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By-Play

Le Grand theme

10/23/2019

1 Comment

 
In general I don't compose a lot of pattern play problems.  In fact almost all of the pattern play problems I have composed have been by accident.  This is not to say that I do not appreciate such problems.  The Le Grand theme, named after the Le Grand brothers Piet and Henk is a basic example of a reversal pattern. The pattern is a simple reversal of threat and variation after the same defense.  In algebraic form

   1.Try? (>2.A)
      1...a 2.B
  1.Key! (>2.B)
     1...a 2.A

If the defense is not the same then the theme is said to be a pseudo Le Grand which is also a popular theme.

le Grand, Henk and le Grand, Pieter
Jaarboek van de Nederlandse Bond van Probleemvrienden 1958

#2
9 + 5


Here is what I believe is the first example of the le Grand theme by the brothers themselves. The mechanism is simple enough and revolves around the wQ placing extra guard on the squares c4 and c6 while at the same time cutting the bQ or bB lines. There is also has a nice black correction element to the problem.

1.Qe4? (>2.Rc4)
  1...Sf6 (any random move) 2.Rc6
  1...Qxe4 2.Sxe4
  1...Sb4 2.cxb4
  1...Se7!
1.Qe6! (>2.Rc6)
  1...Sf6 2.Rc4
  1...Bxe6 2.Sxe6
  1...Se3 2.Sxd3
  1...Sxb6 2.Bxb6

There are some flaws in the matrix. For one, the duals after 1...Sxb6 and 1...Se3 in the try and dual after 1...Sb4 after the key. I guess these are forgivable in this correction scheme though.


Pachl, Franz
Schach-Echo 1986

#2
9 + 5


Here is a classic le Grand featuring changed play. The mechanism uses a common means of a line opening of an ambushed piece.  Notice the wBc8 has a masked guard on f5 and g4: this is the essence of the mechanism.

1.Rg5? (>2.Qf5)
  1...Rxa7 2.Rg4
  1...Bg3 2.Qf2
  1...Sd4 2.Qc1
  1...Se3 2.Qxe3 
  1...Sxg5 2.Qxg5
  1...Bxe4!

1.Qh5 (>2.Rg4)
  1...Rxa7 2.Qf5
  1...Bg3 2.Rf3
  1...Sd4 2.e3
  1...Se3 2.Bxe3

The try has a little bit more play but four changed mates in addition to the le Grand is excellent!

Moen, Kabe
SuperProblem 2019

#2
7 + 10


Here is one of my more complex affairs.  The problem is pseudo le Grand, meaning the reciprocal change of threat/variation occurs after different defenses.  However, the point of this problem lies in the additional content of white correction, Barnes theme, and the threat avoidance.  

1.Sc2? (random move) 2.Qd4,Qxh1
  1...Qxf6!

1.Sf5? (>2.Qxh1 {Qd4?})
  1...Bf3 2.Qd4
  1...exf5 2.Qd5
  1...Qxf6 2.Sxd6
  1...Sxf5 2.Bb7
  1...Bg2!

​1.Sb5! (>2.Qd4 {Qxh1?})
  1...Sd3 2.Qxh1
  1...e5 2.Qd5
  1...Qxf6 2.Sxd6
  1...Sxb5 2.Bb7
  1...Sb3 2.Qc2
  1...Bb6 2.Sxc3

A random move of the wSd4 creates a double threat of Qd4,Qxh1. However, White must  compensate for the defense 1...Qxd6. To do so the wS must cut the line of either the wRf6 or the wBa6.  In turn, this reduces the double threat because the wQ must keep guard on d3 or f3 in her threatened mate.  The avoided threats reappear after self-blocks. Overall I was pleased with the matrix, but there are quite a few black duals (e.g. 1...Sb3,Se2 2.Qc2 and 1...Sxb5,Sf5 2.Bb7) which detract.  No white pawns!

