3-b5 d7-d8=S 2.Bc2-a4 Sd8-c6#
DUPLEX:
1.d7-d8=R Bc2-e4 2.Rd8-a8 Rb3-b7#
1.Ka7-a8 Ka5-a6 2.d7-d8=B Bc2-e4#
The theme is of course the Allumwandlung achieved with a record number of pieces.
Labels:
Brabec,
Brada J.,
Gerasimenko,
Letzen,
Loßin,
Makkai,
May,
Richter R.,
Rossi
Thursday, May 24, 2012
May 25th
Фридрих Рудольфович Дюммель (25-05-1912 - 1975) Russian composer (Friedrich Rudolfovich Djummel)
Friedrich Djummel was a direct mate composer.
Show Solution
1.Qf1? (2.Qf8#)
1...Bxf1/Rf3 2.Re5#[A]
1...Bf3/Rh8/Rd3+ 2.Sd3#[B]
but 1...Sf2!
1.Rf3! (2.Qb4#)
1...Bc3/Sc3/Rd3+ 2.Sd3#[B]
1...Rb3 2.Sxb3#
1...Rc3 2.Re5#[A]
Two Grimshaws on f3 and c3 in two different phases, transferred mates.
To be compared with Żuk's twomover below !
1...Bxf1/Rf3 2.Re5#[A]
1...Bf3/Rh8/Rd3+ 2.Sd3#[B]
but 1...Sf2!
1.Rf3! (2.Qb4#)
1...Bc3/Sc3/Rd3+ 2.Sd3#[B]
1...Rb3 2.Sxb3#
1...Rc3 2.Re5#[A]
Two Grimshaws on f3 and c3 in two different phases, transferred mates.
To be compared with Żuk's twomover below !
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
May 24th
Dirk Borst (24-05-1963) Dutch composer and FIDE Master
Dirk Borst composes mostly proof games, sometimes with a fairy condition. For this reason he is a usual presence at the Andernach meeting. Here is a good example among so many other PG prowess:
Show Solution
He also composes fairy problems, such as this memorable neutral King reflex mate:
Show Solution
Dirk Borst, Cheltenham 2002
[© Franziska Iseli ]
[© Franziska Iseli ]
Dirk Borst composes mostly proof games, sometimes with a fairy condition. For this reason he is a usual presence at the Andernach meeting. Here is a good example among so many other PG prowess:
Show Solution
1.d4 c5 2.d5 c4 3.d6 c3 4.Qd5 Qa5 5.Qc6 dxc6[=wP] 6.c7 Bg4 7. c8=S e6 8.Se7 Qf5 9.Sg6 hxg6[=wP] 10.d7+ Ke7 11.d8=B+ Kd6 12.Bdg5 Se7 13.Bh6 gxh6[=wP] 14.g7 Sg6 15.g8=Q Be7 16.Qd8+ Ke5 17.Qd1 Rc8 18.h7 Rc4 19.h8=R Sc6 20.Rd8 Rc8 21.Rd2 cxd2[=wP]
Allumwandlung, Ceriani-Frolkin, Pronkin
Allumwandlung, Ceriani-Frolkin, Pronkin
He also composes fairy problems, such as this memorable neutral King reflex mate:
Show Solution
1.nKa8xb7 ! (2.nKb7-a8 Qa3-f3#)
1...nKb7-b6 2.nKb6-a5 nKa5xa4#
1...nKb7-c8 2.nKc8-d8+ nKd8xe8#
1...nKb7-c6 2.nKc6-d5 nKd5xe6#
These were the three main variations, where only the neutral King plays!
Secondary variations:
1...Qa3-e7 2.nKb7-c8 Sb5-d6#
1...Qa3-f3+ 2.nKb7-c8 Rf8xe8#
1...nKb7-b6 2.nKb6-a5 nKa5xa4#
1...nKb7-c8 2.nKc8-d8+ nKd8xe8#
1...nKb7-c6 2.nKc6-d5 nKd5xe6#
These were the three main variations, where only the neutral King plays!
