42nd World Congress of Chess Composition
Netanya 23.10 - 30.10.1999
Internet Tourney Award
Theme: Try key A has one threat B and two defeats x and y. In the solution defense x allow mate A (Vladimirov) and defense y allow mate B (Dombrovskis).
The internet tourney, announced several month before the 1999 world congress of chess composition, turned out to be a big success. I received 59 entries, some by mail, some by email, and some were given to me during the congress. The closing date was on Wednesday evening, two days before the end of the congress, and I have worked all night to complete the award in order to have it printed in time. I was delighted and amazed to find the average quality of the problems to be exceptionally high. On one hand, it made the judging task enjoyable but the time limitation made it very difficult. The theme posed a basic limitation in the form of a "Vladimirov" try. On this try composers were asked to add a "Dombrovskis" element involving the threat of the try. Thus, one of the elements I looked for was the way the Dombrovskis was added and how the two elements are strategically and artistically integrated. Further to this, I regarded the incorporation of additional changed mates on the thematic defenses as an important addition, especially when it is a natural and integral part of the problem. Regarding the nature of the Vladimirov effect, many problems have used a WP move to block a WQ line. While this seemed to be the easiest way to realize the Vladimirov other mechanisms, especially those using other white pieces to block WQ or WR lines, seem to offer more options for enriching the content and achieving more satisfactory integration of the Dombrovskis. It is, thus, not surprising that most top problems use such mechanisms. While the seven prize problems all combine rich play with light construction, I tried to balance between constructional execution, harmony and added elements.
The original first prize winner by Hari Hurme (problem "A" at the end) appealed to me due to the unified correction play of the two thematic units and the additional mate changes. However, I have missed the obvious and ruinous major dual 1…B:e5 2.Q:e5/R:e5/Se7#. It is incorrect to claim that 1…B:e5 should be ignored since it is not a correction move. In the solution BB random moves allow either 2.Se7 (on a1-h8 diagonal) or 2.e6 (on h4-d8 diagonal). Thus, 1…B:e5 is a true correction move with regard to the 2.e6 mate . I hope the composer can come up with a corrected version (seems difficult in the existing setting) but the problem is eliminated from the award due to this flaw.
In the aftermath of the tourney and following questions and comments by some I have the following thoughts on the theme. Since the theme definition asked specifically for two refutations in the thematic try I disallowed problems in which there was a reply on the Dombrovskis defense and there was only one "Vladimirov refutation". I agree that such problems show the same theme and that having different mates on the Dombrovskis defense is more interesting. Moreover, I found that even having a mate on the Vladimirov defense, as long as it is not the key move (!!), can be realized and is probably the most elegant way to show the theme. The scheme of such ideal rendering would be:
Try 1.A? 2.B# 1…a/b 2.X/Y# (with X?Z!) but: 1…w! Solution: 1.Z! 1…a/b 2.A/B#
My original problem ("B" below) realizes this ideal form.
First Prize
Marjan Kovacevic
2# 6+9
A natural integration of the Vladimirov and Dombrovskis elements combined with three mate changes from set to solution, two of them on the thematic defenses. The Vladimirov element is based on the block of the g file by the 1.Rg4? key move which unpins WRe6 for the threat. The play of the set and solution Q/R batteries, surrounding the thematic variation 1…B:e6+ 2.Rg4#, is the force behind the artistic value of the problem, seasoned by the changed mate 1…c3 2.Qa2#. The double threat in the solution becomes an insignificant flaw in this rich, pleasing, and lightweight composition. Set: 1…B:e6(a)/B:c6(b)/ c3 2. Q:e6/Re5//Rd4#
Try: 1.Rg4(A)? 2.Rd6(B)# 1… B:e6(a)/B:c6(b)!