Gvozdják, Peter
J.Hartong MT 1988

#2
10 + 5


The le Grand theme in-itself has little room for originality. This problem shows an exciting combination with two different reversals: the le Grand which is a reversal of threat and variation and the reversal 1 which is a reversal of first move/variation.  This is also known as the Lender combination.  Here we have a half-battery that makes things happen.  The pattern is the following:

1.A? (>2.X)
  1...a 2.Y
  1...b 2.B
1.B! (>2.Y)
  1...a 2.X
  1...b 2.A

1.Bxe4 A? (>2.Qa3 X)
   1...Kxb4 a 2.Qb2 Y
   1...Qxb4 b 2.Bc1 B
   1...a3 2.Qb3
   1...Qd5!

1.Bc1 B (>2.Qb2 Y)
  1...Kxb4 a 2.Qa3 Y
  1...Qxb4 b 2.Bxe4 A  
  1...a3 2.Qb3

This is known as a king's le Grand because the le Grand happens after a bK flight.


Kuzovkov, Aleksandr
Die Schwalbe 1984

#2
8 + 10


These last two problems are taken from David Shire's article on the le Grand in the March 2011 issue of the Problemist Supplement.  In this problem the out-of-play wRb6 makes two relevant tries showing the le Grand theme.

1.Rd6? (>2.Rc3)
  1...Sxd4 2.Ba6
  1...Rg8!
1.Re6? (>2.Ba6)
  1...Sxd4 2.Rc3
  1...Se5!

The author has put a new spin on the idea and now the threaten mates reappear as variations in the actual play with a beautiful flight giving key.

1.Se2! (>2.Sxf4)
  1...Sh3 2.Rc3
  1...Kxe2 2.Ba6
  1...Bxe2 2.Rxb3
  1...Rg4 2.Qxf3

​Excellent construction.


Dyachuk, Vasyl
The Problemist 2019

#2
10 + 11


Here is a recent le Grand by one of the top contemporary composers. There are some nice changes and battery play combined with the le Grand.  In addition the problem shows the Ellerman-Makihovi theme in which a set dual is separated between try and key.

1...Ke5 2.Sxd6,Sd3

1.Bc8? (>2.Sxd6)
  1...Ke5 2.Sd3
  1...Qe5 2.Sb7
  1...e5 2.Qd5
  1...Rc7!

1.c3! (>2.Sd3)
  1...Ke5 2.Sxd6
  1...Qe5 2.Se4
  1...e5 2.Qd5
  1...g5+ 2.Sd3 (threat)

The key shows a White Goethardt, in the sense that the bBd2 can be unpinned because of interference. 

Antonov, Yuri and Burminstrov, Sergei
Odessa 1985

#2
10 + 7


Finally we end with an excellent cyclic version of the theme.  The pattern is the following:

1.Try? (>2.A)
  1...a 2.B
1.Try? (>2.B)
  1...a 2.C
1.Key! (>2.C)
  1...a 2.A

1.Rf3? (>2.Rg5)
  1...Bxe4 2.Shg4
  1...Rxg7!
1.Qb3? (>2.Shg4)
  1...Bxe4 2.Sfg4
  1...Bd5!
1.Re3! (>2.Sfg4)
  1...Bxe4 2.Rg5
  1...Bd7 2.Sf7
  1...dxe3 2.Qb2
1 Comment

Improvements

10/20/2019

0 Comments

 

Awhile ago I published a couple of traditional problems that featured some nice battery play and cross-checks.  They were both Meredith's with open positions and both used unpinning by the bQ to set up the batteries.  Both problems are personal favorites.  I returned to one of them after two years to find that there was a significant improvement.

Moen, Kabe
The Problemist Supplement 2018

#2
7 + 5


Here is the first problem (even though it was published after the second problem, it was composed first).  I love the open position that features a mirrored bK.  There is set play that won't full anyone but the most inexperienced solvers: 1...Sf8~ 2.Qxe6, 1...Qd5 2.Qxd5.  However, there is no set mate for 1...QxQ.  While this seems to enable the R+S battery by unpinning the lead piece, it actually does not because the wS is guarding c5.   This gives a hint to the key:

1.Qh5! (>2.Qe2)

So the wQ unpins the bQ. Now the bQ is on the loose and does some damage.  However, the wQ also places guard on c5 enabling the R+S battery.  The play follows:

1...Qb6+ 2.Sc5
1...Qh3+ 2.Sg3
1...Qd7,Qd6 2.S(x)d6
1...Qxe4+ 2.Rxe4
1...Qd5 2.Qxd5
1...Sc5 2.Qxc5
1...Bd1 2.Qb5

Overall, a pleasing problem with a thematic key, cross-checks, and battery play.  However, there is one fly in the ointment: the minor dual after 1...Qg4 2.Qd5/Sd6.  This dual is inevitable and it is not worth adding material or losing variations over it.  Besides, these mates are separated in other variations.  


