Our cover problem commemorates Hannu Sokka, who passed away in the beginning of July 2014. Hannu was a loyal contributor to this magazine, working for a long time as the editor of fairy chess originals. He composed virtually on all genres, from orthodox mates to the most extreme fairies. Finnish-speaking readers are lucky to be able to read the obituary written by Harri Hurme, see pp. 104–110. Harri knew Sokka for more than 50 years. They studied together at the Technological University and shared a life-long interest in chess and other brain games. After the obituary we have a selection of Sokka´s problems by Henry Tanner. See pp. 110–115. On the next two pages we have dedication problems to the memory of Sokka.
We have not yet been able to find a new fairy chess originals editor. In addition, all correspondence sent to Sokka from composers is permanently out of reach. Because of this composers are kindly requested to resend their originals which have not yet been published to the editor-in-chief. The same arrangement goes also for the time being for new originals.
Terho Marlo celebrated his 50th birthday by arranging a jubilee composing competition. The theme requested for orthodox mates, helpmates or selfmates from 2 to 5 moves, in which there are at least two mirror mate positions with the mated king on different squares. The award is now ready, see pp. 117–123.
On the next pages we have another award for the studies published in our magazine in 2011–2013. We are grateful to Michal Hlinka for his quick and professional award, see pp. 124–129. According to Hlinka, the prizewinners could make it to the FIDE Album.
Recent sad news continue on p. 129 as we report on the passing away of Uri Avner, a well-known Israeli problemist, who was a GM composer and the president of PCCC/WFCC in 2006–2010.
In the year 2013 our society decided to arrange a composing competition on Facebook. Only three entries were received, though the theme was clearcut: a stationary white Queen in either 2# or in h#2. The award has been published on Facebook and now also here, see p. 130.
Antti Parkkinen has researched the history of World or European Championships or International Solving Contests. The statistics reveal interesting facts, see pp. 131–134. These kinds of stats could perhaps be published on the WFCC web site.
Kari Valtonen continues his research into the history, development and different aspects of problem chess terms and themes, this time directing his keen eye on the half-battery. See pp. 135–144 for the first part of his research, the second one is to follow.
Mikael Grönroos has recently been fascinated by halfpins in direct stalemates in two moves. The results of his enthusiasm can be seen on pp. 146-150. There is also a short summary in English at the end of the article.
This issue ends with a small article on a Finnish composer, Yrjö Iso-Puonti, who passed away in 1968.
There are no originals in this issue, but the next one will include originals, reports on the Berne WFCC congress and other topical events.
Published 21st August 2014