Sol: 1.Qg2! (2.R4e5/R:e3#) 1… B:e6(a)/B:c6(b)/c3 2.Rg4(A)/Rd6(B)/Qa2#
Second Prize
Miodrag Mladenovic
2# 7+10
While similarity of the basic mechanism to the first prize problem is obvious the flight giving key and the thematic play on the flight square makes it very different. Additional elements that must be noted are the beautiful set mate 1…R:h3 2.Q:a4# that is abandoned for the thematic mate and the use of the Q/R battery for the mate on the BK move. Again, a rich problem constructed with a light hand. Set: 1…Bf3+(a)/R:h3(b) 2.Q:f3/Q:a4#
Try: 1.Rd5(A)? 2.Bh5(B)# 1…Bf3+(a)/R:h3(b)!
Sol: 1.Qe6! (2.Rf4#) 1…Bf3+(a)/R:h3(b) 2.Rd5(A)/Bh5(B)#
Third Prize
Marjan Kovacevic
2# 8+9
A different realization of the mechanism of the first prize problem, by the same author, but in a less impressive way. The use of the unpin-mates in the set and solution, especially when the unpin is an integral part of the mechanism, highlighted also by the unpin try, is the thread linking the various phases of the problem. The idea is presented in a different enough way to gain the composer also the third prize. Set: 1…B:f5(a)/B:e2(b) 2.Qf5/Rf4#
Try: 1.Se6(A)? 2.Re5(B)# 1…B:f5(a)/B:e2(b)!
Sol: 1.Qc4! (2.Qd3#) 1…B:f5(a)/B:e2(b) 2.Se6(A)/Re5(B)#
Fourth Prize
V. Dyachuk & V. Kopyl
2# 9+7
A complex mechanism that includes the use of a set (and provided) flight to achieve the thematic effects. The mate changes between an additional try and the solution show the effects of interchange between key and threat on the subsequent play; a good addition in line with the thematic requirements. The hiding of the set mate on the flight move by the fact that 1…Kg5 is not a defense is unpleasant. Try: 1.Sfd7(A)? 2.Qe5(B)# 1…Be4(a)/ f3(b)!
Tyr: 1.Sh7(X)? 2.Rf7(Y)# 1… Be4(a)/f3(b) 2.Rg5/Qe4#
Sol: 1.Rf7(Y)! (2.Sh7(X)#) 1… Be4(a)/f3(b) 2. Sfd7(A)/Qe5(B)#
Fifth Prize
Marjan Kovacevic
2# 10+7
The best of three realizations of a WQ/WP mechanism with mate changes on the thematic defenses. As with the first three prize winners, I preferred mate changes from set to solution as they put more emphasis on effects of the key move, especially when a flight giving key is concerned. The incorporation of the unpin element into the mechanism is very different then the other problems especially in light of the Dobrovskis effect of the 1…Qf8 defense and the additional use of the WR/WP battery for the 1…Qf4 2.g:f4# variation. Set: 1…d:c3(a)/Qf8(b) 2. Qc3/Se5#
Try: 1.e5(A)? 2.g4(B)# 1…d:c3(a)/Qf8(b)!
Sol: 1.Qf5! (2.Qf3#) 1…d:c3(a)/Qf8(b) 2.e5(A)/g4(B)#
Sixth Prize
Uri Avner
2# 10+9
Another good WQ/WP mechanism with a natural try (1.R:d7?) to bring about the mate changes. The corrective nature of the refutations in the thematic try, especially in light of the mate transfers, is notable, though the mate transfer mechanism is trivial. Try: 1.d5(A)? 2.R:e4(B)#
1…Sg3/Q:d5 2.Q:f4(C)/S:d5(D)# 1…S:c3(a)/Qb4(b)!
Try: 1.R:d7? (2/Bd2#) 1…S:c3(a)/Qb4(b) 2. Q:f4(C)/S:d5(D)# 1…Be1!
Sol: 1.Qc5! (2.Bd2#) 1…S:c3(a)/Qb4(b) 2.d5(A)/R:e4(B)# 1...Be1 2.Rf3#
Seventh Prize
Milan Velimirovic
2# 13+10
The thematic try 1.Se6? is corrected by the mate-changing try 1.Se2? that bring about two natural mates on the BB defenses. The Dombrovskis mechanism uses the self pin Schifman-type defense 1…B:f4 Try: 1.Se2? (2.Re3#) 1…Bd4(a)/B:f4(b) 2.S:g3/Sc3# 1…Ra3! Try: 1.Se6(A)? 2.Re3(B)# 1…Ra3 2.Sc5# 1…Bd4(a)/B:f4(b)!
