The disappearing Nowotny is one of my favorite themes and here the impossible is done: a Nowotny between a bP and bB. See for yourself.

1.Sd6! (>2.Bc4,Qe5)
   1...Bxd6 2.Qc4
   1...exd6 2.Qe4
   1...Rf5 2.Bxf5
   1...Qh8 2.Bc4
   1...Rf3 2.Qe5

Unfortunately, this problem had a misprinted wP on f2 ruining the Meredith position.

Speaking of David Shire, here is a problem that you won't soon forget. The problem is traditional and the White force severely outmans the Black force, but the line play is exquisite. It's amazing that White cannot mount a threat with all of that wood.  

1.Sc3 (-)
   1...e3 2.Sc5
   1...exd3 2.Re1
   1...dxc3 2.Sg4
   1...cxd3 2.Ba2
   1...f5 2.Ra6

​Beautiful.

Another lovely setting with a striking change from the set play. An unpin of the wSe4 is exchanged for a Gamage unpin of the bB. Not a ton of play, but pretty none-the-less.

1...Sc2 2.Sd2
1...Rxg2 2.Re1

1.Rd2 (>2.Re1)
  1...Sc2 2.Qa6
  1...Rxg2 2.Rd1
  1...Sf2 2.Rxf2 

This is an interesting problem that features thematic duals, by the late Australian composer. The key makes multiple threats and the Black moves separate all possible combinations of these moves: Combinative Separation. Here it is nicely combined with AUW.

1.Bh5! (>2.Qxe3,Qg4,Qf3 ABC)
   1...Ke4 2.Qxe3 A
   1...Kg3 2.Qg4 B
   1...g1=Q 2.Qf3 C
   1...g1=S 2.Qxe3,Qg4 AB
   1...g1=R 2.Qxe3,Qf3 AC
   1...g1=B 2.Qg4,Qf3 BC
   1...Rh1 2.Qxf3,Qg4,Qf3 ABC

Here is a nice little Bristol clearance maneuver.  

1...Qxd7 2.Qxd7

1.Rh8! (>2.d8=S)
   1...Qxd7 2.Qg7
   1...Qxc8 2.dxc8=Q
   1...Qe5 2.d8=Q
   1...Qd8 2.Qc6

Bob Lincoln is an American miniaturist who composed thousands of miniatures. I always liked his heavier problems and here is a nice little flight giving problem with lots of attractive play.

1...Rf8 2.Qg3

1.Bg1! (>2.Qf2)
  1...Kxg1 2.Qf1
  1...hxg1=S 2.Bf1
  1...hxg1=Q 2.Bxb7
  1...Rf8 2.Qg4
  1...Qf3 2.Qxg2

This problem shows an interesting task from the master of tasks himself. See if you can spot the idea from the solution. 

1.Rc4! (>2.cxb8=S)
  1...Rb7 2.c8=Q
  1...Rd8 2.cxd8=Q
  1...Re8 2.fxe8=Q
  1...Be7 2.exf7
  1...Rxe6 2.Qxe6
  1...Bxd6 2.Qxd6
  1...Rc8 2.Qc6
  1...Sxc7 2.Rxc7
  1...Kc8 2.d7

The mating moves occur on the 9 bK squares, i.e., the surrounding squares of the BK and his initial square. 

Here is nice miniature with battery play from the British grandmaster. Five defenses from the bQ.

1...Qa7,Qd6 2.Q(x)a7

1.Qc6 (>2.b7)
   1...Qa7 2.bxa7
   1...Qd6 2.Qa8
   1...Qb7 2.Qb5
   1...Qc7 2.bxc7
​   1...Qxc8 2.Qxc8

Here is a very recent problem (the solution just appeared in January 2022) from Barry Barnes.  A flight giving key sets off some nice play and I enjoyed the changes from the set mates.

1...exd6 2.Bxd6
1...dxe6 2.Sxe6

1.Rf4! (>2.Rxf5)
   1...exd6 2.Qa5
   1...dxe6 2.Qxc6
   1...Sf3 2.Rxc4
   1...Sd4 2.Qxd4
​   1...Sb4 2.Qxb4  

The Supplement features lots of quality problems of other genres besides the #2. This one is a simple miniature helpmate that made an impression on me because of the way the bK clears for the bB and bR to show a Grimshaw on his initial square. Pretty chess.

1.Kh5 Sf2 2.Rh6 Sg4 3.Bg6 Sf6
1.Kh6 g4 2.Bh7 Sg3 3.Rg6 Sf5

Finally we end with something different. A helpselfmate  is technically in the realm of fairy chess, but it is really a combination of a helpmate and a selfmate so it is close to orthodox.  White moving first works with Black until the last move in which Black must be forced to mate White.  Beautiful interplay of the bishops. I don't think this is featured in the award, but it should have been.

