David Friedgood: More on Novotnys

by ChessBase
1/27/2012 – We continue with our discussion of the Novotny theme in chess problems, where a white unit plays onto the intersection square of, typically, a black rook and bishop, causing a double interference. Dr Milan Vukcevich was an OTB IM and a GM of Chess Composition. He explored this theme with many superb creations and our selections in this article are all by him.
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David Friedgood: More on Novotnys

Firstly, here is a two-mover for you to solve.

Milan Vukcevich, 2nd HM, Probleemblad, 1962

Mate in two

This is a messy position, but it contains an idea that led to many subsequent imitations. There are Novotny possibilities on d6, e7 and e4, but which is the one that solves the problem and why do the others fail? What theme is shown in addition to the Novotny? The solution will be published next week.

The following problem shows how a good deal of interest – and complexity – can be added by extending the number of moves to three. The solution is given at the end of this article.

Milan Vukcevich, 2nd Prize, British Chess Federation, 1961

Mate in three

The following three-mover is for you to solve and is probably easier than the two-mover. There is a Novotny in the making on e5, but you need to complete it. Once you have the key and threat forcing mate on the third move, you still need to find Black’s defences and White’s responses to them. The solution will be published next week.

Milan Vukcevich, Schach-Echo, 1970

Mate in three

The closing problem is a four-mover showing two variations, in each of which there are two Novotnys. The solution is given at the end of this article.

Milan Vukcevich, 2nd Prize, The Problemist, 1971

Mate in four

There is a lot more I can show on the Novotny theme, but let’s give it a rest for a while. Next time we’ll look at a different item from the cornucopia of the chess problem art. Any queries or constructive comments can be addressed to me at david.friedgood@gmail.com

Solutions to problems two and four above

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1.Rd8 Black can defend against the threat (see below) by cutting off the Ba2 from e6 as follows: ∆-- 1...Rc4 2.Rd4! This Novotny threatens 3. Rf1# (because Black's first move cut off the Ba6 from f1) as well as 3.Qxe5# and Black has no defence against both simultaneously. 1...Bc4 2.Rd3! Again threatening two mates - 3.Rf1# and 3.Nxe3# - and again Black is defenceless. This time the Novotny worked because the bishop interfered with the Ra4 so that the latter was unable to interpose on f4. These two defences on c4 thus constitute a Grimshaw. [Definition of Grimshaw: Two line-moving pieces, typically R and B, mutually interfere on the same square.] But there is more! What happens if Black plays a piece to b3, also cutting the line of the Ba2 to e6? 1...Rb3 2.Bb1+! This forces mate because the rook has interfered with the queen! If Rxb1 2...e4 3.Qf4# 3.Nxe3# If 1...Qb3 then the queen interferes with the rook: 2.Nxe3+! Qxe3 3.Bxe6# The mutual interference between two like moving pieces -R/R, Q/R, or Q/B is known as the Plachutta theme. The wonderfully rich content of this problem is therefore Grimshaw+Novotny+Plachutta! 2.Rf8 ∆-- 2...Nd6 3.Bxe6# 3.Bxe7#
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Milan Vukcevich-Mate in 3,--19612nd Prize British Chess Federation

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The key is 1.Ng6 with the full length threat as below: ∆-- Black's only way to deal with this is to remove the Ng6: 1...Bd3 Now the bishop has interfered with the Rd2, so 2.Ne5! capitalises on this by shutting off the Bh2 to threaten 3 Nxd6# while also threatening 3.Bxe6# as the Re3 has been shut off from the protection of e6. On this occasion, though, the Novotny is not conclusive, as Black has the switchback move Bc4 simultaneously restoring protection to both d6 and e6. White now pulls another Novotny out of the hat with Note the non-thematic side variation 2...Bf5 whereby Black loses control of a6 allowing 3.Nc6 ∆-- 3...bxc6 4.Qxa6# 4.Na7# 3.Qd5‼ and this time the double-threat is conclusive and Black is duly mated on Move 4! Black can also threaten the Ng6 by 1...Rg3 whereupon the same fate befalls him except that the sequence is reversed: 2.Qd5! with the double threat on d6 and e6, which Black is forced to deal with by the switchback move Re3 and you know what comes now: 3.Ne5‼ and mate next move. 2.Kf8 followed by -- 3.Ne7+ Kd7 4.c8Q#
  • Start an analysis engine:
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  • Use the four cursor keys to replay the game. Make moves to analyse yourself.
  • Press Ctrl-B to rotate the board.
  • Drag the split bars between window panes.
  • Download&Clip PGN/GIF/FEN/QR Codes. Share the game.
  • Games viewed here will automatically be stored in your cloud clipboard (if you are logged in). Use the cloud clipboard also in ChessBase.
  • Create an account to access the games cloud.
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Milan Vukcevich-Mate in 4,--19712nd Prize The Problemist

Copyright in this article David Friedgood 2012/ChessBase

The British Chess Problem Society (BCPS), founded in 1918, is the world's oldest chess problem society. It exists to promote the knowledge and enjoyment of chess compositions, and membership is open to chess enthusiasts in all countries.

The Society produces two bi-monthly magazines, The Problemist and The Problemist Supplement (the latter catering for beginners), which are issued to all members. Composers from all over the world send their problems and studies to compete in the tourneys run by the society.

The BCPS also organises the annual British Chess Solving Championship, and selects the Great Britain squad for the World Chess Solving Championship. The Society holds an annual residential weekend, with a full programme of solving and composing tourneys and lectures; this event attracts an international participation. Members are also entitled to use the resources of the BCPS library, and the Society book service, which can provide new and second-hand publications.

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