An International TT with Theme Pergialis, Cup of Bucovina 2020

The Last composer of Rebetico songs, Nikos Pergialis (28.02.1931 - 04.12.2019), would be pleased with today's post.

Some biographical elements you may find here: 
https://chess-problems-gr.blogspot.com/2008/09/nikos-pergialis.html

I had proposed in June 2016 the theme Pergialis, which I had described here:
https://chess-problems-gr.blogspot.com/2016/06/proposal-for-theme-pergialis.html

Today I present the Award (01/06/2021, Judge: Mario Guido Garcia) of an Iternational Thematic Tourney for chess composition (Cup of Bucovina 2020), which was focused on Theme Pergialis with great success. 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ImQQ9qkJLMpPjBYYIKmVYtbhQ-iW5SJF/view?usp=sharing

Many thanks for organizers and participants.

Playing with Composition

In this post we will start from a nice miniature by our friend Nikos Pergialis and we will enhance it with more variations.
A miniature has up to 7 pieces.
Adding pieces to it, the problem will not be a miniature anymore, which was a limiting factor for old chap Nikos, but it will get more variations, which is my goal.

Problem-825 Nikos Pergialis (GRE)

8/8/8/rS6/3b4/1Q6/p1K5/k7 (3 + 4) #2

Try : {1.Qb4? [2.Qe1# / Qxd4#], 1…Bb2 2.Qxb2#, 1…Bf2 / Be3 2.Qb2# / Qc3#, 1…Bc3 2.Qxc3#, 1…Rxb5!} Key : 1.Sc3! [2.Qb2#], 1…Bxc3 2.Qxc3#, 1…Rb5 2.Qxa2# The key is quasi-sacrificial. It closes one line allowing one mate, and also supports the wQ for the second mate. There are three mates in total.

The pieces are relocated two columns to the right.
A wRb6 was added, to keep bK from escaping to the second column.
A wBb1 was added, to allow promotion of bPc2 to knight, stoping the threat. A bRa1 was need to stop some duals from occuring. When bPc2 captures, the wQ mates from square d1.
A bPe4 can capture the wQ with check, but then a wSe5 mates.
The bQ can deter the threat, but then wRh7 mates. The presence of this rook offers a try, which allows us to see the Pseudo-Le Grand theme.

Problem-826 Emmanuel Manolas (GRE) (after Nikos Pergialis) original

7q/7R/1Rr5/3SS1b1/4p3/3Q4/2p1K3/rBk5 (7 + 7) #2

Tries : {1.Rxh8? [2.Rh1#], 1…Bd2 2.Qxd2#, 1…Be3 2.Qxe3#, 1…Bh4 2.Qd2# / Qe3#, 1…Rxb6 / Rf6 / Rh6 2.Qxc2#, 1…exd3+ 2.Sxd3#, 1…Bh6!}, {1.Qd4? [2.Qg1# / Qb2#], 1…cxb1=Q 2.Qd1#, 1…cxb1=R 2.Rxc6# / Qd1#, 1…Rxb6!} Key : 1.Se3! [2.Qd2#], 1…Bxe3 2.Qxe3#, 1…Rxb6 / Rd6 2.Qxc2#, 1…Qd8 2.Rh1#, 1…cxb1=S 2.Qd1#, 1…exd3+ 2.Sxd3# The problem works with similar mechanism, as the previous one, only it has now 14 pieces and there are six different mates.  There is also the Theme Pseudo-Le Grand : "Two threats (A, B) in two phases, reappear crosswise as mates after different black responses (a, b) in these phases". In the present problem the relevant moves are as follows 1.Rxh8? [2.Rh1# (A)] Bh4 (a) 2.Qd2# (B), 1…Bh6! 1.Se3! [2.Qd2# (B)] Qd8 (b) 2.Rh1# (A)

Proposal for a Theme Pergialis

We propose today a new theme, which will have the name of the Greek composer Nikos Pergialis.

Theme Pergialis : The wQ pins a piece, which is the only pinned black piece, and the threat is a pin-mate from another white piece. In the variations the wQ delivers at least four mates from different directions to the immobile bK, the one mate being by capturing the pinned piece.

Nikos Pergialis

Problem-818 Pergialis Nikos (GRE) Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=494095627452037&set=a.146384942223109.1073741827.100005548114972&type=3

2Qq4/1Sp1br2/8/1p1p4/2k2S2/2P5/P1K1RR2/2s5 (8 + 8) #2

Key : 1.Qe6! [2.Re4#] 1…Sxe2 2.Qxe2# 1…Qh8 2.Qxd5# 1…Bf6 2.Qc6# 1…b4 2.Qa6# 1…Sb3 2.axb3# 1…Bc5 2.Sa5# 1…Rxf4 2.Rxf4# Theme Pergialis. Direct pin. Pin mates (2.Re4#, 2.Rxf4#). Four mates by the wQ. Black correction (Be7-c5 corrects Be7-f6).

Problem-819 Pergialis Nikos (GRE)

8/S1s4q/7p/KSkr2bR/3pPQ2/3PP3/8/8 (8 + 7) #2

Key : 1.Qe5! [2.exd4#] 1…Sxb5 / Se6 2.Qxd5# 1…Bxe3 2.Qd6# 1…Qxe4 2.Qxc7# 1…dxe3 2.Qc3# Theme Pergialis. Direct Pin. Pin mate (2.exd4#). Four mates by the wQ. Reciprocal captures (dxe3, exd4).