Secondary variations:
1...Qa3-e7 2.nKb7-c8 Sb5-d6#
1...Qa3-f3+ 2.nKb7-c8 Rf8xe8#
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
May 23rd
Hércules Colonelli (23-05-1897 - 27-10-1994) Brazilian composer
Hércules Colonelli composed in all genres.One helpmate example:
Show Solution
Hércules Colonelli composed in all genres.One helpmate example:
Colonelli, Hércules
Boletim da UBP, 1963 (251)
2nd Place, Campeonato Brasileiro de Composição, 1962-1963
Boletim da UBP, 1963 (251)
2nd Place, Campeonato Brasileiro de Composição, 1962-1963
h#2 2 solutions
7 + 7
7 + 7
Show Solution
1.Qxe5 Rxf2 2.Qxf4 Rxb5#
1.Qxf4 Rxb5 2.Qxe5 Rxf2#
Reciprocally changed moves for Black and White, pin mates.
1.Qxf4 Rxb5 2.Qxe5 Rxf2#
Reciprocally changed moves for Black and White, pin mates.
Labels:
Böttger,
Colonelli,
Elmgren,
Kazantsev V.A.,
Kovalenko V.S.,
May,
Pedersen E.P.
Monday, May 21, 2012
May 22nd
Emilian Dobrescu (22-05-1933) Romanian composer and Grandmaster
Emilian Dobrescu was the first Romanian Grandmaster in 1989. He is a composer of twomovers and endgame studies, who became famous for his Q vs R+B analytical studies.
About his career as an economist you may read this article.
Emilian Dobrescu is co-author (with Virgil Nestorescu) of "Compoziţia şahistă în România" (Chess composition in Romania, 1973) and "Studii de şah" (Chess studies, 1984). He has approached the chess study as a possible application of the principles of the Pareto optimality ("Chess Study as a Multi-Criteria System", EG No.123, Vol. VIII, 1997). His book "Chess Study Composition" (ARVES, 1999) was considered as “Book of the Year” by ARVES.
To see many of his studies, please browse through JMRW website.
Nowadays, Emilian Dobrescu no longer composes.
The following study can give an idea of his style:
Show Solution
Emilian Dobrescu was also a very good twomover composer:
Show Solution
Emilian Dobrescu, 2008
[ionivan.ro]
[ionivan.ro]
Emilian Dobrescu was the first Romanian Grandmaster in 1989. He is a composer of twomovers and endgame studies, who became famous for his Q vs R+B analytical studies.
About his career as an economist you may read this article.
Emilian Dobrescu is co-author (with Virgil Nestorescu) of "Compoziţia şahistă în România" (Chess composition in Romania, 1973) and "Studii de şah" (Chess studies, 1984). He has approached the chess study as a possible application of the principles of the Pareto optimality ("Chess Study as a Multi-Criteria System", EG No.123, Vol. VIII, 1997). His book "Chess Study Composition" (ARVES, 1999) was considered as “Book of the Year” by ARVES.
To see many of his studies, please browse through JMRW website.
Nowadays, Emilian Dobrescu no longer composes.
The following study can give an idea of his style:
Show Solution
1. Rc4+ Kb5 2. Rd4+ Kc6 3. Be4+ Kb5 4. Rd5+ Kc6 5. Rxe5+ Kd7 6. Rd5+ Kc6 7. Rd4+ Kb5 8. Bd3+ Kc6 9. Rc4+ Kb5 10. Bxg6 Kxc4 11. Bf7 Bg5+ 12. Kd1 Kd5 13. Bb8 +-
There are often systematic manoeuvres in Emilian Dobrescu's studies. Here the black pawn e5 is eliminated by such a manoeuvre, the bQ is changed against the wR and the pinned bS is helpless in the final position.
There are often systematic manoeuvres in Emilian Dobrescu's studies. Here the black pawn e5 is eliminated by such a manoeuvre, the bQ is changed against the wR and the pinned bS is helpless in the final position.
