Final Award in Quick Composing TT-262 | Окончательные итоги блицконкурса TT-262
10 entries were received from 6 authors representing 5 countries | На конкурс поступило 10 композиций от 6 авторов из 5 стран
EN <-> RU
I have received only 10 problems but I evaluate this quantity acceptable due to uneasy theme.
I excluded following problems:
- No 4 (Kh5-Kd5), No 5 (Kh5-Ke5). Almost forced solution and all thematic content is simple and done via battery and usual checks. При почти полностью форсированном решении всё тематическое содержание довольно просто и выполнено за счёт батарейных и обычных шахов. This is especially noticeable in comparison with marked No 6 and 7 (by the same author) that contains some additional interesting nuances;
- No 9 (Kg3-Kf8). The theme is tripled in three-solutions-form. Generally, I consider acceptable a form of multi-solutions in s# for record and another difficult concepts if a realization in “usual” form or though in twins form is too hard or impossible. But in all three solutions of this problem all Black moves are the same. This speaks about schematics of the concept and about unlucky choice of the form. I propose the author to try to realize the idea in three variations so that at least first Black moves would be different – for example, it can be threefold play of Black Pawn.
Rest seven problems were included in the award. First and second Prizes, in my opinion, would decorate an upcoming FIDE Album.
Award is the following | Отличия распределились следующим образом
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1st Prize - No 10, Michel Caillaud (France) 8/2P1P3/2pP1p2/2p1pB2/2K1Pp2/1NP2k1p/3B1bbP/5Q2
Riddle problem: how to force the Black to checkmate Bg2xf1#? Via zugzwang – in no way because it is impossible to deprive the Black of a move Bg2-h1. So, battery check only remains.
And then the fun begins:
1) so, we create a battery via Bd2-e1xf2 and with bBg2 perform a battery check Bf2-d4(g1)+? But then wK has flight c5;
2) so, we “clarify” the battery check – Bf2xc5+? But then a new difficulty – wK has flight b4;
3) so, we block b4 by some piece that promotes on c8(e8)? But it will not be possible to do this neither in advance due to cxb4 nor all the more so after Bf2xc5+ – because this move is undoubtedly the last for the White;
4) so, before blocking b4 the promoted piece must capture c5? But then the Black sooner or later moves c6-c5 – and wK has flight d5!
5) so, we clarify finally: before the first promoted piece captures on c5, the second the one must capture on c6 and immediately must move to d5! At the same time, for the first promoted piece – Qc8 – a shortest way to c5 will be opened.
1.e8B! Bh1 2.Bxc6! Bg2 3.Bd5 Bh1 4.c8Q Bg2 5.Be1!! Bh1(Ke3) 6.Qxc5(+) Bg2(Kf3) 7.Qb4 Bh1(Ke3) 8.Bxf2(+) Bg2(Kf3) 9.Bc5+ Bxf1#
I think if this problem got into a solving competition, it would become a nightmare for many of solvers for a long time! Because it is unlikely that they would have raised a hand to destroy a completely ready “box” of pieces Bf2+Pc5+Pc6 that guards three (thematic for this TT!) squares around wK – c5, b4, b5.
But, oddly enough, to achieve the goal, the White needs to do just that – destroy this ready “box” and then build a new one, now from his own pieces!
The judge himself enjoyed single-variation longmover riddles – such problems look like performances, detective stories, like an action with exciting and mysterious plot! But this s#9 is also “multilayer”: even when in the first approximation the general paradoxical algorithm of actions is clear (to capture three black pieces and “replace” them with three white ones), the specific details of its implementation require a painstaking step-by-step clue, as described above.
I congratulate the author with awesome creative achievement and with deserve victory in the tourney!
EN <-> RU
And then the fun begins:
1) so, we create a battery via Bd2-e1xf2 and with bBg2 perform a battery check Bf2-d4(g1)+? But then wK has flight c5;
2) so, we “clarify” the battery check – Bf2xc5+? But then a new difficulty – wK has flight b4;
3) so, we block b4 by some piece that promotes on c8(e8)? But it will not be possible to do this neither in advance due to cxb4 nor all the more so after Bf2xc5+ – because this move is undoubtedly the last for the White;
4) so, before blocking b4 the promoted piece must capture c5? But then the Black sooner or later moves c6-c5 – and wK has flight d5!
5) so, we clarify finally: before the first promoted piece captures on c5, the second the one must capture on c6 and immediately must move to d5! At the same time, for the first promoted piece – Qc8 – a shortest way to c5 will be opened.