Sol: 1.Qg4! (2.Qe2#) 1…Bd4(a)/B:f4(b)2.Se6(A)/Re3(B)#
First Hon. Mention
Marjan Kovacevic
2# 10+10
A daring realization of the theme with unpin-promotions and mate changes. The only flaw is the dual 1…R:h2(R:h8) 2. e:f8=Q/S# in the set. Set: 1…R:h2(R:h8)/Re7(a) 2.e:f8Q,S/Q:e7#
Try: 1.d7(A)? 2.e:f8=S(B)# 1…R:h2 2.e:f8=Q# 1…R:e7(a)/Bb7(b)!
Sol: 1.Qc6! (2.Qe4#) 1…R:e7(a)/Bb7(b) 2.d7(A)/e:f8=S# 1…R:h8 2.e8=Q#
Second Hon. Mention
Uri Avner
2# 8+7
The key and threat of the solution appear as mates after interesting play by the BS in the try that feature correction play. This beautifully constructed problem is slightly marred by the fact that the try is more interesting then the solution. Try: 1.e4(A)? 2.Qf3(B)# 1…Sd2/Se3 2.Bd4(X)/Sd3(Y)#
1…Se5(a)/R:b3(b)!
Sol: 1.Bd4(X)! 2.Sd3(Y)# 1…Se5(a)/R:b3(b) 2.e4(A)/Qf3(B)#
Third Hon. Mention
Milan Velimirovic
2# 8+5
In this lightweight problem the elegant try variation 1…Q:g3 2.Qb6# is abandoned by a nice long range key that introduces interesting battery and pin play. Try: 1.g3(A)? 2.Rf3(B)# 1…Q:g3 2.Qb6# 1…Q:g4(a)/ Qg2(b)!
Sol: 1.Q:h2! (2.g:h3#) 1…Q:g4(a)/Qg2(b) 2.g3(A)/R:f3(B)#
1…Qg3(f:g2) 2.Qg1#
Fourth Hon. Mention
Anatoly Slesarenko
2# 12+7
The try 1.Bg7? introduces a double guard on e5 in contrast to the flight giving key (this was the theme of the 1996 internet tourney!) and a mate change on the thematic 1…B:e5 and the threat appears as mate in the solution. If there were changes on both thematic defenses in the try the problem would have been ranked in the prize category. Try: 1.Bb5(A)? 2.Sb3(B)# 1…e:f2(a)/B:e5(b)!
Try: 1.Bg7(X)? 2.Rd5(Y)# 1…B:e5(a) 2.Q:e5# 1…B:g5!
Sol: 1.Qb4! (2.Qc3#) 1…e:f2(a)/B:e5(b) 2.Bb5(A)/ Sb3(B)#
1…K:e5/Rd5 2.Bg7(X)/R:d5(Y)#
Fifth Hon. Mention
Janez Nastran
2# 2+6
Two mate changes on non-thematic, but natural, defenses are arranged in a light rendering of the WQ/WP mechanism. Try: 1.e4(A)? 2.Rf2(B)# 1…Qe3/Se2(Sh3) 2.Qh5/Be2#
1… Q:h4(a)/ Bd4(b)!
Sol: 1.Qd3! (2.Qf1#) 1…Q:h4(a)/Bd4(b) 2.e4(A)/Rf2(B)#
1…Q:e3/Se2 2.Q:e3/Q:e2#
Sixth Hon. Mention
Marjan Kovacevic
2# 10+7
An interesting interpretation of the theme. The try presents two threats and three refutations. In the solution the try threats appear as mates after two of the "refutation moves" and the third provides the "Vladimirov" mate. Try: 1.Se2(A)? 2.Bb8(B)/ Sf7(C)# 1…Ra7(a)/d4(b)/Bf5(c)!