Emilian Dobrescu was also a very good twomover composer:
Show Solution
1.Sd7? (2.Qe4#) but 1...Bg6!
1.Sc4? (2.Qe4#) but 1...b4!
1.Sg4? (2.Qe4#) 1...Sd2 2.Qxe3# but 1...Sxf3!
1.Sd3? (2.Qe4#)
1…Sxf3 2.Qg4#
1…Bg6 2.Qd7#
1…b4 2.Qc4# but 1...Sd2!
1.Qf5! (2.Qe4#)
1…Sxf3 2.Sxf3#
1…Sd2 2.Rd3#
1…Bg6 2.Sxc6#
1…b4 2.Rc4#
Self-obstruction, changed mates.
1.Sc4? (2.Qe4#) but 1...b4!
1.Sg4? (2.Qe4#) 1...Sd2 2.Qxe3# but 1...Sxf3!
1.Sd3? (2.Qe4#)
1…Sxf3 2.Qg4#
1…Bg6 2.Qd7#
1…b4 2.Qc4# but 1...Sd2!
1.Qf5! (2.Qe4#)
1…Sxf3 2.Sxf3#
1…Sd2 2.Rd3#
1…Bg6 2.Sxc6#
1…b4 2.Rc4#
Self-obstruction, changed mates.
Labels:
Bladh,
Dobrescu E.,
May,
Nestorescu,
Zoltán
Sunday, May 20, 2012
May 21st
Paul Köller (21-05-1889 - 15-07-1979) German composer
Paul Köller was a directmate composer.
Show Solution
Paul Köller
[Kartothek A-K page 176]
[Kartothek A-K page 176]
Paul Köller was a directmate composer.
Show Solution
1.Rf3? g5!
1.Rf2? b3!
1.Be5! ZZ
1.Rf2? b3!
1.Be5! ZZ
1...Qg5 2.Rf8+ Qd8 3.Rxd8#The black Queen is overloaded.
1...b3 2.Rf3! (3.Rc3#) Qe3/Qh3/Qc1/Qd2 3.Rf8#
1...Qf4 2.Rxf4/Bxf4
Labels:
Barsukov V.N.,
Glaß,
Goldschmiedt,
Gusev Y.M.,
Köller,
Löschl,
May,
Zharkov Y.N.
May 20th
Machgielis (Max) Euwe (20-05-1901 - 26-11-1981) Dutch composer and o.t.b. World Champion
Max Euwe was the fifth World Champion and a very appreciated president of FIDE. Robert Fischer paid him a (probably involuntary) compliment: "There's something wrong with that man. He's too normal."
His biography can be read here and other details linking Euwe with computer history here. It can be noted that "Euwe was indeed a very fine mathematician who concentrated more on his mathematics throughout his life than on his chess." For those interested in mathematical chess, the page here by Manfred Börgens might prove an interesting read (it tackles the question whether chess is a finite game).
However, Max Euwe also composed one chess problem and some studies. Here is the twomover:
Show Solution
Max Euwe
[Wikipedia]
[Wikipedia]
Max Euwe was the fifth World Champion and a very appreciated president of FIDE. Robert Fischer paid him a (probably involuntary) compliment: "There's something wrong with that man. He's too normal."
His biography can be read here and other details linking Euwe with computer history here. It can be noted that "Euwe was indeed a very fine mathematician who concentrated more on his mathematics throughout his life than on his chess." For those interested in mathematical chess, the page here by Manfred Börgens might prove an interesting read (it tackles the question whether chess is a finite game).
However, Max Euwe also composed one chess problem and some studies. Here is the twomover:
Show Solution
1.Qd6! (2.Qa6#)
This twomover was anticipated by Theodore Morris Brown, The Albion 1860 (detected by Michael McDowell).
This twomover was anticipated by Theodore Morris Brown, The Albion 1860 (detected by Michael McDowell).
