The cover problem takes us back in time for more than one hundred years. Recently
the name of an Austrian composer Sophie Schett popped up in the forum of Mat
Plus Net. Her problems are still worth seeing and perhaps a source of inspiration
for today´s problemists. A selection by Henry Tanner is on pp. 98–102
and the solution of the cover problem is on p. 100.
The first pages of this issue have several awards. Seth Liljestrand 100 years
TT was for any kind of problems. The theme was: a piece can move directly to
a certain square (X), but it does not do so at once, but moves first to another
square and only then to X. Two active problemists were successful, see p. 92.
The award for twomovers published in 2007 in ST is also ready, see pp. 93-94.
The level was perhaps not as good as could have been expected, because there
were no prizes and only one honorary mention. Still, there are interesting problems
and nice ideas and the award is worth studying.
In the previous issue there were corrections to old helpmates and Teppo Mänttä
has reacted: he thinks, for example, that some corrections lead to losing the
composer´s idea. See p. 94 for more details. If you have your own points
of view, please share them!
On the next page Hannu Harkola informs about the situation of the FIDE albums.
The album for years 2004–2006 is under preparation and some groups have
been finished. In several other groups there is one judge, who has not been
able to finish his work in due time. The announcement for album 2007–2009
is published in this issue.
The award of studies published in two magazines, Suomen Shakki and Suomen Tehtäväniekat,
in 2007–2008 is on p. 96-97. We are thankful for all the judges for their
work, which is not easy and seldom leads to universal acceptance.
On page 98 ST announces a national MT for Carl-Erik Spåre, who passed
away in February. We are happy to have Lennart Werner as the judge of this competition
for helpmates in the spirit of Spåre.
Neal Turner´s Paha Pähkinä, A Tough Nut to Crack, is on p. 102.
This time there is a simple-looking mate in seven. However, it has been rather
difficult for many solvers. What is your own experience?
The originals columns start on p. 103 and offer something for everybody, 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.
The next ST is due to appear in autumn.
Published 22nd July 2010