The last issue of the year 2012! On the cover page we have a problem from a
brand new Finnish chess problem book, Hiljaisia siirtoja. In English, the title
of the book would be Quiet Moves. The 70-page book covers the composing career
of Ismo Tompuri until the end of this year.
Tompuri won the Finnish Youth Chess Championship at the age of 18 in 1967, but
stopped playing soon after this triumph. Later he concentrated on composing
with a preference on orthodox two-movers. The cover problem has a simple-looking
position, but appearences can be deceiving... If you are interested in acquiring
this book, please contact our chairman, contact information on the 2nd page
of this issue. The solution to the cover problem and further information on
the book is on pp. 174-175.
On the first pages of this issue we have the award of the 50 JT of your editor-in-chief.
The judgement process took longer than estimated, but the award is just in time
to enable successful composers to enter their compositions also to the FIDE
Album 2010-2012 competition. See pp. 168-174.
The next pages present an article by Kari Valtonen, continuing his alphabetical
survey of important themes or ideas. This time it is time to study the secrets
of doubling, ”kahdennus” in Finnish. There are many classic compositions
to enjoy, as well as new and pleasant problems showing this idea in many ways,
see pp. 176-184.
The 9th ISC, International Solving Contest, takes place on January 27, 2013.
The event is held simultaneously all over the globe according to the usual standards,
known to most of us from previous years. In Finland, this event takes place
at least in Helsinki, hopefully also in some other city.
The annual meeting of our society takes place on February 23, 2013, in Helsinki.
On the same day we have the Finnish Solving Championship, a competition open
for everybody. See p. 175 for details.
Paha pähkinä by Neal Turner presents a three-mover from a recent national
solving competition. The problem proved to be difficult – but not impossible
– even for the winner of that competition, GM solver Pauli Perkonoja. Test
your skill with this problem on p. 188.
The end of this year has been a sad one, because of untimely deaths of several
prominent problemists. In the previous issue we had an obituary for Tony Lewis,
in this issue we commemorate the passing away of Dan Meinking at the early age
of 52. Per Olin has written a farewell text for this versatile problemist and
selected two problems by Meinking. In addition, Per has composed a dedication
problem for Dan´s memory, see p. 185.
Also Leif Schmidt, Christopher Reeves and Sergei Shedei have left this world
during the past few months, see p. 189.
On the next page we have present the top three problems from Kenneth Solja 55
JT. The full award has been published in Springaren.
The annual autumn meeting of ST took place during the last weekend of November.
There were 13 participants enjoying composing, solving, various competitions
and lectures. In the solving competition GM Pauli Perkonoja showed once again
that his skills have not diminished, see pp. 186-187.
The originals columns on pp. 191-201 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!
The next issue is due to appear after the annual meeting of our society, probably
in March.
Published 20th December 2012