Problem-820 Pergialis Nikos (GRE)

7q/s1b5/S7/1S6/K1kp1s2/R7/8/7Q (5 + 6) #2

Key : 1.Qe4! [2.Rc3#] 1…Qh3 2.Qxd4# 1…Sd5 2.Qd3# 1…Se2 2.Qe6# 1…Sxb5 2.Qc6# 1…Ba5 2.Sd6# Theme Pergialis. Direct Pin. Pin mate (2.Rc3#). Four mates by the wQ. Black correction (1...Sd5 corrects 1...Se2).

Problem-821 Pergialis Nikos (GRE)

4r3/6Qp/5B2/p2p4/Ks2kSP1/4Pp2/5P2/2R4r (8 + 8) #2

Key : 1.Qb7! [2.Rc4#] 1…Sc2 2.Qxd5# 1…Sc6 2.Qb1# 1…Rxc1 / Rd1 2.Qxh7# 1…Rc8 2.Qe7# Theme Pergialis.  Direct pin.  Pin mate.  Four mates by the wQ.  Anti-Dual Sc2 and Sc6.

Problem-822 Pergialis Nikos (GRE)

6SQ/6p1/8/2BPkp2/qS1R4/pRp4b/Ps1p2rb/KB6 (10 + 11) #2

Key : 1.Qh5! [2.Re4#] 1…Sd3 2.Sxd3# 1…c2 2.Re3# 1…Re2 / Rg5 2.Q(x)e2# 1…Rg4 2.Qxf5# 1…g5 2.Qh8# 1…Qxb4 2.Qe8# Theme Pergialis. Direct pin. Pin mate (2.Re4). Four mates by the wQ. Black correction (1...Rg4 corrects 1...Re2 / Rg5).

Theme Elmgren

(Initial date of this post was 21/12/2015)

In this post we will see the Theme Elmgren under a different light. This theme is named after the Swedish composer Bertil Elmgren, born 25/05/1912.

In this theme, all the black pieces (3 or more), with a possible exception of the bK, are actively refuting white tries!
A try is an attempt by the White to win, but the Black has a unique defense.
The White has at least three such tries, and all the black pieces take their turn to refute.
With more black pieces on board, the probability all of them refuting a try diminishes, making it more difficult for the composer to achieve an Elmgren.
Likewise, the more the black pieces, the more are the tries, making the problem relatively more difficult for a solver.

Having all the black pieces struggling in defense, symbolizes a common battle where no one stays behind the trenches, waiting to see what will happen!
There are no idle pieces, simply blocking a flight or stopping an unwanted second solution.
Everything is useful and active!

I have published in this blog some problems containing the Elmgren theme.

15/10/2011, Manolas Emmanuel, problem_497
http://chess-problems-gr.blogspot.gr/2011/10/manolas-emmanuel-4-compositions-from.html

16/11/2012, Pergialis Nikolaos, problem_625
http://chess-problems-gr.blogspot.gr/2012/11/nikos-pergialis-5-compositions.html

27/01/2013, Retter Yosi, problem_687
http://chess-problems-gr.blogspot.gr/2013/01/isc-9-compositions-solved-and-some.html

07/06/2014, Manolas Emmanuel, problem_771
http://chess-problems-gr.blogspot.gr/2014/06/some-two-movers-for-you-to-solve.html

27/12/2014, Manolas Emmanuel, problem_792,
http://chess-problems-gr.blogspot.gr/2014/12/farewell-to-2014.html


We shall see now some rare compositions with theme Elmgren, with at least five black pieces refuting white tries.

5 black pieces

Problem-808 Termaat Nicolaas I. J. 2nd Prize, Probleemblad 1951

1s6/SQ2pb2/1P6/P1S4R/2kp2B1/K1P2R2/1P1P4/2s5 (12 + 6) #2

Tries: {1.Sd3? [2.Rc5#] Sb3!}, {1.Se6? [2.Rc5/Qd5#] Bxh5!}, {1.Sa6? [2.Rc5#] Sd7!}, {1.Se4? [2.Rc5#] dxc3!}, 1.Sb3? [2.Rc5#] Sd3!}, {1.Sd7? [2.Rc5#] e5!}. Key: 1.Sa4! [2.Rc5#] 1...Bxh5 2.Be6#, 1...Bd5 2.Qxd5#, 1...e5 2.Qxf7#, 1...dxc3 2.Qe4#, 1...Sb3 2.d3#, 1...Sd3 2.b3#, 1...Sd7/Sa6 2.Q(x)a6# Themes Option and Elmgren.

Problem-809 Burbach Johannes J. Shakend Nederland, 1981

4Q3/8/3p4/1pp1Ppp1/4P3/RPP1kPPR/4SSP1/3KB3 (14 + 6) #2

Tries: {1.c4? [2.b4#] b4!}, {1.b4? [2.c4#] c4!}, {1.exf5? [2.exd6#] d5!}, {1.g4? [2.f4#] f4!}, {1.f4? [2.g4#] g4!}. Key: 1.Qxb5! [2.Qd3#] 1...c4 2.Qb6#, 1...fxe4 2.Sg4# Theme Elmgren.

