The cover problem was successful in Kauko Virtanen 80 JT, which was for helpmates
in three featuring distant blocks. The award by the jubilee is on pp. 100-102.
There were 43 entries from 24 composers representing 11 countries
We are happy to publish also the award of Joose Norri 40 JT, which is on pp.
103-110. This competition was for helpmates in two moves with idle white pieces
in the mating position. By chance, the number of entries was very close to that
of Kauko´s competition: 47 entries, 28 composers, 13 countries. In his award,
Joose writes extensively about the theme and the principles guiding his judging
process. Both awards are translated into English and should provide interesting
reading for all interested
Regarding awards, the global chess composition community knows well by now that
the 9th WCCT has recently been concluded with the final booklet with awards
appearing in the beginning of September. The competition lasted for more than
two and half years, as the announcement was published in January of 2011. We
publish the results, top ranking problems in each section and the best Finnish
successes on p. 92-99. Speaking of statistics, the following figures are impressive
and perhaps tell something of the popularity of composing: 553 problems from
257 composers representing 37 countries.
As usual, Russia was victorious with a strong performance in all seven sections.
Ukraine finished second ahead of Israel. Finland managed very well with 9th
place. This was not due to spectacular scoring in a few sections, but because
of a stable overall performance. Individually our most successful composer was
Janne Syväniemi with 30,5 points.
For this WCCT the Finnish team had adopted a system with one team leader responsible
for the whole, assisted by a section leader in each of the seven sections. This
system seemed to function well, as the team result was the best one we have
had for a long time. Team composing events such as this may lead to fruitful
exchange of opinions and thus increase our knowledge on this form of art.
Are there problemists who have not heard of Sam Loyd? Well, perhaps yes, but
certainly not very many. For many of us, Loyd´s problems were and still are
a source of enjoyment. His original and bold ideas have baffled and surprised
generations of chess problemists and players, and continue to do so. Kari Valtonen
has studied Loyd in the light of modern composition ideas and found several
interesting connections. The pages 111-121 are in Finnish, but also our readers
abroad can enjoy the immortal problems!
The originals columns on pp. 124-134 offer the traditional menu: orthodox mates,
studies, helpmates, selfmates, fairy chess problems and retros. The column editors
are always happy to receive new material, so please contribute! A call for solvers
and commentators: please send your comments on the original problems, because
they are interesting for readers and important for composers. For the latter,
it may be their first chance to receive feedback on their composing efforts.
The next issue is due to appear after the Batumi congress, which is held in
the end of September 2013.
Published 24th September 2013