Chess Problems: Obstruction and Paralysis
By David Friedgood
In my solutions to the problems for solving on the theme of Obstruction, I
introduced the theme of Paralysis.
I promised a further look at this theme, which is a special case of Obstruction,
where not just one square is blocked, making it inaccessible to a defending
piece, but where all the squares available to a piece are blocked. The piece
thus paralysed is prevented from moving away from its location and this causes
the defending side much discomfort.
Note that some cognoscenti prefer to use the term ‘incarceration’
(‘imprisonment’; German: ‘Einsperrung’) instead of ‘paralysis’.
You may well agree that this picturesque alternative is more accurate.
The following problem is a very clear example of paralysis, showing two pairs
of variations on the theme:
1.Nh6 Rfe3 1...-- 2.Ne6+ dxe6 3.Rg4# 1...Ree3 2.Bf5 -- 3.Nh3# 1...Nce3 2.Be6! -- 3.Nh3# 1...Nge3 2.Bxd7! 2.Bg4 -- 3.Nh3#
- Start an analysis engine:
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- Use the four cursor keys to replay the game. Make moves to analyse yourself.
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L I Zagoruiko | - | Mate in 3 | - | | 1958 | | 3rd Prize British Chess Federation | |
Please, wait...
Incidentally, the composer is famous for his association with a very important,
modern two-mover theme that bears his name.
The next problem shows the related theme of Partial Paralysis, in which the
partially paralysed piece is able to move, but only to a square or in a direction
that causes damage to Black. This is a joint effort by Leonid Zagoruiko and
Mark Libiurkin, better known as one of the giants of endgame study composition.
1.Qf8 Bc2 1...-- 2.Nf5+ Ke4 3.Rc4# 1...Bb3 2.Qf1 Nc2 2...-- 3.Qxa1# 3.Qd1# 1...Nc2 2.Bxd5 ∆-- 2...e4 3.Qf6# 3.Nf5# 1...Nb3 2.Qc8 ∆-- 2...Nxc5 3.Qxc5# 3.Rxd5# 2.Qa8 Nb3 3.Qa4#
- 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.
L I Zagoruiko & M Libiurkin | - | Mate in 3 | - | | 1950 | | 1st Prize Latvian Sports Committee | |
Please, wait...
There are three problems for solving this time. The first was sent to me by
Michael McDowell, who claims it is a counterexample to the statement in my original
article on Obstruction."In a two-mover, the self-block of the king
is the only obstruction that is feasible". Would you agree with Michael?

Mate in two
To solve this problem you have to find White’s first (‘key’)
move, which is the only one to force mate on the second move whatever Black
tries to do about it. This move will threaten mate and all Black’s defences
will create some weakness, allowing White to mate.
Mate in three
You have to find White’s key move, which will threaten to force mate
in a further two moves. Again, Black’s defences to the threat will allow
White to meet them with continuations that take advantage of the weaknesses
they create – obstruction and paralysis should be borne in mind.
Mate in four
You have to find White’s key move, which will threaten to force mate
in a further three moves at most. Since this is a four-mover, I’ll give
you a hint. White’s general strategy is to move the Re7 somewhere on the
e-file, keeping the black king penned in. This will make way for the other rook
to give mate on the first rank via f7 or g7. Note that this uses only three
of White’s available four moves, so intervention by Black will have some
impact that you will need to deal with.
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.