1.Ba1 Bg8 2.Bf7 Bf2 3.Be8 Bc1 4.Bg7 Ba2 5.Sa3+ Bxa3

I think this is one of my best executions of an original idea. Yet the problem was given a measly commendation in its tournament.  The problem shows for the first time a masked Bristol and a masked anti-Bristol with changed mates galore.   The play after the key is nice with two pin mates. To solve the problem notice that there are set mates for every Black move, except 1...Sb5 and 1...d6 and the wRs can do something about these defenses.

1.Ra5? (-)
   1...d6 2.Bxa7
   1...Sb5!

1.Ra1? (-) Bristol clearance
   1...Sb5 2.Qa2
   1...Bb7 2.Qg8
   1...f4 2.Rh5
   1...d6!

1.Rd8! (-) Anti-Bristol
   1...Sb5 2.Qxc6
   1...Bb7 2.Rxd7
​   1...f4 2.Be6
   1...d6 2.Rxd6
   1...e3,exd3 2.Bg2

Here is an open lightweight with plenty of play. I think the position is elegant and shows some lovely battery play. The key is obvious, but it allows a two checks to the wK. Of course I did not expect for such a traditional single phase problem to place in the award. Never-the-less, the problem has some interesting ideas. For one it has a battery in which the wQ is the lead piece. Another attribute is that the shut-off battery play usually comes from multiple threats, however this problem only makes a single threat. Take a look for yourself.

1.Kxc7! (>2.Bc5)
  1...Rf3 2.Qxd5 (Queen Battery)
  1...Rc3 2.Bb4
  1...Re3 2.Be7
  1...Rg3 2.Bg7
  1...Rh3 2.Bh6
  1...Rxa7 2.Qxa7 (Queen Battery)
  1...Kxa7 2.Qxa3

Probably my best miniature.  The problem was not featured in the award because the judge felt that the previous problem above was too close and expanded upon this matrix.  However, it was the opposite: I composed the miniature later! The problem shows the Karlstrom-Fleck theme with some nice battery play in a miniature.

1.Kc2! (1.Be2,Bd3,Bxc4)
  1...Bb3+ 2.axb3
  1...Bd5 2.Bg2
  1...Bxf1 2.Rf1
  1...Be2 2.Bxe2
  1...Bd3+ 2.Bxd3
  1...Ba6 2.Bc4

An original Nowotny twin idea with in which pieces clear the way for the wQ and play to a Nowotny square. We have changed Nowotny, an additional change after 1...e4, and extra defenses in each phase. Different pieces mate on the same squares and change of functions.

(a)
1.Bc4! (>2.Rxf7,Qg4)
  1...e4 2.Rc5
  1...Sxf2 2.Qf3
  1...Rxc4 2.Rxf7
  1...Bxc4 2.Qg4

(b)
​1.Rc4! (>2.Qxf7,Bg4)
  1...e4 2.Qc5
  1...f6 2.Qh7
  1...Rxc4 2.Qxf7
  1...Bxc4 2.Bg4  

Here we have an original half-battery Fleck with a board rotation. The problem shows an essential Fleck in which all of the Black moves either force a specific threat or allow all of the threats. The composition also shows four wK mates of a wK on its original square castling. Interestingly, the key pieces play to the same square after the rotation twin. Did the judge not like the flight taking key in (b)?

(a)
1.Bg4! (>2.Kd2,Ke2,Kf2,0-0)
    1...cxd4 2.Kd2
    1...Kc1 2.Ke2
    1...c3 2.Kf2
    1...Rh8 2.0-0

(b)
1.Kg4 (>2.Bg5,Bf6,Be7,Bd8)
   1...e2 2.Bg5
   1...b5 2.Bf6
   1...Ra7 2.Be7
   1...Ra8 2.Bd8

Another original twinning mechanism to show some neat changes after cross-checks. I like the way the two black pawns control the wK battery.  The judge said the twinning was interesting but that the play was well-known.

(a)
    1...Sxf5+ 2.Kxe6
1.Bxe6! (>2.Kd7)
    1...Sxf5++ 2.Kxc6
    1...Sxe6+ 2.Kxe6
    1...Sf6 2.Ke7

(b)
   1...Sxf4+ 2.Kxc3
1.Bxc3! (>2.Kd4)
    1...Sxf4++ 2.Kxe3
    1...Sxc3+ 2.Kxc3
    1...Sf3 2.Ke2
​

This problem was nowhere to be found in the award. I think it is a really nice example of the Salazar theme with a masked half-battery. I acknowledge that the cage of wPs restricting the moves of the wB and wS is not ideal.  But the reversal of first move and variation, the changed mate after the self block, line play, refutation, and post-key play make this a winner.

1.Sf2? A (>2.Bd5)
  1...Kxd4 2.Bc6 B
  1...Rxd4 2.Qc8
  1...Sc3 2.Qxc3
  1...b4!