Blum, Nicolas
The Problemist Supplement 2006

#2
7 + 5


As with any traditional problem there is always a high risk of anticipation. Barry Barnes commented on my problem that the cross-checks had been shown before, but none that he knew of with such a thematic key.  It turns out there are some problems that use a half-pin to show these batter mates (see this problem yacpdb/26o53).  However, it turns out one does not have to look too far to find a similar problem. 12 years earlier the following problem appeared in the same source.  The excellent step back key sets up similar variations:

1.Qf8! (>2.Qh6)
1...Qxf8+ 2.Sf7
1...Qc2+ 2.Sd3
1...Qe7 2.Sc4
1...Qxe5+ 2.Rxe5
1...d3 2.Qxc5
1...Sd3 2.Re2

It's hard to say which problem is better.  On the one hand all of this problem's mates are in the set play.  On the other hand there is no dual.  However, I probably would rank this problem a little higher due to the two nice tries which show the Barnes theme:
1. Qf6? (>2.Qg5,Qh6) d3!
​1.Qe7 (>2.Qg5) h6!


Moen, Kabe
Phenix 2017

#2
8 + 4


Here is the second problem that I composed around the same time.  This time I used a R+B battery. The position is even more attractive with no pawns and a mirrored bK again.  All of the play is set and all the wQ must do is position herself to make the threat.

1.Qb7! (>2.Qh7)
1...Qe8+ 2.Bf7
1...Qb7 2.Bxb7
1...Qxd5+ 2.Qxd5
1...Qc4,Qb4 2.Be4
1...Rb4 2.Rc4

The problem is pleasing with three nice battery mates, but there is less play and the key is rather perfunctory and is missing that element of surprise.  Ideally, I wanted to start the wQ at a6 for a nice unpinning key similar to my above problem.  However, if we do this (wQa8>wQa6) then the bR is doing double duty guarding both c3 and b5 and so 1.QxQ cooks.  So I submitted the problem as is and it appeared in the high quality French journal Phenix.

Moen, Kabe
Version of above

#2
8 + 4


​It occurred to me that there is an amazing simple improvement that improves the key AND adds an extra thematic variation (a fourth unpin of the wB), all while maintaining the aristocrat Meredith status.  The key now unpins the bQ letting her do some damage. The added variation is a fourth unpin of the wB this time an indirect unpin:

1.Qb7! (>2.Qh7)
     1...Sc5 2.Bb3 

With the rest of the play remaining the same.

Moen, Kabe
The Problemist 2020

#2
8 + 5


Here is another pawnless wonder that is quite possibly one of my best.  You will notice the arrangement of the the three pieces that stand between the wB and bK.  At first glance this looks to be a half-battery idea similar to those found in the last blog post.  However, it is not, because the same lead piece moves first in each phase.  Instead what we have is known as the Makihovi theme.  There is a set dual: 1...Bc3 2.Sb6,Se3.  Try and key separate this dual and interchanges the two mates between the phases.

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

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

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

The variations 1...Bc3 2.Sb6, 1...Bb2 2.Qd3 exhibit an idea known as dual avoidance.  Namely, after the key is played if one were to just remove the bB from the board there would be two mates 2.Sb6 and 2.Qd3, i.e., a dual. These two mates come from the fact that moving the bB has two errors: opening unguarding b6 and opening the line of guard from d3 to d5. However the two defenses 1...Bc3 and 1...Bb2 only allow one of these mates. The reason is that even though both of these moves make the two errors, they have a compensating effect that only allows one of the mates.  
 

