Our cover problem is included in the FIDE album, which is a high recognition,
as every problemist knows. The composer, Esko Kröger, passed away in June
25, 2012, at the age of 90. Kröger was known as a strong solver and not
only in chess, but also as a solver of crossword puzzles! The solution to the
cover problem and another example of his composing is on p. 88.
Kari Valtonen finishes his article in three parts discussing white correction.
Even this part is comprehensive and full of interesting problems worth studying.
Many prominent composers have tried their skills in presenting this idea in
new forms and combining it with other themes. Still, there is surely something,
which is not yet shown... Perhaps you, dear reader, will try to compose a problem
of your own showing something special?
Neal Turner chose an interesting problem for his column Paha pähkinä,
A Hard Nut to Crack. The composer, William Shinkman, is a major figure in the
history of chess composition and his problems are still a source of delight
for us.
A famous German composer, Gerhard Latzel, was born 100 years ago, in August
of 1912. Joose Norri presents and comments nine Latzel problems on pp. 89-91.
As some problemists may already know and many more will know in near future,
a project to publish a book on chess problem terms and themes has been going
on for some time. Kari Valtonen has been very active in this project, for which
he has been able to use his personal archive, compiled during three decades.
Kari writes about this project on pp. 91-93. The timetable was tight and though
Kari spent about ten hours daily on this project for several months, the original
timetable for publishing the book has had to be postponed. In spite of Kari´s
major input, his reward will be nothing more than a few books, when they are
ready. Voluntary work indeed!
Two sad notices have recently reached us: the passing away of Toma Garai and
Denis Blondel. They are both remembered on p. 94. Garai was, of course, a great
helpmate composer. In addition, he wrote witty articles, many of which have
been published in our magazine. Denis Blondel made a major contribution to the
chess problem society by publishing FIDE albums together with bernd ellinghoven.
The originals columns on pp. 95-101 offer the traditional genres: orthodox mates,
studies, helpmates, selfmates, fairy chess problems and retros. New ideas are
shown here as in every issue, so please take a look and contribute with your
own efforts in future issues!
To finish this issue we have several short notices, mainly for our domestic
readers. Please note that there is still one international composing competition,
for which you have still some time to participate: Terho Marlo 50 JT, see TN
1/2012. For this competition mates, helpmates and selfmates in 2-5 moves showing
at least two mirror mates with the mated king on different squares are called
for. The deadline is August 31, 2012.
The next issue is due to appear after the Kobe congress. Have a nice rest of
the summer.
Published 2nd August 2012