6 black pieces

Problem-810 Manolas Emmanuel (GRE) original dedicated to Kostas Prentos

rB6/1sK1S2P/2P2p2/1R1Pk1P1/6R1/1B4P1/6bQ/6r1 (12 + 6) #2

Tries: {1.Sg6+? Kf5!}, {1.Bc2? [2.Sg6#] Sc5! (The square d5 is guarded by three white pieces Rb5 Bb3 Se7. One leaves making the try-move, one will leave to make mate, so the Black shuts off the third guardian : Theme Zappas simple)}, {1.d6+? Sc5!}, {1.Re4+? Kxe4!}, {1.Kxb7+?/Kd7+? Rxb8+!}, {1.Qxg1? [2.Qd4#] Be4!}, {1.Qxg2? [2.Re4#/Qb2#/Qe2#/Qe4#] Rxg2!}, {1.Qh6?/h8=Q?/h8=B? Rf1!}, {1.h8=S? [2.Shg6#/Sf7#] fxg5!}. Key: 1.Rf4! [2.Sg6#] 1...Be4 2.Qb2#, 1...Bxd5 2.Qe2# (horizontal-diagonal transformation) Theme Elmgren (here the bK is also refuting tries). In the phases {1.h8=S?} and {1.Rf4!} there is Anti-Dual with moves Be4 and Bxd5. (There are some more technical merits to examine: changed mates in two phases, a pin-mate, Urania, Bartolovic, Dombrovskis paradox, Anti-reversal, Anti reversal-menace).

Problem-811 Witt Andreas Commendation, Die Shwalbe 2005

4s1R1/4p2R/4pQ2/4Bsb1/B1P4r/K2SP3/2S5/1k6 (10 + 7) #2

Tries: {1.Bh2? [2.Qa1#/Qb2#] Rd4!}, {1.Bg3? Bxf6!}, {1.Bf4? Sd4!}, {1.Bd6? e5!}, {1.Bc7? exf6!}, {1.Bb8? Sxf6!}, {1.Rxe8? [2.Rb8#] Bxe3!}, {1.Kb3? [2.Sa3#] Sd4+!}. Κλειδί : 1.Ba1! [2.Qb2#] (line opening Bristol) 1...Rd4 2.Rh1#, 1...Bxf6 2.Rg1#, 1...Sd4 2.Qf1#, 1...e5 2.Qb6#, 1...exf6 2.Rb7#, 1...Sxf6 2.Rb8# Theme Elmgren. Multiple captures of the bQf6.

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Upgrade on 12-01-2016

Motivated by this post, the Italian composer Alberto Armeni decided to compose a problem with more than 6 black pieces, all refuting tries. He has initially set the record to 8 pieces, which we were glad to present here, but then he created a task with 11 pieces (see Problem-814 below).

8 black pieces

Problem-812 Armeni Alberto International Composing Tourney "e4-e5" 2015-2016, section 2# Source: http://www.chessplayer.ro/tourneys_2015.html (with click on the blue 24)

1s5b/3B1PP1/p4Rr1/2Bk4/3P4/1pK1R1rb/pP2PS2/2Q2S2 (13 + 9) #2

Set play : {1...Sc6 2.Bxc6#, 1...Rxg7/g5 2.Rd6#, 1...R6g4 2.Rd6/f5#, 1...Rxe3+ 2.Sxe3#, 1...R3g4 2.Rf5# / Re5#, 1...Rg2/g1 2.Re5#, 1...Bg2/xf1/f5 2.R(x)f5#} Tries : {1.Sxg3? [2.Re5#] Sb8xd7!}, {1.g8=S? [2.Se7#] Bh8xf6!}, {1.Kb4? [2.Re5# / Qc4#] a6-a5+!}, {1.f8=Q? [2.Qd6#] Rg6xf6!}, {1.Qc2? [2.Qxb3# / Qe4#] b3xc2!}, {1.Rd3? [2.e4#] Rg3xd3+!}, {1.Rxg6? [2.Rd6#] Bh3-e6!}, {1.Kxb3? [2.Qc4#] a1=S+!}, {1.Ref3? [2.e4# / Se3#] Rxf3+!}, {1.Rxg3? [2.e4# / Se3#] Rxg3+!}, {1.Sd3? [2.Sb4# / Sf4# / Re5#] Rxe3!}, {1.Qd1? [2.Qxb3#] a1=S!} Key : 1.Kd3! [2.Qc4#] 1...Rxe3+ 2.Sxe3#  1...Bf5+ 2. Rxf5#. Theme Elmgren.

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Update on 11-04-2016

The composer Alberto Armeni has created a tak for theme Elmgren, with 11 black pieces!

Task with 11 black pieces

Problem-814 Armeni Alberto “Problemas”, April 2016, problem n. 174, page 350 Source: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5lHTACLJK1fZnZjUjZzWjZ1RUk/view

2b5/p2p3R/1p1Qp3/5p2/5Pp1/3p2Kp/r2S3R/b2S2kB (8 + 12) #2

Tries: {1.Bb7? / Ba8? Bc8(x)b7!}, {1.Qxb6+? a7xb6!}, {1.Bc6? d7xc6!}, {1.Qc5+? b6xc5!}, {1.Bd5? e6xd5!}, {1.Be4? f5xe4!}, {1.Sf3+? / Bf3? g4xf3!}, {1.Re2? d3xe2!}, {1.Rg2+? h3xg2!}, {1.Rf2? Ra2xd2!}, {1.Qd4+? / Qe5? Ba1xd4! / Ba1xe5!}. Key: 1.Bg2! [2.Rh1#] hxg2 2.Rxg2# Theme Elmgren. Task with 11 black pieces defending tries.