1.e8B! Bh1 2.Bxc6! Bg2 3.Bd5 Bh1 4.c8Q Bg2 5.Be1!! Bh1(Ke3) 6.Qxc5(+) Bg2(Kf3) 7.Qb4 Bh1(Ke3) 8.Bxf2(+) Bg2(Kf3) 9.Bc5+ Bxf1#
I think if this problem got into a solving competition, it would become a nightmare for many of solvers for a long time! Because it is unlikely that they would have raised a hand to destroy a completely ready “box” of pieces Bf2+Pc5+Pc6 that guards three (thematic for this TT!) squares around wK – c5, b4, b5.
But, oddly enough, to achieve the goal, the White needs to do just that – destroy this ready “box” and then build a new one, now from his own pieces!
The judge himself enjoyed single-variation longmover riddles – such problems look like performances, detective stories, like an action with exciting and mysterious plot! But this s#9 is also “multilayer”: even when in the first approximation the general paradoxical algorithm of actions is clear (to capture three black pieces and “replace” them with three white ones), the specific details of its implementation require a painstaking step-by-step clue, as described above.
I congratulate the author with awesome creative achievement and with deserve victory in the tourney!
2nd Prize - No 2, Frank Richter (Germany) 8/4Q1R1/2pB4/2P1pPNp/1pK2kPp/qr5p/b1P5/1r3NR1
1.Rg2! – 2.Rf2+ Kxg4 3.Sxh3+ Kxh3 4.Rf3+ Rxf3#1...Rxf1 2.Bxe5+ Ke3 3.Bd4+ Kf4 4.Qe3+ Rxe3#
1...hxg2 2.Qxe5+ Kxg4 3.Qd4+ Kxf5 4.Se3+ Rxe3#
1...Qc1 2.Rf2+ Kxg4 3.Se4+ Qg5 4.Se3+ Rxe3#
Good key and doubling of TT theme, though with repetitive mate in both thematic variations. But there is weighty additive: White play on the same square on 2nd, 3rd and 4th moves! If the author managed to make sure that on the 4th move of each variation the same piece would play as on the 2nd and 3rd moves, it would be just great. But, probably, purely according to the scheme, this is impossible here.
In additional variation Black Queen plays actively – it’s a plus. But a minus is of course a repetition of 2nd and 4th moves in comparison to threat and second variation respectively.
Nevertheless, on the whole, the problem also makes an excellent impression, and it is possible that another judge (who does not value the "puzzles" as highly as I do) would give to this s#4 the highest distinction in this competition.
EN <-> RU
In additional variation Black Queen plays actively – it’s a plus. But a minus is of course a repetition of 2nd and 4th moves in comparison to threat and second variation respectively.
Nevertheless, on the whole, the problem also makes an excellent impression, and it is possible that another judge (who does not value the "puzzles" as highly as I do) would give to this s#4 the highest distinction in this competition.
3rd Prize - No 3, Misha Shapiro (Israel) 8/3p1p1Q/3pP2P/3PN1PK/7P/8/4p1pp/4Bbkr
1.Qxf7? dxe6 2.Sc6 ~ 3.Qg6 ~ 4.Sd4 ~ 5.Sxe2+ Bxe2#, 1...dxe5!1.Sxf7? dxe6 2.Sh8 e5? 3.Qc2! e4 4.Sh8-g6 e3 5.Qxe2 Bxe2#, 2...exd5! 3.Qd3 d4 4.Sg6 d5 5.Qxe2 d3!
1.exf7! dxe5 2.Qc2 ~ 3.f8S ~ 4.Sf8-g6 ~ 5.Qxe2 Bxe2#
Another way to “multiplying” of content – two thematic tries at once for highlighting a choice of the key with thematic capture. It is interesting that in these tries a thematic square is occupied by “initial” White pieces and in the solution – promoted the one.
However, from a thematic point of view, one cannot fail to note the following. A paradox of capturing the thematic Pawn f7, that threatens to leave, has been significantly reduced because White still cannot prevent it from removing control from g6.
That is, a thematic capture is a compulsory measure but not a free choice of the White, as in most problems of the competition. The choice here lies only in determining which White piece will perform the thematic play. Nevertheless, as they say, the result is on the scoreboard, and this problem deservedly closes the top three.
EN <-> RU
However, from a thematic point of view, one cannot fail to note the following. A paradox of capturing the thematic Pawn f7, that threatens to leave, has been significantly reduced because White still cannot prevent it from removing control from g6.
