(Reference post. Last Update : 05-08-2010).
Part A: Basic terminology about chess problems
Here are presented terms relevant with chess problems in Greek language, and also in English, French, and German (the three languages supported by FIDE). For anyone interested for these terms in Czech or Finnish, there is
the original site of Vaclav Kotesovec. Especially for the basic pieces, see the site of Ari Luiro, who gives
their names in 73 languages (or dialects!).
| Greek | English | German | French |
| Skaki, Zatrikio | chess | Schach | echecs |
| Lefkos | white | Weiss | blanc |
| Mavros | black | Schwarz | noir |
| Vassilias | King | Koenig | Roi |
| Vassilissa | Queen | Dame | Dame |
| Pyrgos | Rook | Turm | Tour |
| Axiomatikos | Bishop | Leufer | Fou |
| Hippos | Knight | Springer | Cavalier |
| Pioni, Stratiotis | Pawn | Bauer | Pion |
| Akrida | Grasshopper | Grashuepfer | Sauterelle |
| Kavalaris tis nihtas | Nightrider | Nachtreiter | Noctambule |
| Ekfonissi | stipulation | Forderung | anonce |
| dio lissis | 2 solutions | 2 Loesungen | 2 solutions |
| Iconiko pegnidi | set play | Satzspiel | jeu apparent |
| Phaenomeniko pegnidi | set play | Satzspiel | jeu apparent |
| Kinissi | move | Zug | coup |
| Klidi | key-move | Schluessel | cl? |
| Dokimi | try | Verfuehrung | essai |
| Apili | threat | Drohung | menace |
| Apoklismos | zugzwang | Zugzwang | blocus |
| Sah! (+) | check! | Schach! | echec! |
| Mat (#), Niki | mate | Matt | mat |
| Pat (=), issopalia | stalemate | Patt | pat |
| Issopalia | draw | Remis | nulle |
| Provlima | problem | Aufgabe | probleme |
| Prototypo | original | Urdruck | inedit |
| Mythiko skaki | fairy chess | Maerchenschach | echecs feeriques |
| Voithitiko | helpmate | Hilfsmatt | mat aide |
| Antistrofo | selfmate | Selbstmatt | mat inverse |
| Skakiera | chess board | Schach Brett | echiquier |
| Tetragono | square | Feld | case |
| Komati, Pessos | piece | Stein | piece |
| Parsimo | capture | Schlag | prise |
| (x,y)Altis | (x,y)Leaper | (x,y)Springer | bondisseur(x,y) |
| (x,y)Dromeas | (x,y)Rider | (x,y)Reiter | . |
| Empodistis | Hopper | . | . |
| Tripio | cook | Nebenloesung | demoli |
| Alyto | unsolvable | unloesbar | insoluble |
| Antissipe | anticipation | Vorgaenger | anticipation |
| Vravio | prize | Preis | Prix |
| Efimi mnia | honourable mention | ehrende Erwaehnung | Mention d' Honneur |
| Epenos | commendation | Lob | Recommande |
Part B: Terminology with explanations
Here are presented explanations of terms relevant to chess compositions and some links are added to posted problems. Terms with special meaning are written with bold letters.
The catalog is not complete and
additions or corrections are welcomed. You may also search in other published catalogs (as is
Themes by Christian Poisson).
=== === === === === === === ===
Term in English : Explanation. [Greek Term [Pronunciation of Greek term]]
=== === === === === === === ===
Actual play or
After the key play :
This play is the moves following the key and satisfying the stipulation of the problem, in other words it is the
phase of the actual play. Note that
set play is the phase before the key, and
virtual play is the phase after each
try.
[Greek Πραγματικό παιγνίδι [pra-ghma-ti-ko’ pe-ghni’-di]]
Allumwandlung :
In a problem we see all the promotions to Q, R, S, B. This can happen to one ore more pawns, in one or more phases. This multiple promotion is noted with the german term Allumwandlung (AUW). There is white and black AUW. See
theme Babson.
[Greek Αλουμβάντλουνγκ [al-um-va’nt-lung]]
Annihilation :
To make a piece disappear, (a piece hindering the execution of a plan), we sacrifice it or bury it. See
204.
[Greek Εξαφάνιση [ex-a-fa’-ni-si]]
Anticipated :
If the theme and the position of a problem-B have already appeared in a previous problem-A, without the composer of problem-B having knowledge of this fact, then the problem-B is declared
anticipated. It is not necessary for the position to be exactly the same, it is enough to be similar. If this similarity is known to the composer of problem-B, we are talking about
plagiarism. The possibility to be a problem anticipated is great if its theme is simple, since the themes are few and chess problems are being composed hundreds of years now. The
judges of the contests are very experienced, but to make sure that the entries in a contest are original, computers with huge chess problem databases are also used.
[Greek Μη πρωτότυπο [mi pro-to’-ti-po]]
Anticritical move :
A piece (A) passes over a critical square and avoids to be blocked from another piece (B) that goes on this square. See
here.
[Greek Αντικρίσιμη [a-nti-kri’-ssi-mi]]
Aristocratic :
A problem with no pawns in the initial position. See
here.
[Greek Αριστοκρατικό [a-ri-sto-kra-ti-ko’]]
AUW (see Allumwandlung) or
multiple promotion :
A problem including in its solution promotions of pawns to all kinds of pieces. In orthodox chess : promotion to Queen, Rook, Bishop, Knight.
[Greek Πολλαπλή προαγωγή [po-la-pli’ pro-a-gho-ghi’]]
Battery :
We have on the same line a white piece-B which can threaten the black King, a white piece-A which does not threaten the bK, and the bK. The pieces A and B form the Battery. If the front piece-A is lifted, the battery is firing since the discovery of piece-B gives check. For example, if a white Knight is positioned between a white Rook and the black King, any move of the white Knight discovers check from the white Rook. If the Battery aims at a square, where the King goes later in the solution, we have
indirect battery. See
004 069 176.