Awarded chess problems by Greek composers, 2015

Awarded Compositions GR, 2015

(Last Update : 03/01/2016)

In this post we have gathered the artistic chess compositions of the Greek composers, which have earned a distinction in composing tourneys of the year 2015.
There were more publications, but here we are limited only to awarded ones.
(A note by Alkinoos: If some award is omitted, which is possible since I do not read everything, the interested composer is kindly requested to send to me the necessary information to append it in this anniversary post. Thanks!).

In twelve (12) international composing tourneys there were seventeen (17) awarded compositions, atistic creations of five (5) Greek composers (sometimes with co-authors).

We stress here a fact, seldom happening in Greece : This year we had organized here in our country one (1) international composing tourney : JT Manolas-65.

The entries to the composing tourneys are judged by a Judge and they get distinctions (by descending order): Prize or Place, Honourable Mention, Commendation.
In some interesting cases the distinction might be preceded by the word 'Special'.
The distinctions may be numbered or not.

Argirakopoulos Themis

Problem-2015-10 Argyrakopoulos Themis 4th Place, Marianka 2015 Source: http://www.jurajlorinc.com/chess/ma15faaw.htm

2B5/3Pp3/2p4p/3R4/7k/2K4p/6p1/8  (4 + 6) hs+2,5 twins: a) diagram, b) wKc3 to d4, c) wKc3 to e1, d) wKc3 to h2 Messigny

a) wKc3 1…g1=Q 2.d8=Q Qd8↔Qg1 3.Qe1+ Qe1↔Qd8+ b) wKd4 1…g1=R 2.d8=R Rd8↔Rg1 3.Rg4+ Rg4↔Rd8+ c) wKe1 1…g1=B 2.d8=B Bd8↔Bg1 3.Bf2+ Bf2↔Bd8+ d) wKh2 1…g1=S 2.d8=S Sd8↔Sg1 3.Sf3+ Sf3↔Sd8+ Messigny = A piece (King included) can also swap places with an opposite piece of the same nature. Neither of the two pieces must have swap its place the previous move. Theme Babson, (AUW, promotions of the same type by White and Black).

Problem-2015-13 Argirakopoulos Themis 2nd Honourable Mention, 13° Tzuika, Ostroda, 2015 Source: http://www.wccc2015.com/docs/congress_bulletin.pdf

5(SL)Bk/2pp2pP/5p(EL)1/5p2/1p(LE)p2P1/PP6/K2P4/2q5 (8 + 11) hs#3 twins: a) diagram, b) bPb4 to a4 Sentinelles : (g6 Elan EL), (c4 Leo LE), (f8 Super-Leo SL)

a) bPb4 1.LEe2(+c4) SLd6 2.LEg2(+e2) SLh2(+d6) 3.LEh3(+g2)+ ELxh3(+g6)# b) bPa4 1.LEd5(+c4) SLe8 2.LEf7(+d5) SLe6 3.LEf8(+f7)+ ELxf8(+g6)# Sentinelles : When a piece (Pawn excluded) leaves a square outside the first and last rows, it leaves a Pawn of the color of the side that played unless 8 Pawns in this color are already on the board. The triple pin mate is achieved with the help of a fairy unit, the SuperLeo, which can capture over 2 hurdles. You certainly need an eagle eye and a sharp mind to anticipate the mate with three pinned units, of which two will be sentinels that will appear on the board during the solution. On the downside, the price paid by this ambitious achievement is the heavy position and the lack of interplay. Question: can anyone obtain a five-fold sentinel presentation of this splendid idea?

Argirakopoulos Themis, Prentos Kostas

  

Problem-2015-02 Argirakopoulos Themis, Prentos Kostas 1st Prize (1st - 3rd place)- TT 157 Superproblem Source: https://yadi.sk/i/Iho1AFq4mNeij

6K1/6b1/1sp1rp2/1b1k4/p1p1q3/2r1pp2/1p1P3p/Q1s5  (3 + 16) h#2, 1 solution per twin twins: a) diagram, b) wQa1 to a8, c) wQa1 to h8, d) wQa1 to h1

a) wQa1 1.Kc5 dxc3 2.Qd5 Qa3# b) wQa8 1.Kd6 d4 2.Sd5 Qd8# c) wQh8 1.Ke5 dxe3 2.Kf5 Qh5# d) wQh1 1.Kd4 d3 2.Kxd3 Qd1# Model mates. WP4 from wPd2, with bK cross and the wQ visiting the four corners.

Abdurahmanovic Fadil, Kalkavouras Ioannis

  

Πρόβλημα-2015-17 Abdurahmanovic Fadil, Kalkavouras Ioannis 1st Prize, Moskow Concours 2015 Source: http://www.selivanov.ru/download/Awards/Moscow/2015/%20mt2015-h.pdf

4s3/4s3/8/8/4k2p/1p1p2PP/bp1K1p2/qB6  (4 + 10) h#5, 2 solutions

1.Sf5 Bc2 2.b1=Q Bd1 3.Qe5 Be2 4.Qba1 Bf1 5.Qad4 Bg2# 1.Kf3 Kc3 2.Ke2 Bxd3+ 3.Kd1 Be4 4.Kc1 Kd3 5.Kb1 Kd2# Wb and Bk Platzweschel, wK triangular Rundlauf and wB zig zag from b1 to g2.