Labels:
Akobia,
Bruch,
Euwe,
May,
Převorovský
Saturday, May 19, 2012
May 19th
Eugene Beauharnais Cook (19-05-1830 - 13-03-1915) American composer
Biographical information about Eugene Cook has been reproduced in Harrie Grondjis' book "No Rook Unturned. A Tour Around The Saavedra Study" and on this blog from which we can quote the following information:
Eugene Cook was also a compiler of the collection "American Chess Nuts" in 1868 together with W.R. Henry and C.A. Gilberg. He had the third largest chess book collection in the world (2,500 volumes), which was donated to the Princeton University Library upon his death.
An easy one to start the day:
Show Solution
Show Solution
Show Solution
Eugene B. Cook
[edochess]
[edochess]
Biographical information about Eugene Cook has been reproduced in Harrie Grondjis' book "No Rook Unturned. A Tour Around The Saavedra Study" and on this blog from which we can quote the following information:
"Dr. Keidanz, in the introduction of his book The Chess Compositions of E.B. Cook of Hoboken New York 1927, informs us that many honours were bestowed upon Cook in his lifetime. Numerous problems were dedicated to him by his admirers and Samuel Loyd dedicated his book Chess Strategies to him. "("The American Chess Magazine" can be read on Archive.org.)
Eugene Cook was also a compiler of the collection "American Chess Nuts" in 1868 together with W.R. Henry and C.A. Gilberg. He had the third largest chess book collection in the world (2,500 volumes), which was donated to the Princeton University Library upon his death.
An easy one to start the day:
Show Solution
1.e8=B! Ke6 2.f8=B! Kf5 3.Bd7#
Both Bishop promotions avoid stalemate.
Both Bishop promotions avoid stalemate.
Show Solution
1.Kd1-e2 ! (2.Ke2-e3/Ke2-f3 ~ 3.Bh6-f4#)
1...Rb5xb2+ 2.Ke2-f3 Ba6-e2+ 3.Kf3-e3 ~ 4.Bh6-f4#
1...Rh1xh3/g3-g2 2.Bh6-f4+ Ke5xf4 3.Qb2-d2+ Kf4-e5 4.Qd2-d6#
1...Rb5-b7+ 2.Ke2-e3 (3.Bh6-f4#) 2...Rb7xe7 3.c3-c4+ Ke5xf5 4.Qb2xf6#
An ancestor of Sam Loyd's famous threemover where the white King wanders to the center of the board to mate the black King.
1...Rb5xb2+ 2.Ke2-f3 Ba6-e2+ 3.Kf3-e3 ~ 4.Bh6-f4#
1...Rh1xh3/g3-g2 2.Bh6-f4+ Ke5xf4 3.Qb2-d2+ Kf4-e5 4.Qd2-d6#
1...Rb5-b7+ 2.Ke2-e3 (3.Bh6-f4#) 2...Rb7xe7 3.c3-c4+ Ke5xf5 4.Qb2xf6#
An ancestor of Sam Loyd's famous threemover where the white King wanders to the center of the board to mate the black King.
Show Solution
1.Rb6-f6 !
1...e3-e2 2.Bc5-g1 a7-a6 3.Rf6-f2 Kc3-d4 4.Rf2-f3#
1...a7-a6 2.Bc5-a7 e3-e2 3.Rf6-b6 Kc3-d4 4.Rb6-b3#
Indian theme and switchback of wRb6.
1...e3-e2 2.Bc5-g1 a7-a6 3.Rf6-f2 Kc3-d4 4.Rf2-f3#
1...a7-a6 2.Bc5-a7 e3-e2 3.Rf6-b6 Kc3-d4 4.Rb6-b3#
Indian theme and switchback of wRb6.
Labels:
Cook E.B.,
Henneberger W.,
Lititarov,
May,
Ralík,
Tancău,
Zinoviev N.
Friday, May 18, 2012
May 18th
Carl Eckhardt (18-05-1894 - 12-12-1954) German composer
Since we do not have much information about Carl Eckhardt, except his card on page 80 of the Kartothek A-K let his problems evoke him.