1.Bc6! B (>2.Se5)
  1...Kxd4 2.Sf2 A
  1...Rxd4(Bxd4) 2.Bxb5
  1...Re1 2.Qd3
  1...Sxc3 2.Qd3
  1...Bxh2 2.Se3

From the uneconomic to the extremely economic.  This is an ideal example the wP half-battery versus 2 bBs with a doubling of the Banny theme and spoof half-battery.  You can't beat 10 pieces for a doubling of the Banny theme.  

1.d3? A (>2.f3 & f4 CD)
   1...Bh6 c 2.f4 C
   1...Bh5 d 2.f3 D
   1...Bg7! a 

1.d4? B (>2.f3 & f4 CD)
   1...Bh6 c 2.f4 C
   1...Bh5 d 2.f3 D
   1...Bg6! b

1.f3? C (>2.d3 & d4 AB)
   1...Bg7 a 2.d4 B
   1...Bg6 b 2.d3 A
   1...Bh6! c

1.f3? D (>2.d3 & d4 AB)
   1...Bg7 a 2.d4 B
   1...Bg6 b 2.d3 A
   1...Bh5! d

1.Rh1! (>2.Qa1 & Qb1)
   1...Bg7 a 2.Qb1 
   1...Bg6 b 2.Qa1

In this problem I attempted to combine the Finnish Nowotny with an Albino theme. Even though I only got 3/4 of the Albino, I think the composition is wonderful. This version appeared in The Problemist and maybe was better than the original that was not featured in the 2019 Die Schwalbe award. To solve the problem, notice that an extra guard on f4 will threaten Sg3 & Sg7.

1...e3 2.Qc2
1...Qxd8 2.Sd4

1.Bxg5? (>2.Sg3 & Sg7)
  1...cxd2 2.Qc8
  1...c2!

1.d3? (>2.Sg3 & Sg7)
  1...Qxd8 2.Sd4
  1...c2 2.Sg3
  1...d3! (2.Qc2?)

1.d4? (>2.Sg3 & Sg7)
  1...d3 2.Qc2
  1...c2 2.Sg7
  1...Qxd8! (2.Sd4?)

1.dxc3! (>2.Sg3 & Sg7)
  1...d3 2.Qc2
  1...Qxd8 2.Sd4
​  1...gxf4 2.Qxf4
  1....Bxc3 2.Sg3
  1...Rxc3 2.Sg7

I think this is an excellent masked half-battery and Barnes theme with changed mates. I was excited to submit  it to the Burmistrov Memorial Tourney in 2019, because I had never taken part in a MT. To my absolute surprise the problem was not even mentioned in the award! I guess problems by Russian authors were given preference. In particular problems showing the Burmistrov combination (a double threat theme that is similar to the Le Grand theme) were placed high in the award, even though the tourney was not supposed to be thematic.  I did not like this, but it was a good learning experience. I won't be submitting problems to this type of tourney again. Luckily, I submitted the problem to the BCM where it was appreciated.  Problems which participate in the BCM compete not only against two-movers but also against three-movers, more-movers, and even helpmates. So in the end the composition was valued and I was quite pleased with its distinction. Besides, the BCM is one of the most read chess magazines in the entire world.

1.Rg1? (>2.Qg5,Qg6)
   1...Qxf5 2.Qxg7
   1...Kxf5!

1.Sh3? (>2.Qg5)
  1...Kxf5 2.Be2
  1...Qxf5 2.Qxg7
  1...e5!

1.Bh5! (>2.Qg6)
  1...Kxf5 2.Sd3
  1...Se5 2.Se4
  1...g5 2.Sg4
  1...Qxf5 2.Qxg7 

Here is one of my most attractive matrices. Of course the line of pieces pointing at the bK is peculiar, but we have an aristocrat Meredith (the original was not a Meredith, but I figured out how to get rid of an extra bS). The problem was probably not featured in the award because of the symmetric play.  The matrix features changed mates and the Ellerman-Makihovi theme in which a set dual is separated between try and key. I also think the dual avoidance after 1...Bc3 and 1...Bb2 is nice.

1...Kxd5 2.Qb3,Qa2
1...Bc3 2.Sb6,Se3

1.Rb6? (>2.Qb3)
   1...Kxd5 2.Rf5
   1...Bc3(Bb2) 2.Se3
   1...Bxb6 2.Sxb6
   1...Sb5 2.Qxb5
   1...Rf3!

1.Re3! (>2.Qb3)
   1...Kxd5 2.Rf6
   1...Bc3 2.Sb6
   1...Bb2 2.Qd3
​   1...Bxe3 2.Sxe3

This problem is near to my heart, because it represented a breakthrough in complexity for me. It was my first published problem in StrateGems. I still think it is stellar with its double flight gift and cross-checking variations.

1...Qc4 2.Qxc4
1...Qd4 2.Rxd4

1.Be7,Bf8? (>2.Qc5)
1...Bg1!

1.Ba7? (>2.Qc5,Qc6)
1...Qc4!

1.Bd4! (>2.Qc5)
1...Kxd4,Kd6+ 2.Bf5
1...Qxd4 2.Qc6
1...Qd6 2.Qb3
​1...Se6 2.Bc6