Problem-2015-03 Abdurahmanovic Fadil, Kalkavouras Ioannis 3rd Prize, ЮК «С.Билык-50» Bilyk-50 Source: http://sachmatija.puslapiai.lt/sites/default/files/Bilyk2015.pdf

RS6/Br6/8/6K1/8/8/P7/3k4  (5 + 2) h#2, 2 solutions

1.Rxa7 Sc6 2.Rxa2 Sd4 3.Rd2 Ra1# 1.Rxb8 Be3 2.Rb2 Rc8 3.Re2 Rc1# Bicolour Bristol, Annihilation of white pieces, Self-blockings, Model mates. Judge (Bilyk) :Аннигиляция белых фигур, правильные маты на краю доски, чередование функций белых коня и слона. Белая пешка вводит диссонанс: в одном решении она уничтожается чёрной ладьёй – двойная аннигиляция на вертикали ”a”, а во втором матовом финале участия не принимает, выполняя роль технической фигуры.

Manolas Emmanuel

Problem-2015-07 Manolas Emmanuel 6th Honourable Mention, Gennady Kozura-60 JT Source: http://www.chess-kopyl.com.ua/images/2015/12_2015/1_Козюра-60_2_оконч.pdf

R7/8/8/1kB5/8/8/1p4P1/1K1B4  (5 + 2) h#2, 2 solutions per twin twins: a) diagram, b) bKb5 to h1 (after Youness Benjelloun, 8/8/2pP4/2Bk4/5PR1/8/2p5/2KB4, (6+3), h#2, 2sols, Problem Paradise vol18 January-March 2015, problem H706)

a) bKb5 1.Kc4 Be2+ 2.Kb3 Ra3# 1.Kc6 Rc8+ 2.Kd7 Bg4# b) bKh1 1.Kh2 Bf3 2.Kh1 Rh8# 1.Kxg2 Rg8+ 2.Kf1 Rg1# Section h#2 HotF (Helpmate of the Future)

Problem-2015-08 Manolas Emmanuel Special Honourable Mention, Gennady Kozura-60 JT Source: http://www.chess-kopyl.com.ua/images/2015/12_2015/1_Козюра-60_2_оконч.pdf

3S4/8/3p2p1/2pkr2b/3P4/3K4/Pr4P1/8  (5 + 7) h#2, 4 solutions

1.Bf3 gxf3 2.Re4 fxe4# 1.Rb3+ axb3 2.c4+ bxc4# 1.Bg4 Sc6 2.Be6 Se7# 1.Rb6 Se6 2.Rc6 Sf4# Section h#2 HotF (Helpmate of the Future)

Pergialis Nikos

Problem-2015-01 Pergialis Nikos Commendation, Manolas-65 JT Source: http://chess-problems-gr.blogspot.gr/2015/08/award-for-manolas-65-jt.html

8/8/4P3/8/2qkp3/8/8/2Q1S2K  (4 + 3) h#2, 2 solutions per twin twins: a) diagram, b) wQc2 to g8

a) wQc1 1.Qd3 Qc6 2.e3 Sf3# 1.Qxe6 Sd3 2.Kd5 Qc5# b) wQg8 1.Ke3 Sc2+ 2.Kf2 Qg2# 1.Ke5 Sf3+ 2.Kf6 Qf7# Section Α, HotF (Helpmate of the Future). Judge (Kalkavouras Ioannisς) : "Preventive selfblocks and nice model mates; what else one might expect from a little precious stone?"

Problem-2015-04 Pergialis Nikos Special Honourable Mention, Gennady Kozura-60 JT Source: http://www.chess-kopyl.com.ua/images/2015/12_2015/1_Козюра-60_2_оконч.pdf

8/4q3/1ps2B2/3PP1q1/p1BkP3/1r/3Ss3/5K2  (7 + 8) h#2, 4 solutions

1.Qgxe5 Bh4 2.Sc3 Bf2# 1.Qexe5 Bd8 2.Rc3 Bxb6# 1.Ke3 Bxe7 2.Sed4 Bxg5# 1.Kc5 Bxg5 2.Scd4 Bxe7# Section h#2 HotF (Helpmate of the Future). Judge (Valery Kopyl ) : Чёткий HOTF, замечательная игра полей, но… практически полная симметрия

Problem-2015-05 Pergialis Nikos 11th Honourable Mention, Gennady Kozura-60 JT Source: http://www.chess-kopyl.com.ua/images/2015/12_2015/1_Козюра-60_2_оконч.pdf

8/5P2/K2p2p1/3rS1p1/3k4/2p5/b7/R7  (4 + 7) h#2, 4 solutions

1.Bb1 Ra4+ 2.Kc5 Rc4# 1.Kc5 Rb1 2.Rd4 Rb5# 1.Ke3 f8=Q 2.Kd2 Qf2# 1.Kxe5 Re1+ 2.Kf6 f8=Q# Section h#2 HotF (Helpmate of the Future)

Problem-2015-06 Pergialis Nikos Special Honourable Mention, Gennady Kozura-60 JT Source: http://www.chess-kopyl.com.ua/images/2015/12_2015/1_Козюра-60_2_оконч.pdf