Moen, Kabe
The Problemist 2020 version

#2
8 + 4


So what is the improvement?  Despite thinking about this problem for a long time, I was not able to reduce it to the Meredith status: 12 pieces.  That is, I did not think I was able to do so, until I looked at the solution in the July Problemist and it dawned on me that the bR can be moved either to f2 or f5 to get rid of the cook 1.Rxf4!  which was the original reason for the 13th piece bSh3.  I have placed the bR at f2 because this also rids the matrix of the parasitic try 1.Sc1 (>2.Qb3) which was present in the first matrix.  I really wish I would have spotted this before publishing!

Salazar, Francisco
Problemas 1963

#2
10 + 6


Here is another problem that I was able to fiddle with for a possible improvement.  The problem is by the great Spanish composer and inventor of the theme bearing his name.  This particular problem is a traditional fair with battery play and three changed mates after the bK flights:

1...Kf5 2.Qg6
1...Kd3 2.Bxc2
1...Kf3 2.Qxa8

1.Rxc2! (>2.Rc3)
1...Kf5 2.Rb7
1...Kd3 2.Rg2
1...Kf3 2.Qg2
1...Be3 2.Rf2
1...f3 2.Rb4
1...bxc2 2.Bxc2

Lovely battery play and even though it is by-play my favorite mate is white interference mate 2.Rf2.  

Salazar, Francisco
Problemas 1963 (v)

#2
9 + 6


One thing that bothers me about the Salazar is the wRa3.  Sure, this rook does pull its weight in both the set and actual play. But it is an expensive luxury.  One thought is to just remove it and bPb3, but then 1.Bxc2+ cooks.  However, with some adjustment one arrives at the following matrix.  Is it worth it?  The extra wR is removed, but now the set mate for 1...Kf3 is lost and this flight is unprovided.  

0 Comments

Seventh rank magic

10/6/2019

0 Comments

 
Maybe it's the novice in me, but I have always found problems that feature promotion play appealing. In this blog I will take a look at some of my favorite compositions with that seventh rank magic.  Recall that the usual convention in these settings is to ignore promotions to a R or B and only focus on Q or S. 

Moen, Kabe
The British Chess Magazine 2019

#2
7 + 4


Here I am up to my old tricks.  One of my favorite ideas is the changed check in which White gives up a set check by exploiting a pin. In this problem the idea is coupled with promotion play.  There are some nice tries  by unpinning the lead battery piece, but the key requires something more subtle.

1...Qxf7+ 2.Bxf7

1.Ka6? (K~) (>2.f8=S)
  1...Qf8!

1.Sb5? >2.Sc7
  1...Bf4!

1.Se8! (>2.Sc7)
  1...Qxf7+ 2.Sc7
  1...Qg3 2.f8=S
  1...Qe5 2.f8=Q
  1...Qxg8 2.fxg8=Q
  1...Bf4 2.Sxg7

Rice, John
L'Italia Scacchistica 1973

#2
10 + 6


Here is a perfect example with a half-battery by the master of the 7th rank.  

1.exf7? (>2.f8=Q)
  1...Bg6 2.g8=S
  1...Bg8 2.fxg8=S
  1...Qg4 2.dxe7
  1...Qd5!

1.dxe7! (>2.e8=S)
  1...Qd8+ 2.exd8Q
  1...Bxf5 2.g8=S
  1...Qg4 2.exf7
  1...Qd7 2.fxd7
  1...fxe6 2.Qxe6

Three different promotions in each phase, the best play saved for last with two battery mates, and reversal of key and variation after the defense 1...Qg4.  Yes please.

Bettman, Henry Wald
Good Companion 1923

#2
6 + 5


The famous Bettman task of 6 promotions.

1.Rd7! (>2.c8=Q,cxb8=S,cxd8=S)
   1...Kc8 2.cxd8=Q
   1...Kxa7 2.c8=S
   1...Sxc6 2.cxb8=Q
   1...Kxc6 2.cxb8=S
   1...Se6 2.c8=Q
​   1...Rc8 2.cxd8=S

Melinchenko, Viktor
Smena 1992

#2
4 + 3


Lovely promotion play in a miniature. Excellent changes from set play and a wonderful flight giving key. Doesn't get much better than this in a miniature. 