First, a logical moremover:
Show Solution
Secondly, a selfmate with interesting pin play:
Since we do not have much information about Carl Eckhardt, except his card on page 80 of the Kartothek A-K let his problems evoke him.
First, a logical moremover:
Show Solution
1.Rc8? (2.Rc4+ Kxd5 3.Sc3,Sb6#) but 1...Rc1!
1.Rb8! (2.Rb4#) Be1 2.Rc8 (3.Rc4+ Kxd5 4.Sb6#)
Hamburg theme.
1.Rb8! (2.Rb4#) Be1 2.Rc8 (3.Rc4+ Kxd5 4.Sb6#)
2...Rg8 3.Rxg8 (4.Rg4#)Secondary variation: 2...Ba5 3.Rc4+ Kxd5 4.Rc3+,Rc5+
3...Bg3 4.Rg4+ Bf4 5.Rxf4#
3...b1=Q 4.Rg4+ Qe4 5.Rgxe4,Rexe4#
Hamburg theme.
Secondly, a selfmate with interesting pin play:
Labels:
Eckhardt C.,
Klemanič,
May,
Vaughan C.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
May 17th
Wilhelm Steinitz (17-05-1836 - 12-08-1900) German composer (and o.t.b.World Champion)
Wilhelm_Steinitz [Wikipedia]
Wilhelm Steinitz was of course the first World Champion, before Emmanuel Lasker won the title in the 1894 match, but he also composed some studies of which the best known is the following:
Show Solution
Wilhelm_Steinitz [Wikipedia]
Wilhelm Steinitz was of course the first World Champion, before Emmanuel Lasker won the title in the 1894 match, but he also composed some studies of which the best known is the following:
Show Solution
1. h7+ Kg7 2. h8=Q+ (nowadays a classical sacrifice)
2...Kxh8 3. Kf7 Rf1+ 4. Bf6+ Rxf6+ 5. Kxf6 and White wins.
2...Kxh8 3. Kf7 Rf1+ 4. Bf6+ Rxf6+ 5. Kxf6 and White wins.
Labels:
Antipin,
Antonov Y.M.,
Cheney R.E.,
May,
Paslack,
Steinitz,
Van Dooren
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
May 16th
Norbert Kovács (16-05-1874 -24-05-1946) Hungarian composer
Dr. Norbert Kovács composed about 500 problems and was specialized in fairy problems. In 1926 he wrote with Neukomm and Schor "Feladvany-Műszotar", a collection of problem chess terms.
Show Solution
Hard to guess which piece will give mate in this helpmate:
Show Solution
Norbert Kovács
[magyarsakkszerzok]
[magyarsakkszerzok]
Dr. Norbert Kovács composed about 500 problems and was specialized in fairy problems. In 1926 he wrote with Neukomm and Schor "Feladvany-Műszotar", a collection of problem chess terms.
Show Solution
1.Qb7 ! (2.Qxh1#)
1...Bxb7 2.Bxf6 (3.Bxg5#) 2...Rc6 3.Sf3#
1...Rc6 2.Qxa8 (3.Qh8#) 2...Bf3, Rc8 3.Sxf3, Qxh1#
1...B~ 2.QxB and 3.Qh1/Sf3#
Hard to guess which piece will give mate in this helpmate:
Show Solution
1.Bc1 a4 2.Bf4 axb5 3.c1=B bxc6 4.Bce3 c7#
The white Bishop-Pawn battery is a surprise, since the pawn is blocked in the diagram position.
The white Bishop-Pawn battery is a surprise, since the pawn is blocked in the diagram position.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
May 15th
Pierre Auguste d'Orville (15-05-1804 - 11-11-1864) German composer
Pierre Auguste (or Peter August) d'Orville was German and lived in Antwerp. He may have been the first composer in the world, with Horatio Bolton, to intentionally look for nice and light positions and to avoid the then fashionable equal forces between both sides.
D'Orville wrote in 1842 "PROBLÈMES d'ÉCHECS composés et dédiés aux amateurs de ce jeu".
