The Self-block Put to Bed
By David Friedgood
Here for those who may have missed the original article are the two problems.
The solutions are given in the JavaScript player below.
Touw Hian Bwee
1st HM Theme Tourney No.11 idee & form, 1986

Mate in two
You have to find White’s first (‘key’) move, which is the
only one to force mate on the following move whatever Black tries to do about
it. This move will threaten mate and all Black’s defences will create
some weakness – mostly self-blocks, which White can take advantage of
to deliver mate. In this case, most moves by the knight on d5 will threaten
2. Rf4# (now that d5 is guarded), but which is the correct one?
Touw Hian Bwee & H Maruta
2nd HM De Waarheid, 1976
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 – again self-blocks, but this time of the anticipatory variety
(see commentary above). Three-movers are generally more difficult than two-movers,
but this one is not so bad – all the white moves after the key are checks.
You could also ask yourself: Is the Bh3 really needed to guard e6?
Solutions to the above problems
Replay and check the LiveBook here |
Please, wait...
1.Nc7! 1.Ne7? Rxd4! 2.Qe8 1.Nxe3? Nxd4! 1.Nb6? Bxd4! 1.Nb4? Kxd4! 1...Kxd4 1...Nxd4 2.Rxe3# 2.Qe8+? Ne6+! 2.Qxb7+? Nc6! 1...Bxd4 2.Qxb7# 2.Qe8+? Be5! 2.Rxe3+? Bxe3+! 1...Rxd4 2.Qe8# 2.Rxe3+? Qxe3+! 2.Qxb7+? Rd5! 2.Qb4#
- 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.
Touw Hian Bwee | - | Mate in 2 | - | | 1986 | | 1st HM Theme Tourney No.11 idee & form | |
Please, wait...
Replay and check the LiveBook here |
Please, wait...
1.Bf1 -- 1...Bb5 2.Bc5+! Kxc5 3.Qf2# 1...Bb3 2.Qf2+ Kc3 3.Bxe5# 1...Bxe6 2.Bxe5+! Kxe5 2...Kc5 3.d4# 3.Qb2# 1...f3 2.Qb2+ Ke3 3.Bc5# 1...Bd5 2.Nxf6 Bxe6 2...-- 3.Nf5# 2...Be4 3.dxe4# 3.Nc6# 2.dxc4+ Ke4 3.Qd3#
- 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.
Touw Hian Bwee & H Maruta | - | Mate in 3 | - | | 1976 | | 2nd HM De Waarheid | |
Please, wait...
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.