[Greek Μπαταρία [ba-ta-ri’-a]]
Block :
It is a problem where the
key does mot introduce a
threat but brings black in a
Zugzwang situation where every black move loses. In the
Perfect block, every black move in the
set play is answered with mate and the key is simply a
waiter move. In the
Incomplete block there are not set mates for all the black moves, thus the key prepares the needed answers. In the
Mutate problem some of the mates of the
set play are changed after the
key in the
actual play. See
here.
[Greek Μπλοκ [blok]]
By-play :
This play is the variations
not relevant with the
theme of the problem. The other variations are called
thematic variations.
[Greek Παράπλευρο παιγνίδι [pa-ra’-ple-vro pe-ghni’-di]]
Castling :
Special move of the King, where one of his Rooks takes part. (They have not previously moved, there is no threat for the King and the next two squares towards the Rook, there is no piece between them). The King makes two steps towards the Rook and the Rook goes where the King made the first step. See
The Key.
[Greek Ροκέ [ro-ke’]]
Chess :
A game having great complexity.
[Greek Σκάκι [ska'-ki]]
Chess notation :
It is the special notation (i.e. algebraic, Forsythe, etc) used by chess players and problemists for writing games and positions. See
here.
[Greek Σκακιστική γραφή [ska-ki-sti-ki’ ghra-fi’]]
Chess problem :
There are many types of chess problems. The composers are usually specialised in some of these types. See
Types of chess problems.
[Greek Πρόβλημα σκακιστικό [pro’-vli-ma ska-ki-sti-ko’]]
Circuit,
Round trip (German : Rundlauf) :
A piece departs from asquare and later in the solution returns on it after a polygonic trip (i.e. a Rook goes e3 - g3 - g5 - e5 - e3). Special cases are the
King’s triangle and the
Queen’s triangle. (Compare these moves to
Comeback, where the trip is on straight line). See
here.
[Greek Κύκλωμα [ki’-klo-ma], Ταξίδι μετ’ επιστροφής [ta-xi’-dhi met e-pi-stro-fi’s]]
Clearance :
Generally, the relocation of a piece to allow the move of another piece towards a certain square. The clearance may be a line-opening or a piece-annihilation.
[Greek Εκκένωση [e-ke’-no-si]]
Composer :
The person composing a problem. Some problems have been created by cooperation of composers. See
Composers and problems.
[Greek Συνθέτης [sin-the’-tis]]
Composition of Chess problems :
Chess problems are created by
composers and, in a different time, the
solvers try to find the solutions. It is quite different, as a discipline, from the Over-the-Board (OTB) Chess (or Club chess) which is a game between two players. See
OTB chess vs compositions.
[Greek Καλλιτεχνικό σκάκι [ka-li-teh-ni-ko’ sk’a-ki], (= artistic chess)]
Condition
Anticirce :
It is a heterodox fairy condition, where capturing pieces are reborn (the captured pieces are lost). See
here.
[Greek Συνθήκη Αντικίρκη [sin-thi’-ki an-ti-ki’r-ki]]
Condition
Circe :
It is a heterodox fairy condition, where the captured pieces are reborn. See
here and
here.
[Greek Συνθήκη Κίρκη [sin-thi’-ki ki’r-ki]]
Condition
Madrasi :
It is a heterodox fairy condition, specifying that if a piece is threatening a similar opponent piece (R with R, S with S, B with B, etc), then both pieces are paralyzed and lose all powers except the power of paralyzing the opponent. See
here.
: Condition
King Madrasi : Kings are included in Madrasi condition.
[Greek Συνθήκη Μαντράσι [sin-thi’-ki ma-dra’-si], Βασιλικό Μαντράσι [va-si-li-ko’ ma-dra’-si] ]
Condition
Maximummer :
It is a heterodox fairy condition, where it is obligatory to play the piece with the longest (geometrically) move.
Condition
Black Maximummer : The maximummer condition is applied only for black pieces. This type of problem is usually a selfmate problem. See
here.
[Greek Συνθήκη Μαξιμούμερ [sin-thi’-ki ma-xi-mu’-mer]]
Cook :
It is another, different from the key, first move that solves the problem, which the composer had not seen. The undesired second solution is a very serious defect that ruins the problem. Some decades ago it was commonplace the publication of cooked problems, but now the problems are checked by computers (for example : programs Fancy and Popeye) and the Cooked problems are almost extinct.
[Greek Τρύπα [tri’-pa]]
Correction :
Seeing that a move has a disadvantage we make anoter move, which is called correction, to remove this disadvantage (but we might introduce another). There is white and black correction. There is primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary correction. See
here.
[Greek Διόρθωση [di-o’r-tho-si]]
Critical move :
A linear piece A moves beyond a
critical square, on which a second piece B will go and it will inhibit by its presence the influence of the linear piece A. See
here and
070.
[Greek Κρίσιμη κίνηση [kri’-si’mi ki’-ni-si]]
Crossed checks :
At least three checks in continuous (half-)moves White – Black - White. See
133.
[Greek Διασταυρωμένα σαχ [di-a-sta-vro-me’-na sah]]
Cyclic change :
Suppose that (A, B, C) are the mates that can be done after some (x, y) black answers. We may observe that in various phases we have cyclic (or
compinatory) change of the mates : (xA, yB) and (xA, yC) and (xC, yB). See
here.
[Greek Κυκλική εναλλαγή [ki-kli-ki’ e-na-la-ghi’]]
Cylinder-board :
There are three types. [
Vertical cylinder : a chessboard where it is supposed that the files a and h are in contact. To the right of h8 lies a8. From h8 up there is nothing], [
Horizontal cylinder : a chessboard where it is supposed that the rows 1 and 8 are in contact. From h8 up lies h1. There is nothing to the right of h8], [
Anchor ring : The combination of vertical and horizontal cylinder. From h8 up lies h1. To the right of h8 lies a8. From h8 diagonally up right lies a1.].