R2K4/5k2/8/8/5B2/4S3/8/8  (4 + 1) h#2, 2 solutions per twin twins: a) diagram, b) bKf7 to d2

a) bKf7 1.Kf6 Ke8 2.Ke6 Ra6# 1.Kg6 Ra6+ 2.Kh5 Rh6# b) bKd2 1.Kc1 Be5 2.Kb1 Ra1# 1.Ke2 Ra2+ 2.Ke1 Bg3# Section h#2 HotF (Helpmate of the Future)

Prentos Kostas

Problem-2015-09 Prentos Kostas 1st Place, 36° R.I.F.A.C.E. (St-Germain au Mont d'Or, 22-25 mai 2015) Source: http://phenix-echecs.fr/Messigny/RIFACE_2015_jugement_retros.pdf

1s1qkbsr/P1P1P3/2rPbPPP/8/6pp/1Qpp1pp1/1p2pB1P/RS2KBSR  (16 + 16) Proof game in 17,5 moves Anti-(Take and Make)

1.a4 b5 2.axb5(b4) a5 3.bxa6 e.p.(a4) Rxa6(a7) 4.c4 bxc3 e.p.(c5) 5.b4 axb3 e.p.(b5) 6.Qxb3(b2) d5 7.cxd6 e.p.(d4) c5 8.bxc6 e.p.(c4) Rxc6(c7) 9.e4 dxe3 e.p.(e5) 10.d4 cxd3 e.p.(d5) 11.Bxe3(e2) f5 12.exf6 e.p.(f4) e5 13.dxe6 e.p.(e4) Bxe6(e7) 14.g4 fxg3 e.p.(g5) 15.f4 exf3 e.p.(f5) 16.Bf2 h5 17.gxh6 e.p.(h4) g5 18.fxg6 e.p.(g4) Proof game : Find the unique moves, from the initial position of the pieces when starting a game, to the position of the given diagram.  Anti Take & Make : When a piece is "captured" (King excluded), it must move without capturing from its vanishing square. The capture is impossible if the captured piece can't be reborn. 13 en-passant captures.

Problem-2015-11 Prentos Kostas 7th Honourable Mention, 18° Sabra, Ostroda, 2015 Source: http://www.wccc2015.com/docs/congress_bulletin.pdf

6Q1/5pr1/4p1bp/3p1rBs/3pR2K/5k2/8/8  (4 + 10) h#2 twins: a) diagram, b) wQg8 to h7

a) wQg8 1.Bh7 Be3 2.Rg4+ Qxg4# b) wQh7 1.Rf6 Re2 2.Bd3 Qxd3# Bicolour Bristol, Orthogonal-Diagonal Transformation, Black line opening by White and by Black.

Problem-2015-12 Prentos Kostas 2nd Prize, 13° Tzuika, Ostroda, 2015 Source: http://www.wccc2015.com/docs/congress_bulletin.pdf

b3rrQ1/3p4/8/7B/s2K4/p7/S1k5/8  (4 + 7) hs#3,5 twins: a) diagram, b) -wSa2

a) with wSa2 1…Bh1 2.Qg2+ Kb3 3.Kd5 Rf1 4.Bd1+ Rxd1# b) without wSa2 1…Re1 2.Be2 Sb2 3.Ke3 Kc3 4.Qc4+ Sxc4#    The most economic achievement of the tourney. In this problem too all three different white and black pieces reach the pin line during the solutions. The epitome of elegance and refinement, in an unbelievable Meredith setting and long moves played by both sides. The slight mismatch in the motivation of black moves doesn’t detract at all the artistic impression.

Problem-2015-14 Prentos Kostas 3rd Recommendation, 3° Azemmour, Ostroda, 2015 Source: http://www.wccc2015.com/docs/congress_bulletin.pdf

q7/4s3/1p2B1bS/4k1pp/2KR2p1/4pPr1/5s2/b7  (5 + 12) h#2,5, two solutions

1…Rxg4 (A) 2.Sc6 f4+ 3.Ke4 Bd5# (B) 1…Bg8 (B) 2.Bf5 Sf7+ 3.Ke6 Rd6# (A)  The White is closing white lines. Critical squares f4 and f7. Pieces wB and wR are exchange their roles in the two solutions.

Problem-2015-15 Prentos Kostas 2nd Honourable Mention, 15° Sake, Ostroda, 2015 Source: http://www.wccc2015.com/docs/congress_bulletin.pdf

White : Kh1, Black : Kh3, Neutral : Qb4 Re4 Bf8  (1 + 1 + 3) h#2 twins: a) diagram, b) nQb4 to f4 Face to Face

a) nQb4 1.nRe6 nQb3+ 2.nBb4 nBe7# b) nQf4 1.nBa3 nQf5+ 2.nRg4 nRa4# Face-to-Face: When a white piece is just one rank below a black piece on the same file, they exchange their walk. Miniature. Reciprocal Anti-batteries. Orthogonal-Diagonal Transformation. There are several entries that tried to show ODT in a few pieces, but we think this one is the best and the most elegant in spite of the slight discrepancies between two solutions (FTF-specific battery in a) and ordinary battery in b)).