1...Rf8+ 2.gxf8=Q
1...Rxg7 2.Rh8

1.Rg6! (>2.Rh8)
   1...Rxg7 2.Rgxg7
   1...Rf8+ 2.gxf8=S
   1...Kxg7 2.g8=Q

Who doesn't love the promotion mate on the initial bK square!

Kapustin, Fedir
SuperProblem 2017

#2
11 + 11


Here is a problem that was in a recent tourney which I took part in.  I really thought it was excellent total change composition. The choice between a wQ or wS promotion with change of 4 mates.  It's nice that the weaker piece, the knight, wins out.

1.e8=Q (-)
  1...Rxc3 2.Rxd5
  1...Sh~ 2.Qf5
  1...g6 2.Qh8
  1...cxb6 2.Qb8
  1...Rd4 2.cxd4
  1...Bg1!

1.e8=S (-)
  1...Rxc3 2.Bxc3
  1...Sh~ 2.Qe4
  1...g6 2.Qf6
  1...cxb6 2.Bd6
  1...Rd4 2.cxd4
  1...Bg1 2.Qxg3



Szöghy, József
British Chess Magazine 1956

#2
9 + 3


Here is a light problem with the Fleck theme.

1.e7! (>2.exd8=Q,S,exf8=Q,S)
  1...Rd~ 2.exf8=Q
  1...Rf~ 2.exd8=Q
  1...Rxb8 2.exf8=S
  1...Rxg8 2.exd8=S
  1...Rc8+ 2.bxc8=Q

Leites, Samull
Shakhmaty vs SSSR 1946

#2
9 + 6


Finally we end with a masterpiece.  Analogous to the Bettman problem above it shows 6 promotions of a single pawn.  The motivations for the promotions are similar, but this one is so much better. Completely accurate with a flight giving zugzwang key, a changed mate, and an extra promotion mate for good measure.  

1...Kf8 Rxf7

1.exf7! (-)
  1...Kf8 2.fxg8=Q
  1...Kf6 2.fxe8=S
  1...Kxd7 2.f8=S
  1...d5 2.fxe8=Q
  1...Bh7 2.f8=Q
  1...Rf8 2.fxg8=S
  1...Rxd8+ 2.cxd8=Q
  1...S~ 2.Qxd6
​  1...Bxf7 2.Rxf7

0 Comments

    Chess Problems

    On the side I like to dabble in chess problem composition.  I am mostly interested in two and three move direct mates.  I hope to convey the beauty and logic of chess problems with this blog. In the entries are some of my favorite problems and my own problems.  Before looking at the problems I suggest reading this introduction to the chess problem world by the British Chess Problem Society.  Also, here is a list of terminology  and themes.   Here is a link to my problems on yacpdb.

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    4. "The disappearing Nowotny: Part I" The Problemist Supplement, March 2018

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    7. "Castling with half-battery and Fleck themes" StrateGems, July 2018

    8. "The Baku Nowotny" StrateGems, January 2019

    9. "The Romanian Nowotny with Fleck" The Problemist, March 2019

    10. "Mirror Image" The Problemist Supplement, May 2019

    11. "White King in Check" Problemas, July 2019

    12. "A Simple Mechanism", StrateGems, July 2019

    13. "Miniatures with castling and (partial) Fleck" Problemist Supplement, September 2019

    14. "Taking the Straitjacket off the Fleck" The Problemist Supplement, November 2019

    15. "Unforced threats" The Problemist Supplement, May 2020

    16. "Ojanen in Miniature" The Problemist Supplement, May 2020

    17. "Developments in the Finnish Nowotny" The Problemist, July 2020

    18.  "Categorising  the Fleck theme" The Problemist, January 2021

    19.  "Masking the Bristol"  The Problemist Supplement, March 2021

    20. "My love of the Novotny" StrateGems July 2021

    21. "Masked Novotny" The Problemist Supplement, November 2021


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