The composition on the cover of this issue was published 100 years ago, on the year when Finland became independent. Surprisingly, it is the only Finnish composition published in 1917 that we have found. Perhaps during those turbulent times many people did not concentrate on composing. The composer, Edvard af Hällström (1.1.1878 – 14.7.1957), passed away 60 years ago.
A large part of this issue deals with the Dresden congress, which was the 60th meeting of the WCCC. There were, as usual, many competitions, interesting lectures and discussions. The 41st World Championship in Solving attracted 20 teams and 89 individual solvers. Poland continued to shine both in team and individual competitions, Finland did not do especially well. Our success was rather modest also in the composing competitions. Because of lack of space, we will focus on the composing events in the next issue. We are happy to note that Terho Marlo received the FM title of solving, congratulations!
Paha Pähkinä, a Tough Nut to Crack, selected by Neal Turner, can be nearly or quite impossible to solve. What about the 74th Nut, on p. 128? This time we have a helpstalemate with Circe, so prepare to spend quite a lot of time.
A new book in the famous FEE=NIX series was available in the Dresden congress. Hans Peter Rehm´s Logik & Zweckreinheit im Märchenschach (Logic in Fairy Chess) is warmly recommended, see p. 128.
The preliminary results of the 10th WCCT were published in the summer. We publish the highest-ranking composition of each section and all Finnish entries, which contributed to our country´s total score. In the team competition Russia was victorious, followed by Ukraine and Germany. Finland was ninth in the previous WCCT and we finished on the same place this time, too. See pp. 129–138.
Klaus Köchli has judged two-movers published in our magazine in 20142015. We are glad to publish his award, which discusses all participating compositions and is worthwhile reading to everyone! There is also another judge, who has served us well. Raimo Sailas 70 JT was for helpmates in two or more moves showing at least one tempo move by white or black. Unfortunately, the jubilant was not able to finish the award, but Silvio Baier came to rescue and produced the award within a few days. Thank you, dear Klaus and Silvio! The awards are on pp. 139–150 and 152–158.
The autumn meeting of our society takes place in the middle of October. The invitation is on p. 141 and the report of the event will be in the next issue. Janne Syväniemi, active in many fields of chess composition, will turn 50 on October 19, congratulations! See pp. 158–159 for a short presentation on Janne and three dedication problems. Nine recent successes of Finnish composers are on pp. 160–162.
The originals columns consist of all genres, see pp. 163–174. Your contributions are most welcome, please keep in touch with our originals editors.
The next issue is due to appear in December 2017.
Published 19th September 2017