"Some problems by Auguste d'Orville" is a charming booklet written by John D.Beasley, who offers the 2nd reviewed edition for download on the Internet:
(covers can be found on this page).
This looks like the typical endgame K+B+S vs K, but the black King is in the wrong corner and White has the d-pawn. Can this pawn be enough to mate in 6?
Show Solution
Pierre Auguste (or Peter August) d'Orville was German and lived in Antwerp. He may have been the first composer in the world, with Horatio Bolton, to intentionally look for nice and light positions and to avoid the then fashionable equal forces between both sides.
D'Orville wrote in 1842 "PROBLÈMES d'ÉCHECS composés et dédiés aux amateurs de ce jeu".
"Some problems by Auguste d'Orville" is a charming booklet written by John D.Beasley, who offers the 2nd reviewed edition for download on the Internet:
(covers can be found on this page).
This looks like the typical endgame K+B+S vs K, but the black King is in the wrong corner and White has the d-pawn. Can this pawn be enough to mate in 6?
Show Solution
1.Sb2-c4+ !
1...Ka3-a4 2.Bb1-e4 Ka4-b5 3.Be4-b7 Kb5-c5 4.d2-d3 ! ZZ (The decisive tempo)
4...Kc5-b5 5.d3-d4 Kb5-a4 6.Bb7-c6#
1...Ka3-a4 2.Bb1-e4 Ka4-b5 3.Be4-b7 Kb5-c5 4.d2-d3 ! ZZ (The decisive tempo)
4...Kc5-b5 5.d3-d4 Kb5-a4 6.Bb7-c6#
Monday, May 14, 2012
May 14th
William Meredith (14-05-1835 - 10-08-1903) American composer
William Meredith composed 200 problems. His specialty was problems of at most 12 pieces. Hence the name of "Meredith" given to this sort of problems, after a Good Companion tourney dedicated to him in 1916. 100 of his direct mates, each with commentary by one of the "Good Companion" club, can be found in the A.C.White Christmas Series "100 Chess Problems" (1916).
Let's start with a not so easy Meredith:
Show Solution
This one may be easier to solve. Since Black obviously threatens direct checks by the Qg6 and discovery checks by the Bc5, some drastic measures must be taken:
Show Solution
William Meredith
[source: Cleveland Public Library]
[source: Cleveland Public Library]
William Meredith composed 200 problems. His specialty was problems of at most 12 pieces. Hence the name of "Meredith" given to this sort of problems, after a Good Companion tourney dedicated to him in 1916. 100 of his direct mates, each with commentary by one of the "Good Companion" club, can be found in the A.C.White Christmas Series "100 Chess Problems" (1916).
Let's start with a not so easy Meredith:
Show Solution
1.Sd7! Kd2 2.Sc5! and mate follows on all three flights:
2...Ke3 3.Sc4#
2...Ke1 3.Bc3#
2...Kc1 3.Sb3#
This one may be easier to solve. Since Black obviously threatens direct checks by the Qg6 and discovery checks by the Bc5, some drastic measures must be taken:
Show Solution
1.Qd8-d6 ! (2.Qd6-f4 / Sd3-f2 / Sd3xc5#)
1...Bb1xc2 2.Qd6-f4+ Ke4xd3 3.Qf4-c4#The key sacrifice offers the white Queen to two black pieces, with check to the white King after bB moves. The white Siers battery enables two very clean variations.
