Summary of Tehtäväniekka 1/2018
The cover problem was published when the composer, Mika Korhonen, was just 15 years of age. The solution is on p. 30. Time passes by: on April 5 Mika turns 60, congratulations! He was active especially in the 70s and the 80s, composing, solving and creating one of the first solving programs for computers. See p. 29 for more information and two other compositions by him.
On p. 7 we inform on the subscription fees: if you are a paying subscriber, please do not forget to pay either 25 EUR (within Finland) or 28 EUR (foreign subscribers)!
As usual, the first issue of the year starts with traditional events from the year’s first months. The first one is the ISC. The results of Finnish participants, thirteen solving in Helsinki and one abroad, are on p. 13. For the problems, solutions and all results, see the Mat Plus web site http://www.matplus.net/isc.php.
The annual meeting of our society took place in February 24, 2018. The report on the meeting and other related material are on pp. 4–7. The Finnish Championship in Solving was held on the same day, see. pp. 8–12. Alexey Popov of Russia repeated his last year’s success ahead of Kari Karhunen, the 3rd place went to Andrey Selivanov. The problems were selected by Neal Turner. As a new experiment we had a B-group for less experienced solvers. Three juniors took part and we hope to attract new talents in due course.
The invitation to the spring meeting of our society is on p. 10. On p. 12 we list Finnish problemists celebrating their significant birthdays this year. We are happy to publish the award of Kenneth Solja 60 JT, see pp. 13–23. There were three sections, 2#, helpmates with four or more moves and fairies with neutral pieces in HS#24 moves.
The Finnish Chess Problem of the Year 2017 was selected by four Finnish experts: Unto Heinonen, Harri Hurme, Pauli Perkonoja and Janne Syväniemi. The lucky winner was a 3# by Jorma Paavilainen. See pp. 24–25 for the top three compositions.
A Tough Nut to Crack, selected by Neal Turner, provides challenges for even the best solvers. The Dutch solving GM Dolf Wissmann claims that a s#3 can never be difficult to solve, but do we have an exception to this rule on p. 25? On the same page we have information on a new Finnish book on Osmo Kaila.
Eleven recently successful Finnish compositions are on pp. 26–28. Thanks to Neal Turner for compiling the material and congratulations to the composers! On p. 28 we have the invitation to the spring meeting of our society.
Joose Norri pays tribute to three composers on pp. 31–37: Henry Wald Bettmann (14.1.1868 – 5.12.1935), Vladimír Pachman (16.4.1918 – 8.8.1984) and André Hazebrouck (6.3.1918 –) are presented with selected and commented compositions. On pp. 38-40 we have the latest solvers’ ratings and composing competition announcements.
The originals columns are on pp. 41–51. You are welcome to send your originals to the editors of the columns!
The next issue is due to appear in the start of the summer.
Published 21st March 2018