Problem-2015-16 Prentos Kostas 4th Prize, 4° FIDE Cup in Composing, 2015 Source: http://www.wfcc.ch/wp-content/uploads/E-4FIDECUP-fin.pdf

6b1/6sp/prP1B1p1/r1R5/pS2kPP1/2P1P3/1K6/5s2  (9 + 10) h#2.5 2 solutions

1…Bb3 2.Bc4 Bd1 3.Bb5 Re5# 1…Rh5 2.Rf5 Rh3 3.Rf7 Bd5# Reciprocal interception of the pair Ra5/Bg8 on two different squares. That is the novelty for this matrix. See pdb/P0579541 and yacpdb/383043. “Bicolor Bristol line opening and ODT. Although the white piece that opens the line will move again on the second move, the motivation for the Bristol is quite clear, as becomes evident by the "tries": {1...Bc4? (2…Be2) 3.??} and {1...Rd5? (2…Rd3) 3.??}” (author).

Two miniatures by two friends

A problem with a total of up to 7 pieces is a Miniature.

In today's post we will see a direct two-mover by Nikos Pergialis and a helpmate five-mover by Emmanuel Manolas.

Problem-773 Nikos Pergialis, GR original

8/8/8/8/3K4/p3S3/s2kp3/Q7 (3 + 4) #2

Tries : {1.Qe1+? / Qxa2+? K(x)e1!}, {1.Qc3+? Sxc3!}, {1.Sc4+? Kc2!} Key : 1.Qb1! [2.Sc4#] 1...Sc1 2.Qb4# 1...e1=Q / e1=R 2.Qc2# 1...e1=S 2.Qd1# 1...e1=B 2.Qd1# / Qc2#

In this miniature we see Dual Avoidance in the black answers 1...e1=Q / T and 1...e1=S where, while White can play 2.Qc2 or 2.Qd1 to mate, the black promoted piece inhibits the one of the two white moves. The promotion to black Bishop is not a good black answer. Also, we see Anti-reversal-Menace. The move 1.Qb1 threatens 2.Sc4#, but the move 1.Sc4 is not threating 2.Qb1#. The Theme Ropke is present : Two black defences from promotion of a specific pawn to same square are followed by two different white moves. The Theme Option is present : The key, and at least two tries with different defences, are played with the same piece.

Problem-774 Emmanuel Manolas, GR original

3b4/K7/3k1r2/4s3/4b3/8/4P3/8 (2 + 5) h#5 a) Diagram, b) wKa7 to g7

a) Diagram 1.Bb7 e4 2.Sd7 e5+ 3.Kc7 e6 4.Bc8 e7 5.Rc6 e8=S# b) wKa7 to g7 1.Bc6 e4 2.Sf7 e5+ 3.Ke7 e6 4.Bd7 exf7 5.Re6 f8=Q#

In both solutions the wPe2 starts from its initial position and in the fifth move it gets promoted (to a different piece in each solution) and delivers mate. The course of the pawn is the Theme Excelsior. The mate is done with self-block (even with sacrifice) of black pieces. White moves only his pawn. The kind of piece that Black moves is the same in the corresponding moves of the two solutions. Black moves white-squared Bishop, Knight, King, white-squared Bishop, Rook.

Some two-movers for you to solve

Here are some two-movers for you to see how easily you can solve them.
White plays, the Black tries to find adequate answer, but in the second move White mates.
You may try sacrifices, checks, anything you can think of, anyway the key-move is unique.
The solution and the comments are visible when you select the area between the brackets [  ].

Problem-770 Nikos Pergialis original

2Qb1B2/1S1sp3/5p2/3pp2B/pp1P2r1/Sk6/1P1p4/K2bRs2 (9 + 13) #2

Solution : [Tries : {1.Sa5+? Bxa5!}, {1.Sc5+? Sxc5!}, {1.Re3+? Sxe3!}, {1.Qc2+? Bxc2!}, {1.Qc3+? bxc3!}, {1.Qc4+? dxc4!}, {1.Qc6? [2.Qxd5#] e6!}, {1.Qc7? [2.Sa5#] Bxc7!}, {1.Qxd7? [2.Sc5# / Qxd5#] bxa3!}, {1.Qxd8? [2.Sa5#] bxa3!} Key : 1.Qc5! [2.Qxd5#] 1…Se3 / Sxc5 / Sb6 / Be2 / Bf3 / Rxd4 / e6 / bxa3 2.Rxe3# / Sxc5# / Sa5# / Qc2# / Qc2# / Bxd1# / Qxb4# / Qc3# Sacrificial key and many tries for careless solvers.]

Problem-771 Emmanuel Manolas Place 8, Asthma-2013, Zagreb

5B1R/3p4/4b3/1s6/7R/5Pk1/6P1/5sK1 (6 + 5) #2

Solution : [Tries : {1.Rg4+? Bxg4!}, {1.Rg8+? Kxh4!}, {1.Bb4? [2.Be1#] Sd2!}, {1.Bc5? [2.Bf2#] Se3!}, {1.Bd6+? Sxd6!}, {1.Bg7?  [2.Be5#] d6!}. Key : 1.Bh6! [2.Bf4#] Bg4 2.Rxg4# In this composition you see the Theme Elmgren, where all the black pieces have defences in the various tries.]

Problem-772 Emmanuel Manolas original

2BS3B/q2b1pK1/3p2p1/2prk3/3R1r2/5P2/3PP3/1Q6 (9 + 9) #2

Solution : [Tries : {1.Sxf7+? Ke6!}, {1.Re4+? Kf5!}, {1.Rxd5+? Kxd5!}, {1.Qe4+? Rxe4!}, {1.Kh6+? / Kh7+? / Kf8+? / Kg8+? f6!} Key : 1.Qf5+! 1…Kxd4 2.Qxf4# 1…Kxf5 2.Rxd5#, 1…Bxf5 2.Sc6#, 1…Rxf5 2.Re4#, 1…gxf5 2.Kxf7# We see a checking key with a queen sacrifice, which can be captured by four black pieces. The interesting thing here is the Anti-triple : Bd7xf5 / Rf4xf5 / g6xf5, where from the three mating moves Sc6 / Re4 / Kxf7 only one is valid after each black move.]