[Greek Σκακιέρα κυλινδρική [ska-kie’-ra ki-lin-dhri-ki’]]
Delocation :
Forcing a piece to move in a place, from where it cannot take part in the defense. See
121.
[Greek Απομάκρυνση [a-po-ma’-kri-nsi]]
Direct mate :
The type of problem where white moves first and must mate in a certain number of moves, no matter what the black defenses are. Such a problem has usually the stipulation
Mate in 2 moves (or in another number of moves). The term
orthodox is used to discriminate the direct mates from other kinds of problems, called
heterodox, for example
helpmates,
selfmates and
fairy.
[Greek Ορθόδοξο [or-tho’-dho-xo]]
Domination :
The side with less force can exploit the position and can capture pieces of the stronger side. See
here.
[Greek Κυριαρχία [ki-ri-ar-hi’a]]
Doubling :
A manoeuvre which puts two pieces in a line (row, file or diagonal) in order to support one another.
[Greek Δίπλωμα [di’-plo-ma]]
Doubling Brunner-Turton :
It is a
Turton Doubling, where the two pieces are equal in strength.
[Greek Δίπλωμα Μπρούνερ-Τέρτον [di’-plo-ma bru’-ner te’r-ton]]
Doubling Loyd-Turton :
It is a
Turton Doubling, where the first piece is stronger.
[Greek Δίπλωμα Λόιντ-Τέρτον [di’-plo-ma lo’-id te’r-ton]]
Doubling Turton :
See Theme Turton doubling
[Greek Δίπλωμα Τέρτον [di’-plo-ma te’r-ton]]
Doubling Zepler :
It is a kind of
doubling of pieces, where one piece is moving on a line towards one direction, a second piece comes on this line, and then the first piece moves on this line towards the same initial direction. It is a three-move theme.
[Greek Δίπλωμα Τσέπλερ [di’-plo-ma tse’-pler]]
Dual :
White should have
only one move in each critical point of the solution. If white has alternative possibilities for moving (
excluding the first move, the key), this is called
dual. It is not as serious defect as the
cook, and in not thematic variations may be tolerated, but there are different opinions on this subject. See Theme Java for
Dual avoidance, which is considered good.
[Greek Δυάδα [thi-a’-tha], Ντουάλ [du-a’l]]
Dual avoidance :
If, from a couple of seemingly equivalent white moves, only one is effective in each variation of the solution, we have Dual Avoidance which is an asset for the problem. The French term for the (undesirable) pair of moves is Dual.
[Greek Αντιδυάδα [a-nti-thi-a’-tha]]
Duplex :
It is a type of problem with two solutions, where in the second solution the roles of the colors are interchanged. Most common type is the
Duplex helpmate, in which the two solutions have stipulations : (1)
black plays first and, with help from the white, black is mated and (2)
white plays first and, with help from black, white is mated. See
098 157.
[Greek Ντούπλεξ [du’-plex]]
Economy :
Economy is a plus in a chess composition, but the exact specification of the element that must be economical is a subject of discussion. We consider important all the aspects of economy : economy of material or forces, economy of space, economy of motivation, economy of moves. See
Originality and Economy.
[Greek Οικονομία [i-ko-no-mi’-a]]
ELO rating :
It is an international (defined by the professor Arpad Elo) way of specifying the efficiency of a chess player.
[Greek Βαθμός ΕΛΟ [va-thmo’s e’-lo]]
En passant (from French, in the passing) :
Special movement of a Pawn-a that has already moved three steps, in which movement takes part a Pawn-b of the opponent which stands on the next file on its initial square. The Pawn-b moves with double step and goes to a square next (on the same row) to Pawn-a. The Pawn-a can capture Pawn-b in the very next move, as if Pawn-b had moved with single step. This en-passant capture is executed at once or is lost, because it cannot be postponed. See
The Key and
here.
[Greek Ανπασάν [an-pa-sa’n]]
Fairy chess :
In Fairy chess belong the problems which apply heterodox conditions (i.e.
Circe,
Madrasi, etc) or use special
fairy pieces. Other examples are the
Maximummer problems with moves in maximum distances, the problems on
Cylinder chessboards or on
Grid chessboard, the problems with
Retroanalysis. See
here.
[Greek Μυθικό σκάκι [mi-thi-ko’ ska’-ki]]
Flight square :
The square on which the black King can move legally (the square not threatened by a white piece and not occupied by a black piece). If black puts a piece on a flight square, limiting the mobility of the black King, the move is a
self-block. If black relocates a blocking piece to create a flight, the move is
square clearance.
[Greek Τετράγωνο Διαφυγής [te-tra’-go-no di-a-fi-ghis]]
Forced :
Obligatory move. See
081.
[Greek Φορσέ [for-se’]]
Gambit :
Sacrifice of a Pawn during the opening of a game. See
004.
[Greek Γκαμπί [ga-mbi’]]
Grasshopper :
Popular fairy piece, hopper type. See
here.
[Greek Ακρίδα [a-kri’-tha]]
Grid-board :
A chessboard used in
Fairy chess, which is divided as grid of 16 (non-overlapping) square areas each having 2x2 squares of the chessboard. Legal moves are those that cut at least one line of this grid. (Example : In Southwest corner of the grid the 2x2 area covers the squares a1-a2-b2-b1. Consider bK in a1 and wR in b1. King is not in check. Then wR moves to c1 (crossing one grid line, moving to another 2x2 area c1-c2-d2-d1) and gives check from there).
[Greek Σκακιέρα πλέγματος [ska-kie’-ra ple’-ghma-tos]]
Grotesque :
A problem or a study with very unnatural initial position, especially one with heavy position or with great difference of opponent forces. See
here.
[Greek Γκροτέσκο [gro-te’-sko]]
Heavy :
An adjective applicable to a problem with too much material in the initial position. This situation must be avoided for reasons of
Economy. See
here.