Sol:1.Qh2! (2.Sg6#) 1…Ra7(a)/d4(b)/Bf5(c) 2.Se2(A)/ Bb8(B)/Sf7(C)#
Seventh Hon. Mention
Marjan Kovacevic
2# 9+8
A rich problem featuring cross-checks, mate changes, and flight giving key. However, the try 1.Bc3? that cannot be ignored undermines the thematic try. Try: 1…R:e5+(a)/S:b2 2.Q:e5/R:c5#
Try: 1.Be3(A)? 2.Bg2(B)# 1…R:e5(a)/R:c4(b)!
Sol: 1.Qd2! (2.Bc3#) 1…R:e5(a)/R:c4(b) 2.Be3(A)/Bg2(B)#
1…S:b2/Ke4 2.B:b2/Bg2#
Eighth Hon. Mention
Vasyl Dyachuk
2# 12+6
A try introduces two mate changes on the thematic black moves. The heavy construction and the rather common use of pawn defenses is the reason for the low placing. Try: 1.Se6(A)? 2.Sc3(B)# 1…d:e6 2.B:e6# 1…e:f4(a)/c5(b)!
Try: 1.Qh8? (Q:e5#) 1…e:f4(a)/c5(b) 2.Qd4/Qa8# 1…e:d6!
Sol: 1.B:d7! (2.Be6#) 1…e:f4(a)/c5(b) 2.Se6(A)/Sc3(B)#
First Commendation
Uri Avner
2# 8+7
One of two entries showing the theme without a white battery in the solution. Clean, interesting, and elegant execution. Try: 1.Rd5?(A) 2.Qe8(B)# 1….Ba4 2.B:f3# 1….f4!(a)/Qg4!(b)
Sol: 1.Bg3! 2.Rh4# 1….f4(a) 2.Rd5(A)# 1….Qg4(b) 2.Qe8(B)#
Second Commendation
Milan Velimirovic
2# 9+7
This minimal execution of the theme features the formation of two batteries in the solution that render a commended unity to the play. The Vladimirov effect here is of interest: the need to block BPd7 to allow the W battery mate also prevents the mate: 1…Q:b6 2.Bc7# Try: 1.Sd6?(A) 2.Ra6(B)# 1….Qb5!(a)/Q:b6!(b)
Sol: 1.Bc7! 2.Rb4# 1….Qb5(a) 2.R:a6(B)# 1….Q:b6 2.Sd6(A)#
1….Q:c3/Ka4 2.R:b2/Rb4#
Third Commendation
Miroslav Subotic
2# 12+8
The two thematic defenses feature self-blocks on e3 with convincing dual avoidance. However, the setting invites the realization of changed mates on the thematic defenses after a try that guards g4, threatening Sed5#. The try: 1.h3? realize that but on both defenses the same mate 2.Qe5# applies. Try: 1.Bd5?(A) 2.Qe5(B)# 1…. S:e3!(a)/R:e3!(b)
Sol: 1.Rd4! 2.Scd5# 1….S:e3(a) 2.Bd5(A)# 1….R:e3 (b) 2.Qe5(B)#
Fourth Commendation
Srecko Radovic
2# 6+6
The only problem showing the theme in Meredith form. The play of the WS’s is very natural and the flight-giving try is convincing. Try: 1.Sf7?(A) 2.Sb6(B)# 1…Kc4/Bd8 2.Qd3/Se3# 1…Q:c4!(a)/e5!(b)
Sol: 1.Qd7! 2.Qc6# 1... Q:c4(a)/e5(b) 2.Sf7(A)/Sb6(B)#
Fifth Commendation
Emanuel Navon
2# 14+7