That is, a thematic capture is a compulsory measure but not a free choice of the White, as in most problems of the competition. The choice here lies only in determining which White piece will perform the thematic play. Nevertheless, as they say, the result is on the scoreboard, and this problem deservedly closes the top three.
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1st Honorable mention - No 1, Anatolii Vasylenko (Ukraine) 8/4pB2/4PP2/5K1N/4P1pk/5Prn/5QPR/8
1.Sf4? exf6 2.Se2 gxf3 3.Sg1 fxg2 4.Qf4+ Rg4 5.Bg6 Rxf4#, 1...gxf3! 2.Se2 fxe2!1.fxe7! gxf3 2.e8S! fxg2 3.Sef6! g1~ 4.Qf4+ Rg4 5.Qg5+ Rxg5#
An important nuance: in diagram position a thematic square is not only guarded by Black thematic piece but also is blocked by White the one. According the conditions of the theme, it is not explicitly prohibited, which means it is allowed – the main thing is that the paradox persists: after thematic capture, thematic square becomes available for wK, and this square becomes need for blocking again.
Including due to this nuance, this problem differs from most other problems of TT. Namely: try and solution begin from reciprocal captures of thematic captures (wPf6, wPe7) by each other, herewith a thematic square (f6) becomes available for wK in both cases, and – it’s important and unusual – further play (including a mate) varies pretty much!
In general, the plot is as follows:
- in try, that is not thematic for this TT, the White doesn’t block thematic square but forces a Black piece to guard it on mating move;
- in solution the White blocks thematic square by piece that promoted from thematic Pawn. (A somewhat similar plot is slightly more embossed – "phoenix trail in trail" – was shown in the form of a fata morgana in the judge’s problem pdb/P1362021.)
You can also note a passing paradox:
- in try, the White stops a Black pawn on the threshold of promotion, but this does not lead him to a desired result;
- in solution, the White calmly releases the Pawn, but its promotion does not affect anything – the White still reaches the goal.
In general, in terms of its approach to the implementation of the theme, this problem is perhaps the most unusual of all in this competition. Therefore, despite only one implementation of the theme, I appreciated it quite highly – right after the Prizes, where the theme was implemented at least twice.
EN <-> RU
Including due to this nuance, this problem differs from most other problems of TT. Namely: try and solution begin from reciprocal captures of thematic captures (wPf6, wPe7) by each other, herewith a thematic square (f6) becomes available for wK in both cases, and – it’s important and unusual – further play (including a mate) varies pretty much!
In general, the plot is as follows:
- in try, that is not thematic for this TT, the White doesn’t block thematic square but forces a Black piece to guard it on mating move;
- in solution the White blocks thematic square by piece that promoted from thematic Pawn. (A somewhat similar plot is slightly more embossed – "phoenix trail in trail" – was shown in the form of a fata morgana in the judge’s problem pdb/P1362021.)
You can also note a passing paradox:
- in try, the White stops a Black pawn on the threshold of promotion, but this does not lead him to a desired result;
- in solution, the White calmly releases the Pawn, but its promotion does not affect anything – the White still reaches the goal.
In general, in terms of its approach to the implementation of the theme, this problem is perhaps the most unusual of all in this competition. Therefore, despite only one implementation of the theme, I appreciated it quite highly – right after the Prizes, where the theme was implemented at least twice.
2nd Honorable mention - No 8, Ralf Krätschmer (Germany) & Dieter Werner (Switzerland) 3NN1k1/q3P1p1/8/2p2B1R/b7/1n1p1p2/QPrP4/1rBKR3
Main plan 1.Sf6+? gxf6 2.Rg1+ Qxg1#?? is not success in view of closed line а7-g1.
For its opening a check on the line а2-g8 can be made – in order to force с5-с4. But due to bSb3 is guarded, the White has the only way:
1.Bh7+ Kh8 2.Bxd3+ Kg8 3.Bh7+ Kh8 4.Bxc2+ Kg8 5.Qxb3+ Bxb3+ 6.Bxb3+ c4
The a7-g1 line is open, but at a high price – a thematic square c2 has become available to wK. It can be made inaccessible again only by switchback of wB to this square. However, he must get there with a check, for which it’s need to pull the black king to the line b1-h7.