[Greek Βαρύ [va-ri’]]
Helpmate :
A type of problem where white and black cooperate to mate black in a certain number of moves. Black plays first in helpmates. See
here and
here.
[Greek Βοηθητικό [vo-i-thi-ti-ko’]]
Hopper :
The piece that leaves a square, hops over an obstacle (a hurdle) and steps down on some square behind the obstacle. Example : the Grasshopper steps down on the first square behind the obstacle and possibly captures an opponent piece there. Example : the Locust steps down on any nonempty square behind the obstacle and captures it.
[Greek Εμποδιστής [em-po-di-sti’s]]
Illegal :
It is the problem where the given position cannot be the result of various legal moves after the initial placement of the 32 pieces (for playing a game). See
here.
[Greek Παράνομο [pa-ra’-no-mo]]
Insoluble, or having
no solution :
A problem that cannot be solved in the moves predefined in the stipulation. See
here.
[Greek Άλυτο [a’-li-to]]
Interference :
The closing of a line of one piece from a second piece, thus limiting the mobility of the first and cutting its reach to certain squares. The various types of interferences are named, as
Grimshaw intersection,
Nowotny intersection,
Anti-Bristol,
Holzhausen intersection,
Wuertzburg-Plachutta intersection and
Plachutta intersection. See
here.
[Greek Παρεμβολή [par-em-vo-li’]]
Intersection :
The square on which two lines (of movement of two linear pieces) are intersected. See
here.
[Greek Διατομή [di-a-to-mi’]]
Intersection Grimshaw :
Mutual interference of two dissimilarly moving black linear pieces (R with B, or P with B) on the same empty square. For pieces P and B there is also the term
Pickabish. See
here and
here and
here and
here.
[Greek Διατομή Γκρίμσο [di-a-to-mi’ gri’m-so]]
Intersection Holzhausen :
It is a square on which a black linear piece interferes with another black piece similarly moving, (R with R, B with Q), in another row (or file or diagonal). If the interference is mutual, it is called
Wuerzburg-Plachutta intersection. When the pieces are on the same line we have the
Anti-Bristol theme. See
here.
[Greek Διατομή Χολτσχάουζεν [di-a-to-mi’ holts-ha’-u-zen]]
Intersection Nowotny :
A white piece is sacrificed on a
Grimshaw intersection forcing black to capture it, thus resulting in the mutual self-interference of the black pieces. If white pieces of dissimilar linear movement are self-interfered, we have a
White Nowotny intersection. See
here.
[Greek Διατομή Νοβότνι [di-a-to-mi’ no-vo’t-ni]]
Intersection Pickabish :
It is a Grimshaw intersection where the pieces are Pawn and Bishop. See
033.
[Greek Διατομή Πίκαμπις [di-a-to-mi’ pi’-ka-bis]]
Intersection Plachutta :
A white piece is sacrificed on a
Wuerzburg-Plachutta intersection forcing black to capture it, thus resulting in the mutual self-interference (two
Holzhausen interferences) of the black pieces. See
here.
[Greek Διατομή Πλαχούτα [di-a-to-mi’ pla-hu’-ta]]
Intersection Wuerzburg-Plachutta :
Mutual interference between two similarly moving linear pieces, moving on different lines. It is a pair of
Holzhausen self-interferences. See
here.
[Greek Διατομή Βίρτσμπουργκ-Πλαχούτα [di-a-to-mi’ vi’rts-burg pla-hu’-ta]]
Judge :
In composition (or solving) contests the responsibility for the definition of the theme (or the selection of the winners) belongs to respectable problemists, who are called Judges. See
here.
[Greek Κριτής [kri-ti’s]]
Key :
The first and unique move that solves the problem. A problem having, despite the composer's will, another move that solves it, is considered useless,
cooked. See
Symbols of chessmen, Chess notation,
(1) The Key,
(2) The key, when it is considered not good, Characteristics :
Sacrifice, promotion, Exposition to check,
Unpin, Line opening, Flights,
destroying battery, zugzwang,
subpromotion, waiter, give and take, retroanalysis.
[Greek Κλειδί [kli-di’]]
Leaper :
The piece that steps from one square to another always covering the same distance. If it covers x squares on a row and y squares on a column, we call it a (x,y)Leaper. For example, the Knight is a (2,1)Leaper or (1,2)Leaper. (See
Rider and
Hopper).
[Greek Άλτης [a’l-tis]]
Legal :
It is a problem where the given position can be the result of various legal moves (not necessarily intelligent ones) after the initial placement of the 32 pieces (for playing a game). See
here.
[Greek Νόμιμο [no’-mi-mo]]
Line clearance or
Line opening :
The first piece leaves the square to allow the passing of the second (linear) piece over this (critical) square moving towards a destination square.
[Greek Εκκένωση γραμμής [e-ke’-no-si gra-mi’s]]
Light :
Adjective applicable to a problem having relatively small material in the initial position. This situation is desirable for reasons of
economy. See
here.
[Greek Ελαφρύ [e-la-fri’]]
Madrasi :
It is a heterodox fairy condition, which specifies that if a piece is threatening a similar piece of the opponent (wR with bR, wS with bS, wB with bB, etc) then both pieces are paralyzed for as long as they are threatening each other. [Condition
King Madrasi : the Madrasi condition is applicable to the Kings], [Condition
Isardam : moves that result in Madrasi paralysis are not legal].
[Greek Μαντράσι [ma-dra’-si]]
Mate, Chameleon :
Chameleon mates are two echo mates, with the King on squares of different color. See
146.
[Greek Ματ Χαμαιλέων [mat ha-me-le’-on]]
Mate, Echo :
Echo mate are two mates which have in the solution mirror images. See
009.
[Greek Ματ Ηχώ [mat i-ho’]]
Mate, Economical :
Economical mate is a mate, where all the white pieces are taking part (with possible exception of King and Pawns). See
009.
