Chess Problems: Obstruction and Paralysis
By David Friedgood
In my recent article on Obstruction
and Paralysis I set three examples for readers to solve. The first was a
two-mover by Michael McDowell, which he sent as a counterexample of my statement
that it is not possible to show the theme of obstruction in a two-mover. Let
us first see the solution:
Replay and check the LiveBook here |
Please, wait...
1.Qe6 Kf3 1...-- 2.Rf7# 1...Be4 2.Qxe4# 2.0-0#
- Start an analysis engine:
- Try maximizing the board:
- 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.
Michael
McDowell | - | Mate in 2 | - | | 1993 | | The Problemist | |
Please, wait...
Michael accompanied this problem with a note: “An interference prevents
a piece reaching a square beyond the interference square [in this case f3],
so it seems to me that 1...Kf3 is an obstruction [of the bishop].” In
other words, the king is occupying a square which the bishop could otherwise
occupy to ward off the check from the rook.
This might turn out to be a tricky philosophical issue, but it seems to me
that, if the king is in check on f3 there is no question of interposing a piece
on f3; therefore, the king is not obstructing the bishop from interposing between
it and the rook. I do understand that Michael is drawing a parallel between
interference by the king, which can be shown in a two-mover,
and obstruction by the king. However, I think that parallel
is false. But I could be wrong and anyone wishing to enter the fray on this
discussion is welcome to do so!
Replay and check the LiveBook here |
Please, wait...
1.Kg1! 1.Rxg4+? Kxg4+ 1...Nh6 1...-- 2.Rxg4+ Kxg4 3.Qe4# 1...Rh6 2.Qe4 Kh5 3.Qxg4# 2.Qa4! Nxf5 3.Rxg4#
- Start an analysis engine:
- Try maximizing the board:
- 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.
K Ahlheim | - | Mate in 3 | - | | 1959 | | Praca | |
Please, wait...
1.Re4! a1Q 1...a1B! 2.Rf4! Ke2 3.Re7+ Kd3 3...Kd1 4.Rf1# 4.Rf3# 2.Rf7! 2.Rg7? Qa7!
- Start an analysis engine:
- Try maximizing the board:
- 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.
E M H
Guttmann | - | Mate in 4 | - | | 1962 | | Die Welt | |
Please, wait...
This closes my brief survey of Obstruction and Paralysis. Next time we’ll
start to look at one of the most fertile areas of problemdom: pins.
Any queries or constructive comments can be addressed to the author at david.friedgood@gmail.com.
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.