The same basic concept as in the fifth and sixth prizes but in a heavier realization and with a pair of good mate changes on none thematic defenses. Try: 1.d6?(A) 2.Sb2(B)# 1…Sc6+/S:d3 2.b:c6/e:d3# 1…S:c2!(a)/Rf5!(b)
Sol: 1.Qe6! 2.Se5# 1…S:c2(a)/Rf5(b) 2.d6(A)/Sb2(B)#
1...Sc6+/S:d3 2.Q:c6/d6(A)#
Sixth Commendation
Piltschenko, Selivanov, Schawirin
2# 12+7
A good flight giving key and a nice variation 1…d:c6 2.Qd8# justifying the WQ use. Try: 1.e6? (A) 2.Bb2(B)# 1…Qe3/Q:f5 2.Rd5/R:f5# 1…Q:d2!(a)/d5!(b)
Sol: 1.Rc6! 2.Rc4# 1…Q:d2(a)/d5(b) 2.e6(A)/Bb2(B)#
Seventh Commendation
Anatoly Slesarenko
2# 9+7
On similar lines as the fourth Com but with a give & take try key, flight play and heavier position. Try: 1.Se7?(A) 2.S:b3(B)# 1…K:d4/Qe6 2.B:f2/S:e6# 1….S:d3!(a)/d5!(b)
Sol: 1.Qc7 2.Qa5# 1….S:d3(a)/d5(b) 2.Se7(A)/S:b3(B)#
Eighth Commendation
Aaron Hirschenson
2# 13+7
The mechanism is based on the harmonious effects of the BP (1…c4) and WP (1.d6?) moves. Try: 1.d6?(A) 2.Sc6(B)# 1…Q:d6/Be4 2.Sf7/R:e4# 1….c4!(a)Q:f3!(b)
Sol: 1.Q:b5! 2.Qb2# 1….c4(a)/Q:f3(b) 2.d6(A)/Sc6(B)#
Ninth Commendation
Unto Heinonen
2# 10+7
An elegantly constructed problem with a long range key and interesting mechanism. Try: 1.Sfe7?(A) 2.Sd6(B)# 1…c4/S:e7 2.Qe3/Re5# 1…R:d8!(a)/B:d5(b)
Sol: 1.Qh7! 2.Sg3# 1…R:d8(a)/B:d5(b) 2.Sfe7(A)/Sd6(B)#
Tenth Commendation
V Dyachuk & V Kopyl
2# 8+8
A clean execution but I feel that more could be done in this setting. Try: 1.Sfg3?(A) 2.B:d4(B)# 1…Sf5/f:g3 2.Ra5/Q:g3#
1…Sc4!(a)/S:e4!(b)
Sol: 1.Qg5! 2.S:e3# 1…Sc4(a)/S:e4(b) 2.Sfg3(A)/Bd4(B)#
Eleventh Commendation
V Dyachuk & V Kopyl
2# 9+5
Another light rendering of the theme with a good "Vladimirov" blocking refutation 1…Se5! And without a white battery in the soluiton. Try: 1.Qd4? (A) 2.Rg4(B)# 1…Se5(a)!/R:e3(b)!
Sol: 1.e5! 2.Qf2# 1…S:e5(a)/R:e3(b) 2.Qd4(A)/Rg4(B)#
Additional Problems
Hari Hurme
(Original 1st Prize)
2# 9+5
1.e6(A)? 2.S:f6(B)#
1…R:c6/R:e6/B~ 2.Q:c6/Q:e6/Se7#
but: 1…Bd8(a),Rd8(b)!
1.Qf5! (2.e:f6#)
1…Bd8(a)/Rd8(b) 2.e6(A)/ S:f6(B)#
1…R:c6/R:e6/Rd7/B~ 2.B:c6/Qe4/Q:d7/Se7#
1…B:e5 2.Se7/Q:e5/R:e5#Paz Einat - Original
Dedicated to the participants of the 1999 PCCC
2# 13+7
1.Bb4(A)? 2.Sc7(B)#
1…B:f3(a)/B:d7(B) 2.Qf5/Qe4#
but: 1…Sd3!
1.Q:b5! (2.Qc6#)
1…B:f3(a)/ B:d7(B) 2.Bb4(A)/Sc7(B)#Paz Einat - Judge
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