[Greek Ματ Οικονομικό [mat i-ko-no-mi-ko’]]
Mate, Ideal :
Ideal or perfect mate is a
pure mate where all the pieces of both colors cooperate to make it possible. See
045.
[Greek Ματ Ιδεώδες [mat i-dhe-o’-dhes]]
Mate, Mirror :
In a mirror mate all the squares around the mated King are empty. See
045.
[Greek Ματ Καθρέπτης [mat ka-thre’-ptis]]
Mate, Model :
The model mate is a
pure and
economical mate. See
here.
[Greek Ματ Μοντέλο [mat mo-de’-lo]]
Mate, Pure :
Pure mate is the mate position, where the square of the mated King and all the neighboring squares, either each is observed by one enemy force or it is blocked by a friendly piece, (not threatened and blocked at the same time). (An exception is the pinned friendly piece which cannot move to intercept the check). See
here.
[Greek Ματ Καθαρό [mat ka-tha-ro’]]
Maximummer :
A problem in which the pieces make the geometrically largest move they can, as it is measured from the center of the departure square to the center of the arrival square. If there are two or more largest moves, the player can select which one to play.
Black Maximummer is the problem, where the maximummer condition is applicable only on black moves. This type of problem usually is a
Selfmate problem.
[Greek Μαξιμούμερ [ma-xi-mu’-mer]]
Meredith :
A problem with 8 to 12 pieces in its initial position. See
here.
[Greek Μέρεντιθ [me’-re-dith]]
Miniature :
A problem with 7 or less pieces in its initial position. See
here.
[Greek Μινιατούρα [mi-nia-tu’-ra]]
More-mover :
When the moves of the solution are more than 3. For example, an
orthodox with stipulation like
White plays and mates in N moves (where N is a number greater than 3). See
here.
[Greek Πολυκίνητο [po-li-ki’-ni-to]]
Mutate :
In a problem with
complete block we cannot find a waiter key, thus we abandon at least one of the mates of the
set play, so we have
changed mates after the
key. See
here.
[Greek Αλλαγμένα ματ [a-la-ghme’-na mat]]
N :
In chess problems the letter
N symbolizes the
fairy piece Nightrider. In the English chess notation for problemists the letter N (from kNight) is used to symbolize the Knight.
Nightrider :
Popular fairy piece, rider type. See
here.
[Greek Καβαλάρης της Νύχτας [ka-va-la’-ris tis ni’h-tas]]
Organ Pipes :
Arrangement of pieces BRRB in adjacent squares in a row. That creates four Grimshaw interchanges with eight self-interferences. See
here and
here.
[Greek Αυλοί του Αρμόνιου [av-li’ tu ar-mo’-ni-u]]
Originality :
If the theme and the position of a problem B have already appeared in a prior problem A, without having the composer B knowledge of this fact, then the problem B is considered
anticipated (not original). The position might not be exactly the same, it is enough to be similar. If this is done by the composer B on purpose, then we talk about
plagiarism (theft). The possibility of a problem to be anticipated, is very high if the theme of the problem is simple and the pieces few, since chess problems are being created for hundreds of years now. The
judges of the contests have enormous experience and they usually use computers with large databases to check originality. See
Originality and Economy.
[Greek Πρωτοτυπία [pro-to-ti-pi’-a]]
Over-The-Board playing of the game of
Chess :
Two players, White (plays first) and Black, play alternatively. It is quite different from
Chess Composition, where a
composer creates a problem and in a later time a
solver tries to discover its solution. See
OTB chess vs compositions.
[Greek Αγωνιστικό σκάκι [a-gho-ni-sti-ko’ ska’-ki]]
Pericritical :
Moves focused on a
critical square. See
here.
[Greek Περικρίσιμες [pe-ri-kri’-si-mes]]
Phase of play:
One phase is "the moves of the
set play before the
key". Another phase is "the moves after a
try". Another phase is "the moves after the
key". A direct mate problem with
set play is a bi-phase problem. An orthodox problem with three
tries is a four-phase problem. The play in one phase may be (thematically) relevant with the play in other phases. See
here.
[Greek Φάση παιγνιδιού [fa’-si pe-ghni-dhiu’]]
Pickabish :
Special name for Grimshaw intersection with Pawn and Bishop.
[Greek Πικαμπίς [pi-ka-bi’s]]
Proof or
Retrograde analysis or
Retroanalysis :
Reasoning about the move (or the moves) before the specified position. The problem might focus on finding the
Shortest Proof Game (SPG), or the stipulation might be [find the last move of black], or the Retroanalysis may be part of a greater problem. For example, it may be necessary to prove that the black King has been moved before the given position, so black has no
right for castling. See
here and
here and
157 159 160.
[Greek Αποδεικτική ανάλυση, [a-po-di-kti-ki’ a-na’-li-si]]
Proof Game, PG) :
A kind of problem where a position is given to the solver and he/she must discover the actual moves of the game, starting from the classic initial placement of the pieces, and reaching the given position in a specified number of moves. Is is a kind of
Retroanalysis. See
here.
[Greek Αποδεικτική παρτίδα [a-po-di-kti-ki’ pa-rti’-da]]
Reflexmate :
A
selfmate in which both sides are forced to give mate, if it is their turn to play and they can give mate. If this limitation is applicable only on black, the problem is called
semi-reflexmate.
[Greek Ρεφλέξ-ματ [re-fle’x mat]]
Revealer :
A piece that reveals, by its presence or placement, the way to solve the problem. See
here.
[Greek Μαρτυριάρης [mar-ti-ria’-ris]]
Rex solus :
Problems where the King is alone. See
here.
[Greek Ρεξ σόλους [rex so’-lus]]
(r,c)
Rider :
The piece which moves on a line, without passing over an obstacle. It is an (r,c)
Leaper of multiple steps, where r symbolizes squares on row and c symbolizes squares on column for each step. Examples are the Rook and the Bishop. The Rook is a (0,1)Rider or (1,0)Rider. The Bishop is a (1,1)Rider.
