The cover problem was one of twelve problems in this year´s ISC, International
Solving Competition. This event is held in different countries at the same time
with the help of local controllers, who ensure that everything goes smoothly
and according to the regulations. The results of the competition will be available
in the end of April, meanwhile you may find the problems, solutions and Finnish
results from pp. 4-6. Harri Hurme scored well, unlike most other Finns.
Paha pähkinä, A Hard Nut to Crack, is selected by Neal Turner, but
the problem on p. 7 has been proposed by Henry Tanner. For some this may be
easy to spot, if you hit on the correct idea - but if you don´t, then
you are in a deep trouble. How do you manage?
On the same page we remind on three events: WCSC in Crete in October, ECSC in
the UK in April and finally the annual meeting & Finnish Quick Solving Championship,
to be held on February 21. Please note that there has been a change of date
to the Finnish event, originally it was planned to take place on February 20.
The award of ST h#2, published in 2003-2004, is on pp. 8-14. The delay of this
award is due to unfortunate circumstances, involving computer crashes. Thanks
to Valery Gurov for completing the award in spite of these difficulties!
GM Kari Valtonen continues his series of problem chess articles. The articles
in this series deal in alphabetical order one problems chess theme or concept.
Now it is time to study something beginning with H: Herlin. The article covers
11 pages, starts from basic problems offering historical background to later
development and ends with modern helpmates and even studies, which show Herlin.
Finally, there are examples of problem ideas related to Herlin.
On p. 24 we are sad to report the deaths of four known problemists. On the same
page we pay a small tribute to Matti Myllyniemi, born 80 years ago: June 15,
1932. He passed away in the May of 1987. On the following page there are two
problems by a Finnish GM in OTB chess, Eero E. Böök. He was born on
February 9, 1910, and composed problems in his youth.
The originals columns start from p. 26 and offer a wide range of problems from
orthodox mates to fairies. We appreciate your contributions and so do our solvers
and readers! Send your efforts to our original problems editors, contact information
in respective columns.
GM Pauli Perkonoja writes about studies with similar ideas on pp. 37-38. There
are obviously many examples of those, but he has selected similarities with
especially interest for Finnish readers. Still, interesting reading for anyone!
The next ST is due to appear in spring.
Published 10th February 2010