7.Sf6+ gxf6 8.e8Q+ Kg7 9.Qh8+ Kg6 10.Bc2+ f5
And now – the main plan:
11.Rg1+ Qxg1#
Uneasy logical problem with “windmill” of wB and small changing of initial main plan. Perhaps the problem could get a little higher but fully forced solution and rude captures of two static Black pieces slightly reduce an overall impression.
EN <-> RU
For its opening a check on the line а2-g8 can be made – in order to force с5-с4. But due to bSb3 is guarded, the White has the only way:
1.Bh7+ Kh8 2.Bxd3+ Kg8 3.Bh7+ Kh8 4.Bxc2+ Kg8 5.Qxb3+ Bxb3+ 6.Bxb3+ c4
The a7-g1 line is open, but at a high price – a thematic square c2 has become available to wK. It can be made inaccessible again only by switchback of wB to this square. However, he must get there with a check, for which it’s need to pull the black king to the line b1-h7.
7.Sf6+ gxf6 8.e8Q+ Kg7 9.Qh8+ Kg6 10.Bc2+ f5
And now – the main plan:
11.Rg1+ Qxg1#
Uneasy logical problem with “windmill” of wB and small changing of initial main plan. Perhaps the problem could get a little higher but fully forced solution and rude captures of two static Black pieces slightly reduce an overall impression.
1st Commendation - No 7, Ralf Krätschmer (Germany) 3Q2br/2pr4/2BR4/8/3b1N2/2p5/2R4N/K5k1
Main plan 1.Qg5+? Kf1?? (2.Qg2+ Ke1 3.Qg1+ Bxg1 4.Sg2+ Kf1 5.Rd1+ Rxd1#?? 6.Rc1) is not success in view of two preventing White pieces – Rс2 и Sh2.
How to get rid of Sh2 is generally clear:
1.Rg2+ Kh1 – and now it’s need to move by Rook alone g-line. But where? The fact is that in answer on any such move, 1...Bd5! follows.
Well, White has no choice:
2.Rxg8+! Kxh2 3.Rg2+ Kh1
If initially it seemed that the preventing White Rook should simply be sacrificed, now it is clear that its fate is different – to “pick up” a function of captured bBg8 and block the a2-square:
4.Ra2+! Kg1 – and main plan:
5.Qg5+ Kf1 6.Qg2+ Ke1 7.Qg1+ Bxg1 8.Sg2+ Kf1 9.Rd1+ Rxd1#
And again, a logical problem with elimination of the thematic Black piece by means of continuous checks. The complexity of the concept is an order of magnitude lower – hence the rank of distinction. The technical bRh8 is a bit unpleasant.
EN <-> RU
How to get rid of Sh2 is generally clear:
1.Rg2+ Kh1 – and now it’s need to move by Rook alone g-line. But where? The fact is that in answer on any such move, 1...Bd5! follows.
Well, White has no choice:
2.Rxg8+! Kxh2 3.Rg2+ Kh1
If initially it seemed that the preventing White Rook should simply be sacrificed, now it is clear that its fate is different – to “pick up” a function of captured bBg8 and block the a2-square:
4.Ra2+! Kg1 – and main plan:
5.Qg5+ Kf1 6.Qg2+ Ke1 7.Qg1+ Bxg1 8.Sg2+ Kf1 9.Rd1+ Rxd1#
And again, a logical problem with elimination of the thematic Black piece by means of continuous checks. The complexity of the concept is an order of magnitude lower – hence the rank of distinction. The technical bRh8 is a bit unpleasant.
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2nd Commendation - No 6, Ralf Krätschmer (Germany) 6R1/2p5/4QPpr/2p5/2NkP3/b1p2pBp/2Pp2Np/3K3b
1.Sh4! (2.Sxf3+ Bxf3#) 1...Rxh4 2.Be5+ Kxe4 3.Bxc3+! Kf4 4.Bxd2+ Kg3 5.Rxg6+ Rg4 6.Rxg4+ Kf2 7.Qe2+ fxe2#
As in 1st Prize, a destroying of ready “box” for wK (Pc3+Pd2) is quite unexpectedly and that’s why nicely, which caused the problem to be awarded.
But this problem (as in three previous) TT theme is realized only one tine – for d2-square, because for guarding of e1-square the White attracts bK.
It's pleasant that there is a quiet move, and it’s a key one. One can argue about its quality – avoiding three blows in exchange for one – but there is still no better key here.
EN <-> RU
It's pleasant that there is a quiet move, and it’s a key one. One can argue about its quality – avoiding three blows in exchange for one – but there is still no better key here.
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