[Greek Δρομέας [dro-me’-as]]
Round trip (German, Rundlauf) :
A piece departs from a square and later in the solution returns on it after a polygonal path (for example : a Rook follows the path e3-g3-g5-e5-e3). Special cases are the
Triangle of the King and the
Triangle of the Queen. Compare the round trip with the
Switchback, where the path is on one line.
[Greek Ταξίδι με επιστροφή [ta-xi’-dhi me e-pi-stro-fi’]]
Royal battery :
The
royal battery is formed when the front piece of the
battery is the white King. (The King side-steps, opening the line for the back line piece to act).
Task is when the royal battery fires with
six different ways in orthodox problems (eight ways in heterodox problems!). See
044.
[Greek Βασιλική Μπαταρία [va-si-li-ki’ ba-ta-ri’-a]]
S :
In chess problems the letter
S symbolizes the Knight (from the German Springer (= knight)).
Self-block :
The flights of the black King are blocked by black pieces. See
120.
[Greek Αυτομπλοκάρισμα [af-to-blo-ka’-ri-sma]]
Selfmate :
Heterodox problem, where white forces the
non cooperative black to deliver mate to white, in a certain number of moves. See
here and
here.
[Greek Αντίστροφο [a-nti’-stro-fo]]
Series-mover :
A problem where the one side makes a series of moves without answers from the other side, except in the last move. The target may be win of White, stalemate, or win by Black. See
099.
[Greek Σειράς κινήσεων [si-ra’s ki-ni’-se-on]]
Set play :
Moves that could be played from the initial position of the problem, if the other color was to play. The
Set play is a
Phase of the solution. For example, in an
Orthodox problem, the
Set play consists of series of moves starting with a black move (white has not played yet). When
Set play exists, then (a) the
key move of white
does not change the series of moves and the problem is a
Perfect Block, or (b) the key
changes the mate formations and the problem is a
mutate. See
038.
[Greek Έτοιμο Παιγνίδι [e’-ti-mo pe-gni’-di]]
Square vacancy :
Emptying of a square. The first piece leaves the square to allow the move of the second piece to this square.
[Greek Εκκένωση τετραγώνου [e-ke’-no-si te-tra-go’-nu]]
Study :
Orthodox problem without limit on movements. See
here and
here.
[Greek Σπουδή [spu-di’]]
Subpromotion :
A Pawn making its seventh step reaches the last row and there it is promoted to any piece, existing in the initial placement or initial position of the problem, Except King or Pawn. See
009 and
here.
[Greek Υποπροαγωγή [i-po-pro-a-gho-ghi’]]
Switchback :
A piece leaves a square and later in the solution comes back on it and all moves are made on one line (for example, a Rook follows the path e3-e5-e3). Compare this with the
Round-trip, where the path is polygonal. See
006 168.
[Greek Επιστροφή [e-pi-stro-fi’]]
Symmetry :
The position appears symmetric. The solution is not necessarily symmetric. See
here.
[Greek Συμμετρία [si-me-tri’-a]]
Task :
In a problem some
theme is used in its extreme, and we say a task has been achieved. For example, it is a task when the
Royal Battery gives mate opening with the maximum number of ways. See
here and
here and
here.
[Greek Άθλος [a’-thlos]]
Tempo :
The expression
I win tempo (=I win time) means that
I win moves : Either I can achieve something in less moves, or the opponent delays to reach his goal which is equivalent with giving to me extra moves.
[Greek Τέμπο [te’-mpo]]
Theme :
Defines the target of the composer, that is what the composer wanted to achieve creating the problem, what idea is hidden in the problem. See
here.
[Greek Θέμα [the’-ma]]
Theme WP4 :
A white pawn standing on its initial square, in four variations of the solution makes its four possible moves (one step forward, two steps forward, capture left, capture right). See
here and
here.
[Greek Θέμα ΛΠ4Κ
Theme Allumwandlung or
AUW (from German) (=Multiple pawn Promotions) :
The solution contains pawn promotions to all kind of pieces. In orthodox problems we have quadruple promotion, to Queen, Rook, Bishop, Knight. See
here 015 016. In
Fairy chess the theme can be expanded to promotions of fairy pieces, present in the initial diagramme of the problem. See a super-AUW at
241.
[Greek Θέμα Πολλαπλή προαγωγή [the’-ma po-la-pli’ pro-a-gho-ghi’]]
Theme anti-Bristol :
Like the Theme Bristol, but the first piece does not facilitates the second piece, but becomes an obstacle.
[Greek Θέμα Αντι-Μπρίστολ [the’-ma an-ti-bri’-stol]]
Theme Arguelles :
A black line of influence is neutralized with energetic and with pathetic interference. See
226.
[Greek Θέμα Αργκίλες [the’-ma ar-gi’-les]]
Theme Babson :
White plays first. Black defends with four promotions (Q, R, B, S) (AUW allumwandlung). White answers with four corresponding promotions (Q, R, B, S). See
here.
[Greek Θέμα Μπάμπσον [the’-ma ba’b-son]]
Theme Berlin :
A move, which gives mate in a try, becomes a simple check in the actual play. See
244.
[Greek Θέμα Βερολίνου [the’-ma ve-ro-li’-nu]]
Theme Bicoloured Bristol :
It is similar to
Theme Bristol but with pieces of both colors.
[Greek Θέμα Δίχρωμο Μπρίστολ [the’-ma dhi’-hro-mo bri’-stol]]
Theme Bicoloured Cheney-Loyd :
the piece A makes a critical move and the piece B of different colour goes to the critical square and interferes. See
here.
[Greek Θέμα Δίχρωμο Τσένεϊ-Λόιντ [the’-ma dhi’-hro-mo tse’-ne-i lo’-id]]
Theme Bicoloured Turton :
It is similar to
Theme Turton but pieces A and B are of different colors. See
here.
