Bo Lindgren – Swedish grandmaster of composition
By David Friedgood

Bo Lindgren’s father Frithiof was an accomplished problem and study
composer and Bo evidently followed in his footsteps with regard to an enthusiasm
for composing. However, we suspect that he tended to avoid areas in which
his father excelled, such as studies, for some time. Nevertheless, Bo developed
into one of the most versatile composers, winning awards in many genres.
I have had the pleasure of meeting Bo on a few occasions, finding him a
very friendly, serious character who had many interests including science,
world literature and poetry. He composed around 500 problems and a few studies
and published an anthology Maskrosor (Dandelions) as long ago as 1978.
The following problem by Bo is a two-mover, all you have to do is to find
White’s unique first (“key”) move, which forces mate on
the second move, regardless of what Black may do. In this particular problem,
there are a number of “tries” – attempts at a key move
– which have a similar aim as the key but can all be refuted by Black.
Why does the key work and the tries do not?
1.-- 1.Kh5? -- 1...g4! 2.Ng4# 1.f4? -- 1...exd3! 2.Nf3# 1.dxe4? -- 1...Bxe2! 2.Nd3# 1.b4? -- 1...Rxb4! 2.Nc4# 1.c7? -- 1...Rf6! 2.Nec6# 1.Rd6? -- 1...Rxd6! 2.Nd7# 1.Be6? -- 1...Nxd7! 2.Nef7# 1.gxh7! -- 2.Ng6#
- 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.
Bo Lindgren | - | Mate in 2 | - | | 1968 | | 1 Pr Sverige SB | |
Please, wait...
Here's another Lindgren problem for readers to solve, this time a three-mover.
Again there is a key move to be found and this time all Black’s defences
should be met by mate on White’s third move, at the latest. This problem’s
solution has a thematic idea in common with that of the serieshelpmate.
1.Bh5 1.Bh5 Ng6 2.e8Q+ Ne7+ 3.Qhxe7# 1.Bh5 Nxc6 2.e8N+ Kd8 3.Qc7# 1.Bh5 Nf7 2.e8R Kd7 3.Qxf7# 1.Bh5 Nd7 2.e8B Kxc8 3.Qxd7#
- 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.
Bo Lindgren | - | Mate in 3 | - | | 1948 | | 3 Pr Tijdschrift vd KNSB | |
Please, wait...
Any queries or constructive comments can be addressed to the author at
david.friedgood@gmail.com.
Copyright 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.