Chess Problems: Pinning Themes
By David Friedgood
The first problem shows two ways in which Black may allow pieces to become
pinned – this motif is called the self-pin. The problem is complex, yet
clear: in the set play (where the diagram position is considered under the condition
that it is Black to move), the half-pin is demonstrated. After the key, the
nature of the position is changed considerably and the same former half-pin
defences are turned into a special variety called Nietvelt defences.
1.-- 1.Qd7! -- 1...Rxd3 2.Nc3# 1...Bxd3 2.Be2# 2.Qg4# 1...Rxd3 1...Bxd3 2.Nc3# 2.Rb1#
- 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.
Mikhail Barulin | - | Mate in 2 | - | | 1930 | | 4th Prize, Moscow - Rostov | |
Please, wait...
The second problem neatly shows one of the most popular traditional two-mover
themes, the Schiffman Defence.
1.Nxe5! -- 1...Rxg6 2.Nd3#! 1...Bxg6 2.Neg4# 1...Rc2+ 2.Nc4# 1...Kg5 2.Nd3# 2.Nhf7#
- 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.
A P Gulayev (Grin) | - | Mate in 2 | - | | 1932 | | British Chess Federation | |
Please, wait...
The last two diagrams are for the reader to solve. In each case, you have
to find the unique key move for White, after which Black is unable to avoid
mate on the second move regardless of what the defender plays. Explore the
variations created by the Black defences and see if you can distinguish the
themes discussed in the first two problems. Note that the first of these problems
for solving has a bonus in the set play – the composer has achieved
a particularly clever combination of themes.

Mate in two moves
Mate in two moves
Solutions will appear in approximately one week.
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.