[Greek Θέμα Δίχρωμο Τέρτον [the’-ma dhi’-hro-mo te’r-ton]]
Theme Bikos :
In one phase, in one variation a self-block is exploited and in another variation the moving piece is taken. In another phase, the same two defenses have reciprocal continuation. See
here 011 126.
[Greek Θέμα Μπίκος [the’-ma bi’-kos]]
Theme Bivalve :
The black, opening a line of one black piece, closes another line of
another black piece. See
here.
[Greek Θέμα Διπλοβαλβίδα [the’-ma dhi-plo-val-vi’-dha]]
Theme Black-Bristol :
Similar to
Theme Bristol, but with black pieces.
[Greek Θέμα Μαύρο-Μπρίστολ [the’-ma ma’-vro bri’s-tol]]
Theme Black Cheney-Loyd :
the black piece A makes a
critical move and the black piece B goes to the critical square and interferes. See
here.
[Greek Θέμα Μαύρο Τσένεϊ-Λόιντ [the’-ma ma’-vro tse’-ne-i lo’-id]]
Theme Brede cross-checks :
Every black check is answered with white check that pins the white piece, which then is unpinned and delivers mate. See
here.
[Greek Θέμα Μπρέντε Διασταυρωμένα σαχ [the’-ma bre’-de dhi-a-sta-vro-me’-na sah]]
Theme Bristol line clearance :
It is a two-move theme. The first white linear piece moves towards one direction opening the way for the second white linear piece to move towards the same direction. If the first piece is not participating to the mate, it is called parasitic. For black pieces the theme is called
Theme Anti-Bristol. See
here.
[Greek Θέμα Μπρίστολ [the’-ma bri’s-tol]]
Theme Brunner-Turton doubling :
Similar to
Theme Turton, but the pieces A and B are of equal strength. See
here.
[Greek Θέμα Μπρούνερ-Τέρτον [the’-ma bru’-ner te’r-ton]]
Theme Checking key :
In orthodox problems is generally avoided, but in other kinds (helpmates, selfmates, fairy) is acceptable. See
here.
[Greek Θέμα Σαχ στο κλειδί [the’-ma sah sto kli-di’]]
Theme Cheney-Loyd :
A white piece A makes a
critical move and then a white piece B goes to the critical square and interferes. See
here,
022.
[Greek Θέμα Τσένεϊ-Λόιντ [the’-ma tse’-ne-i lo’-id]]
Theme Dombrovskis :
In the post-key play at least two defenses, which have refuted some threats of the tries, are subdued with exactly the same threats of the tries. See
here and
here.
[Greek Θέμα Ντομπρόβσκι [the’-ma do-bro’v-ski]]
Theme Dresden :
The move of a black piece changes the (good) defense of piece-A to (inadequate) defense of piece-B. See
077.
[Greek Θέμα Δρέσδης [the’-ma dhre’s-dhis]]
Theme Excelsior :
A Pawn moves from its initial square to its promotion square. See
114 115.
[Greek Θέμα Εξέλσιορ [the’-ma e-xe’l-si-or]]
Theme Fleck :
The key introduces multiple threat, at least triple. In each variation the defense of the black leaves only one threat valid. See
010.
[Greek Θέμα Φλεκ [the’-ma flek]]
Theme Focal play :
A black linear piece (Queen, Rook, Bishop) focuses on two squares in two different directions, but when it moves it is forced to lose focus and abandon the guarding of one of the squares. See
here.
[Greek Θέμα Εστιακό Παιγνίδι [the’-ma es-ti-a-ko’ pe-gni’-dhi]]
Theme Hamburg :
The move of a black piece
changes the way of defense of another piece. See
077.
[Greek Θέμα Αμβούργου [the’-ma am-vu’-rgu]]
Theme Indian :
A
critical white piece makes a
critical move and passes over a
critical square. Then a white piece self-interferes on the critical square to avoid stalemate of the black and in the next move withdraws giving check by discovering of the critical piece. See
here and 127 128 137.
[Greek Θέμα Ινδικό [the’-ma in-dhi-ko’]]
Theme Java :
two squares adjacent to bK are controlled by two white pieces each. Black closes one line of control and white cannot close the other line of control, thus white selects the next move avoiding dual. See
356.
[Greek Θέμα Ιάβα [the’-ma i-a’-va]]
Theme Karlstroem-Fleck :
The key introduces multiple threat, at least triple. The defense of the black separates the threats, and in each variation only one remains valid. There is at least one black move that is
defense for all threats of the key, but allows some other mate. See
010 049.
[Greek Θέμα Κάλστρεμ – Φλεκ [the’-ma ka’l-strem flek]]
Theme Lacny pxv.
It is developed over various phases (the number of phases is p). In one phase there are some (a b c ... z) defenses (the number of variations is v) which are answered with the mates (A B C ... Z). In another phase the same (a b c ... z) defenses are answered with a cyclic permutation of the mates (B C ... Z A). See
212.
[Greek Θέμα Λάσνι [the’-ma la’-sni]]
Theme Loyd-Turton doubling :
Similar to
Theme Turton, but piece A is stronger than piece B. See
here.
[Greek Θέμα Λόιντ-Τέρτον [the’-ma lo’-id te’r-ton]]
Theme Martin I :
Two black pieces are half-pinned. Each piece attempts corrective defense. The primary and secondary mates are relevant with the other half-pinned piece which is now pinned. See
here.
[Greek Θέμα Μάρτιν 1 [the’-ma ma’r-tin e’-na]]
Theme Martin II :
The corrective defenses are exploiting the unpin of a third black piece.
[Greek Θέμα Μάρτιν 2 [the’-ma ma’r-tin di’-o]]
Theme Phoenix (Phénix) :
A pawn is promoted to a piece which was previously captured. See
here.