Cooperation of composers (4)

In this post we see two helpmates and a direct mate, which are the result of cooperation of some Greek composers.
When chess composers are working together, the egoism is retreating. The composers cooperate and their friendship is elevated.

Problem_766 Byron Zappas and Nikos Siotis Recommendation, Jubilee Tourney C. Goumondy-40, 1986

1B6/5R2/6p1/2s3p1/3Sk1p1/3p4/3brp2/7K (4 + 9) h#2, 3.1.1.1 (Helpmate two-mover, three solutions)

1.Re3 Sf5 2.Kf3 Sg3# (Knight - Rook battery) 1.Be3 Rc7 2.Kf4 Re7# (Rook - Bishop battery) 1.Ke3 Ba7 2.Se4 Sc2# (Knight - Bishop battery) The white pieces form batteries in a circular manner. Black begins with putting a piece on e3 and is self-blocked. There is a Grimshaw interference (bR and bB) on e3 which is exploited by White giving Anderssen mates (the white piece A is interposed to white piece B, Black moves, the white piece B moves and gives indirect check).

Problem_767 Nikos Pergialis and Manos Pantavos original

8/7R/B7/8/8/1kP1S2R/8/2K5 (6 + 1) #2 (two-mover)

Tries : {1.Sc2? A Ka4! a}, {1.Bc4+? B Kxc3! b} Key : 1.Ra7! 1…Ka4 a / Ka3 / Ka2 2.Bc4# B 1…Kxc3 b 2.Sc2# A A miniature presenting theme Banny (tries {1.A? a!}, {1.B? b!} but after the key the defense of each try is mated by the key of the other try 1...a 2.B#, 1...b 2.A#). The key forms an indirect battery (because it aims to a flight of the bK, not straight on it) and it is like an ambush.

Problem_768 Ioannis Kalkavouras and Panagiotis Konidaris and Emmanuel Manolas Kudesnik, 2013

8/1p3q2/8/p4r1b/2kS1R2/2pS1s2/4BK2/8 (5 + 8) h#2, 4.1.1.1 (Helpmate two-mover, four solutions)

1.Sd2 Bxh5 2.Kxd3 Be2# (sacrifice of knight d3, switchback of  wB) 1.Rd5 Rxf7 2.Kxd4 Rf4# (sacrifice of knight d4, switchback of wR) 1.Rc5 Sc1+ 2.Kb4 Sc2# (the knights move from d3 d4 to c1 c2) 1.b6 Se6+ 2.Kb5 Se5# (the knights move from d3 d4 to e5 e6) This belongs to the subgenre HotF, Helpmate of the Future, where the similar solutions appear in pairs. In the first pair of solutions the bK comes near and is mated by contact, while in the second pair of solutions the bK goes away because of check and the white knights mate from afar by firing two batteries (direct and indirect). In all the solutions the black pieces make preventive self-block, (blocking a square which will become a flight after the move of the bK).

Problem_769 Harry Fougiaxis and Kostas Prentos 2nd Prize, 7th Moskovskaya Matreshka, Wageningen, 2006

3b4/1r3Bpq/p1s1Ss1p/1p3P1p/1Pk2K1R/2r5/4P3/8 (7 + 12) h#2, (Helpmate two-mover), a) diagram, b) wKf4 < -- > wSe6

a) 1.Se7 Sc5+ 2.Sfd5+ Ke5# b) 1.Sd7 Sd3+ 2.Sd4+ Kd6# 2x2 batteries are fired. Self-interferences, Cross-checks and Royal-battery mates. (The problem is included in the FIDE Album 2004/2006, p.285, E168 with 8 points).

A task by Nikos Pergialis, (3)

The Greek composer Nikos Pergialis (born 19-IX-1930) creates problems with clear theme and a few pieces.

Also, he aims to present ideal mates, where all the pieces have a role.

Problem_764 Nikos Pergialis (GRE) original

8/8/2R2p2/3k3s/2RP4/2p2K2/2p5/3s1B2 #2

Key: 1.Βg2! [2.Κe2# / Κg4#] 1...f5 2.Ke2# 1...c1=S 2.Kg4# 1...Sd1~ Ke3# / Kf2#, 1...Se3 2.Kxe3#, 1...Sf2 2.Kxf2# (antidual) 1...Sh5~ Kf4# / Kg3#, 1...Sf4 2.Kxf4#, 1...Sg3 2.Kxg3# (antidual) In this direct-mate two-mover we see the construction of a royal battery, which gives six different mates : a Task.

Problem_765 Nikos Pergialis (GRE) original

8/8/b1p5/r1p5/2pk1p2/8/3KP3/8 h#5

1.c3+ (a line opens for Ba6) Ke1 2.Bd3 (self-block) Kf2 3.c4 (a line opens for Ra5) Kf3 4.Rd5 (self-block) Kxf4 (takes the pawn which inhibits the mate) 5.c5 e3# In this help-mate five-mover we see openings of lines and self-blockings. The white achieves an ideal mate.