“Obstruction occurs when a piece moves to a square so that another piece is prevented from occupying that square” (Chess Wizardry: The New ABC of Chess Problems, by John Rice, B.T. Batsford 1996). It is clear from this definition that the self-block, which my last series of articles explored, is really a special case of obstruction, in which a flight square in the king’s field is blocked. In a two-mover, the self-block of the king is the only type of obstruction that is feasible, so we will be dealing with three and more-movers from now on.
The solutions to the two problems set in my latest article on the theme of Obstruction are given below. I trust that they were not too difficult even though they are three-movers.
Noam Elkies is a Harvard maths professor and also a solving GM and composer of problems and endgame studies. His comment on this problem was simply: “Hilarious!”
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.