1...Bc5xd6+ 2.Sd3-c5+ Ke4-e5 3.Sc5-d7#
1...Qg6x6 2.Sd3-f2+ Ke4-e5 3.Sf2-g4#
Labels:
Bonavoglia,
Degenkolbe,
Hassberg,
Klasinc,
May,
Meredith,
Persiyanov
Sunday, May 13, 2012
May 13th
Josef Plachutta (13-05-1827 - 22-07-1883) Austrian-Slovenian composer
Josef Plachutta was a specialist of moremovers and selfmates. He participated to all the first composition tourneys of the end of the 19th century and left his name to a moremover theme (quote from Wikipedia):
Show Solution
Josef Plachutta
[Wikipedia]
[Wikipedia]
Josef Plachutta was a specialist of moremovers and selfmates. He participated to all the first composition tourneys of the end of the 19th century and left his name to a moremover theme (quote from Wikipedia):
A white piece sacrifices itself on a square where it could be captured by one of two similarly-moving black pieces (for example, a bishop and a queen moving along a diagonal, or two rooks) moving along a different line; whichever black piece captures, it interferes with the other.Plachutta's first realization of the theme is quoted on Wikipedia. Let's have a look at a more complicated one:
Show Solution
1.Sc5-d7 ! (2.Bb3-d1 [3.Qg6xh5#] 2...Sh1xg3, Bg2-f3 3.Qg6xg3, Rg3-h3#)
and there are of course two variations, based on which Rook captures the wS:
1...Rc7xd7 2.Bb3-d1 (3.Qg6xh5#) 2...Rd7xd1 3.Ba3-e7 (4.Qg6-g5+ f6xg5 5.Be7xg5#) 3...Sg8xe7 4.Rg3-g4+ h5xg4 5.Qg6-h6#
1...Rd8xd7 2.Ba3-e7 (3.Qg6-g5+ f6xg5 4.Be7xg5#) 2...Rd7xe7 3.Bb3-d1 (4.Qg6xh5#) 3...Re7-h7 4.Qg6xh5+ Rh7xh5 5.Rg3-g4# or 4.Rg3-g4+ h5xg4 5.Qg6xg4#
and there are of course two variations, based on which Rook captures the wS:
1...Rc7xd7 2.Bb3-d1 (3.Qg6xh5#) 2...Rd7xd1 3.Ba3-e7 (4.Qg6-g5+ f6xg5 5.Be7xg5#) 3...Sg8xe7 4.Rg3-g4+ h5xg4 5.Qg6-h6#
1...Rd8xd7 2.Ba3-e7 (3.Qg6-g5+ f6xg5 4.Be7xg5#) 2...Rd7xe7 3.Bb3-d1 (4.Qg6xh5#) 3...Re7-h7 4.Qg6xh5+ Rh7xh5 5.Rg3-g4# or 4.Rg3-g4+ h5xg4 5.Qg6xg4#
Labels:
Hoffmann M.W.,
Ivanovsky,
Kummer E.,
May,
Plachutta J.,
Satkus Vilimantas,
Sinyov,
Širáň
May 12th
Николай Павлович Будков (12-05-1928 - 1999) Russian problemist (Nikolay Pavlovich Budkov)
Nikolay Budkov composed mostly direct mates and helpmates with little material on the board.
Show Solution
Nikolay Budkov composed mostly direct mates and helpmates with little material on the board.
Budkow, Nikolai & Каковин, Александр Сергеевич
Due Alfieri, 1985 (618)
2nd HM
Due Alfieri, 1985 (618)
2nd HM
h#2 b) bKa8->d4
c) = b) + bRe6<->bSc6
d) = c) + bKd4->g8 3 + 4
c) = b) + bRe6<->bSc6
d) = c) + bKd4->g8 3 + 4
Show Solution
a) 1. Sa5 Sc6 [A] 2. Sb7 Sb6# [B]
b) 1. Re4 Sb6 [B] 2. Se5 Se6# [C]
c) 1. Rc4 Sf6 [D] 2. Sc5 Sc6# [A]
d) 1. Sg5 Se6 [C] 2. Sf7 Sf6# [D]
Cycle of white moves AB-BC-CD-DA, realized thanks to the symmetry of the position.
b) 1. Re4 Sb6 [B] 2. Se5 Se6# [C]
c) 1. Rc4 Sf6 [D] 2. Sc5 Sc6# [A]
d) 1. Sg5 Se6 [C] 2. Sf7 Sf6# [D]
Cycle of white moves AB-BC-CD-DA, realized thanks to the symmetry of the position.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)