[Greek Θέμα Φοίνιξ [the’-ma fi’-niks]]
Theme BP4 :
A black pawn standing on its initial square, in four variations of the solution makes its four possible moves (one step forward, two steps forward, capture left, capture right). See
here and
here.
[Greek Θέμα ΜΠ4Κ]
Theme Pronkin :
A
promoted piece goes to the initial square of an identical
captured piece. See
here.
[Greek Θέμα Πρόνκιν [the’-ma pro’n-kin]]
Theme Roman :
A black piece, which can defend adequately, is relocated to a square, from where it can defend again, but not sufficiently. See
here and
here.
[Greek Θέμα Ρωμαϊκό [the’-ma ro-ma-i-ko’]]
Theme Stavrinides :
The (compact algebraic) notation of white and black moves shows circular transposition. (See
here). [Theme shown in one phase : 1. K!, 1...Aaa 2. Bbb#, 1...Bbb 2. Ccc#, 1...Ccc 2. Aaa#], [Theme shown in tries : 1. Aaa? Bbb!, 1. Bbb? Ccc!, 1. Ccc? Aaa!].
[Greek Θέμα Σταυρινίδης [the'-ma sta-vri-ni'-dis]]
Theme TRD :
It is a double Grimshaw, which is formed from two Rooks and a Bishop, or from two Bishops and a Rook. (The theme is also called Three Rider Double). See
060.
[Greek Θέμα Τι-αρ-ντί [the’-ma ti-ar-di’]]
Theme Turton doubling :
A linear piece A moves beyond a critical square, permitting to a like-coloured and
stronger piece B to move onto the critical square. Later, piece B moves on the same line to the opposite direction, being supported by piece A. See
here.
[Greek Θέμα Τέρτον [the’-ma te’r-ton]]
Theme Valladao :
The problem contains all the "strange" chess moves, that is castling, (sub-)promotion and en-passant capture. See
159.
[Greek Θέμα Βαλαντάο [the’-ma va-la-nta’-o]]
Theme Valve :
The black opens a line for one of his pieces, closing another line of
the same piece. See
here.
[Greek Θέμα Βαλβίδα [the’-ma val-vi’-dha]]
Theme X-flights :
The King can escape moving diagonally (northeast, northwest, southwest, southeast). See
here 015 and
029.
[Greek Θέμα Διαφυγές-Χ [the’-ma di-a-fi-ge’s hi]]
Theme Zappas :
A flight of the black King is guarded by three white pieces. There are three tries which fail, as a result of the cyclic neutralization of the three guards by the White and the Black. See
here.
[Greek Θέμα Ζάππας [the’-ma za’-pas]]
Theme Zepler-Turton doubling :
Initially the piece A moves. Then piece B steps on the critical square. Then piece A moves again, being supported by piece B. See
here.
[Greek Θέμα Τσέπλερ-Τέρτον [the’-ma tse’-pler te’r-ton]]
Theme Zilahi :
Black captures the white piece, which checkmates in the other solution. See
096.
[Greek Θέμα Ζίλαχι [the’-ma zi’-la-hi]]
Threat :
It is the move (or the series of moves) which white is threatening to play (usually after the
key) if black does not present some suitable defense. Problems with no threat after the key have
complete block of the black, the key is called
waiter key and the black is in a hopeless (german term
zugzwang,
zz) situation.
[Greek Απειλή [a-pi-li’]]
Three-mover :
An orthodox problem with stipulation
Mate in 3.
The threemovers of other types always have a characteristic, as helpmate threemover, selfmate threemover, etc.. See
here.
[Greek Τριάρι [tri-a’-ri]]
Try :
A first move that
almost solves the problem, but there exists
a unique defense. The series of moves after the
try are called
virtual play. The virtual play after a try is one
Phase of the solution. The existence of tries makes more difficult the work of the solver, who seeks to discover the
key, and it is an important element of the beauty of the problem. See
here.
[Greek Δοκιμή [do-ki-mi’]]
Twins :
Two (or more) problems which (a) have small differences, (b) have different solutions, and (c) are composed by the same person. The difference might be addition or removal or relocation of one piece in the position of the first problem, "sliding" the position by one row or one column, alteration of the stipulation from direct-mate to helpmate, etc.. See
here.
[Greek Δίδυμα [di’-di-ma]]
Two-mover :
An orthodox problem with stipulation [White plays and mates in two moves, despite the good defense of the Black] or simply [Mate in 2]. The two-movers of others categories have always a characteristic (helpmate two-mover, selfmate two-mover). See
here and
here.
[Greek Δυάρι [dhi-a’-ri]]
Unprovided check :
In the initial position there is a check by Black that reveals what the key should be. It is a flaw, since it diminishes the difficulty of the problem. See
215.
[Greek Αναπάντητο σαχ [a-na-pa’-nti-to sah]]
Variation :
A series of moves from the key thru the final target (win, stalemate, etc). See
here.
[Greek Βαριάντα [va-ria’-nta]]
Version :
It is a problem, which is a modification of a previous problem. The problem might be modified for
economy reasons, or for elimination of a defect (a cook, a second solution), or because of
No solution. See
here and
here.
[Greek Διασκευή [di-a-ske-vi’]]
Virtual play :
It is the play after a try.
[Greek Εικονικό παιγνίδι [i-ko-ni-ko’ pe-gni’-di]]
Zagoruyko :
In at-least three phases and in at least two,
always the same, defenses of the black, the continuations of white change. It is a presentation frame which can be combined with various themes. See
here 240 324.
[Greek Ζαγκορούικο [za-go-ru’-i-ko]]
Zugzwang or
zz:
Black is not under threat, but it is Black's turn to play. The bad news is that any black move makes Black's position instantly worse. This is called
blockade or more commonly
zugzwang situation. See
here and
034.
[Greek Τσούκτσβανγκ [tsu’k-tsvang]]
(
This post in Greek language).
