Suresh M. Mody
H-6, Saraswati Society, NG Acharya Marg, Chembur, Mumbai 400 071
sureshmody@vsnl.net
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Suresh M. Mody H-6, Saraswati Society, NG Acharya Marg, Chembur, Mumbai 400 071 sureshmody@vsnl.net |
Key: 1.Ne5
Threat: 2.Pxf3
Variations:
Mate in the three thematic variations is possible due to self-block on e5 freeing the white queen from its duty to control the flight square. Thus they are thematic variations from the self-block angle. However the first two variations show another theme. Readers will be familiar with the mutual interference of R and B (Grimshaw Theme) seen earlier in Problem No. 3. These two variations also show similar mutual interference. R on e5 interferes with B(f4)'s control over d6. B on e5 blocks R's path to d5. When the mutual interference is after a capture on the square, the theme is known as Nowotny Theme.
Mr. Dinesh H. Dave from Anand has sent in a solution. He has got the key correct but has failed to identify the threat. He has got the variations right including the non-thematic 1...fxe2 2.f3.
In the last couple of issues we have seen problems in which the Black king is involved in the theme. In this issue we will see problems in which the white king plays a key role. Problem 13 is a classic case in which the king, while vacating a square for the queen to threaten mate, moves into the firing line of two black pieces giving rise to as many as four cross-checks, where black's defences are discovered checks to the white king.
Key: 1.Kb4!!
Threat: 2.Qa5
Variations:
The key, giving rise to two batteries and four cross-checks is excellent. Brian Harley has graded the merits of key moves in his book "Mate in Two Moves". A key move allowing a black check is given the top place in it. Here the king gets into a position where four cross-checks are possible with firing of two different batteries, which were not there in the set position! It may be observed that the first two variations also show self-block, but this is of secondary in importance to the main theme. The selection of the mating move in the first two variations is neatly forced by the self-blocked square in black king's field.
In Problem 14, the king moves into a R+B battery, giving rise to cross-checks.
A very good key allowing cross-checks in a Meredith (a problem with 8 to 12 pieces on board) setting. It is not surprising that all moves by the bishop on the c1-h6 diagonal including 1...Bxg5 are met by 2.Nfd3 as it is a double check. A non-thematic variation is 1...Rb6; 2.Qxb6 - a direct capture. A very pleasing composition!
We end the article with a problem in which both kings get involved. The key move clearing a square for setting a threat creates an R+K battery that permits the black king to fire the battery resulting in cross-checks while also capturing major pieces. Thus the key move not only permits cross-checks, but also sacrifices two rooks!
There is one more cross-check - 1...Rf5+ which is not considered among the variations as it does not defeat the threat. The first two thematic variations are discovered checks arising from firing of the R battery and are also met by discovered checks blocking the line of the black rook and firing B and R batteries. In the third variation there is direct capture of the checking piece, which also results in the firing of the Q battery. The beauty of the problem lies in the excellent key move.
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One would imagine that clerical errors are practically impossible on the ICCF webserver. Nevertheless Per Soderberg (Sweden) reports, “A player dropped his piece one square too short and before realising his mistake pressed "Commit" and thus lost a rook.”
Dr. Alok Saxena writes, “One has to be careful while recording the moves ourselves. It has happened with me in one game. I played the move on the webserver but failed to record in my notebook as the move was an obvious one. After playing 3-4 moves further I realised that I am playing in a different position than that is on webserver! By that time damage was done and I spoiled my position.” |
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